In the high-pressure world of professional kitchens, leadership is often loud, intense, and hierarchical. But for Chef Rey P. Parreño II, Certified Hospitality Professional and Executive Chef of Florita’s Cavite, the most powerful way to lead isn’t by shouting—it’s by showing up.
“When your team least expects it, that’s when you show them what real leadership looks like,” Chef Rey told Financial Adviser PH. “Let them run the operation—and I’ll be the one washing dishes or mopping the floor. That’s how you earn respect. That’s how you walk the talk.”
Chef Rey has spent years rising through the ranks, experiencing both the harsh, old-school kitchen environments of the past and the more collaborative kitchens of today. His style now blends both worlds—firm on discipline and standards, but grounded in empathy and personal example.
“I’ve seen the kitchens where flying plates were normal,” he said. “But times have changed. Today, your authority comes from your actions, not your volume.”
For Chef Rey, empowering his team means trusting them enough to lead, even if it means letting them make mistakes. “I let them take charge, and I stay in the background. If something goes wrong, I don’t jump in to embarrass them. I help them recover. That’s how growth happens.”
He believes that when employees are given responsibility, they become more invested in the outcome. But what inspires them most is seeing their leader get their hands dirty when needed. “When they see me mopping their station or wiping down their prep table, they don’t take that for granted. It boosts morale because it shows I’m not above the work—we’re in it together.”
His approach also fosters independence and long-term development. “Some of them will run their own kitchens one day. I want them to remember how leadership looks, not just how it sounds.”
The message is clear: you can’t demand excellence from your team unless you’re willing to model it yourself. And in an industry that values speed, precision, and pressure management, Chef Rey believes the quiet example of a leader in action speaks louder than any words.
His advice to other kitchen leaders?
“Stop performing authority—live it. Show up, pitch in, and let your actions define your leadership. When your team sees that, they’ll rise to meet you.”
