Meet Liz Philpot

We were lucky to catch up with Liz Philpot recently and have shared our conversation below.

Liz, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I believe my resilience was cultivated at a young age through my experiences as an ice skater. The frequent falls and the necessity to continuously pick myself back up ingrained in me the importance of perseverance. The mantra “fail fast and fail forward” has become a guiding principle for me. The more swiftly and frequently you fail, the higher the likelihood of ultimately getting it right. This mindset has been invaluable in my journey as a small business owner, where I wear many hats and dive into areas outside my expertise. Rather than getting caught up in perfection, I focus on making incremental improvements and adapting as I go.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a true test of resilience for me and my business, Eat Seattle. Initially, our offerings included both cooking classes and food tours. While the cooking classes kept us active during off-peak seasons and engaged our chef team, we soon realized that managing these two distinct services created operational challenges. During the pandemic downtime, we had the opportunity to reassess our strategy and recognized the greater demand for food tours. We decided to pivot our focus exclusively towards them, streamlining our operations and reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. This shift not only helped us navigate a challenging period but also demonstrated the strength of resilience in adapting to new circumstances and emerging stronger. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that resilience is not just about enduring hardships but also about seizing opportunities to grow and thrive.

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?

I am the founder of Eat Seattle, a premier food tour company operating in the Pike Place Market and South Lake Union neighborhoods. Eat Seattle brings the city’s vibrant culinary scene to life for both locals and tourists. Our mission is to connect people with Seattle’s rich culinary heritage, offering immersive experiences that showcase the unique flavors and stories behind our food. The most exciting aspect of Eat Seattle is the opportunity it provides to share my passion for food and culture while creating memorable experiences that bring people together.

Our tours are led by knowledgeable and passionate chefs who are deeply familiar with Seattle’s culinary landscape. This year, we introduced several new offerings, including a Coffee Crawl, a Morning VIP Food Tour of Pike Place Market, and a Happy Hour Tour of South Lake Union. These additions allow participants to experience the diverse flavors of Seattle. Through these initiatives, we aim to continue fostering a love for culinary exploration and building connections through food, both locally and globally.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been particularly impactful: resilience, adaptability, and a passion for continuous learning.

Resilience has been crucial in overcoming the inevitable challenges and setbacks that come with running a business. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Each setback is a chance to grow stronger and more knowledgeable. Cultivate a mindset that sees obstacles as temporary and surmountable.

Adaptability has allowed me to navigate changing circumstances and seize new opportunities. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and the ability to pivot and adjust is essential. I recommend staying open-minded and flexible. Embrace change and be willing to experiment with new approaches, even if they push you out of your comfort zone.

Finally, a passion for continuous learning has been instrumental in staying ahead in a competitive industry. Whether it’s keeping up with the latest culinary trends, improving business skills, or understanding customer preferences, ongoing education is vital. For those starting out, I suggest investing time in learning and self-improvement. Take courses, read extensively, and seek mentorship from those who have walked the path before you.

By focusing on these qualities—resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning—you can build a strong foundation for success and navigate your entrepreneurial journey with confidence.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I prioritize tasks by importance and urgency, which helps me focus on the most critical ones first. Taking short breaks, like a quick walk or deep breathing, helps clear my mind and recharge. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps makes them less daunting and provides a sense of progress. Seeking support from colleagues or mentors and delegating tasks when possible also helps. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance through regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and sufficient sleep is essential for managing stress and staying productive.

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Image Credits

Loewyn Behold Photography

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