2025 WOMEN IN BEVERAGE
going to do it, I wanted to make great bourbon and I wanted to make it in Kentucky. And that’ s how Good Trouble Bourbon started.
Did you have a mentor in the industry? Have you been a mentor to others?
Yes and no. I ' m blessed to have so many great relationships. And while most people talk about having a lot of resources, ultimately, I think what it boils down to is a willingness to ask for help. I don ' t know everything and that ' s OK.
I wrote the book called“ Courage by Design” and how we move from fear to joy. Fulfillment and purpose are learning how to not allow fear to keep us from our dreams. Mentorship is about having people around who are willing to help you and contribute to your success.
On this more recent journey as a bourbon maker, I’ ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of several amazing individuals who’ ve stepped up in meaningful ways. Rodney Williams, former CEO of Belvedere and president at Diageo, N. A., has been a true champion. And of course, Chris Swonger, from DISCUS, whose support has been instrumental in helping turn this dream into a reality. These are the mentors and sponsors who’ ve guided me in this latest chapter of my professional life.
Have you faced challenges as a woman in a leadership position in what’ s still a male-dominated industry?
Yes. This has not been an easy role. My mom has said this, and I think it ' s one of the most important lessons that I have probably learned,“ No one ever said it would be easy.” So, what I would say to anyone who ' s like me and fearful of leadership, think about what you ' re really concerned about and then manage a plan around the risk.
Women’ s inclusion only creates more opportunities. I would love to get away from the narrative that there aren’ t enough women in the industry.
But here ' s what I say to any woman out there: let them underestimate you. There will be people who will doubt you, but those are their issues, not yours. I don ' t want women out there who are thinking about pursuing something to allow negative thinking to keep them from their dreams.
How has your company benefited from having women at the table making decisions?
Women bring a level of compassion to the table. We lead with trying to solve problems and don’ t let the problem get in our way. We also bring great diversity of thought and empathy to the people that work with us.
Do you think the beverage alcohol industry has improved as far as women and gender inclusion in the past five years?
I would say yes, but there’ s room for so much more growth. People don ' t understand that inclusion can lead to better outcomes. McKinsey did a report many years ago and found that when there is more diversity in your boardrooms and executive levels, it brings more drive to the company.
Be careful who you share your dreams with because people might try to squash them. They may ask,“ Why are you doing that? There are all these men and not many women.” We tend to want to believe what can’ t happen versus what can.
What advice do you have for other women looking to get into the beverage alcohol industry?
I ' m going to say yes you can. Anyone who wants to be in this industry needs to know that it is possible.
As an entrepreneur, I always say yes. We are built to slay dragons. And just remember that the word‘ impossible’ says‘ I’ m possible.’ That’ s what you need to think about.
JUYOUNG KANG
Partner and Head of Beverage, Doberman Drawing Room
How did you first get started in the beverage alcohol industry?
I started when I was 19 after answering a newspaper ad with my sister, which led to my first serving job in Philadelphia at a private members-only club.
Did you have a mentor in the industry? Have you been a mentor to others?
I’ ve had many great leaders who paved the road for me. I learned valuable lessons about how to become a leader and great bartender. The lessons I’ ve learned were so profound and impacted who I am today, and I have been passing them on to whomever wants to listen. I hope those who have learned from me consider me a mentor, but that’ s not a title I can bestow upon myself.
Have you faced challenges as a woman in a leadership position in what’ s still a maledominated industry?
As humans, we face challenges every day in an industry where both good and evil exist. As women, we face these challenges more often, especially when pursuing leadership roles. It comes down to how we defend our seat and respond with grace that sets apart those who truly belong, which is usually undeniable.
I’ ve faced challenges where being a woman, and a minority, led others to question whether I could rise to the occasion. Not because of my talent, but about whether I could handle the
20 2025 WOMEN IN BEVERAGE