The Bear might be about the chaotic world of running a struggling Chicago sandwich shop, but beneath the clatter of pans and the relentless cry of "Yes, Chef!" lie lessons that any business – whether a high-end fashion label, legacy law firm, or forward-thinking tech startup – can learn from. The show’s sharp storytelling doesn’t just capture the frenetic pace of kitchen life; it mirrors the challenges, failures, and triumphs of running a modern business. Here are 15 things The Bear teaches us about business and leadership.

1. Take Stock Before You Take Over

Carmy’s arrival at The Original Beef of Chicagoland wasn’t a glorious takeover - it was triage. The books were a mess, debt was mounting, and systems were non-existent. Like any smart leader, he knew the first step was understanding the chaos. Businesses often inherit outdated systems or financial disarray, and the lesson here is to prioritise an audit of your processes, technology, and finances. For example, using a managed services provider to streamline your accounting and IT systems can turn chaos into clarity.

2. Build a Team That Believes in the Vision

Carmy didn’t just need skilled cooks; he needed people willing to buy into his vision for something better. Similarly, businesses thrive when their teams aren’t just skilled but aligned with the company’s goals. Investing in staff development and clear communication, much like Sydney and Marcus’ culinary growth, can transform employees into advocates for change.

3. Systems Create Success (And Calm)

The infamous “Brigade System” Carmy introduces to the kitchen isn’t just about discipline; it’s about efficiency and accountability. Businesses, especially SMBs, often operate with fragmented systems. Adopting robust IT infrastructure and implementing cohesive workflows ensures smoother operations. For instance, a managed IT service can centralise your tools, automate processes, and minimise downtime—allowing your team to focus on what they do best.

4. Embrace Digital Transformation, But Stay True to Your Roots

The transition from "The Beef" to "The Bear" highlights the tension between tradition and innovation. Businesses face similar challenges when modernising. Integrating new technologies like cloud accounting or automated bookkeeping is essential, but the values that define your business shouldn’t get lost in the upgrade.

5. Know Your Numbers

One of Carmy’s biggest battles was understanding how bad the financial situation really was. Many businesses operate without clear visibility into their financial health. Accurate bookkeeping, timely financial management, and transparent reporting are non-negotiables. A virtual CFO or managed financial service can provide actionable insights, ensuring your decisions are data-driven, not gut-based.

6. Your People Are Your Most Important Asset

Richie may be a wildcard, but Carmy knows the value of loyalty and institutional knowledge. Investing in employees’ growth, offering clear career paths, and recognising contributions builds a culture of loyalty. Similarly, outsourcing non-core tasks like bookkeeping or IT frees up your team to focus on higher-value work, avoiding burnout and dissatisfaction.

7. The Power of Delegation

Carmy tries to do it all in the first season, but he quickly learns that delegation isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Businesses often fall into the trap of leaders wearing too many hats. Partnering with experts in IT, financial management, or business admin lets you focus on strategic growth while leaving the details to the pros.

8. Manage Crises with Grace

From grease fires to near walkouts, Carmy and his team face constant crises. The way they react—remaining calm, communicating clearly, and focusing on solutions—offers a blueprint for business leaders. Whether it’s an IT outage or a financial shortfall, the key is having systems and support in place to manage problems effectively.

9. Transparency Builds Trust

In a pivotal moment, Carmy lays everything out for his team—the struggles, the debt, and the hope. Businesses that operate transparently, particularly with financial reporting and decision-making, foster trust among employees, stakeholders, and customers.

10. Listen to the Experts

Sydney’s suggestions might initially rub Carmy the wrong way, but he eventually realises her insights are invaluable. Similarly, hiring managed service experts in IT, accounting, or admin gives businesses access to specialised knowledge that can transform operations and identify opportunities for growth.

11. Respect the Grind, But Don’t Lose Yourself

Carmy’s relentless drive comes at the cost of his mental health. Business leaders often risk burnout when they don’t prioritise self-care. By outsourcing repetitive tasks like payroll, IT support, or admin, leaders can focus on strategy while maintaining a work-life balance.

12. Small Changes Have Big Impacts

Sydney’s tweaks to the menu and Marcus’ obsession with perfecting desserts show how small changes can lead to big wins. Businesses, too, can achieve major efficiency gains through incremental improvements, such as automating financial reporting or adopting CRM software.

13. Own Your Mistakes

When things go wrong—whether it’s Sydney walking out or a catering disaster—Carmy takes accountability. Owning mistakes builds credibility and fosters a culture of learning. A transparent review process for financials or IT issues ensures errors don’t become patterns.

14. Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast

Even the best-laid plans fail without a strong culture. Carmy’s journey is as much about creating a team as it is about crafting Michelin-starred meals. Building a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture starts with clear values, open communication, and investing in employee well-being.



15. Plan for the Unexpected

The $300,000 tomato cans may be an extreme example, but every business needs a contingency plan. Having cash flow reserves, disaster recovery IT solutions, and adaptable strategies ensures you’re ready for whatever comes your way—whether it’s a supplier shortage or a tech failure.

The Bear reminds us that running a business is messy, chaotic, and often thankless – but it’s also an opportunity to create something meaningful. Whether you’re revamping a kitchen or transforming a company’s accounting, IT, and administrative systems, success lies in strategy, adaptability, and a relentless focus on improvement. At the end of the day, business isn’t about perfection - it’s about progress. As Carmy says, “Every second counts.”