Julie started as a representative for a major wine player in America. I thought she would never make it. Oops. She became an executive in the trade. Incredible conversation.

1.) Julie Hernandez had a "light bulb" moment about the power of wearing a suit in a male-dominated business setting, which positively impacted her career trajectory.

2. Despite being experienced and holding a high-level position, Julie was frequently underestimated by male colleagues, sometimes mistaken for being in a lower role.

3. Paul K shared a personal experience from the 1980s, reflecting on encountering sexism in corporate America.

4. Julie discussed the importance of competitive spirit sourced from being an athlete and an actor, mentioning the Chubbuck acting methodology which emphasizes winning.

More thoughts:

In this enlightening episode of "Wine Talks," host Paul K delves deep into conversation with Julie Hernandez, touching on various topics from her illustrious career in the wine and spirits industry to the personal challenges she faced balancing work and family life. Julie shared her early days in the field and how she navigated a male-dominated industry with strategic decisions like wearing high heels to ensure she was at eye level with her male counterparts. She emphasized the importance of building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect to succeed in sales, and discussed the transition from chain work to on-premise sales at restaurants.

Both Paul and Julie reflected on the evolution of corporate America, discussing gender equity and how personal experiences in the 1980s compare to today's more discreet challenges. Julie was also open about the sacrifices she made, feeling married to her job while rising through ranks from a sales representative to a director of sales. Ultimately, she chose her personal well-being and family over her demanding role, underlining themes of work-life balance and the importance of being present for one’s family.

Through their conversation, Julie and Paul encapsulated the spirit of perseverance, adaptability, and the sheer importance of ethics and commitment in both personal and professional walks of life. They closed with thoughts on the ongoing changes in the industry, especially due to COVID-19, underscoring the need for continuous adaptability and relationship-building in the business world.