In this interview episode, we have the opportunity to hear from Nick Crutchfield and Laura Lashley, who were both employed at Diageo Wine and Spirits during this period of their careers. At the time, Nick Crutchfield was Division Educator with Diageo Hospitality Partnership, while Lauren Lashley served as the National Education Manager for @Seedlip. Since this interview, both individuals have moved on to new roles: Nick is currently serving as the Director of Advocacy for Lyres, while Laura now holds the position of On-Premise Manager for Northern California at Diageo.

Show Notes

·In our podcast episode, we delve into the actions taken by Nick and Laura within their hospitality careers that made them stand out to brands. We also explore their motivations for making a career change.

·  The transition to a new role often presents challenges, and we discuss the obstacles faced by our guests during this process. Furthermore, we explore how they effectively adapted to their new roles.

·  We emphasize the importance of promoting oneself and provide practical tips on how to accomplish this. It is crucial to showcase your achievements and abilities.

·  We highlight various courses that can enhance your career, such as Toast Masters and Excel. These educational opportunities can greatly amplify your professional growth.

·  Our guest, Nick, elaborates on the numerous benefits of being involved in Toast Masters. He shares insights on how this organization has positively impacted his personal and professional development.

·  Laura shares her experience of transitioning from a bartender to a Brand Ambassador. She candidly discusses the challenges she faced during this career change.

·  We share effective tactics for maintaining balance and organization in our lives. These strategies help us navigate our personal and professional responsibilities more efficiently.

·  Laura provides an insider's perspective on Seedlip's early days before it became part of Diageo. Her insights shed light on the brand's journey and growth.

·  Working for a small brand offers unique advantages and opportunities for skill development that may not be as readily available in larger companies. We explore these advantages in detail.

·  We provide valuable guidance on creating mutually beneficial relationships with accounts and offer key considerations to keep in mind during the process.

·  Clear communication with stakeholders about the role and responsibilities of a Brand Ambassador is essential. We emphasize the importance of effectively conveying expectations and limitations.

·  Training distributors on best practices in both in-person and virtual settings is crucial. We discuss the do's and don'ts of this training process.

·  Nick and Laura reflect on their experiences and share the knowledge they wish they had possessed earlier in their careers.