When our fifth cohort of Food Leaders Fellows gathered in Aspen last month, they brought with them a wealth of experience. These were folks who had dedicated their careers to fields like food is medicine or supply chain sustainability. But they also knew how to stay lighthearted. Within a few days, we heard inside jokes and gentle ribbing in and around the seminar room. The cohort proved that while they were serious about learning and growing as leaders, they also knew how to infuse joy into the process.

Perhaps they had no better example than Chef Lidia Bastianich who joined the group as one of our founding benefactors. She regaled the fellows with stories about her family and her days working as a chef on TV. But she also kept them in check. “I expect results,” she said after sitting in on a session where they shared their goals and aspirations. We are certain that they will live up to her expectations—and share many laughs along the way.