ment, according to Barnum.

“ Past assignments have included pricing optimization, route-to-market initiatives, multicultural marketing, thirdparty logistics, commercial digital best practices, market execution enablement and supply chain analytics,” she says.

These projects not only help drive measurable business results but also provide associates with invaluable, hands-on experience that accelerates their professional growth and prepares them for future leadership roles.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK

Associates receive ongoing coaching and developmental feedback from both the program team and their rotation managers to support growth and ensure progress toward individual goals, according to Barnum.

This continuous feedback process culminates in an annual performance evaluation aligned with Southern Glazer’ s performance standards, providing a clear, structured assessment of achievements and development areas.

Upon completion of the two-year program, Barnum explains that full-time placement decisions are guided by a comprehensive evaluation of each associate’ s performance, strengths and career aspirations.

“ To ensure a smooth transition, Talent Acquisition team members work closely with associates to navigate final opportunities, while the program team provides personalized coaching throughout the interview and offer process,” she says.“ We prioritize flexibility in job placement to achieve the best fit for both the associate and the business, fostering long-term success and engagement.”

Many organizations within the beverage alcohol industry have leadership programs in place to give young professionals a boost to help them move up the career ladder. And the Distilled Spirits Council of the U. S.( DISCUS) is one of them.

Among DISCUS’ many programs, its Academy Leadership Program is certainly one to highlight. With only 30 spots available for February 2026, this intimate, high-impact experience brings together rising talent across spirits, beer, wine and all three tiers— creating a one-of-a-kind cohort with networking value.

“ After listening to some of our members and others in the industry, we know what we have to do to help support the industry and support its leaders,” says Kim Eastman, industry education director, DISCUS.“ And one of our advantages is that we have access to so many great sources and subject matter experts. This is such a unique industry, and everyone comes with their own backgrounds and perspectives.”

ACADEMY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Designed for professionals from manager to VP level, since 2021, participants of the program gain real-world tools, personalized coaching and the confidence to lead through complexity and change— all while forging genuine connections that span sectors and open doors.

There are 30 spots available in the program, open to anyone within the industry, from managers to VPs. There’ s a special rate for DISCUS members, but non-members are also welcome to apply for an additional fee.

For eight months, participants learn through online content and listen to educational speakers on leadership. With most of the program taking place online, an in-person kickoff event in Washington, D. C. at the start of the program as well as an in-person leadership summit and graduation ceremony at the end of the program add a nice touch of personalization to the schedule.

“ This year we ' ve changed it up where we ' re going to have an‘ Innovating the Industry’ capstone that participants will work on in teams depending on what topics they ' d like to cover,” says Eastman.“ And then they ' ll present the capstone at the end of the whole program.”

POST GRADUATION SUCCESS

Once participants complete the Academy Leadership Program, Eastman notes that DISCUS has a very strong alumni group that keeps graduates engaged.

“ Kate Wiggins, DISCUS Leadership Academy facilitator, keeps everyone engaged after they graduate,” Eastman says.“ She does an incredible job. She helps with support, such as sharing new job openings with the group.”

Alumni are also invited to each Leadership Summit and Graduation at the end of the program, allowing everyone to continue networking years after they graduate.

To keep the Academy Leadership Program fresh and useful for new participants, DISCUS conducts surveys after each graduation, allowing the organization to evaluate the success of the program.

“ We always hear really good feedback from the program because it brings people together from all three tiers in the beverage alcohol industry,” Eastman says.“ We always get an amazing mix of participants with different perspectives ─ they’ re just incredible.”

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