Ben Shewry
Ben’s culinary journey began at 5 when he decided to be a chef. By 10, he was in a commercial kitchen, and by 18, he was qualified and working in restaurants in Wellington and New Plymouth. In 2002, Ben moved to Melbourne to expand culinary horizons, joining Attica as Head Chef in 2005 before taking ownership in 2015. Over nearly two decades, he has transformed Attica into one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, renowned for its groundbreaking approach to Australian cuisine and its culture of collaboration and excellence. His leadership reflects the ‘4 C’s’: Culture, community, creativity and committed perspective, central to his approach to building successful teams and fostering innovation.
Sunrise Sessions
Ben Shewry is the co-founder and head chef of Attica, one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants. Known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, Ben’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and deep obsession with craft. His new book, Uses for Obsession, explores the power of dedication—how pushing beyond limits leads to extraordinary breakthroughs. From his early days growing up in rural New Zealand to redefining modern Australian cuisine, Ben has always believed that creativity is forged through persistence. In this session, he reflects on the role of obsession in shaping art, innovation, and the world around us, offering a powerful case for why true greatness requires an unshakable commitment to the craft.