FIRST SIP

When putting together our second annual 40 Under 40 supplement , one thing struck me about this year ’ s class . When asked what was the biggest challenge of their career so far , several said overcoming imposter syndrome .

I wonder how much of that is part of being a younger professional and how much is unique to the beverage alcohol industry . After all , there is a lot to know , from the intricacies of the three-tier system and myriad legal issues to the different beer styles , wine varietals , spirits , cocktails and so on .

Jessamine McLellan , director of Campari Academy in New York , is an award-winning bartender with a level two certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers , a certificate in distilling from the Institute of Brewing & Distilling ( IBD ) and the “ Bar Ready ” distinction from the Beverage Alcohol Resource ( BAR ), among other industry recognitions .

Still , “ Coming from a non-traditional business background , I initially felt the need to constantly prove myself in a corporate environment ,” McLellan notes . She learned to use her creativity and diverse experiences to transform that insecurity into a powerful source of confidence .

Rachel Nally , director of environment and sustainability for Heaven Hill Brands , notes that it took time for her to recognize and embrace the expertise she ’ s developed over a decade in the spirits industry . “ I also understand that the value I place in continuous learning means that my abilities will continue to grow .”

For Ashleigh McFadden , sommelier at Nàdair restaurant in Atlanta , the biggest challenge she has faced and overcome in her career is “ being in spaces where no one looked like me .” Her advocacy for underrepresented wineries , particularly women winemakers , promotes diversity in the wine industry .

Emily Pennington , who in January was named chief operating officer for the American Craft Spirits Association , says she is her own worst critic . But she ’ s learned that choosing work that ’ s meaningful and exciting often outweighs any doubts about whether she ’ s capable or not . “ Confidence usually comes after you make the hard choices , not before .”

It ’ s not just the women who say they suffer from imposter syndrome , but it is mostly the women who admit it . And they ’ re willing to help others overcome their doubts . For instance , Nally regularly meets with students and young professionals to share what she ’ s learned . “ I want to empower others to recognize and appreciate the unique skills they bring to the table .”

You can read more about this year ’ s 40 Under 40 at Cheersonline . com . Congrats to the honorees — cheers !

Editor Melissa Dowling 763-383-4442 • mdowling @ epgacceleration . com

Managing Editor Kyle Swartz 763-383-4447 • kswartz @ epgacceleration . com

Contributing Editors Krystina Skibo , Jason Valentine

National Account Director Debbie Rittenberg 763-383-4455 drittenberg @ epgacceleration . com

Associate Managing Art Director Nicole Siewert

Senior Product Manager , Data & Insights Marina Velez 763-383-4453 mvelez @ epgspecialtyinformation . com

List Rental Kris Grauer kgrauer @ npsmediagroup . com 203-822-7933

Reprints For more information on e-prints or reprints from Cheers magazine , visit https :// epgacceleration . com / marketing-services / and contact us today or email us at info @ epgacceleration . com

Beverage Group Vice President Jeremy Nedelka Sr VP / Audience Development Joanne Juda-Prainito Corporate Operations Director Bernadette Wohlman CEO Marion Minor

BRAND ACCELERATION

Cheers is published by EPG Brand Acceleration Editorial and executive offices at 7760 France Avenue South , Suite 810 , Bloomington , MN 55435 Telephone : 763-383-4400

Cheers ( ISSN 1051-564X — USP Number 007-239 ) is published four times per year ( Spring Summer , Fall , Winter ) by EPG Brand Acceleration , 7760 France Avenue South , Suite 810 , Bloomington , MN 55435 . Periodical Rate Postage paid at Port Jervis , NY and additional mailing offices . Postmaster : Send address changes to Cheers , P . O . Box 96 , Port Jervis , NY 12771-0096 Subscriptions : Oneyear digital subscription rates : USA / Canada / Other Counties $ 12.00 All subscriptions payable in U . S . dollars . Payment must accompany order . Call the Cheers customer service number at 763-383-4492 or email customerservice @ epgacceleration . com Contents copyright © 2025 by EPG Brand Acceleration , 7760 France Avenue South , Suite 810 , Bloomington , MN 55435 . Reproduction without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited . EPG Brand Acceleration , publishes Cheers , Beverage Dynamics , StateWays , Beverage Wholesaler , Industry Overview , Handbook Advance , Liquor Handbook , Wine Handbook , Beer Handbook and Fact Book .

Melissa Dowling , Editor

CLICK HERE TO VIEW !

4 Cheers • Spring 2025 www . cheersonline . com