We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joanne Mosconi Piano. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joanne below.

Joanne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Growing up, I had the immense privilege of being raised by two incredible parents who not only loved what they did but also instilled in me valuable lessons that have shaped my life. My mom, a dedicated 3rd-grade school teacher, taught me the true value of education, organization, and discipline from an early age. I remember her passion for teaching, evident in every conversation we had. She never referred to it as “work” but instead as “going to teach.” Her enthusiasm was infectious, making me excited about learning and creating an environment that fostered my academic growth. Seeing her excitement when new seasons brought new ideas and lesson plans made me realize that work could be something we are genuinely passionate about.
My mother’s dedication to her craft and her unwavering commitment to creating the best possible circumstances for studying left a lasting impression on me. She never complained about the hours spent preparing lesson plans. Instead, she approached each day with excitement, always thrilled and more alive than ever. Through her example, I learned the importance of finding joy in the work we do and approaching it with a positive mindset.
On the other hand, my father, a legendary chef in New York City and the proud owner of two famous restaurants, Villa Mosconi and Monte’s Trattoria, introduced me to the world of dedication and entrepreneurship. At the age of 74, he continues to work seven days a week, twelve hours a day, showcasing a level of commitment that is truly inspiring.
Similar to my mother, my father never referred to his restaurants as a job or work. Instead, he would say he was “going to the restaurant.” His unwavering dedication and love for what he did resonated deeply with me. Watching him create culinary masterpieces and run his businesses with passion and excellence taught me the value of showing up every day, even when faced with challenges.
Through my father’s example, I learned the importance of finding work that I am genuinely passionate about. He showed me that work doesn’t have to be a burden but rather an opportunity to pursue my dreams and make a positive impact in the world. Seeing his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, I realized that a fulfilling career is one that we look forward to each day, rather than one we dread.
I am grateful to my parents for teaching me valuable life lessons through their own actions and attitudes towards work. They have given me the tools to choose a path that aligns with my passions and brings joy into each day. I am aware that not everyone has the privilege of loving their job, but thanks to my parents, I understand the importance of seeking out work that ignites my soul and allows me to create a meaningful impact.
In a world where many people feel trapped in jobs they cannot retire from, I am fortunate to say that I am excited about Mondays and every new workday that comes my way. Thanks to the incredible examples set by my parents, I have learned to approach work with enthusiasm, dedication, and a genuine love for what I do.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Joanne Mosconi Piano, and I have a diverse background in theater, education, culinary arts, and coaching. After studying theater and education, my passion for directing and writing led me to become a playwright and theater owner in North Hollywood. I directed shows at The Avery Schreiber Playhouse and taught acting to children of all ages through The Magic Mirror Theater. Many of my former students have gone on to become stars of television series and movies, which brings me great pride.

In 2014, a life-changing event occurred when my father, Chef Pietro Mosconi, had a heart attack. This experience compelled me to make some changes in my own life. With the desire to honor my father and his culinary expertise, I sold my theater and enrolled in The International Culinary School in NYC. After graduating, I joined my father in the kitchen, documenting his recipes and creating a unique cookbook titled “The Chef of Greenwich Village.” This venture allowed me to combine my love for writing with the culinary arts.

During this time, I also started my own online coaching business, initially focused on helping actors with auditions but later expanding to assist aspiring actors nationwide. I provided training and tools for those looking to start a successful acting career. Additionally, I produced and directed my hit show, “You Love That I’m NOT Your Wife,” in NYC, showcasing my talent as a theater producer.

To continue sharing my culinary journey and the healthy Italian lifestyle I embrace, I created an Instagram page called “Thechefsdaughternyc.” Through this platform, I share recipes, videos of cooking with my father, insights into my Malibu Italian lifestyle, and travel experiences in Italy. As people became interested in learning pasta making and creating delicious, healthy Italian food, I started teaching in-person and online classes.

Expanding further into the wellness realm, I began working with Brooke Burke on her fitness app, creating mindful and healthy recipes for her community. This allowed me to coach not only actors but also aspiring brands and women on their journeys toward a healthier lifestyle.

