146. Pablo Soto: Leadership, Pressure & Life After the Storm

For years, Noma has stood as one of the most influential restaurants in the world. In 2026, it also became the center of one of hospitality's most difficult conversations.

In this thoughtful and deeply human conversation, Executive Head Chef Pablo Soto joins Gabriel Ornelas to discuss what it was like leading Noma's Los Angeles residency through extraordinary public scrutiny while caring for a team of more than 100 people who had relocated from around the world.

Rather than revisiting headlines, Pablo reflects on leadership, resilience, accountability, the balance between care and standards, and why he continues to believe in the people behind one of the world's most celebrated restaurants.

The conversation also explores the future of Noma, creativity under pressure, and what comes next as the restaurant enters a new chapter.

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