The Greatest Lesson Rachael Ray Has Learned In Her Food Network Career

Charming, friendly, and easygoing are all adjectives fans might use to describe TV personality, Rachael Ray. She has appeared on five different reality-based TV food programs, including the popular self-titled "The Rachael Ray Show," "$40 A Day," and "30 Minute Meals" on the Food Network. One might say that Ray has made it in the food world. She's also the author of several cookbooks, including "Week in a Day," "My Year in Meals," and her latest, "Rachael Ray 50," according to her official website. 

She always appears comfortable on-screen as she cooks and chats with the audience. You can tell she's in her element. In previous interviews, she's admitted that two of her favorite things are cooking and talking and that if she wasn't an iconic food star, she would do these things in her spare time, according to ABC News. It's not a surprise that she's a TV show host.

Ray has openly shared the best advice she received, but what may catch people by surprise is that after a long career in food, Ray shared her greatest lesson happened while working with Food Network.

In an interview with the Food Network, Rachael Ray admitted that she doesn't know much more than the average person. "I don't know anything, and I think that's what makes our shows popular, you know?" This may seem like a statement coming out of left field considering she has been the star on five different food programs for the Food Network and "The Rachael Ray Show" is in its 16th season. Not to mention that she has written numerous cookbooks! She told Food Network, "It's a conversation, and I like to learn. ... And I think that most genuine television is about sharing."

For some people, being in front of the camera and feeling like you don't know anything would be too intimidating and frightening. But her humble attitude is likely what makes her show so popular — people identify with her as she chats on-screen and creates a sense of equality rather than coming across as a know-it-all or that she's better than everyone else. 

To have such a successful career, she must know a thing or two, but her responses highlight her modesty and her willingness to keep learning and figuring things out. "You know, I don't know if I'm any better at it ... 15 or 20 years in than I was when I started, but I try and be curious and dedicated and authentic when I go to work."