IWD 2025 - an interview with: Chef Jessica Sampson

Tell us a little about your career journey leading to where you are now.

My career started technically from my first job in a chip shop at 15 years old, but my love for the food industry can be dated back to my first baby teeth and when I could start snacking!

I worked at the chip shop while I obtained my first Level 2, then 3, professional catering qualifications, A-levels and Level 2 Professional Patisserie Diploma, and I entered my first professional Kitchen at 18 years old, where they retained a Rosette in my time there. I stayed there for 3 years, working my way up from commis chef to chef de partie before I moved on to pastures new. 

Over my 12 year career I have travelled Europe with acclaimed Michelin chef Jason Atherton for the BBC on 'The Chefs Brigade', catered for luxury yachts in the South of France, dabbled in multiple Michelin kitchens, worked under renowned Chef Mark Bauman, but predominantly fell in love with the slightly more relaxed side of finer dining as it enables a better work life balance, and have found a nice little home here at The Bistro in the middle of 2024.

What does the International Women’s Day slogan “accelerate action” mean for you?

Accelerate action to me represents the positive efforts that are being made for equality in otherwise one gender dominated industries and work sectors. It encourages and reminds people to be proactive, open minded and modernised when recruiting or otherwise. I appreciate that the slogan is for women, but for me personally it has a stronger representation of equality.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Women supporting women helps give the boost and self confidence that is often missed or not thought of.  Encouraging other women to dominate their aspirations and career or personal goals does nothing but benefit all women, as it adds to the social norms of acceptance. 

How important is diversity across senior leadership teams?

Diversity in senior leadership is just as important as experience, if you don't have a balance of gender and nationalities, then you have a poor representation of the modern world. Our teams should reflect the world we cater to and serve.

Senior leadership: 26%, C-suite: 19%, 1 in 4: Chief-level. These are the percentages and numbers of female leaders in our industry. What do these numbers represent to you?

Just shows we have to keep going really, doesn't it? Think my career shows, I love a challenge!

As a successful leader, how do you think (business) leaders can accelerate action toward closing the gender gap and ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace?

Equal Pay, Equal Treatments, Equal Rights. Utilise people for their strengths, not their stereotyped ability. What we need to be successful is incorporating equality is simple, it's bringing it to the rest of the world and those with more dated views that poses a challenge.

Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial/managerial/leadership success?

I just keep going, it sounds simple and honestly, I know it's not easy, I've had multiple setbacks in my life, from losing my mum to health issues, but I have persevered. Don't be scared to call out mistreatment, don't let what other people do affect your focus.

 I got to where I am by working hard, making sacrifices and focusing on my career because it is what I knew I wanted out of life. It also never hurts to take a risk, take a leap of faith, push yourself out of your comfort zone. 

Above all else, have modesty and accept that knowledge is power, most of my management strategies I have taken from previous role models and mentors that I have worked with and respected, those I didn't respect I have simply disregarded, and so it is important to me I earn my Brigades respect and don't just expect it.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career at leadership level?

Firstly, don't 'start in leadership'. Leadership is earned.  If your end goal is leadership, make sure you have learned every step up to get there, the more corners you cut, the more of a failed leader you will be, and always remember how your treatment in your junior career affects you, so that when you're in that senior role, you are providing the best support and environment that you can.

Have there been any role models through your life (work or professional) who have helped shape you as a leader?

My grandad Leslie Keith Sampson. He worked his way up from loading trucks to owning them, to his own shipping company, to cargo ships, and didn’t stop working until he sold his final business venture in 2024 (yes, in his mid-80s he is still bossing it) - He has always taught me to work hard, and to this day receives Christmas cards from past employees from over forty years ago. He taught me to respect colleagues and staff, to look after people and they will look after your business... and I have been told by my nana that my ability to be a boss (or bossy as she puts it) comes from my grandad, which I take as nothing but a compliment!