Mark McEwan, the 67-year-old Canadian chef, restaurateur, and TV personality behind the McEwan Group culinary empire, built his fortune from the ground up. This self-made millionaire has learned valuable lessons over decades of experience, shaping his approach to work and life. Culled from a recent YouTube interview, here are some key insights from McEwan that can guide anyone seeking fulfilment, financial independence, and happiness.
Hard work – the bedrock of success
There’s no substitute for hard work. It’s the foundation of everything he has achieved. Success doesn’t come overnight, and it doesn’t come easily. It’s a slow, steady grind that requires persistence and consistency. You can’t expect results if you’re not willing to put in the effort, day after day.
Some may say that luck plays a part, but in his experience, luck favours those who put in the work. You need to be willing to go the extra mile, to put in those extra hours, even when it’s difficult or when the rewards are not immediately visible. Whether it’s waking up early, staying late, or pushing through obstacles, it’s the effort you put in when no one is watching that makes the difference.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
It’s easy to get bogged down by life’s minor annoyances. A misplaced document, a minor mistake in a report, or an unkind comment from a colleague. While these things might seem important at the moment, they rarely have a lasting impact. One of the key lessons he has learned is that not everything is worth stressing over.
Focusing on the big picture rather than the little distractions will help you maintain your mental clarity and emotional balance. Whether in business or personal life, make a conscious effort to differentiate between things that truly matter and things that will pass. The small stuff can often consume you, but it’s the ability to let go of it that allows you to stay focused on what drives progress.
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it
Too many times, we hear about the next big trend, the latest shiny object in business or technology, and we rush to jump on the bandwagon. But often, if something is working—whether it’s a business model, a product, or even a personal routine—there’s no need to change it just because something new has come along.
Innovation is great, but don’t mistake it for the need to reinvent the wheel constantly. If you’re doing something well, stick with it. Mark has seen countless people waste time and money trying to fix what’s already working, simply because they feel they need to stay ahead of the curve. In many cases, sticking with what works and refining it slowly can bring far more success than chasing every new idea that comes along.
Don’t buy stupid stuff
Materialism can be a trap, especially when you start making money. There’s a temptation to spend on luxuries and flashy items that give an immediate sense of success. But this 67-year-old millionaire learned that real wealth isn’t defined by what you own but by the freedom you’ve created for yourself.
You don’t need to impress others with unnecessary purchases. Many of the most successful people in the world today don’t live extravagantly. Instead, they invest in experiences, relationships, and things that add value to their lives. So, if you’re looking to build wealth, resist the urge to buy things that won’t make a difference in your long-term happiness. Avoid lifestyle inflation—instead, focus on assets that generate income or experiences that enrich your life.
Fall in love with what you’re doing
This is perhaps the most important piece of advice he gave — find something you love and commit to it. When he first started, there were plenty of things that didn’t come easily. But he knew that if he could find a way to do something he was passionate about, the hard work would feel more like a privilege than a chore.
Passion is a powerful motivator. It fuels you during tough times, helps you stay focused, and makes the inevitable sacrifices seem worthwhile. It’s easy to get distracted by money, fame, or external validation, but true success comes from doing what excites you. When you love what you do, it never feels like work.
Simplicity, patience, and passion
Success boils down to a few simple principles — work hard, focus on what matters, be mindful of your spending, and most importantly, do what you love. You don’t need to overcomplicate things or chase every trend. Stick to what works and keep your eyes on the prize.
Life isn’t just about accumulating wealth; it’s about living a life that’s fulfilling and authentic. Keep these lessons in mind, and you might just find yourself achieving success not only in your career but in your personal life, too.