Name: Yossi Shem-Avi
Leadership Charlotte Class: 29
Title: Director, Deployment–US Foods
Hometown: Tel-Aviv
Education: University of Houston, Hotel & Restaurant Management
Current or personal leadership goal: Personal goal is to enjoy a perfect day on my daughter’s wedding in April and spread kindness. Professional goal is to continue and lead with ego in check and inspire others to lead.
What advice would you give to current Leadership Charlotte participants?
Open your eyes and your heart and stay fully engaged.
How did your Leadership Charlotte experience affect what you’re doing today?
The program’s lasting influence was slowing down my pace and paying more attention to others and their ideas.
Favorite nonprofit or community organization in Charlotte and why:
The Center of Hope at the Salvation Army. I’m gratified to see that the Chef’s Monday Program that I started over 10 years ago is still going.
Greatest personal accomplishment:
Publishing my Father’s memoirs called Behind The Gate: A Holocaust Survivor’s Journey from Vilna to Tel-Aviv.
How has your life after Leadership Charlotte surprised you and why?
Leadership Charlotte kindled my personal discovery as well as my career. The experience was a cathartic moment that enabled me to break through self erected barriers and explore the limits of my potential.