I Worked In 9 Michelin Star Restaurants (these are my life-changing leadership lessons) - Jun Tanaka

Nov 17, 2025

Jun Tanaka, a British-Japanese Michelin-starred chef and owner of The Ninth, shares his insights on restaurant culture and team leadership. He emphasizes that a favorite restaurant should resonate emotionally, prioritizing guest relationships over mere culinary excellence. Jun discusses memorable experiences from elite kitchens, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and fostering a unified team culture. He also reveals his philosophy of calm correction in the kitchen and his commitment to continuous learning, setting The Ninth apart in London's dining scene.

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ANECDOTE

Fire Sparked Stronger Team Unity

A building fire closed The Ninth for eight months and became a turning point for team cohesion.
Jun ran regular trainings, cross-training and communal meals which permanently strengthened the one-team mindset.

ADVICE

Cross-Train To Build Empathy

Cross-train staff so each side appreciates the other's pressures and workflows.
Put chefs on floor shifts and front-of-house in kitchen to build mutual understanding.

ANECDOTE

Forged In Elite, Tough Kitchens

Jun worked across seven Michelin-style kitchens including Le Gavroche, Chez Nico and Marco Pierre White.
Harsh early kitchens taught resilience but also informed his decision to lead with empathy later.

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Jun Tanaka, the renowned chef and owner of The Ninth in London, delves into his unique perspective on restaurant culture, emphasizing the importance of atmosphere, customer connection, and team cohesion over simply outstanding food. He shares memorable experiences from his time at legendary kitchens like Le Gavroche and under chefs such as Marco Pierre White, revealing how those influences shape his approach today. Discover the essence of making a restaurant transcend its menu, the value of sincere guest interactions, and how to cultivate a favorite dining spot for both patrons and the team. Whether you're a foodie, a budding restaurateur, or someone passionate about leadership and culture, Jun’s reflections promise valuable takeaways.

============= ON THE MENU =============
🍽️ The early years — training at La Gavroche at 19 How Jun survived (and thrived) in one of the most intense foundational kitchens in the world. 🔥 Forged in 9 elite kitchens What he absorbed from Nico Ladenis, Phil Howard, Marco Pierre White and others — and how each chef shaped his philosophy.
👨🏻‍🍳 How The Ninth was built The values, systems and details behind one of London’s most respected neighbourhood restaurants.
🧠 Culture, leadership & psychology Why Jun leads with calm, presence and empathy — not fear — and how that builds stronger, more consistent teams.
❤️ The human side of Michelin The emotional intelligence, feedback loops and “psychological safety first” approach that keeps kitchens healthy and high-performing.
🔥 Rebuilding after the fire The story of losing The Ninth — and returning stronger through team resilience and shared belief.
🥘 Craft, discipline & standards Why details matter, how consistency is built, and what separates good kitchens from Michelin-level ones.
🌱 Personal growth How Jun’s style evolved from classical French technique toward a more soulful, Mediterranean-inspired identity.
🎯 What leadership really demands How to care for people, set expectations, create belonging and build a place where people want to stay.

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This episode was edited by:
G.Thomas Craig (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gthomascraig/)

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