S2 Episode 003 - Devan Rajkumar - From Life gone up in flames to Fire Master

We Recover Loudly - Serving Essential Hospitality Conversations

Welcome to this week’s episode of We Recover Loudly, with guest Devan Rajkumar, otherwise known as Chef Dev. Chef Dev has worked in the industry from a young man, climbing the ranks from dish pit to world renowned chef, writer and tv personality on shows such as Fire Masters. Having started in the industry with a desire to eventually be a food critic, it was working with Food Dudes that cemented his love of working on the frontline. As well as becoming addicted to the rush and adrenaline of service, in his personal life, Chef Dev had long struggled with drug and alcohol use.

Over the years his continued use increased until it got to a point where he had to change, or he was going to lose his life. He has always been very open about his sobriety, as well as his relapse, as he believes that the more open, he is with his story, the more people he can help – Something we could not agree more with!

Now over 30 months sober, Chef Dev is a fantastic role model to other chefs showing that you can come through really dark times, turn it around and become a success.

We discussed :

• His immediate addiction to the adrenaline of service
• That he feels he would have been an addict regardless of working in hospitality, but that the industry accelerated it.
• Coming back from his relapse over the pandemic, and how hard that period of isolation was for him - something alot of us can relate too.
• How important it is for leaders to show vulnerability, as that is actually showing true strength.

This was such a treat to record, and a really inspiring conversation.

Connect with Chef Dev –

@chefdevan

https://www.chefdev.ca/

@werecoverloudly www.werecoverloudly.com

Want us to come into your business and talk to your teams about addiction in the workplace?? Send us an email at [e-mail] and we will be in touch!

This episode is sponsored by

The Burnt Chef Project.

@theburntchefproject www.theburntchefproject.com

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [e-mail]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors:

Low No Drinker Magazine @lownodrinkermagazine

www.lownodrinkermagazine.com