The Career Refresh with Jill Griffin: Leadership Strategy for Senior Professionals

From NYC’s Garment Center to Small Batch Chef and Baker with Ali Katz

Jill Griffin, Ali Katz Season 4 Episode 117

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0:00 | 35:50

Allison (aka Ali) Katz is the Owner, Small Batch Chef, and Baker of Ali Katz Kitchen in Mattituck, New York, on the North Fork of Long Island.

Ali started her career in New York City’s garment industry as a merchandiser for brands like The Gap, Perry Ellis, and Reebok. After September 11, she pivoted to the French Culinary Institute in New York City. Since graduation, Ali has worked at The Boathouse in New York’s Central Park and North Fork Table and Inn in Southold, NY. She’s freelanced in test kitchens around New York City and wrote and tested recipes for Hearst Magazines and Martha Stewart. She ultimately created her dream and launched Ali Katz Kitchen. In this episode, we discuss: 

  • Her journey from employee to unemployed, from student to business owner 
  • How she learned everything she needed to know without going to business school
  • How she managed her mind through the various career pivots
  • What it’s like to own a business and work with your spouse
  • The importance of community when launching a business

Show Guests: 

Ali Katz, is the Owner, Small Batch Chef and Baker, of Ali Katz Kitchen, in Mattituck, NY, on Long Island’s North Fork. After a career in the fashion industry, Ali decided to go to the French Culinary Institute in New York, NY, and in 2018 they launched Ali Katz Kitchen.

Ali Katz and her husband Fritz Beckmann have created Ali Katz Kitchen. They combine baked goods, healthy salads, and savory items, all with ingredients sourced from local farms, small businesses, vineyards & restaurants.

You can follow Ali on Instagram and order online - Ali Katz Kitchen ships.

Mentioned on the show:

Ali Katz Kitchen

Browder’s Birds

KK The Farm

Castello di Borghese Vineyard

North Fork Table and Inn

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical