Some people are simply handed leadership.
Others earn it - one shift, one challenge, and one act of service at a time.
This is Jarek's story.
Jarek (short for Jaroslaw and pronounced Ya-Rek in case you didn’t know) is the dual-site manager of our busiest cafe, LifeGrain at Barker Street and LifeGrain at the Acute Services Building of Prince of Wales Hospital.
Jarek’s hospitality journey began at the tender age of 16, flipping burgers at McDonald’s where he not only learned the mechanics of hospitality but began to understand the weight of work ethic. From there, he sharpened his skills at numerous establishments including the famous Hard Rock Café, navigated the fine dining scenes in Japan and China, and eventually returned to Australia to lay down roots. Less than 24 hours after landing, he was back behind a counter, this time at LifeGrain Sutherland, stepping into a role that would evolve into something much bigger.
Jarek didn’t just work at LifeGrain, he helped shaped it. Recognised for his unwavering professionalism, he was quickly trusted to lead Liverpool’s newly opened café.
Then, when the Barker Street location needed a strong leader, Jarek took the helm of LifeGrain’s busiest café in Randwick.
Now, with the launch of the Acute Services Building café last year, he manages both locations, leading a team of 30.
For Jarek, the beauty of hospitality lies in the instant feedback – you know immediately if you’re doing a great job. Emphasis on the great job – not a mediocre job, because no one will notice if you do just an average so-so job. He is the kind of man who thrives in the rush and finding energy in the rhythm of a busy day.
But beyond transactions and orders and balancing rosters, he sees himself as a vehicle for great customer experiences, someone who can make a person’s day just a little better with a smile, a perfectly made coffee or a seamless interaction.
His leadership philosophy is simple yet powerful: lead by example.
Work harder, move faster, and set the tone for excellence. He believes consistency is what defines a true professional. Consistency is not just showing up strong one day but doing it every. single. day.
His approach has built strong, high-performing teams and team members who understand that success isn’t just about selling food and coffee, it’s about being part of something bigger especially within the healthcare space.
Jarek’s competitive drive pushes him to always aim higher, but at the heart of it all, his biggest motivation is his family. A father of two, he values the time he spends at home with his wife, son and daughter.
Whether he’s managing a bustling café or sitting down to an exquisite dining experience (his most memorable being at Tetsuya’s, ask him about this next time you see him), Jarek understands the magic of hospitality from both sides of the counter.
January this year marks five years into Jarek’s journey at LifeGrain and he continues to evolve, not just as a manager, but as a leader shaping the future of the brand.
And with his mindset, work ethic and a strong team with him, there’s no doubt that he
is just getting started.
