In Her Heels with Nancy Sharp

“Sometimes the most rewarding paths unfold when you lead with patience, purpose, and a genuine love for what you do."

Meet Nancy Sharp — grounded by her morning coffee, inspired by good music, and supported by her family. She lives by the mantra: control what you can, confront what you can’t. From building teams and shaping culture to mentoring future leaders, Nancy brings energy, creativity, and intention into everything she does. Her journey from the hospitality floor to founding one of Chicago’s most respected organizations, Food For Thought, is proof that curiosity, patience, and purpose can pave the way to lasting success.

How did you enter into your industry?

I started in a serving role—working in country clubs and restaurants—before moving into hotels and banquet operations. What began as an appreciation for food and service quickly grew into a passion for building teams, developing talent, and shaping organizations grounded in culture and creativity. In 1983, my late husband, my sister, and I had a vision to create a place where people could be brilliant, collaborate, and grow—and that vision became Food For Thought.

Did you always know you wanted to have this career?

Not exactly, the hospitality industry was not like it is today. I knew I loved people, leadership, and the energy of events and restaurants - but it wasn’t until I was exposed to the world of catering and corporate dining that I realized hospitality was where I belonged. It offered the perfect blend of Creativity (critical), structure (important), and human connection (vital) that I knew this was a place that I could feel good and thrive.

If you could tell yourself one thing when you first started your career, what would it be?

I was anxious to move fast and I would tell myself - Be patient with yourself. Growth and knowledge take time and that is ok. Leadership is as much about listening as it is directing and it is important to understand that the challenges you face and the mistakes you make are preparation for the next decision and opportunity.

How do you manage imposter syndrome?

I think it is in all of us, it’s natural, healthy and a motivator to continuously grow. Know thyself. I have a North Star of personal and professional goals and when I stick to them, I am secure and honest about what I know and don’t know and can and cant do. I have been lucky to have a wonderful family, trusted work colleagues and professional mentors. I treasure ALL their opinions, and I ask for advice. They will tell me the truth. The key is to LISTEN. And I live by the motto-I only know what I know NOW-but I will search to learn more and tomorrow I will do better.

If you could go back and tell your teenage self advice what would it be?

Whoa that would be a long conversation, I would say to my teenage self - Be curious, Not cautious. The world of opportunity is bigger than you can imagine, and your path doesn’t have to be linear. Say Yes, to opportunities and experiences that stretch you - they’ll shape who you become and be happy with who you are.

Where are we likely to find you on the weekends or when you aren't working?

Come from a family of six, have two of my own and grandkids now – I love spending time with family and the close friends I have had for many years. I enjoy good food of course and entertaining. I paint and have creative pursuits and am inspired when I travel and see new things.

I oversee the Co-CEO’s of the company and act as Chairman and Mentor to them as they lead the Strategy of the company.

Name 3 things you cannot live without.

My family, strong coffee, and laughter—it keeps everything in perspective.

What are you currently listening to? Podcast? Favorite song that motivates you?

To stay current, on trend and motivated I rotate between business and leadership podcasts like How I Built This and Scott Galloway’s Prof G Podcast. The song that is a sort of a go to motivator may be little embarrassing, but you cant help but get going when you put on Celebration by Cool and the Gang – “Celebrate good times, Come on”

How do you get yourself out of a funk when you are having an off day?

Yoga daily keeps my mind clear, and body stretched. A good book, a paintbrush and a coffee with a friend.

What would surprise us about yourself?

I’m both creative and operationally driven. I love design and presentation as much as logistics and I love my time alone to think, contemplate, create. I treat myself to “tea time’ each afternoon to rest and reset.

What is the best advice you have received?

From my mom. Whatever is wrong or you are worried about in the moment or day, she would say, “Breathe, and this too shall pass” and she was/is right every time.

What are some career highlights and biggest career accomplishments?

Building what is todays Food For Thought into one of Chicago’s most respected hospitality organizations is definitely a defining accomplishment. But what I’m most proud of is the team culture we’ve built – Food For Thought is a collaborative culture through all departments and at all levels – its No one’s solution it is all of our solution. This keeps us a market leader and a great place to build a career. Watching team members grow into leaders and grow our organization has been the greatest reward.

What is something you are excited to be working on?

In our Workspace Solutions Group I’m focused on what is the next evolution of workplace dining and a hospitality-led culture in the office foodservice environment—helping organizations create environments where people feel seen, supported, and inspired through food and shared experiences. In our Events Groups we are releasing new lines from FFT Creative and have clearly moved from a catering company to a creative experience serving restaurant quality foods.

Overall, we are pointed and directed to our Vision 2030 so stay tuned for great things from Food For Thought, we are 40 + years young and still have new ideas to make happen.

Where can members connect with you?

LinkedIn: Nancy Sharp
Email: nancy.sharp@fftchicago.com

If you want to meet Nancy in person, we would love to invite you to attend one of the Chicago meetings. Their calendar can be found here.