---
title: "Book Brew 196: I’m Adding To My Council Table"
description: Adding influential women to a personal council table can enhance growth and feedback, inspired by strong figures from Hell's Kitchen.
image: https://thoughtsbrewing.com/hubfs/Mindful%20Musings.jpg
---

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# Book Brew 196: I’m Adding To My Council Table

 November 9, 2026

![Picture of Danielle Price Griffin](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/31045232924d123af765cd9b1925a9ce) [Danielle Price Griffin](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/author/danielle)

![Book Brew](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/hubfs/Mindful%20Musings.jpg)

I have written two other posts (Book Brew [149](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/book-brew-149-napoleon-hill-said-to-build-a-council-table-so-i-made-it-a-party) and [192](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/book-brew-192-f-off-and-get-out-yes-gordon-ramsay-sits-at-my-council-tablehttps://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/book-brew-192-f-off-and-get-out-yes-gordon-ramsay-sits-at-my-council-table)) about my council table inspired by Napoleon Hill.

One thing I noticed as I was building my table was the lack of women around it. At first it seemed odd, but when I sat and thought about it, it actually made sense (for me). See, I grew up surrounded by many amazing, strong, inspiring women. Yet, I was lacking that from the majority of the men I was surrounded by. So it makes sense that I have sought out strong male figures. The women were already there, I didn’t need to make up for anything they already provided me.

Yet, I have recently found two women I will happily add to my table. Both come from watching old episodes of Hell’s Kitchen (because of course, Gordon Ramsay sits at my table).

## Chef Christina

> *“If we’re going too fast, keep up.” - Christina Wilson*

The first is Chef Christina Wilson. She is one of the winners of the show who later comes back as one of the Sous Chefs. The way she speaks to the contestants and provides feedback is some of the best I have seen.

She is direct, specific, and clear about what needs to happen next - all spoken with a level of confidence and authority that is admirable.

What I appreciate is that she can support someone while still expecting them to get their shit together. Those two things can coexist. You can care about someone’s success and tell them plainly that their current performance isn’t going to get them there.

That’s why she gets a seat. I want someone who will notice when I’m struggling, give me useful direction, and expect me to do something with it. Someone who understands that another encouraging fluff-filled speech is massively less helpful than “Here’s what you fucked up. Now fix it and get moving.”

## Chef Valerie

> *“I like the concept. I think the concept was interesting. But the idea might be great; the experience might not be. That’s a 1. There is nothing about that dish that came together successfully.” - Valerie Gordon*

The second is Valerie Gordon. Valerie, a chocolatier and chef, was a guest judge on Season 18. Her blunt, constructive criticism was presented in such a way that it didn’t feel harsh. Her way with words was impressive.

I have plenty of competing ideas. My AuDHD brain runs an unsolicited idea subscription service, and apparently there is no unsubscribe button. Some sound amazing when I explain them. Whether they produce a useful experience for another human is a separate question that needs an honest answer.

Valerie’s feedback is the kind I want when I’ve become a little too attached to the brilliance of my own concept. Did the pieces work together? Did the result deliver what I intended? Would someone actually want another bite?

“The idea was good” can be a useful starting point for revision. It can also become an excuse to keep serving something nobody wants to eat. I want her at the table to help me recognize the difference.

## Three More Seats

I should have had these ladies at my table from the beginning, but because they have been such a constant part of my life, I never thought to mention them on the list. My mom and my grandmothers take their seats now. I would not be the person I am today without their strong influence and support. Their seats were already there, I’m just finally putting their name plates on them.

## I Might Need A Bigger Table

> *“I want to accept myself, and expect more from myself.” - Gretchen Rubin*

That quote from Gretchen captures what I want from the people around this table → room to be me, with all the competing ideas and occasional (ok, frequent) capybara detours, alongside an expectation that I’ll take useful feedback and do something with it.

And as I update my AI council skill, I want those distinctions reflected in it. Each person needs a reason to be there and a perspective worth hearing. Otherwise, I’ve created a very elaborate chatbot dinner party where everyone compliments the potatoes.

Gordon would throw the potatoes if they are underdone.

 

## Ponder This

1. Who has shaped the way you think so consistently that you’ve forgotten to give them credit?
2. What would their perspective add to a decision you’re making now?

 

### Podcasts/TV Shows

- Hell’s Kitchen
- Happier with Gretchen Rubin - Gretchen Rubin

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