Kitchen Table Wisdom with Jordan

Welcome to my kitchen table wisdom with Jordan Wagman. (@chefjordanwagman) Where the food is fresh and the advice is hot. Prepared with the utmost authenticity, for you all to enjoy.

Myself included.

A handful of years ago, I had a dish or two that Jordan prepared, and to say that I enjoyed every last bite would be an understatement. Little did I know that I was going to cross paths with him again, but this time not from his culinary expertise.

I was introduced by Lisa Borden from Borden Communications (@bordencommunications) who suggested that Jodan be a mentor in my book Get Up. To answer the question

WHAT WOULD I TELL MY TEENAGE SELF?

Jordan answered that question as if he prepared a dish that makes you say “wow!” And, of course, there are a few more questions that I will share with you right here. Kitchen table wisdom with Jordan at it’s finest!

Who is Jordan Wagman?

Jordan Wagman is a giver. A creative, empathetic, kind human, who cares more about other people’s success than his own.

Name three things you have learned in the kitchen

Communication is everything. Inevitably the success of a situation is dependent on good communication. Organization is key. Plan your work, work your plan. What you see on TV, with chefs, yelling, and screaming, and cursing in the kitchen, that was me. I learned long ago that you attract more bees with honey. Kindness, and patience, go a very long, way, and educating the next generation.

Where and from whom have you learned your most valuable lesson?

Unfortunately, some of my lessons have come by way of loss, friends, and loved ones. With their losses, the game to perspective on what should be important to me, and ultimately what has become important to me, family. We are not defined by our successes, rather our legacy is defined by how we treat and impact others.

Let’s unpack your quote! What did you mean by:

“Follow that feeling in your heart. Notoriety and accolades are great, but they won’t define true happiness. Be fearless – not everyone will identify with your success, but they will all identify with your struggles. Be honest and share. It will impact people from far and wide, without even realizing it. Be nicer to your siblings, they’re your best friends.”

I don’t think people resonate with me because they can relate to books or accolades in culinary; rather, I believe people resonate with my story because I highlight my struggles.

Not everyone can identify with certain successes, but each and every one of us can identify with struggles.

All of us encounter lows throughout our lives, some of us, discuss them openly, while others choose to keep it inside.

Inevitably my hope is that my stories of struggles with my autoimmune disease, depression, anger, and relationships will not only resonate but help people.

My first time at a hospital dealing with my psoriasis was a time that I remember very clearly. I entered Sick Children’s Hospital for two months and I was very depressed. I realized very quickly that I wasn’t the only one struggling, there were others on the ward just like me. It was a relief to know I wasn’t alone.

Thank you, Jordan for sharing what really goes on beyond the dishes that you prepare. Grateful for your contribution to Get Up, along with your kitchen table wisdom that hits close to home. We are all struggling and we are not alone.

A relief to know.