Meet Jabari Corbin

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jabari Corbin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jabari, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re very focused on here – improving our ability to make decisions. Everyday, we’re faced with decisions that can impact the future of our careers, businesses, relationships and more and so one of the most impactful areas for personal development, in our view, is decision-making. Can you talk to us about how you developed or improved your decision-making skills?

A combination of good ole trial and error, and research. Along with the skills grained from experience throughout my career, I have always made time for learning. Whether it be a class, textbook, recipe book, online videos, working with other chefs, gaining knowledge from someone’s experience proved truly vital to solidifying my thought process for decision-making.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Born and raised in Barbados, West Indies.

Ventured to Phoenix to attend culinary school in Scottsdale, Az at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.

Currently, I helm the kitchen at Atlas Bistro, Scottsdale Az, with managing Partner and Owner Todd Sawyer. The restaurant is currently embarking on its 25th year in operation, focusing on a prix fixe menu of 5 sources, with 2 additional supplementals of oysters du jour and seared foie gras. Should also be noted the restaurant is Byob, which is great for the wine collectors out there to bring their own cellar selections.

Although, I am classically trained in French cuisine, we do venture out from the genre, many times incorporating Caribbean flavors and preparations into the menu. The menu changes about every two months and runs special one night only variations for New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities or skills that I think best impacted my journey are being open minded, respectful, and self-aware.
Being open minded is essential to where I am at table as I enjoyed baking and cooking as a youngster before choosing to go the savory chef route, however I still enjoyed baking and making pastries where I would always take the opportunity to work with and learn from other pastry chefs, still honing those skills even thought I don’t use then as often.
Respectful, showing kindness and civility to others, and yourself. Early in your career it may seem like you’re not doing enough or getting where you want to be quickly but being respectful in those situations is a great learning point.
Self-awareness because knowing more about yourself and what makes you, you is very important to understand how to handle many of the situations life will throw your way.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents very much pushed me to leave the comfort of my home island and pursue education and work experiences in other countries and places.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@tasteofaz
@luke_wayne_irvin

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