The restaurant industry has never been an easy place to work, and it has never been an easy place to lead - there are employees from all walks of life who come together to make good food and serve the public. Most establishments are fast paced, they're demanding, emotional, and more often than not, extremely unforgiving.  It's also an industry that has been led primarily by men for decades.  The amount of unsolicited "advice" I used to receive made me feel as though customers felt I was inadequate as a business owner. They knew little about my background or how I can remain calm in the midst of a storm.