The Drinks Association opened its annual Inclusive Leadership Program with a cocktail function on Wednesday, May 31, at the Fraser Suites in Sydney.
Drinks Association CEO, Georgia Lennon, said: "We are delighted to kick off the 2023 Inclusive Leadership Program. Now in its seventh year, this exclusive opportunity for Drinks Association members delivers exceptional value by integrating leadership development with impactful mentoring partnerships while driving positive connections across functions and organisations within the industry."
Facilitated by Serendis, the six-month program serves as a valuable platform for connecting mentees with mentors from different organisations within the drinks industry. Since its establishment, it has continued to serve as an effective platform for nurturing talented individuals in readiness for more advanced leadership roles.
This year boasts an impressive cohort of 38 mentors and mentees representing a broad range of businesses, including Accolade Wines, ALM, Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Campari, Casella Family Brands, CCEP, Moët Hennessy, Paramount Liquor, Pernod Ricard, Taylors Wines, and Treasury Wine Estates.
The Sydney launch event formally introduced the newly paired mentors and mentees to each other for the first time.
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Global Head of Wine Strategy and Innovation for Pernod Ricard and 2022 mentor Kristy Rutherford delivered the opening remarks to the attendees.
In her address, she said: “Through this initiative, the Drinks Association aims to support a diversity of talented, current and aspiring leaders to progress their career while enhancing the inclusive leadership capabilities of all mentees and mentors.”
Julie Thompson, Serendis Director, then moderated a panel discussion where she asked two mentors and two mentees from the 2022 cohort to share their first-hand experiences and reflections from their time in the program.
Having shared his experience and knowledge with different mentees over the past five years, the term ‘master mentor' was used to describe panellist Mark Churi, General Manager - Sales, Casella Family Brands. He said that while all his mentees have been unique, they all had the energy to learn and grow.
He added: "I've been part of the Drinks Association for several years, and this program has inspired me to continually think about how I can do better when it comes to diversity and inclusion. The sessions with my mentee bring these conversations to the forefront."
Churi's 2022 mentee, Belinda Ye, Senior Finance Business Partner, CCEP was also a panellist. She said: "Having someone else as a sounding board and growing your soft skills with someone as experienced as Mark as well as the feedback loop you get from the program, is invaluable."
Joining via Zoom, Eric Feng, National Commercial Manager, ALM Liquor and 2022 mentee, said: "I went into the program knowing exactly what I wanted. I wanted to enhance my leadership skills and gain valuable insights from my experienced mentor, increase my self-awareness and uncover what I'm really good at."
Former mentee turned two-time mentor for the 2022 and 2023 programs, Danielle Beale, General Manager - Coles Liquor Group, CCEP, said: "I definitely got more out of the program than I had anticipated. When your mentee is being vulnerable with you, you learn more about some of the barriers you didn't even think were inhibitors for people."
Addressing the mentees, she added: "When you start this journey, use the time to work on yourself, and your business will ultimately benefit from your learning. Grab the opportunity with both hands and use the energy, motivation and tools from the program to drive your career forward."
Watch this video to see additional 2022 Drinks Association Inclusive Leadership Program participants reflecting on their experiences.