Chef Justin Gillette, CEC

Always follow your gut. And whatever decisions you make, own them. Justin Gillette, CEC , Adjunct Faculty , The Art Institute of Atlanta

What would you say is the defining moment in your life when you knew you were destined to become a creative professional?

I would not say there was a defining moment. I have always been creative from an early age—out-of-the-box thinking has come natural.

How do you weave your professional background into the classroom experience to provide an industry veteran's sense of the realities / challenges / opportunities of the profession?

Having experience in many different foodservice settings, and being a leader that had to develop employees, provides an advantage that cultivates students. In this industry, you have to be able to have patience and a high tolerance for stress.

What role does collaboration contribute to students' success, especially when students from other programs contribute to the same project?

Collaborating with students allows them to have different perspectives. It’s also a way to assist them in learning something new.

In your opinion, what is the single most important thing you impart to your students to help them succeed in your class and in the real world? Alternatively, what is the most critical advice you would offer any student as he / she embarks on a creative career?

Always follow your gut. And whatever decisions you make, own them.