Currently, I am writing my next cookbook, which will focus on my collection of healthy Italian recipes. Additionally, I am hosting a culinary retreat in Sicily this May, combining my love for travel, food, and teaching.
The combination of my background in theater, education, culinary arts, and coaching sets me apart from others in my industry. I bring a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to my work. I am most proud of the impact I have made in the lives of aspiring actors, helping them pursue their dreams, and providing guidance along their paths. I am also proud of the successful collaboration with my father on “The Chef of Greenwich Village” cookbook.

Overall, my mission is to inspire and empower individuals through the arts, culinary experiences, and coaching. I strive to provide valuable resources, innovative recipes, and transformative experiences that enhance both personal and professional growth.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

As someone who has built a strong presence on social media, it is an honor to have the opportunity to share my journey with all of you. With a fantastic following of 17.7k individuals, I have been fortunate enough to create a thriving community that inspires and motivates me every single day. Through engaging content and genuine connections, we have fostered an online family that shares ideas, supports one another, and sparks valuable discussions. I hope to inspire and bring you insights into the world of social media influence. Let’s dive right in!

Here are my tips on building a social media presence:

1. Content is key: It’s crucial to create content that resonates with your specific audience. Make sure that your content adds value and engages your followers. This helps to maintain their interest and attract new followers.

2. Have a plan: While spontaneous posts can be great, having a strategic plan for your content is essential. Consider the time of the month, current trends, and topics that your audience cares about. This shows that you’re mindful of your followers’ needs and helps you create relevant and timely content.

3. Be social and supportive: Social media is all about building connections. Support others in your community by engaging with their content. Attend and promote their events, share their pages, and interact with their posts. By being supportive, you build relationships and encourage others to support you in return.

4. Be authentic and have fun: It’s important to be true to yourself and maintain authenticity in your content. Posting something just because it’s trendy, but not aligned with your brand, may not resonate with your followers. Share content that you’re passionate about and that motivates you to connect with others. When you enjoy what you’re sharing, it becomes more enjoyable for your audience as well.

5. Consistency: Building a social media presence takes time and consistency. Keep posting regularly and engage with your audience consistently. This helps to strengthen your brand image and maintain the connection with your followers.

6. Collaboration and partnerships: Look for opportunities to collaborate with other creators or brands in your niche. This can help expand your reach and introduce you to new audiences.

Remember, building an audience on social media takes time and dedication. Stay focused, keep experimenting with your content, and adapt your strategy based on what works best for your specific audience

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Yes, there are several resources that have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. One book that I found particularly influential is “Atomic Habits.” This book provided me with valuable insights into how habits are shaped and practical strategies to support the habits we want. It has been instrumental in helping me develop productive routines and maintain focus on my goals.

Additionally, I highly recommend checking out the company Intelligent Change. They offer a productivity journal that I use daily to keep myself organized and on track. This journal has been a game-changer for me in terms of staying focused and accomplishing my objectives.

Furthermore, I am proud to be part of the Brooke Burke Body team, where I contribute to creating recipes and constructing weekly workout plans. Before joining the team, I was an avid user of their fitness app. This app has become an integral part of my life, allowing me to exercise anywhere, anytime. It not only keeps me physically fit but also mentally prepared for work. I cannot stress enough the positive impact these three resources have had on my management and entrepreneurial journey.

In summary, “Atomic Habits” has provided me with a deep understanding of habit formation, while the Intelligent Change productivity journal and the Brooke Burke Body fitness app have tremendously enhanced my focus and overall well-being. I highly recommend incorporating these resources into your personal and professional development as they have proven to be invaluable to me

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thechefsdaughter.nyc and theperformingartscoach.com
• Instagram: @thechefsdaughternyc @theperformingartscoach
• Facebook: @thechefsdaughternyc @theperformingartscoach

Image Credits
Eugene Brady on the yoga photo in sunset and on the one where I am holding salad bowl