One Year On

I can’t believe it’s been a year from when I first stepped into the MasterChef UK kitchen and what an incredible year it has been. It has been a year of dreams, that I didn’t know I had, being fulfilled and a year of new experiences, friendships and connections being made.

Some key dates and experiences are embedded in my mind. The first one being the day I completed and submitted the application and immediately hyperventilated as I wondered what I just got myself into. I soon relaxed by telling myself the odds of my application being picked were poor at best.

Then I got the first phone call that showed me I had a toe peeping through the door with no guarantee that it would be more than that. I was excited and terrified in equal proportions; jumped for joy and soon after needed to have a wee as my nerves kicked in.

A few more steps later, I realised I had a foot through the door but I still had to get onto the live auditions which was the only chance of getting both feet through the door.

Well that happened and I found myself in the live audition rounds and the goal became to get through the live auditions so I could be firmly planted in the competition. Well, that bit didn’t come easy as I had to fight to get an apron but I am grateful for the fight because it showed me how much I wanted to do well and also began to prepare for the pressure and the experience that is MasterChef UK.

Each week meant a new goal to give that week my best shot and get through the week unscathed whilst showcasing myself and my food in the best possible light with no air of pretentiousness. They were going to accept my food and love me as me or not at all; and I was absolutely fine with whatever the outcome would be.

August right through to the first week in December were defining months for me as it covered the start to finish of my journey but every week since has continued to build on the blessing that is MasterChef UK 2022. It has been a gift that keeps on giving in so many ways.

There were so many wonderful highlights from interacting with the amazing crew, supportive judges, making new friends with fellow contestants, meeting well respected judges, cooking for past contestants, meeting surprisingly ‘unscary’ and down to earth food critics and getting to know the wider family of past contestants after I left the kitchen.

The cherry on top has been meeting and engaging with fans and realising how privileged I am that people care enough to comment, reach out and follow me. I don’t take any of that lightly. And doors continue to open up for me to leverage my love and passion for food.

I had the privilege and opportunity to join Transport For London as they celebrated their Black History Month in October and give a twenty minute talk about my MasterChef journey. As I reflect on the anniversary of my experience, I thought it was fitting to share some of the highlights from my talk. So here they are: 

1. Accept the challenge to be who you are authentically
2. Trail blaze and keep the door open for those coming behind you.
3. Challenge the narratives and limiting beliefs – those you created (e.g. my food won’t do well) and those that were created for you
4. Self belief is key
5. Become an expert in whatever your interest is in – study to be approved
6. Share your gift, there is a reason you were given it.
7. Don’t accept your own excuses – my preference for introversion – was never going to be the reason for not fulfilling my purpose. Not knowing enough won’t stop me from wanting to go for an opportunity – I just need to figure out what I need to do to position myself better. ‘Study’ to progress, and ‘study’ as you progress.
8. Leverage the power of mentors and offer the gift of mentoring to others. As we say in Nigeria, “Follow person wey know road.”
9. There is enough sky over all our heads – you’ve got to understand competition, collaboration, enabling and empowering others. It doesn’t have to just be you in the room. Make room and make way for others. Remember, the more of us that win, the better for all of us.

As my brother, Olusegun Bayode, says, “the day you become selfless in your thought is the day you discover your purpose”.

Thanks for reading and sharing my post. And I really appreciate those of you who have followed my MasterChef journey, encouraged and championed me every step of the way and continuing to do so. I owe a debt of gratitude to you all. Much love. My websites: www.olayemiadelekan.com and www.yummybydesign.co.uk are live.