Building a successful restaurant empire requires maintaining a Zen mindset to overcome operational challenges and avoid compromising one's well-being.
Finding contentment in the present moment and valuing oneself is crucial to avoid deferring happiness to future achievements or external validations.
Deep dives
Creation of Leon and the Inspiration Behind It
John Vincent co-founded the restaurant chain Leon as a solution to the limited food choices available during business meetings. Unsatisfied with unhealthy options like fast food, he wanted to create a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. The idea was to reinvent popular fast food in a way that wasn't harmful to health. Leon has since grown to almost 52 restaurants, and its mission is to promote eating and living well.
Challenges of Running Multiple Restaurants
Running 53 restaurants presents considerable challenges and intense stress. John highlights the operational pressures involved, such as broken equipment or customer complaints. With each restaurant's success dependent on numerous factors, it can become overwhelming. However, John emphasizes the importance of maintaining a Zen mindset and not getting emotionally affected by every setback. Keeping a calm approach is essential to avoid compromising one's health and well-being.
Learning to Accept Insignificance and Overcoming Fear
John finds solace in recognizing the insignificance of individual existence when faced with the vastness of nature. He discusses the dangers of society's obsession with personal brands and ego-driven pursuits, especially on social media. He encourages people to disconnect from these narratives and embrace the concept of being part of a greater whole. Through practices like Taoism and Wing Chun, John has learned to detach emotionally from external judgments and find comfort in accepting his own insignificance.
Valuing Simplicity and Being Present
John advocates for simplicity and finding contentment in the present moment. He advises against deferring happiness and identity to future achievements or external validations. By focusing on conscious breathing, meditation, and physical movement (such as walking in nature), individuals can cultivate present moment awareness. John also emphasizes the importance of valuing oneself and not allowing external judgments or societal expectations to define personal worth.
In Chapter Fourteen, I'm honoured to invite John Vincent, Co-Founder of hugely popular healthy eating fast food chain Leon. Having built an empire of 52 restaurants, I wanted to find out what drives him and the lessons he's learnt along the way. Tragically, John's father passed away a week prior to our conversation, and he discusses what his fathers influence has taught him.
