Tip#939: Share a Passion for Film, Food & Friends – 360 Gourmet - Burnt

I absolutely loved the foodie movie Burnt despite all the negative reviews it received. I feel it has so many lessons for life and the workplace and it's also a food lovers delight! So imagine my own thrill to meet two other people who also loved the movie at a gourmet event I recently attended.

Jeremy J. Parsons, Master Mixologist and Stephanie Blok, Director of Communications are the founders of 360 Gourmet where you get to experience a gourmet dinner, interact with the chef and come home with the ingredients and recipes. At their recent event curated by Toronto’s Nao Steakhouse I immediately bonded with Jeremy once I mentioned the film Burnt and he expressed his enthusiasm for it. He said it had so much passion, grit, intensity, stress, love and was so real in what happens in the kitchen.

I'm with Jeremy J. Parsons, Master Mixologist and Stephanie Blok, Director of Communications, 360 Gourmet

 

I'm with Steffi Black, Life & Career Coach and Sara Waxman, Editor in Chief, Dine Magazine

I'm with Ellen Douglas, Managing Director & Senior Producer, Re:Source Media Inc, Steffi Black, Life & Career Coach and Michel

Jeremy then mentioned that Stephanie also loved the film and we later chatted about her excitement for the movie. This set up the extraordinary culinary experience I had that unfolded with bespoke cocktails, course wine pairing and the four course seated dinner by Nelson Tsai, Chef de Cuisine, NAO Steakhouse. Each course was a joy to visually see and then savour with each delicious bite. Overall the exquisite meal was matched only in the joy of meeting wonderful new people and sharing our passions for food, drink and movies!

Burnt (2015)

The drama film, Burnt, is about self-centered, arrogant yet talented chef Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper) who destroyed his career in Paris and seeks redemption in London with his vision to create a three star Michelin restaurant with his original team. This energetic movie features great performances by its cast and overflowing images of delicious food being created in fine dining settings. See: movie trailer

Adam starts out as a flawed leader and a very unlikable person. He is ruthless, arrogant, physically abusive, heartless, foul-mouthed and, well, you get the point. And yet members of his original team, like maitre d’ ((Daniel Brühl) and new recruit Helene (Sienna Miller) all follow Adam because they believed in his vision and passion. Having a strong vision and passion are top leadership qualities and the film demonstrates many other lessons in what to do and not to do in leadership. Ultimately Adam's journey shows that team spirit and teamwork is the only way to achieve a dream or goal.

Quotes from the film about vision & team spirit:

“My kitchen is going to be the best in the world and we’re going to get the 3rd star.” 

“Have you ever seen that movie Seven Samurai? That’s how I want my chefs to be.” 

“We should be dealing in culinary orgasms.” 

“You can’t do this alone. There’s strength in needing others. Not weakness.” 

“We do what we do. And we do it together.” 

There is so much that I loved about this film. The exciting images of food and meals being prepared were mouth-watering to behold! And wait until you see two tantalizing cakes Adam creates. You also see how he is constantly learning about other foods being made in the city to improve his culinary creations. In the end I was moved by the sense of family and love that develops among the restaurant team and of Adam’s difficult road to learning his life lessons for redemption.

Inspiring Themes:
• Having a Vision
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Strategic Thinking & Planning
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Sense of Family
• Supportive Relationships
• Redemption
• Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Product Development

Movies and food can inspire and motivate especially if you have a passion for them! These pleasure activities can lift your spirits whenever you feel down and activate your excitement, enthusiasm and positivity. Ultimately shared passions can connect you with like minded-people. After all movies and food tastes better when shared!

Related Tips:
Tip#724: Warm Your Spirit with Good Food, Good Films & Good People - Harvey 
Tip#231: Foodgasms = Positive Energy! - 4 Movie Tips
Tip#771: Celebrate Big News! – Cineplex Pre-Show Trailer - Big Night

ON SALE NOW:
Top Inspiring Women in the Movies:
15 Films for Leadership at Work & in Life
A New eBook by Emmanuel Lopez: Click here

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW
on MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#938: Passion is Fuel, Part 4 - Pleasurable Activities - The Ramen Girl

“Every bowl of ramen that you prepare is a gift for your customer. The food that you serve your customer becomes a part of them. It contains your spirit. That’s why your ramen must be an expression of pure love. A gift from your heart.” 
The Ramen Girl (2008)

I recently launched my new eBook, Top Inspiring Women in the Movies, and I enjoyed the whole process creating it! I loved compiling the top 15 films, writing and editing the chapters, designing and illustrating the cover and then formatting the PDF. I enjoyed it because being creative is truly my biggest passion! And knowing the results of my passion also helps to empower others around the world excites me even further. It brings me joy and purpose.

