We recently connected with Pat Bennett and have shared our conversation below.
Pat, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As an educated African American woman, with a deep bench of business experience, I led with a combination of learned confidence, resilience through situations that would break many people and being an excellent communicator. Despite finding myself in far too many situations during my life, where I’ve stood out due to my race and gender, I embraced my unique identity and have used it as a source of strength rather than a limitation. I’m not hesitant to walk into any room that I choose to be in. And to quote the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, “if they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
Early in my working life, I honed my communication skills to articulate ideas with clarity and conviction, ensuring that my voice was heard and valued. By maintaining a professional demeanor, with poise and confidence, I have been able to garner respect and establish myself as a credible and competent individual. Additionally, I have cultivated a strong network of support through mentors who provide guidance and encouragement, which has helped me navigate challenges and excel in multiple environments.
As an entrepreneur who started a business at the age of 60, I continue to challenge stereotypes and pride myself on inspiring and helping others who want to fulfill dreams of business ownership.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions, we had for you?
My story is one of transition and impact as a business executive turned food founder and small business champion. I am proud to be able to make a positive impact as a founder and leader in Northeast Ohio.
As a small business champion, my passion is developing and coaching the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through a specialized consulting practice, I am equipping aspiring business owners with the skills and know how necessary to succeed in today’s hypercompetitive environment. The coaching extends well beyond business strategies; I also provide valuable mentorship and guidance, instilling a sense of confidence and resilience in mentees. This work has enabled me to bring entrepreneurs together in the food space where powerful collaborations and co-branding happens.
My advocacy for small business extends in creating a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, and broadcasting their interests to ensure their voices are heard. As a trusted advisor among entrepreneurs, I have earned recognition as a LinkedIn Top Entrepreneurial Voice and am a frequently sought out speaker and podcast guest. This unique blend of expertise in business, food, and advocacy, strengthens the lasting importance and impact on the entrepreneurial landscape in northeast Ohio. As President of the Cleveland Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, an international association of 2,600 preeminent women leaders in the culinary, wine and hospitality industries, I am honored to play a role in empowering individuals to turn their dreams into successful ventures, starting right here in northeast Ohio.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Know what you don’t know. Do not be afraid to tackle the hard stuff! Ask questions and seek counsel from people who can provide honest feedback and guidance. I didn’t start from scratch as a food founder, I started from a place filled with experiences that helped me that has now enable me to help other entrepreneurs.
Do your homework and be prepared. Thoroughly research your market, know your numbers and be realistic as to the resources required as well as your own investment of time.
Learn to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. These “soft skills” have been game changers for me. I am an avid reader, who enjoys learning and meeting new people. Cultivate relationships with people before you need anything from them.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I was raised by parents who strongly believed in the value of education and to be of service in their community. While raising a family and working full-time, they maintained a large backyard garden which fed us as well as others in our neighborhood. My parents, who held advanced degrees were avid readers; my father, an oral surgeon, always carried a book with him and my mother, an elementary school teacher, read three daily newspapers. We were quizzed on current events around the dinner table, and it wasn’t unusual for my parents to use flashcards on school days when we had vocabulary, English, math, and history tests.
It was my love of reading that helped sustain me on long bus rides as a child out of my neighborhood to another school district. To this day, I remain a loyal reader who still uses a library card and has a stack of books by my nightstand.
Reading opened the path to a desire to learn as much as I could so that I could not only live a fulfilling life but help people along the way. My first volunteer job as a teen was reading books to residents at a local nursing home. After graduation from college to begin my career in finance, I was a Literacy Volunteer teaching reading to people ranging in age from 8 to 90, an In God’s Love We Deliver volunteer delivering food for people in need, children and their caregivers and a financial literacy tutor for the United Way. Through these experiences, I gained valuable insights and skills that have enabled me to make a positive impact on others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @patskitchentable
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/patskitchentable
Image Credits
Image in kitchen : McKinley Wiley
