I graduated from 3 years of culinary school in 1989.  Joined a large hotel group in South Africa, where I actually learned about the industry. Through the years I have worked in hotels, restaurants, a culinary school, a private chef and an ops manager for a contract catering company. 

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My husband (also a chef), suffered from addiction, anxiety & depression.  He passed away in 2019 after being in recovery for nearly 2 years. During Lockdown, I qualified as a Life Coach and worked with families of addicts.  This evolved into wanting to work with students of our industry, giving them the tools to handle the stress & pressures put on them by the nature of the work, the hours etc. 

 

Becoming an Ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project in South Africa, will enable me to give back to our industry, making a difference in the lives of not only our industry workers, but that of their families as well.

Kalpesh Hansjee, a seasoned culinary professional from South Africa, brings his diverse culinary journey to the Burnt Chef Project, ready to support and inspire fellow chefs in their time of need. With extensive experience spanning various culinary domains, Kalpesh is well-prepared to assist chefs facing challenges.

 

Having held executive chef positions in prestigious hotels, boutique establishments, game reserves, and renowned wine estate restaurants, Kalpesh is celebrated for his leadership and ability to elevate dining experiences to the highest standards, even when facing adversity.

 

Kalpesh's culinary expertise extends to private chef engagements and crafting personalized culinary experiences, showcasing his adaptability. His commitment to mentoring aspiring chefs reflects his dedication to helping others navigate their culinary journeys, especially during challenging times.

 

Kalpesh Hansjee aims to be a supportive figure within the Burnt Chef Project. His journey in the culinary world embodies a commitment to excellence, adaptability, and a willingness to assist and inspire fellow chefs facing their unique challenges.

With over 22 years of dedicated service in the hospitality industry, my journey has been shaped by a profound belief in the importance of mental health in the workplace. As an HR Business Partner for an International Hotel Group, my role extends beyond overseeing Human Resources and Learning and Development in more than 30 hotels across 10 countries—it's about fostering a culture where mental well-being is a top priority.

 

Passionate about nurturing talent and seeing individuals thrive in their careers, I advocate tirelessly for initiatives that support mental health awareness and create a safe, supportive environment for our team members. Through personalized support and innovative HR practices, I strive to empower every individual to prioritize their well-being, ensuring they feel valued and supported on their professional journey. Together, we're not just building successful careers; we're cultivating a workplace where everyone can truly flourish.