Applying my creative talents is also a highly effective coping method for dealing with clinical depression. I had some high symptom days during the chilly months this winter and my passion for being creative with my eBook helped focus my mind and reduce the ruminating of negative thoughts and feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Classic breakfast at one of my favourite greasy spoon restaurants in Toronto, Billy's Souvlaki Place

Pleasurable Activities

As I’ve shared many times on this blog and in my motivational talks, watching movies helps me break the ruminating that occurs during depression as well as when I've felt stuck from unexpected adversities at work and in life. Food is another passion of mine. A classic eggs and sausages breakfast at a favourite restaurant always re-ignites my soul. The act of going to this location and ordering this type of breakfast is what Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) calls a pleasurable activity (see: tip#924).

A pleasurable activity is exactly what it sounds like and making a list of activities you love and love to do are critical to acting on when dealing with depression, anxiety or stress. CBT helps reprogram your mind with coping strategies like this to help you deal with situations that threaten your mental health. And so the sight, colours, aromas and tastes of a hot meal can really warm the soul when feeling down. Having delicious food is a powerful lifter for your spirit!

The Ramen Girl (2008)

The comedy drama film, The Ramen Girl, is about an American woman named Abby (Brittany Murphy) who is stranded in Tokyo after breaking up with her boyfriend. Through her despair she finds passion and direction in her life when she discovers the art of ramen cooking. This charming, funny movie is like a female Karate Kid film with ramen chef Maezumi (Toshiyuki Nishida) as Abby’s teacher (Sensei). See: movie trailer

There are so many life lessons in this film for re-igniting your passion, finding a career you love and even customer service lessons! There are also many magical moments of seeing Abby and other people in despair suddenly become transformed and joyful from a delicious, hot bowl of noodles. Abby’s passion for training to be a ramen chef gives her life sharp focus that was previously missing and becomes her fuel to sustain her during the harsh training of her Sensei. In the end it is invaluable life training that helps Abby find her true self and joy in life. I highly recommend this hidden jewel of a movie especially if you love food!

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Vision & Focus
• Career Training
• Mentors
• Supportive Relationships
• Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Customer service

I have a strong passion for delicious foods, movies and being creative so these pleasurable activities always re-energizes my productivity, self-confidence and fuels me through difficult times and depression. These three passions allow feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins to flow and re-vitalize my mind. I highly recommend you identify your own passions and activities you love to do and consciously add them to your daily or weekly routines in life.

My eBook, Top Inspiring Women in the Movies features 15 movie heroes who demonstrate how passion is their fuel during difficult times. Check it out if you need some inspiration and motivation right now! See: more details

Always be aware and mindful of your passions and pleasurable activities. These are your primary resilience resources for getting unstuck when dealing with unexpected change, crisis or depression. The things you love and love to do are vital to your well being and will help you feel good when you need it most. Enjoy one of your passions today and feel instantly re-energized!

Related Tips:
Tip#151: Passion Is Fuel, Part 1 - The Forbidden Kingdom 
Tip#763: Passion is Fuel, Part 2 - Food Films - Chef
Tip#764: Passion is Fuel, Part 3 - Food Films - Haute Cuisine
Tip#938: Passion is Fuel, Part 4 - Pleasure Activities - The Ramen Girl 
Tip#924: Choose A Path, Part 2 - Pleasure Activities – Brooklyn

ON SALE NOW:
Top Inspiring Women in the Movies:
15 Films for Leadership at Work & in Life
A New eBook by Emmanuel Lopez: More details

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW
on MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#937: Top 15 Inspiring Women in the Movies – International Women’s Day 2016

I had one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences speaking at the International Women’s Day event for the City of Vaughan recently! The packed room of women business owners and working professionals were such a warm audience that I wished I spoke longer than my 20 minute spot.

Afterwards, I was thanked by many individuals, such as the Mayor of Vaughan Maurizio Bevilacqua, and Sunder Singh Executive Director of Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women, for sharing my journey with clinical depression. The group also resonated with key women in the movies that inspired me to maintain a leadership mindset to persevere such as Erin Brockovich, Julie Child from Julie & Julia and Joy Mangano from Joy.

During my presentation I thanked Mirella Tersigni, event organizer, for having been there for me in 2010 when I went through a financial crisis due to an undiagnosed clinical depression at that time. She received a big applause which confirmed that her compassionate, supportive, empowering spirit was well-known in the Vaughan community. And that was the kind of energy I felt in the air that day as I made new friends with several of the women in attendance. I can only describe it as a community love energy! We then had fun taking group selfies.

