We were lucky to catch up with Molly McGrath recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Molly, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I think my optimism might be genetic. I’ve always had a high set point for positivity—which might surprise people, because I’m no Elle Woods. You won’t catch me bouncing into a room in pink stilettos riding a tidal wave of confidence.
My optimism doesn’t come from cheerleading—it comes from evidence. I’ve led teams through brand overhauls, built systems from scratch, and rewritten entire menus to make things work better. I’ve seen people transform their health one meal at a time. I’ve watched runners hit PRs by showing up, one workout at a time. That’s what fuels me.
I believe change is possible, even when progress feels slow or the finish line looks far away. With support, strategy, and a little patience, things do get better. That’s the kind of optimism I bring to my work—grounded, earned, and real.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Light Work Kitchens, I help people fuel their lives—from the boardroom to the kitchen to the starting line. Through individual nutrition coaching and corporate culinary presentations, I combine whole-food strategies with real-life practicality to help people feel energized, focused, and well-fed. And, most importantly, to enjoy their food and the people they share it with!
What’s most exciting about this work, for me, is the food: it’s always deeply personal and completely universal at the same time. Whether I’m guiding a busy runner through marathon nutrition or leading a team-building cooking experience for a corporate group, the goal is the same: to connect people to food that supports their bodies, sharpens their minds, and brings joy to their lifestyle.
Nutrition is never perfection, since food is inherently messy and imperfect. I’m here to simplify nutrition, reduce overwhelm, and make health feel accessible and even joyful. With a background as both a professional chef and certified nutrition coach, I bring a mix of evidence-based insight, culinary creativity, and real-world experience to everything I do.
What’s new?
This summer, I’m expanding my corporate culinary programming to include interactive presentations on topics like “Eating for Focus + Energy,” “Fueling a Busy Life,” and “Cooking with All Five Senses”—designed to help companies support employee wellness in a more engaging, hands-on way. I’m also welcoming new 1:1 coaching clients for my 4-session energy-focused coaching package—perfect for runners or anyone feeling run down and ready to reset.
At the end of the day, Light Work is about making the lift of nourishment feel lighter. It’s about giving people the tools and confidence to make food work for them.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Comfort with discomfort has been the foundation. I’ve learned to intentionally seek out hard things—training for marathons, launching a business, changing careers—because I believe growth lives on the other side of discomfort. Life will throw hard things at you no matter what. Choosing to step into challenges on your own terms builds strength, flexibility, and a kind of emotional muscle memory. My advice? Find lots of (positive) ways to make yourself uncomfortable. Talk to strangers at the bus stop. Lift heavy weights. Read a book you struggle to comprehend. Prove to yourself that you can thrive through discomfort and you’ll be better prepared when life gets real.
Optimism is what keeps me going. Not the bubbly, performative kind—more the grounded, steady belief that things can improve with effort. I’ve seen transformation in people’s health, their energy, their relationship with food. That’s what fuels my work and my worldview. For those just starting out: build your optimism on a belief in yourself. Find your evidence of prior success and keep it close at hand for reference. Then pay attention to the small wins. They’re proof that progress is always possible.
And curiosity is the spark. I’ve followed it across kitchens, into coaching, through science and storytelling. Curiosity keeps things fresh. It’s what makes me ask “How can I see this differently?” or “Why isn’t this working?” even when things feel stuck. If you’re early in your journey, protect your curiosity. Let it lead, even if it doesn’t make perfect sense on paper. Light Work Kitchens was an idea I wrote in a journal in 2019 that just wouldn’t let me go. I’m still not sure where it’s going to take me, but my curiosity is saying:
“Any attempt NOT to follow this one is futile.”
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always open to thoughtful, aligned collaborations that empower people in feeling better, eating well, and living with more energy.
I love partnering with brands, coaches, companies, and creators who value whole food nourishment, positive change, and sustainable wellness—especially those working with runners or busy professional parents. I’m especially interested in collaborating on corporate wellness workshops, nutrition-focused content, cooking experiences, and community or brand events that make healthy eating and home cooking approachable and fun.
If you’re doing work that connects food, movement, and well-being in an honest, empowering way—I’d love to hear from you. The best way to connect is through my website lightworkkitchens.com or reach out to me directly on Instagram @lightworkkitchens.
Let’s create something that helps people feel more energized, confident, and supported.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lightworkkitchens.com
- Instagram: @lightworkkitchens
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/mollymcgrath906
Image Credits
Fernanda Beltran Cross
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
