Dr. Dawn O'Neal, founder of New Dawn Distilling, shares her commitment to building a spirits brand rooted in sustainability and community impact. She speaks candidly about navigating the industry as a black woman founder while challenging traditional models of production and leadership. This conversation highlights her forward thinking approach to environmental responsibility, representation, and redefining what legacy looks like in modern distilling

Geoffrey Wilson, Turning Tables NOLA leader, shares how his journey in hospitality lead him to champion education and career advancement for the black and brown community. He speaks candidly about equity in our industry, the power of mentorship, and the importance of creating intentional pathways to leadership. He also reflects on how community, culture, and opportunity intersect to reshape the future of hospitality

DeJorn Huffman opens up about her journey in the Chicago beverage scene, sharing lessons, challenges, and joys that shaped her path as she traversed her wide-ranging career from bartending, to liquor distribution, and now the spirits supplier side of the industry. DeJorn reflects on her deep love for the city, and how it inspires her work every day

Robin Nance is, simply put, an icon in the beverage professional community. She bridges the worlds of craft and visual art, revealing a creative process rooted in intuition, experimentation, and storytelling. Robin reflects on her career offering insight into how drinks can carry a meaning beyond the glass. She also shares how her instincts, taking risks, & the personal philosophy that shape her work where she thrives

Jessica Taylor is the National Program Manager, Brand & Product Education for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Talent Development. She shares her personal journey from being a single mom working in hospitality, challenges she overcame, to the beautiful life and career she has created for herself and her family with intention. Jessica is the epitome of resilience, growth, and the power of perseverance

Laura DePasquale is the Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Artisanal Wine at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits and a Master Sommelier whose impact reaches far beyond the glass. Laura brings heart, intellect, and vision to everything she does - from championing people, elevating wine educationl, and driving meaningful growth for winemakers

Amy Kickham, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, is a people first leader known for shaping culture with authenticity, empathy, & impact across the organization. In this interview she shares her personal journey, including the experiences that shaped her leadership style. Amy also reflects on motherhood, and how it has influenced her perspective on balance, ambition, & what it truly means to lead

Charles Lazzara is the CEO & Founder of Volio Imports. He's built a portfolio rooted in family owned estates, regional character, and a deep respect for tradition. His path from finance to fine wine gives him both business clarity and genuine curiosity, a balance that shows up in every bottle he brings to market

Sandy McIntyre, Tamdhu Distillery Manager in the Speyside region of the Scottish Highlands, brings his background in chemistry and strong technical expertise to focus on making the highest quality Single Malt Scotch Whisky possible. Sandy is widely respected in the industry, and has received multiple awards for his leadership and contributions to Scotch whisky

Laura Donnelly is the Vice President of Marketing for the Philips Distilling Company, where she leads brand strategy and growth across a diverse spirits portfolio. Under her leadership, Prairie Organic Spirits expanded its Bee Better initiative focused on supporting pollinator heath and environmentally responsible farming. She shares insights on purpose driven marketing and the Bee Better mission, along with some fun facts about these vital partners in creating the foods we enjoy