WORLDCHEFS – PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
MILTOS KAROUBAS – GREECE Why did you decide to run for President of Worldchefs? To me, it all started out in order to be given the opportunity to speak in front of the whole Worldchefs community about what appeared to me as unjust and unexplained behavior on behalf of the Worldchefs B.o.D. towards the Hellenic Chef ’s Federation. Then, as I began meeting more and more people of the Worldchefs community and they started opening up to me, I realized that many countries were facing similar problems and were in need of a change. That was the turning point when I decided that someone needed to stand up. Someone needed to propose changes that would turn us back to our roots of being a worldwide chef ’s family with respect to all our country members. Someone should keep in mind that the original dream was to embrace all gastronomies, educate all communities and create events that would benefit our profession. What motivated you? The support of many international culinary friends who asked me to step forward and make changes. My need to do what I consider right and fair and of course the love I have for our profession and my vision of its’ future. What, in your opinion, makes a good President? I believe that to be a good president you have to be modest, a good listener and selfless. You always have to keep in mind the greater good, be able to keep balance between different characters and cultures. Last but not least you need to be communicable and trustworthy 40 WORLDCHEFS MAGAZINE
towards sponsors, because -to be honest- all our communities would seize to exist without the help of the food industry companies. If you become the President, what are your plans for Worldchefs? Worldchefs has developed and grown to a huge community. To have reached this point, obviously many people have contributed and worked very hard. Most certainly, I have no intention of abolishing all this well-oiled machine. But I do believe that, like in every aspect of our life, me and my team have to re-evaluate people in key positions, ensuring that they offer their best and are productive with view of the common good for our society. For such a huge community to work, we have to roll up our sleeves and offer our best. What are the changes you will implement, if any? At this point, my team and myself have sent out letters to all country members, asking for their propositions to add to our program. I will support, adhere and enforce the initiative of president Carroll regarding financial transparency and communication. I plan to build an online voting system to make the country members more involved in serious decisions. This way we will not be bringing actual done deals to “vote” every two years. Furthermore we believe in giving continental directors more initiatives to work upon, in order to promote their continents gastronomy. Last but not least, we would like to make the Russian language an official language of our community. What are the benefits members of Worldchefs can look forward to? More chances to promote their local gastronomy, the opportunity to be more involved and a B.o.D that will be reachable, attentive to all needs and fair to all communities regardless of their financial status. What is your motto in life and in profession? Keep tradition, embrace evolution, and change to the best you can possibly be. There is also a saying in Greece that is one of my main beliefs “Don’t do to others, what you wouldn’t like to be done to you”. Who are your role models? Nelson Mandela has influenced me. I have embraced his beliefs about righteousness and equality. What makes you happy? My family, the love of my wife and the smiling faces of my two daughters. The chance to sit around the table with family, good friends and good colleagues. The opportunity to create and evolve myself.