Speaking
Book David to speak
More than 40 years in kitchens, and a business owner's view of what is changing in hospitality and small business.
I've spent more than 40 years cooking and running my own businesses, including Sydney Private Chef since 2011. In October 2026 my videos on small business were picked up nationally, and I joined the conversation on Sunrise, Sky News, ABC News and News24.
I speak to conferences, industry events, business groups, panels and podcasts.
Talks
01 / The next revolution
AI, automation and the future of hospitality
Hospitality runs on labour, which makes it one of the industries AI and automation will change most. I believe we're at a turning point as big as the Industrial Revolution, and most of it will play out in the next five to ten years. This talk covers what is already changing in kitchens and small businesses, and why each business has to innovate around its own market rather than copy someone else's model.
02 / The kitchen as an economy
Chefs are working economists
Every kitchen deals with what economists study: demand that changes by the day, customers who react to price, tight supply, short-staffed teams and fixed budgets. Kitchens are some of the most productive workplaces there are, because they have to be. What running a kitchen teaches about productivity, and what small business and policymakers can take from it.
03 / Costs and pricing
Pricing for today's costs
The old rule of setting a 30% food cost and checking afterwards can't keep up when supplier prices move every week. I talk about costing from your current invoices, forecasting better, keeping menu prices in step with what you actually pay, and why no new business should expect to make money from day one.
Formats
Keynotes, panel discussions, interviews and podcasts, in person or online. Each talk can be shaped to your audience.
Book David
Tell me about your event. The button below opens an email with the details I need already listed. Fill them in and send.
Or call 0418 405 920, or email david@sydneyprivatechef.com.au.
See my media appearances and writing. For interviews, visit the media page; for hospitality advice, see consulting.