“Mastery Means Knowing When to Ask for Help”
In the baking world, few titles carry as much weight as Certified Master Baker. But what does it truly mean to earn those three letters—and how can it transform your career?
In the latest episode of The Perfect Rise podcast, we sit down with Chef Lee Ann Adams, a Certified Master Baker, industry mentor, and longtime RBA member, to talk about her journey from a scratch bakery at Penn State to standing at the helm of CMB exam judging panels across the country.
A Life Built on Baking
For Chef Lee Ann, baking is more than a profession—it’s a calling rooted in generations of family tradition. After earning her Baking and Pastry degree from Johnson & Wales, she went on to lead the massive production kitchen at Penn State University, serving over 42,000 students daily and supplying hotels and restaurants across campus.
But her story didn’t stop at production. Chef Lee Ann pushed herself into national bread competitions, instructional roles at the Culinary Institute of America, and eventually, the grueling CMB exam.
“The CMB exam is like your worst day at work. Everything goes wrong—and it’s all on you. That’s the point.” – Chef Lee Ann Adams
Behind the CMB: Why It Matters
The Certified Master Baker (CMB) exam isn’t for the faint of heart. It tests a baker’s technical knowledge, production speed, product quality, and ability to perform under pressure. And it’s not just about bread or pastry—it’s everything.
In the podcast, Chef Lee Ann shares what makes the process so intense and why passing the exam unlocks far more than a title:
• Quality: Your products must meet strict standards—evaluated by other CMBs.
• Leadership: Preparing for the exam requires managing time, space, resources, and support.
• Consistency: Bakers must produce identical results under time constraints, across multiple categories.
And once you pass? The doors open.
“It stands out on a resume. It opens a network of experts you can actually call when your oven isn’t working. That’s the kind of community you step into.”
Mentorship: The Secret Ingredient
Chef Lee Ann also emphasizes the role of mentorship in the CMB process. Every test includes mentors who guide candidates through the expectations and help them improve their performance.
“One of the most powerful things about becoming a Master Baker is realizing that mastery includes knowing when to ask questions—and who to ask them to.”
The RBA’s mentorship system isn’t about doing the work for you. It’s about ensuring every candidate has the clarity, confidence, and support needed to give their best. Candidates still have to practice (a lot), but they don’t have to do it alone.
A Legacy in the Making
When asked about her legacy, Chef Lee Ann’s answer is simple but profound:
“If I can change one person’s life on this journey—if I can make a difference and give back the way others gave to me—then I’ve done what I came here to do.”
From helping others earn their certifications to passing down her knowledge to her granddaughter Layla (who already knows how to temper chocolate), Chef Lee Ann is living proof of what it means to embody the spirit of the baking profession.
🎧 Listen to the Full Interview
Catch the full episode of The Perfect Rise featuring Chef Lee Ann Adams wherever you get your podcasts, or listen directly here
📌 Learn More
Explore the Certified Master Baker exam and other professional certifications at: Certifications
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