My Recipe for Success

Preeti Padmanabhan, CDM, CFPP

Barrington, IL
ANFP Member Since: 2019

Preeti Padmanabhan, CDM, CFPP

Preeti Padmanabhan, CDM, CFPP is the Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Alden Management in Barrington, IL. She has served in that position for five years, and has been a CDM, CFPP since 2019

Preeti's Recipe for Success

  1. Embrace continuous learning: Stay informed. Keep up with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices by reading industry publications, attending workshops, and participating in webinars. Seek education: Consider formal education and certifications, such as those offered by the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP).
  2. Gain practical experience: Start small: Take on entry-level positions to gain a solid understanding of various roles within the industry. Every experience is valuable. Be hands-on. Get involved in different aspects of food service, from food preparation to customer service, to develop a well-rounded skill set.
  3. Network actively: Join professional organizations. Become a member of industry associations like ANFP to connect with professionals and access valuable resources. Build and cultivate relationships with mentors, peers, and industry leaders. Networking can provide support, advice, and career opportunities.
  4. Develop strong communication skills: Learn to communicate clearly and effectively with team members, management, and customers. Practice active listening. Pay attention to feedback from colleagues and customers to improve your performance and service quality.
  5. Focus on customer service: Adopt a customer-centric approach. Always prioritize the needs and satisfaction of your customers. Exceptional customer service can set you apart in the industry. Handle feedback positively. Use customer feedback as a tool for improvement, and don’t take criticism personally.
  6. Be adaptable and resilient: Embrace change. The food service industry is dynamic. Be open to new ideas and willing to adapt to changes in trends and technology. Stay resilient. The industry can be demanding and fast-paced. Develop resilience and coping strategies to handle stress and maintain a positive attitude.
  7. Focus on quality and safety: Commit to excellence and always strive to deliver high-quality food and service. Consistency is key to building a good reputation. Prioritize safety–adhere to all food safety and sanitation standards to ensure the health and safety of your customers.
  8. Cultivate leadership skills: Take initiative. Don’t be afraid to step up and take on leadership roles or new responsibilities when opportunities arise. Seek mentors who can provide guidance and be willing to mentor others as you gain experience.
  9. Be passionate and dedicated: Love what you do. Passion for food and service is crucial. It drives motivation and can be infectious, inspiring those around you. Be committed to your role and continuously seek ways to improve and excel.
  10. Balance work and life: The food service industry can be exhausting. Make sure to find a balance between work and your personal life to avoid burnout. Take care of yourself. Prioritize your physical and mental health to sustain a long and fulfilling career in the industry.

View the archive of My Recipe for Success articles at www.ANFPonline.org/myrecipeforsuccess. 

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Have you spent a career in foodservice? Share your wisdom and advice in a new feature from ANFP. My Recipe for Success is aimed at retired members or those who have spent a long career in foodservice. Share the biggest lessons you’ve learned to a lengthy, fruitful, and successful career in the non-commercial foodservice industry. 

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My Recipe for Success Archive

January 2021 - Dorothy Radermacher, CDM, CFPP
March 2021 - Wanda Dickson, CDM, CFPP
May 2021 - Tom Thaman, CDM, CFPP
July 2021 - Chef Richard "Nick" Nickless, CEC, CCA, AAC, CDM, CFPP
September 2021 - Karen Swift, CDM, CFPP
November 2021 - Paula Bradley, CDM, CFPP
January 2022 - Deborah McDonald, CDM, CFPP
March 2022 - Trish De Leo, CDM, CFPP
May 2022 - Deb Dawson, CDM, CFPP
July 2022 - Rosalind Davis, CDM, CFPP
September 2022 - Ken Owens, CDM, CFPP
November 2022 - Janice Hemel, CDM, CFPP
January 2023 - Bonna Brown, CDM, CFPP
March 2023 - Becky Massey, CDM, CFPP
May 2023 -  Colleen Zenk, CDM, CFPP
July 2023 - Joey Rost, CDM, CFPP
September 2023 - Milton McGowian, DBA, FMP, CDM, CFPP
November 2023 - Robert McKeon, CDM, CFPP
January 2024 - Hunter Hying, CDM, CFPP
March 2024 - Kim Kyle, CDM, CFPP
May 2024 - Sharon Vermeer, CDM, CFPP
July 2024 - Regina St. Clair, CDM, CFPP
September 2024 - Ken Hanson, CPM, CDM, CFPP
November 2024 - Barbara Thomsen, CDM, CFPP, RAC, QCP
January 2025 - Michael Kopec, CDM, CFPP