Office & Admin

Talia Berman

Partner | Friend of Chef
Motivation goes hand-in-hand with morale and performance — if the bar is set high and everyone’s engaged, motivation follows naturally.

Podcasts

Culinary Agents
Apr 22, 2025
Hospitality On The Rise Podcast
EP 6: Talia Berman

Experience

2024 - Present
Partner
Friend of ChefNew York, NY
2024 - Present
Adjunct Professor
2023 - 2024
Chief of Staff
Friend of ChefNew York, NY
2020 - 2022
Director of Operations
Levain BakeryNew York, NY
2018 - 2020
Senior Consultant
Heyer PerformanceNew York, NY
2018 - 2025
Guest Lecturer
2014 - 2019
Director of Operations
Maysville & Kenton'sNew York, NY
2012 - 2014
General Manager
Tia PolNew York, NY
2011 - 2012
Private Dining & Floor Manager
Lincoln Ristorante (Patina Restaurant Group)New York, NY
2010 - 2011
Manager
Union Square CafeNew York, NY
2009 - 2010
Program Manager
PAXNew York, NY
2008 - 2009
Personal Assistant
Gael GreeneNew York, NY

Education

Bachelor's Degree, Medical History
McGill UniversityMontreal, Quebec, CANADA

Advice from Talia Berman

Quotes about career path, skills, and teamwork from an industry leader.
Hire hard, manage easy.
There are many lesson I’ve learned throughout my career, here is one:
perseverance will take you the farthest.
I look for many things when hiring — strong work ethic, desire for excellence, empathy and warmth, honesty, and self-awareness — but my favorite litmus test is curiosity.
A candidate who demonstrates genuine curiosity (and this can be about almost anything) is typically intelligent, awake at the wheel, and likely to contribute positively beyond their job description.
I think it is hard to overstate the value of being present and truly listening.
It is essential for progress, for confidence, for effective collaboration.
I’m an extrovert, so my energy and inspiration come from others.
I feel the most inspired when I’m surrounded by people who are passionate and curious, both inside and outside of work.
I work out often — it’s critical for sleep and my mood.
My husband can usually tell if I haven’t worked out yet just by how I’m acting.
I love listening to all of Scott Galloway’s podcasts, especially “Pivot with Scott and Kara Swisher.”
Inspiration comes from hiring people who are interesting and interested — when your team is passionate about things beyond their job description, it creates a more dynamic environment.
Education is the easiest part at FOC because every day brings something new, and the opportunities to learn are everywhere.
It really all ties back to hiring the right people—when the team is curious, engaged, and motivated, the rest flows naturally.

Roles in Office & Admin

Check out the newest job opportunities in your area and level up your career.

Human Resources Generalist

West Hollywood, CA
Part Time
 
Apply$35-$40/hr

Regional Manager

Los Angeles, CA
Full Time
 
Apply$70,000 - $85,000

Produce Team Member (Clerk, Floor Service) - Part Time

Santa Monica, CA
Part Time
 
Apply$18-$25/hr

Produce Team Member (Clerk, Floor Service) - Part Time

Los Angeles, CA
Part Time
 
Apply$18-$25/hr

Business Manager

Los Angeles, CA
Full Time
 
Apply$75,000

Business Manager

Los Angeles, CA
Full Time
 
Apply$75,000

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