From the Kitchen to the World Stage: Feeding Nations with Meat & Livestock Australia with Sam Burke

What does it take to represent Australian meat on the world stage? In this episode, Paul sits down with Sam Burke, Corporate Chef at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) - a man who’s spent more than three decades shaping how Australian beef and lamb are experienced around the world. From humble beginnings flipping burgers at McDonald’s to managing 190+ kitchens with Spotless, Sam’s journey is one of hard work, humility, and deep respect for the people who feed us. Today, he bridges the gap between farmers, chefs, and global markets, championing the quality and integrity of Australian red meat across more than 100 countries. Sam shares the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime in food service from leadership and resilience to mental health, mentorship, and the power of staying connected to your roots.

Sam reveals:

1. How he worked his way from apprentice to Corporate Chef at Meat & Livestock Australia

2. The lessons from 20 years at Spotless, managing operations across 195 sites

3. What it’s really like promoting Australian meat to chefs and governments worldwide

4. How to communicate through food, from the Prime Minister’s table to global trade events

5. His advice to introverted chefs and young cooks entering the industry

6. The importance of fitness, family, and mental health in a demanding career

7. Why success starts with discipline, curiosity, and never forgetting where you came from

This episode is about crafting a career that feeds others — and fuels the industry that feeds the nation.

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