Jean-Christophe Novelli: Inspired by Keith Floyd. Photograph: David Sillitoe/Guardian
Childhood dream Ever since I watched my mother cooking at a very early age, I wanted to be a chef.
First job Making pancakes in a baker's shop in Arras in the north of France when I was 14. I loved everything about it. I had to cycle there in the middle of the night in the dark – that was scary for a 14-year-old.
Worst boss I worked with a chef who was aggressive and unpleasant to everyone, a real bully. I learned early on that I would never treat anyone like that in my life.
Likes Pleasing people – whatever you're doing, you have to eat and it's a lovely way to make people happy.
Dislikes I love everything about my job, even the unsociable, long hours.
Could have been A hairdresser or anything creative. If someone taught me the basics of a creative job, I could fly with it. A job that is the same day in and day out, I could never do.
Secret of success Learning from people around me and remaining focused.
Mentor Keith Floyd has always been an inspiration to me. He was the first TV chef who brought fun to the job of cooking – he's informal and very funny.
Next I'm opening a restaurant in Puerto Banus in Spain and later in the year setting up a Novelli Academy in Los Angeles.
Jean-Christophe Novelli has worked with Pizza Hut to develop a new salad dressing.
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