I’m James Whittle — I help leaders and teams build cultures that reduce burnout and create flourishing workplaces. Because thriving teams stay.

After 20+ years of working in hospitality and professional kitchens, I founded Kitchen Culture Consulting to help industry establishments become places where people thrive—not just survive.

Why I started KCC

I spent years working in hospitality, working the front and back of house, doing everything I could to "make it work." But eventually, burnout became impossible to ignore—not just for me, but for my colleagues and team members I care about. I realized that working harder isn't necessarily leadership—it’s survival. That's when I decided to build a different kind of leadership: one rooted in sustainable systems, respect, and real belonging.

What I bring to the table

  • 20+ years of culinary leadership

  • Mental Health First Aid Certified | ServSafe Manager (Proctor/Instructor in progress)

  • Deep HACCP, training, and culture design experience

My mission

I help hospitality leaders build cultures that stick—ones with less burnout, better retention, and teams that feel seen, supported, and proud to show up each day.

Ready to build a culture where people thrive? Book a FREE 45 minute consultation