Women In Beverage
working environment . It was in this role I started to embrace my leadership and was ready to further my growth with a new challenge .
During my time as a district manager , I was asked to work on project that would highlight achievements of local women in our industry in 2014 . The idea quickly developed into the Women ’ s Beverage Alcohol Symposium , a more than 200 person event held annually for dedicated to building skills , giving back and networking .
We developed the event with modest expectations ; it ’ s now a nationally recognized movement that has impacted over 1,400 women over the last eight years . The success of the event has led to additional opportunities for me in my career and ultimately the opportunity for me to pay it forward , giving my time to women in the beverage alcohol industry .
And finally , fast forward to my current corporate role as assistant vice president of sales operations . I enjoy this role because I can apply my previous experiences to identify best practices , processes and areas of improvement through collaboration to improve sales execution .
One of the largest and impactful projects was developing a formalized sales management certification process . The program established a consistent process across all seven selling divisions using the same metrics and capabilities .
The 10-month program included trainings , observations , tests and a final capstone culminating the achievement of sales objectives and imbedding the learned skills and behaviors .
The program has had 100 % compliance and is the benchmark for sales management expectations across the company . I am proud to have developed an initiative that is now imbedded into the culture of the company .
How important is mentorship ? Did you receive any coming up , and do you provide it to women in your organization ? Mentorship is extremely important . I benefited from informal and formal mentorships throughout my career from both men and women who have cheered me on and given me straight talk for improvement .
I also reached out and asked for help
when I wasn ’ t sure about my career or opportunities . I encourage women especially to not be shy when reaching out to someone you value and want their advice . The worst they could say is no .
We are still working in a male-dominated industry , and the more opportunities to identify your mentors and allies will be critical to your success .
At Martignetti we do have a formal mentorship program that provides participants a cross-departmental networking and skill building over a six-month period . I was thrilled to be part of the development of the program and continue to sit on the committee as we prepare our third year of pairings .
Now , as Chair of the WSWA Women ’ s Leadership Council , I am proud and honored to represent an extremely talented and accomplished group of women in various roles from around the country who are dedicated to Educate . Elevate and Empower women in wholesale .
One of the ways we are doing this is through our WLC Mentorship Program , which provides a chance to make connections , build relationships and establish a larger network that encourages women to take the risk and define their career .
How has your company benefited from having women at the table making decisions ? There are so many benefits to having women and diversity at the decision-making table . As employees continue to demand a more holistic approach to their career , it ’ s important to have different voices and experiences heard . There are barriers , bias and stereotypes to break , but the momentum is shifting as women continue to make their voices heard .
Determine the value that you can bring and make your case as to why you should be invited to the meeting . Many of the comments I ’ ve heard from these requests is “ I didn ’ t think you would want to be in that meeting .”
So speak up ! Be your biggest advocate and make it clear how and in what you
want to participate that aligns with your career objectives .
Who are your professional role models ? I am lucky to have many professional role models that have given me guidance and straight talk throughout my career ! It ’ s important to have people you trust , but also a diversity of thought in your role models . It will help when seeing all sides of the story to make decisions that work best for you !
Emily Wines
Emily Wines is vice president of wine and beverage experience for the multiunit concept Cooper ' s Hawk Winery & Restaurants , based in Orland Park , IL .
How did you get into the beverage alcohol business ? I was working in fine-dining restaurants while I was in college , thinking that fine dining is where I would earn more . What I discovered was large wine programs and in a desire to be a better server , I started studying the wine lists and cross referencing the information from wine books .
I fell in love with the subject and decided to focus my career on wine ! I became an assistant sommelier first , then eventually the lead sommelier , all while taking my sommelier exams .
Emily Wines
After becoming a Master
Sommelier , I made the shift to more corporate wine and beverage roles in the restaurant industry .
What makes you a successful leader ? Always staying connected to those in the trenches . I believe that if you assume the best of people and treat them with love and respect , that is what you will get back . Far too many leaders forget this . I also believe that a successful leader needs to have the vulnerability to be wrong and to ask questions .
How important is mentorship ? Did you receive any coming up , and do you provide it to women
14 2021 Women in Beverage