Award-Winning Chef, Hugh Acheson, to Discuss ‘Leadership Lessons from the Kitchen’ at Hudson County Community College

Chef Acheson will explain how developing a unique approach to leadership can help others. His restaurant, 5 & 10 located in Athens, Georgia, has no managers; every employee takes equal responsibility for customer experience and the business’s success. Chef Acheson built a trustworthy team, carefully staffing and training each employee to encourage ownership and authenticity. By empowering people and aligning his vision with the wants, aspirations and attitude of teammates, Chef Acheson created a culture of mutual respect in which collaboration is valued.

Chef Acheson is a proponent of sustainable farming, shopping locally, and creating healthier communities. He brings a fresh view on how food is grown, shopped for and cooked. As a Healthy Living Ambassador for the National Head Start Association, Chef Acheson teaches families about creating nutritious meals, and raises funds for Head Start gardens. He is a staunch supporter of No Kid Hungry, a national organization that works to ensure every child in need has access to healthy food. His foundation, Seed Life Skills, emphasizes a contemporary approach to home economics, including hands-on culinary instruction, conscious-consumer economics, and do-it-yourself design principles.

Before he began encouraging others to cook with homegrown garden flavors, Hugh Acheson studied traditional French wine, cuisine and etiquette, and worked under the guidance of established chefs. His style merges Southern staples with European tastes, creating signature pure, honest food. The author of four cookbooks, Chef Acheson has appeared on Iron Chef, Top Chef, and Iron Chef Canada.