Sheeba Frederick - Head Chef

Mar. 03, 2026
5 - min

Trailblazers: Head Chef Sheeba’s Path of Purpose

More than 50% of our workforce is women; passionate, courageous, and shaping Sodexo Australia every day. These women belong and thrive across every corner of our business. These women follow non-linear paths, act with courage, break barriers, and inspire those around them. We call them our Trailblazers.

This March, we’re celebrating GURL PWR – Grow. Unite. Rise. Lead. It’s a month dedicated to empowerment, energy, and support across our Sodexo sites. And our Trailblazers are precisely what GURL PWR looks like in action.

Head Chef Sheeba is a powerful example of this spirit. She leads one of our most demanding shutdown kitchens, serving up to 1,000 workers with a team of 20 chefs. Her calm precision, high standards, and focus on team performance have made her a benchmark across the business, not just for culinary excellence, but for building resilient, high-performing teams.

Not Linear: A Conscious Choice for a Creative Path

Sheeba’s path to the kitchen was not a straight line. With a background in airlines and having studied IT, her career was originally heading in a very different direction. However, she knew that true fulfilment came from hands-on, creative work that connected with her passion. Her journey was not linear; it was a deliberate pivot towards purpose.
"I realised that money and work needed to be connected to something I genuinely enjoy, not just security," Sheeba reflects. "Cooking gave me that balance—discipline, teamwork, creativity, and visible results every day. Choosing this path was a conscious decision to build my own work ethic and find fulfilment through effort, not comfort."
This choice required her to start from scratch, embracing the discipline and resilience needed to succeed in high-pressure kitchens. It was a bold step that has defined her professional life and set her on a new course.

Not Limited: Finding Growth and Inspiring Others

After running her own restaurant business, the uncertainty of the global pandemic led Sheeba to her next chapter. She sought a structured environment where she could continue to grow.
“Sodexo stood out because of its strong systems and focus on people and safety,” she says. “It gave me the opportunity to rebuild with discipline, learn global standards, and continue developing myself professionally.”
Her impact is not limited to the kitchen. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Sheeba understands the importance of visibility and mentorship. She actively breaks down barriers and inspires the next generation of female leaders.
"I love mentoring younger women, encouraging them to pursue their goals confidently," she explains. "I use my visibility to represent both excellence in the kitchen and empowerment for women." She is paving the way for others, proving that a leader’s influence has no limits.

"I love mentoring younger women, encouraging them to pursue their goals confidently,"
she explains. "I use my visibility to represent both excellence in the kitchen and empowerment for women." She is paving the way for others, proving that a leader’s influence has no limits.

Not Done: A Commitment to Lifelong Growth

Sheeba’s journey shows that growth is always ongoing.
"Don’t be afraid to start from scratch, work hard, and stay disciplined," she advises. "Seek mentors, embrace learning, and trust your own capabilities. Most importantly, believe that your success can inspire others—breaking barriers is about paving the way for the next generation."

Her journey shows that leadership is built through deliberate choices, resilience, and a commitment to lifting others along the way. She is proof that a non-traditional path, guided by courage and discipline, can create meaningful impact, both personally and across the organisation.