Shift Out Loud with Tracy Spears
Hosted by Tracy Spears, speaker, co-author of two best selling leadership books, founder of The Leader Lab, coach, and head cheerleader for anyone trying to play bigger. Shift Out Loud is a podcast designed to inspire you to play bigger. You'll hear from real live people sharing what their shift was, when it happened, and why it was out loud. What you think is true, and when you move from the external locus of control to the internal locus of control, your shift can happen and anything becomes possible. This podcast is your invitation to listen to others who have made the shift, and also serve as a catalyst for you to play bigger.
Shift Out Loud with Tracy Spears
The Hidden Table: Cooking, Travel, and Connection with Shannon Smith
In this episode of Shift Out Loud, Chef Shannon Smith shares the bold shifts that transformed her life—from growing up on a ranch in Oklahoma to becoming a celebrated chef and culinary educator. She opens up about the pivotal moments that led her from a successful sewing career to discovering her true passion for cooking, inspired by a home economics teacher who sparked her love for food.
Shannon's travels to over 50 countries have shaped her culinary style, deepened her commitment to teaching, and fueled her desire to uplift underserved communities. She reflects on the unexpected turns that led to her cookbook, The Hidden Table, and how creating immersive dining experiences allows her to foster connection and joy.
Through microfinance and skill-building in sewing and cooking, Shannon is empowering women around the world—proving that when we embrace change, we can create an impact far beyond ourselves. Tune in to hear how embracing life's shifts has led her to a life of adventure, purpose, and passion.
Highlights
00:00 Introduction to Chef Shannon Smith
02:08 Growing Up in Oklahoma
05:37 The Shift from Ranch to Education
12:44 The Journey into Home Economics
16:51 Transitioning from Sewing to Cooking
21:59 Exploring Culinary Cultures
25:07 First Cooking Class Experience
27:49 The Unexpected Journey to Writing a Cookbook
28:16 The Shift to Culinary Arts
29:26 Creating Memorable Dining Experiences
32:33 The Power of Connection at the Table
35:22 Teamwork in Culinary Events
37:20 Traveling and Cooking: A Unique Passion
39:24 Future Travel Aspirations
41:12 Reflections on Turning 60
42:59 The Impact of a Cookbook
47:13 Microfinance & Empowering Women
Links
Chef Shannon Smith
https://chefshannon.com/
TikTok: @chefshannonsmith
Instagram: @chefshannonsmith
Discover your tactical leadership toolkit:
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at tracyspears.com
For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: tracyspears.com/blog
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracylspears
Twitter: @tracylspears
Instagram: @tracylspears
TikTok: @tracyspearsspeaker
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