Brutal life lessons from the restaurant world | Mike Bausch | TEDxParkland
Four out of five restaurants fail within five years. Mike Bausch didn’t just beat those odds—he built 12 thriving restaurants across 7 brands, starting from scratch at age 22. In this TEDx talk, filmed in Miami, Mike shares five raw, brutally honest truths from the restaurant industry—truths that double as life-changing lessons in leadership, resilience, and success.From navigating chaos and burnout to building systems that create profit and freedom, this talk isn’t just for restaurant owners—it’s for anyone who wants to thrive in high-stakes environments.
Mike is the co-owner of Andolini's Pizzeria, ranked among America’s Top 10 pizzerias by CNN, Buzzfeed, and USA Today. He’s also the founder of the Unsliced Restaurant System, an online coaching program helping independent restaurant owners build businesses that don’t burn them out.
Mike Bausch is a renowned restaurant industry leader, entrepreneur, and two-time Amazon #1 best-selling author of Unsliced: How to Stay Whole in the Pizzeria Industry and The Pursuit of Pizza. As the owner of Andolini's Worldwide, Mike has built an award-winning portfolio that includes Andolini's Pizzeria--named one of the "Top 10 Pizzerias in America" by TripAdvisor, CNN, BuzzFeed, and USA Today--along with five pizzerias, two gelaterias, two food hall concepts, a food truck, and a fine dining restaurant. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 6:50Beyond the Fjords | Tautvydas Puisys | TEDxYouth@VISFrom Icy Fjords to starry skies, my expedition to Norway proved one powerful truth: there's always something new to explore and learn, no matter who you are. Discovery truly has no limits! A story of a trip to Norway that proved that there is always something new to learn and discover no matter the person. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:04Break to Breakthrough | Dasol Kim | TEDxMalvern College QingdaoWhat if what’s holding you back isn’t a lack of experience, or a competitive job market—but a limiting belief? And what if breaking that belief…is actually the doorway to everything you’re meant for? Are you ready to break—to breakthrough? Consulting Firm Entrepreneur Certified Career & Meditation Coach Former HR Recruiter at McKinsey & Company LinkedIn Personal Branding Coach 200-RYT Certified Yoga Instructor Fluent in Korean, English, and Chinese This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:07一沙一世界，我們自己就是美好的世界(丁寧) | Ning Ting | TEDxLinkou丁寧一直都是一個用內在世界來看外在世界的人。她說：「一沙一世界，我們自己就是美好的世界。」 真正的美好，不在遠方，而在我們活著的當下。 Ting Ning, born in 1971 in Taiwan, started her career as a fashion model before transitioning into film and television. Her powerful performance in Cities of Last Things earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the 55th Golden Horse Awards. Deeply passionate about personal transformation, she became a certified yoga instructor after 40, and is recognized as Taiwan’s first entertainer accredited by the U.S.-based Yoga Alliance. She continues to integrate wellness, creativity, and mindfulness in both her artistic and teaching practices. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 19:56教育融合地方共創未來美好世界(林皓昱) | Alex Lin | TEDxLinkou主張「教育融合地方，共創未來」，他結合林口在地文化與STEAM教育，打造實驗性學習場域，培養世界觀與地方認同兼具的新一代學子。 Alex Lin is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and corporate strategist with extensive experience in technology, finance, and education. Born in Tainan, Taiwan, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master's degree in International Business from National Taiwan University. In the education sector, he is the Chairman of Shane Kapital Education Holding and CEO of Hankel Education Group, a rapidly growing K-12 international education institution in Linkou, New Taipei City, highly recognized by parents and beloved by students. Additionally, Lin teaches the Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at National Taiwan University’s College of Management, where he is a highly regarded mentor among EiMBA students. Specializing in corporate governance, business consulting, industry trend analysis, and strategic marketing, Lin continues to drive innovation and foster growth across multiple sectors. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:35沒有奇蹟、只有累積-不放棄的都更馬拉松人生(黃張維) | Vincent Huang | TEDxLinkou投入都更20年的他，以「沒有奇蹟、只有累積」講述如同馬拉松般的堅持，結合極地長跑經歷，勉勵青年在城市更新與人生賽道上都不輕言放棄。 Vincent Huang was born in 1969 in Taipei, Taiwan. he graduated from the Department of Civil Engineering at National Chung Hsing University. He later obtained a master's degree from Northwestern University in the United States in 1996 and an EMBA from the College of Management at National Taiwan University in 2018. In 2006, he founded In-life Construction/In-life Urban Renewal Co., Ltd. in Taipei, focusing on the "urban renewal" and "dilapidated building reconstruction" markets. 16 years ago, in response to health issues caused by stress, he embarked on a fitness journey and developed a passion for marathons and triathlons. Not only did he regain his health, but he also integrated exercise into his company’s culture. With years of accumulated expertise in urban redevelopment, he is dedicated to the beauty of urban renewal as a sustainable mission. Together with his team, he continuously advances urban aesthetics through the art of architecture. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:02人生因為一顆蛋變得不一樣-蛋事幸福(施麗月) | Li-yueh Shih | TEDxLinkou一顆茶葉蛋的旅程，從夜市到百貨再到海外。她說：「人生因為一顆蛋變得不一樣。」用品牌故事證明，只要堅持與創意，小事也能創造幸福。Shih Li-yueh is an entrepreneur from Tainan, Taiwan, known for transforming a family tea egg recipe into the successful local brand “Captain’s Tea Eggs.” Originally from the traditional food industry, she commercialized a heritage formula passed down from her family’s connection to the local police force. Upholding time-honored cooking methods and strict food safety standards, she has brought this humble snack to international markets. Shih is also a committed advocate for community revitalization, collaborating with local farmers and creating job opportunities for disadvantaged groups. She was recognized by the Tainan City Government as an Outstanding Female Entrepreneur. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
