At the heart of our company’s success is a commitment to empathetic leadership, a quality that our leaders embody as they guide their teams to thrive. Naomi Lovain, our Special Events Coordinator, exemplifies this approach through her dedication to fostering talent and creating a culture of care and support. Previously serving as the Foodservice Director for our UNUM client in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Naomi’s leadership style is a testament to the power of leading by example and how everyone grows as a result. She was awarded Elior North America’s Dining & Events Segment’s Trailblazer Award in 2022, and lives up to that title everyday by pouring genuine passion into her approach.
Naomi’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “Anchored in a love for food and a desire to enrich lives through service.” This belief has guided her efforts to cultivate an environment where her staff not only excels in their roles but also connects deeply with the guests they serve. Her leadership has fostered a strong sense of community, where employees and guests share more than just meals; they share stories, passions, and mutual respect.
One such story is that of Nahman, a seasoned employee with over 20 years of service at the Chattanooga location. Thanks to the culture Naomi has nurtured, Nahman is more than just a familiar face to his regulars—they know him as an avid fisherman, eagerly asking about his latest catch each time they see him. This level of personal connection is a direct result of Naomi’s efforts to ensure her team understands the value of building relationships with those they serve. Together, the team celebrated his 20th anniversary at this client location, by “getting to know Nahman.”
Naomi’s commitment to developing her team is perhaps best illustrated by her work with Britney. When Britney, a former DoorDash driver, expressed interest in a cook position despite her lack of experience, Naomi recognized her potential and wanted to help her begin to enrich her abilities. Starting as a cashier, Britney was gradually introduced to culinary tasks, from prepping vegetables to setting up stations. Under Naomi’s guidance and the support of the team, Britney honed her skills and, within just four months, took on the responsibility of running the BeWell station, confidently interacting with her guests and following recipes with precision.
Anna, another member of Naomi’s team, also flourished under her leadership. Recognizing Anna’s passion for plant-based cooking, Naomi encouraged her to champion the Forward Food Pilot, a partnership with the Humane Society of the United States focused on plant-forward recipes. Anna embraced this role with enthusiasm, leading pre-shift meetings to inspire her colleagues and taking pride in her daily vegan creations.
Elijah is another member of the team that Naomi has watched grow through taking time to nurture talent. Elijah started with Corporate Chefs without back-of-house experience, but Naomi trained him on recipe building, and eventually catering operations. Elijah found his strength and is an incredible Captain, eventually leading and training others also. Guests trust and adore him. He now has the opportunity to travel and assist several units with their VIP catered events. Naomi boasts, “I couldn’t be more proud of witnessing Elijah’s journey and seeing the leader he has become.”
Naomi’s approach is not only about developing skills but also about building camaraderie and preparing her team for future success. She has seen many of her staff members move on to promotions, a clear indication of her impact as a leader. Far from fearing the loss of her team members, Naomi takes pride in watching them grow and succeed, knowing that she played a part in their journey.
Naomi shares that she knew from an early age the type of leader she did not want to be. The challenges of working in foodservice require patience, collaboration, and clear communication—qualities she has embraced and passed on to her team. At just 24 years old, Naomi was given the opportunity to lead the Chattanooga team by her District Manager, Kent Freeman. Driven to prove that his trust in her was well-placed, Naomi has become a young, powerful leader who inspires and influences those around her. She also credits her former colleague, Laura Grace, for providing invaluable support and guidance along the way.
Naomi Lovain’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that empathetic leadership can have on both individuals and the organization as a whole. By giving her team the tools to thrive through care, encouragement, and leading by example, Naomi has created a legacy of success and growth that will continue to inspire for years to come.
Thank you, Naomi. We are Better With You.
