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.

I have been part of the hospitality industry since graduating in 1999. Over the past 26 years, I’ve held various roles in hotels across South Africa and participated in short-term projects in India and Zanzibar.

For the past 17 years, I have served as a marketing chef for Unox ovens, representing the brand throughout Southern Africa. This diverse industry experience has given me a deep understanding of the pressures faced by hospitality professionals and suppliers alike.

Working for a company with a strong focus on sustainability has shaped my belief in the importance of sustainable practices—not only environmentally but also in terms of human resources.

I am proud to be part of the Burnt Chef Project, an initiative that challenges the stigma around mental health in the hospitality industry. Through this platform, I aim to raise awareness, encourage open conversations, and support those facing challenges within the industry.

Although I am not a chef, I have a deep personal and professional interest in mental health advocacy. I have written extensively on wellbeing and resilience, drawing on both research and my own lived experience with mental health challenges.

I also run a YouTube channel where I explore topics around stress, recovery, and workplace mental health, aiming to make these conversations more accessible and supportive.