 I'm with Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of the City of Vaughan and

Mirella Tersigni, Event Organizer& Cultural Development Officer

I'm with Jennifer Ladouceur, Director of Economic Development, City of Vaughan and Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, City of Vaughan

“Your presentation was excellent and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Guests were commenting about how empowered you made them feel. A heartfelt thank you for making International Women’s Day 2016 a memorable event for all of us.” 
Mirella Tersigni, Cultural Development Officer & Event Organizer, City of Vaughan

“I was completely inspired by Emmanuel's presentation as I could relate to it. Films like Erin Brockovich and Julie & Julia helped me get through some of my most difficult and challenging life moments.” 
Romina Monaco, Writer Fredi Magazine and Panoram Italia Magazine

“It was inspiring to listen to Emmanuel’s presentation.  His passionate talk not only inspired but motivated women in the room to reach into themselves and realize their own potentials and help them exude their own confidence outwardly.  Thank you for showing us ways to make us be the best of who we are.”  
Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, City of Vaughan

For the presentation I made a list of my top 15 inspiring women in the movies that were personal favourites. This list inspired me to produce a new eBook which I launched on International Women’s Day March 8th. Here is the list:

1. Aliens (1989) Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver)
2. Baby Boom (1987) J.C. Wiatt (Diane Keaton)
3. Belle (2013) Dido Elizabeth Belle Lindsay (Gugu Mbatha-Raw)
4. The Blind Side (2009) Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock)
5. Contact (1997) Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster)
6. Erin Brockovich (2000) Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts)
7. Freedom Writers (2007) Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank)
8. Joy (2015) Joy Mangano (Jennifer Lawrence)
9. Julie & Julia (2010) Julie Powell (Amy Adams) Julia Child (Meryl Streep)
10. Last Holiday (2006) Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah)
11. Legally Blonde (2001) Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon)
12. Mary Kom (2014) Mary Kom (Priyanka Chopra)
13. Secretariat (2011) Penny Chenery Tweedy (Diane Lane)
14. Sister Act (1992) Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopie Goldberg)
15. Temple Grandin (2010) Temple Grandin (Claire Danes)

All of these women heroes showed me how to develop and maintain a leadership mindset by watching how they found their inner strengths and confidence during their adversities. You can read more on each film in my new eBook, Top Inspiring Women in the Movies: 15 Films for Leadership at Work & in Life. See a description on my eBook Store: Click here

Whether you are male or female, young or old you can find amazing inspiration and motivation from these women heroes. Most of these films are based on real-life heroes who can inspire you even more with their true stories of overcoming incredible odds. Think about some of your favourite films now and recognize exactly what it is about the heroes that inspire you. They are reminding you of your own inner strengths and shining abilities!

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW
on MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#936: Cultivate Community, Part 12 - Zootopia

“No matter what type of animal you are, change starts with you.” 
Zootopia (2016)

I feel so blessed living most of my life in Toronto Canada! It is a true mosaic and melting pot of ethnic cultures and diversity of peoples. Asian, South-Asian, Filipino, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, Middle Eastern and so many more groups call Toronto their home. The diverse foods and restaurants are an absolute delight and I’ve always felt safe in this beautiful, great city!

Growing up though, I did experience racism and prejudice from other kids and bullies. Being short and a visible minority as a child led to hurtful taunts and beatings in predominantly white grade schools. Thankfully as an adult I’ve enjoyed a warmer sense of community and equality living in Toronto and cities I’ve visited like Las Vegas and New York City.

However, racism and prejudice are still a hot topic as the term whitewashing has been in the news due to Hollywood’s lack of diversity in Oscar nominees for the 88th Academy Awards this year. The host Chris Rock and his opening monologue (along with many other presenters) boldly addressed the lack of black representation at the Oscars which helped bring global attention to increasing the diversity (see transcript of monologue). One day I hope that lack of diversity, racism and prejudice are no longer an issue on this planet. This is a glorious vision I always hold in my heart.

Zootopia (2016)

The animated family film, Zootopia, is about a city of anthropomorphic animals where a bunny named Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) seeks to help make the world a better place as the first bunny police officer. With the help of a fox named Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) they help solve a case that helps eliminate an unexpected epidemic of racism among the diverse animals in the city. The performances, characters and gorgeous detail of the city settings are all astounding and rich to see! See: movie trailer

This highly entertaining film takes place in a visually stunning world where predators and prey of all shapes and sizes have lived together in peace for 100’s of years. And without the film being preachy it successfully and creatively addresses racism and prejudice in our world today. You’ll see how Judy and Nick each faced racism as kids which were very emotional and moving scenes. Together they heal the hurt and help build a stronger community.

