INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Empowered and inspired

For International Women’s Day this year, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is marking the occasion with the special release of a range of bottlings sampled and selected by an all-female Tasting Panel. We’re also celebrating Our Whisky Foundation’s mentorship programme to support women working in the whisky industry – including the Society’s very own brand innovation manager Julie Roberts. Here, Julie explains how the programme works and how it has benefited her

MAIN PHOTOS: OURWHISKY FOUNDATION – JO HANLEY AND CHRISTINA KERNOHAN

When it comes to personal and professional development, I have always looked out for growth opportunities and in 2023, a perfect one appeared in the shape of the Our Whisky Foundation.

I applied in May 2023 and in June, joined as one of 50 women selected from over 150 applicants on their six-month coaching and mentoring programme.

The Our Whisky Foundation was established in 2022 by Becky Paskin and is a non-profit that seeks to recognise, support and empower women working in whisky around the world, while advocating for a more inclusive and diverse industry.

This groundbreaking programme is tailored to the specific challenges faced by women in the whisky sector and delivers not only mentorship but also a holistic coaching experience that is centred around the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will) and incorporates the purpose-driven Japanese concept of ikigai to help steer you towards clear personal goals.

There are four main pillars to the programme:

  • 1:1 mentorship with a personally assigned mentor from the industry
  • An award-winning confidence workshop delivered by Lucy Cox from The Academe
  • Monthly digital workshops focusing on personal and professional development
  • Networking opportunities via a group Whatsapp and in-person events

My journey began with the mentor matching process; in essence it’s a sort of alchemy that Becky and Millie produce by reviewing your application and then matching you with one of their star-studded line-up of industry leaders with backgrounds spanning areas such as distilling, blending, brand ownership, bartending, ambassadorship, marketing and journalism.

The Foundation’s commitment to ensuring meaningful connections shone through as I was paired with Sandrine Ricard, deputy director of sustainability and responsibility at Pernod Ricard. Her background and journey perfectly matched my own career aspirations and she became not just a guide but a trusted companion on my journey.

ABOVE: Julie (far right) with some of the other participants in the Our Whisky Foundation mentorship programme on a visit to Glenturret distillery

ABOVE: Julie with her mentor, Sandrine Ricard

From a personal point of view, the coaching sessions with Sandrine felt like the cornerstone of my growth during the programme. The one-on-one interactions allowed for in-depth discussions about challenges specific to my career trajectory and my job.

Sandrine provided invaluable insights drawn from over four decades of experience in the spirits industry, working on some of the biggest brands in the world. I will use the real-world anecdotes and lessons shared during these sessions in my career for the rest of my life and I am so pleased to say that we will continue to work together in 2024, which is incredible and says so much about the kind of leader Sandrine is.

ABOVE: an educational visit to Glenturret distillery

Outside of the mentor sessions, the initial months were a blend of self-discovery and personal development, as we were coached toward becoming a more confident and healthier version of ourselves. Leading industry experts very generously dedicated their time to come and speak to us about different aspects, challenges and nuances that they had experienced working in the whisky industry and offered us advice for the future.

The workshop element of the programme addressed not only technical aspects of the industry but also helped us to develop soft skills crucial for leadership roles (like managing microaggressions at work) but there was also a more holistic element that helped to cement the importance of work-life balance and wellbeing. Sessions offered practical steps to help prioritise self-care and your mental health, recognising them as integral parts of sustained success in what is a very demanding – and often challenging – industry.

And of course, one of the programme’s absolute highlights was the international network it exposed me to. The diverse group of women working in all facets of whisky, from across the globe, created a rich tapestry of experiences, fostering a collaborative environment and support network that not only broadened my understanding of the industry but has also opened up avenues for potential collaborations, partnerships and knowledge sharing.

One of the most significant impacts of the mentorship programme was the enhanced confidence it helped give me. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, overcoming imposter syndrome while asserting yourself in the right way can be a constant battle. The Our Whisky Foundation’s programme, with its emphasis on empowerment and personal development, has become a real catalyst for my professional growth.

As I reflect on the past six months, I am not only grateful for the skills acquired but also for the incredible relationships forged. The camaraderie among the mentees has created a global support system that will extend well beyond the programme’s duration.

The sense of community and friendship will continue to be an inspiration and source of strength in my professional journey; many of us have already met up locally but there are lots of plans to travel and meet within the group, with lifelong friendships being made.

The Our Whisky Foundation Mentorship and Coaching Programme has been a pivotal chapter in my career. The combination of mentorship, global networking and skills development has not only equipped me to navigate the complexities of the whisky industry but has also empowered me to contribute meaningfully to its evolution. So if you identify as a woman working in whisky, I cannot recommend it enough.

Find out more about Our Whisky Foundation and its mentorship programmes at https://www.ourwhiskyfoundation.org/