Ten years.
That's how long I've been working with Aramark, creating documentary-style videos that tell stories of connection, community, and exceptional experiences across college campuses.
Over the span of my sobriety, I produced three specific projects for them—short, story-driven pieces at three different HBCU universities. Each one documented the same beautiful concept: a renowned guest chef would visit the campus, perform cooking demonstrations, take over the dining hall, and serve their signature dishes to students.
Each project captured something powerful. The precision of culinary artistry. The excitement on students' faces. The pride these institutions felt hosting world-class talent. Three separate stories, three different campuses, three years of my sober creative work.
Then came the call that would connect them all.
Aramark was preparing to present to Howard University—one of the most prestigious HBCUs in the country, potentially the world. They wanted to win this partnership. And they asked me to compile my three projects into one short, engaging video that would be part of their pitch presentation.
This request would reveal something I hadn't fully grasped about my creative evolution in sobriety.
The Work Behind the Work
I never used alcohol to be creative. Creativity has always been part of who I am. Alcohol was what I used to escape—feelings of not being good enough, the pressure to fit in, the weight of uncertainty and shame. It was the addition that became addiction, and there was a hidden toll I couldn't see that kept stacking up.
When I was drinking, I'd show up to shoots technically competent but not fully present. I could operate the camera, conduct interviews, capture what was needed. But there was always this ceiling, this limitation I didn't recognize. My expansion, my presence with clients and with my work, was constrained.
In sobriety, everything shifted.
During each of these HBCU shoots, I arrived with clarity that felt connected. My morning meditation practice had trained my awareness. My disciplined sleep schedule meant I woke up energized rather than recovering. My commitment to physical fitness provided the stamina needed for long production days carrying 15+ pounds of equipment.
Everything was connected. Sobriety wasn't just about removing alcohol—it became the gateway to optimizing every area of my wellbeing. When I practiced discipline in the gym, it transferred to discipline in my craft. When I showed up consistently for meditation, I showed up more consistently in the presence of my work.
I felt more connected to the chefs I was documenting, more present with the students I interviewed, more aware of the energy and environment around me. This wasn't about working harder—it was about working from a place of authentic presence.
When Everything Flows
As I began editing these three projects together, something remarkable happened. I entered what I can only describe as pure flow.
Each project contained my style, my authentic presence, my evolved perspective. When I started weaving them together, they integrated seamlessly—as if they were always meant to be one story. The way I had approached each shoot, the details I had focused on, the moments I had chosen to capture, all created natural threads that connected beautifully.
It felt like I was conducting rather than constructing. The story was already there, waiting to be revealed.
The final piece told a powerful narrative: how bringing exceptional culinary talent to HBCU campuses creates moments of pride, connection, and elevated experience for students.
This wasn't just about dining services—it was about honoring these institutions with world-class experiences.
Two minutes. Tight. Engaging. Authentic.
The feedback was immediate. The Aramark team loved it.
The Call That Changes Everything
A month later, I received a call from my client.
Aramark had won the Howard University partnership.
Howard University, the only R1 research institution which is also a historically Black college or university (HBCU), has selected Aramark Collegiate Hospitality to implement its transformative new campus dining vision called Howard University Hospitality. This collaboration between Aramark and Howard University marks a significant step in enhancing the campus experience through culinary innovation, cultural celebration, and community empowerment.
While I can't claim sole credit for a multi-million dollar contract, knowing that my work potentially influenced decision-makers at one of the most prestigious universities in the world was profound. Someone watched this video—compiled from three projects created in sobriety—and it helped them see the value Aramark would bring to their students.
This is where I felt my work reach a new level of leadership. Not just technical competence, but creative excellence that contributed to securing a partnership with an institution of Howard's caliber.
There's something powerful about that connection.
The Compound Effect
What strikes me most is how this experience demonstrates the interconnected nature of sobriety and creative work.
My meditation practice enhanced my awareness during shoots. My fitness routine provided energy for demanding production schedules. My improved sleep sharpened my decision-making in post-production.
This is the compound effect of sobriety—each healthy choice reinforcing the others, creating a foundation that allows creative work to flourish at levels that weren't accessible before.
In my drinking days, I was constantly managing limitations. Physical discomfort. Mental fog. The energy spent on recovery rather than creation. These were barriers. For the longest time, I didn’t realize alcohol was blocking my creative potential.
Sobriety didn't teach me new skills. It removed the obstacles preventing me from using the skills I already possessed at their highest level.
What This Means
For creative professionals wondering if sobriety will diminish their work: the opposite is true. Your creative voice isn't something you need to enhance with substances—it's something you need to liberate from them.
The creativity you're seeking isn't hiding in the bottle. It's waiting to emerge when you put the bottle down.
When I reflect on helping secure a partnership with Howard University, I'm reminded that our greatest professional achievements often emerge from our deepest personal transformations. Sobriety didn't just change my relationship with alcohol—it revolutionized my relationship with my craft.
The connection between clarity and creative leadership isn't philosophical. It's practical, measurable, and profound.
This two minute video stands as evidence that when we remove what diminishes us, we discover what distinguishes us.
When we show up fully present rather than partially available, our work doesn't just improve—it can transform entirely.
What's Next
The Sober Creative is more than a newsletter—it's a movement of professionals reclaiming their creativity by choosing clarity over coping.
✍️ Read the Essays: Stories and strategies for building a clear, creative, and intentional life
🎙️ Join Clear Conversations: Honest talks with creative professionals navigating the intersection of sobriety, self-discovery, and breakthrough work
💬 Curious about your next step? If you're sensing that something's holding you back, but you're not sure what—reach out. Coaching, community, or clarity—it all starts with a conversation.
✨ The Sober Creative Method™ is a 90-day journey to remove alcohol as the barrier to your greatest work.
Each step forward is an act of becoming who you're meant to be.
Thanks for walking this path with me.
Josh