Related Tips:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Supportive Relationships
• Leadership & Teamwork
• Racism & Prejudice
• Equal Rights
• Bullying
• Celebrating Cultural Diversity
• Community

This is such an important film for all ages young and old to see. I believe it ought to be screened at every grade school around the world. And I agree with the film review headline on Collider.com that Zootopia is The Best Family Film about Racism You’ll Ever See!

Family films can share vital messages and help educate people of all ages and cultures on key factors to make our world a better place. See these films and let them touch your heart and heal your own hurts of past experiences. Let these movies show you how you can cultivate a more supportive loving community wherever you live!

Related Tips:
Tip#172: Cultivate Community, Part 1 – Witness
Tip#651: Cultivate Community, Part 2 - Defiance
Tip#656: Cultivate Community, Part 3 – Swapsity - Phenomenon 
Tip#658: Cultivate Community, Part 4 – Into the White
Tip#668: Cultivate Community, Part 5 – Be Kind Rewind 
Tip#686: Cultivate Community, Part 6 – Ip Man
Tip#687: Cultivate Community, Part 7 – Rotary Club - Groundhog Day
Tip#707: Cultivate Community, Part 8 – Movie Nights - Christmas in Connecticut
Tip#781: Cultivate Community, Part 9 - The Hundred-Foot Journey
Tip#853: Cultivate Community, Part 10 - Endurance - McFarland, USA 
Tip#894: Cultivate Community, Part 11 - The Rainmaker 
Tip#936: Cultivate Community, Part 12 - Zoopotia

COMING SOON:
Top Inspiring Women in the Movies:
15 Films for Leadership at Work & in Life
A New eBook by Emmanuel Lopez

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW
on MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#935: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 4 – Logan’s Run

Growing up in the 70’s I remember enjoying regular trips to movie theatres with my dad, mom, brother and sister. One of the biggest theatres at the time was the University Theatre on Bloor St. near Bay St. in downtown Toronto. It was beautiful inside and I can almost smell the hot buttered popcorn in the lobby thinking of it!

I remember seeing Logan’s Run there when it was released in 1976 with the family and loving it. The science fiction images of the futuristic city and contraptions excited me! Every time I hear Jerry Goldsmith’s amazing music soundtrack I am instantly transported back to that first screening. I also had a teenage crush on actress Jenny Agutter because of her memorable short skirts and beautiful legs! It also starred Farrah Fawcett-Majors who was a big pin-up girl at the time thanks to her popularity in the Charlie’s Angels TV show.

I recently watched a BluRay version for the first time in decades and really enjoyed revisiting so many iconic images and scenes I loved about the film. And though much of it felt dated (hairstyles and special effects) it still brought me back to happy childhood memories seeing it at the University Theatre.

Logan’s Run (1976)

The science fiction film, Logan’s Run, takes place in the year 2274 where remnants of human civilization live until the age of 30 in a sealed domed city. Logan 5 (Michael York) is a Sandman, a type of police, who must escape being terminated with the help of Jessica 6 (Jenny Agutter). At the time of this film’s release it showcased many visually stunning and inventive science fiction sets and elements. See: movie trailer

If you enjoyed seeing this film back in the 70’s then you may fondly remember terms like Renew, Carrousel, Life-clock, New You Shop and Sanctuary. Peter Ustinov also gives a funny, memorable performance as the Old Man. Sadly the University Theatre is long gone but the building still stands and is now a Pottery Barn store. And though the theatre has passed my memories are still strong and alive whenever I remember a film I saw there like Logan’s Run.

Movies, like music, can instantly bring you back to happy times in your childhood. They can fill you with positive emotional energy! They can help re-energize you if you are feeling down or a little lost in life. Revisit a favourite movie today and remember the indelible, joyful textures and memories of the first time you saw it!

Related Tips:
Tip#356: Feel Good from Nostalgia - Big Trouble In Little China 
Tip#631: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 1 - Paul Williams Still Alive 
Tip#862: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 2 – Jurassic World 
Tip#891: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 3 - The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension 
Tip#935: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 4 – Logan’s Run
Tip#1019: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 5 – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Tip#1023: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 6 – Rocky Balboa & Creed - Double Feature 

COMING SOON:
Top Inspiring Women in the Movies:
15 Films for Leadership at Work & in Life
A New eBook by Emmanuel Lopez

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016