🧠 Summary

Love shows up in many forms. Sometimes, it’s a plate of food shared across generations.

In this episode of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I connect with my dear friend Palak Patel, an award-winning chef, best-selling author, and purpose-driven advocate for sustainable food systems. Palak’s journey began in a multi-generational home in India where food was family, identity, and joy.

Her path took detours through pre-med, corporate marketing, and the startup world. But the quiet nudge of passion never went away. She shares the bold decision to go to culinary school at 31, self-funding her dream despite doubt and risk. Her Reinvention is rich with flavor, culture, and conviction—from launching her cookbook Food Is Love to addressing food waste with empathy and action.

This episode is a reminder that your purpose may already be within you. Sometimes, it just needs time and courage to rise.

Key Take Aways:

• Your five-year-old self might already know your purpose

• Food is a language of love, memory, and culture

• Reinvention isn’t linear, but it is always possible

• You can honor tradition and still make bold pivots

• Betting on yourself is a powerful decision

• Passion can turn into impact when you listen and act

Explore Palak’s story and recipes on her official site: https://www.chefpalakpatel.com

Follow Palak on Instagram for plant-based cooking and storytelling: https://www.instagram.com/chefpalak

Connect with Palak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/palak-p-15a0462/

Order Food Is Love by Palak Patel on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Food-Love-Plant-Based-Indian-Inspired-Connection/dp/0063320649

For more inspired content, blogs, podcasts,

RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book

RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? visit

THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE: https://www.thereinventionexchange.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross

Amazon Link to Book: https://www.amazon.com/REINVENT-YOUR-LIFE-WHAT-WAITING/dp/1733393005