Southern Glazer’ s’ Next Gen Leadership Program features continuous training, leadership development and more for recent graduates.
Building Executives for the Next Generation
by KRYSTINA SKIBO
Developing early-career associates into exceptional leaders is an integral part of Southern Glazer’ s Wine & Spirits.
Through the company’ s Next Gen Leadership Program( NGLP), recent graduates are offered rotational assignments, continuous training, leadership development, mentoring and networking opportunities. This twoyear program is designed to cultivate and retain young talent, with its first graduating class just having completed the program this past August.
“ We are committed to building a bestin-class rotational program that complements our portfolio of development initiatives and attracts top undergraduate talent,” says Christy Barnum, vice president, talent management and development, Southern Glazer’ s.“ Our ultimate goal is to create a strong pipeline of high-potential associates and retain them through comprehensive development, world-class training and clear career advancement opportunities.”
NEXT GEN TRAINING AND LEADERSHIP COMPONENTS
According to Barnum, the company’ s Next Gen Leadership Program offers a comprehensive blend of formal and informal development opportunities designed to build leadership capability and industry expertise. The formal components include interview workshops, presentation skills training, personality assessments such as DiSC and globally recognized certifications like WSET.
“ Complementing these are informal experiences through high-impact projects, mentorship roles and active participation in program committees,” Barnum says.“ Together, these ele-
Christy Barnum is the vice president of talent management and development at Southern Glazer’ s Wine & Spirits.
ments equip associates with the skills, confidence and perspective needed to excel in leadership roles and drive business success.”
With the thorough training that Southern Glazer’ s provides, Next Gen associates have delivered high-impact projects across critical business areas such as Commercial Strategy, Finance, HR, Supply Chain and Trade Develop-
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