By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
For Chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan OAM, the kitchen has always been about people, passion and possibility. It’s those very ingredients that sparked the launch of The Inspired Series - a nationwide initiative aimed at motivating students to see hospitality not just as a job, but a calling.
"The idea for The Inspired Series came from a simple but powerful place: wanting to give back to the industry that gave me everything,” says Luke. "It started in 2015 with a session at TAFE, where I shared my journey and spoke with students about the real opportunities that exist in hospitality.
"The energy in that room made it clear that there was a real hunger for connection, guidance and inspiration.”
Fast forward a decade and that hunger has only grown. The Inspired Series has since gone national - reaching high school students, TAFE campuses and hospitality hopefuls across the country. It’s featured heavyweights from every corner of the industry, including Massimo Bottura, Richard Branson, Maggie Beer, Marco Pierre White and Josh Niland and in 2025, it’s heading back to Western Sydney.
"Returning to Western Sydney this year, especially in partnership with the NSW Department of Education, holds real significance,” says Luke. "This region is home to an incredibly diverse and vibrant community, full of potential and new talent.
"Being able to bring The Inspired Series here means we’re reaching students who might not otherwise have direct access to industry leaders, opportunities, or clear pathways into hospitality.”
This year’s event at TAFE Kingswood on Friday, June 13 will feature a stellar line-up: Netflix’s The Final Table culinary advisor Mark Best, Sommelier and wine expert Amelia Birch and S’More Chef-owner Sam Young - with Luke himself acting as MC.
"We look for variety - individuals who represent different levels and areas of the hospitality industry, from front of house to leadership to Chefs,” he explains. "It’s important that our speakers are not only accomplished in their field but also authentic, driven and passionate about what they do. These are the real pillars of the industry - people who lead by example and have compelling stories to tell.”
The format is part-panel, part-Q&A and entirely honest. It’s not about sugar-coating the challenges. It’s about pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to build a long, fulfilling career in hospitality.
"You need to be passionate about this industry – that’s what fuels you through the long hours and the high-pressure moments,” Luke says. "Yes, it’s demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The teamwork, the opportunity to create memorable experiences for others and the constant learning and growth make it unlike any other field.”
That message - of reward through resilience - is at the heart of everything The Inspired Series aims to do. Especially at a time when Australia’s food and accommodation sectors are growing fast, but facing critical skills shortages.
"Events like The Inspired Series play a crucial role in addressing the skills shortage by making the hospitality industry more accessible to those who may not know where to begin,” Luke says. "By showcasing the many different career pathways, it opens doors for individuals who may have never considered hospitality as a career.”
Luke isn’t shy about sharing the tougher moments of his own journey either:
"Going bust and having to completely reinvent the structure of LM&Co was one of the most challenging and formative experiences of my career,” he admits. "It forced me to strip everything back to the core of what mattered – the people, whether that be guests or my team. I think many young people might be surprised to learn that even with decades of experience, setbacks are inevitable.”
Yet, for every challenge, there’s a moment of inspiration and often, they come from his guests.
"One consistent message that’s stuck with me is: don’t be afraid to take a shot and have a go,” says Luke. "They didn’t wait for the perfect moment, they just started, stayed curious and backed themselves. That’s what makes them who they are.”
Mentorship, it turns out, is a two-way street. "Mentoring the next generation has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career,” he says. "It reminded me that leadership isn’t just about experience or position - it’s about impact, empathy and the ability to lift others as you grow.”
If a student at Kingswood TAFE asks him how to make it in this industry?
"Be curious, work hard, stay humble,” he says. "Surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge and push you to be better every day.”
Event Details:
Date: Friday, June 13, 2025.
Time: 10 am-11 am.
Venue: TAFE Kingswood campus, Western Sydney.
