Read about Isabelle’s journey and what companies can do differently to continue to evolve and grow their people. "Innovation doesn't sit still for one minute and that if you believe in what you're doing the rest will come."
How did you get into the drinks industry?
I started out pretty far away from drinks, with my first job in publishing at HarperCollins, where I helped develop manuscripts with authors. Then, I moved to a consumer insights agency, where I learnt how important storytelling can be in a business context. My next move was when I discovered the drinks industry and worked for a brand agency called White Label (now Warp & Woof). It taught me the power of how marketing can tell stories that bring people together over centuries of drinking culture, to make moments that stay with you.
I also learnt my biggest lesson yet. To have belief in your ideas and the importance of inviting other people in to share that belief with you. So that they feel part of it. That's something I still draw from almost every day.
How did you get to work for Small Beer Brew Co?
It was through watching the sector closely that I found Small Beer. I was drawn to everything Small Beer stands for. The inclusivity, the enormous untapped potential of the low & no category and the drive to build a business from scratch with our world in mind. It’s taught me that innovation doesn't sit still for one minute and that if you believe in what you're doing the rest will come.
What people skills do you think companies should concentrate on?
Companies should work harder to allow room for employees to add their own dimension to their role. The more space there is to develop within a job, the more motivated you are, the more you learn, the better you become and (most likely) the longer you stay. It's a no brainer, yet it's not that easy to find.
What do you look for in a future employer?
A business that has belief in what they do, challenges the limits of our industry for the better and who cares about their people first and foremost.
What support would you like to see more of in our industry?
More open career progression within the on-trade. We lose so much talent due to the demands of working in hospitality. I'd also like to see more meaningful collaborations between the on-trade and brands. So often brands only tap into bartender expertise on a surface level when they're trying to sell something.
What do you find the most fulfilling part of your job?
Meeting someone from hospitality and clicking within seconds because of our shared love for the industry. It's also amazing where conversations like that can go because everyone has such varied experiences.
What would you tell younger self starting out in the drinks industry?
To ask bartenders more questions. The wisdom that's shaking and stirring behind the bar never fails to astound me. It’s the best seat in the room.
What would you like to change about working in the drinks industry?
That people don't always take it seriously. Whenever I say I work in drinks it's not always considered a 'real' career.
What sort of personality is best suited to a career in the drinks industry?
Someone who is open minded to other people. If you get a buzz out of meeting someone new, whether it's for a minute or an hour, then you're in the right place and will most likely never leave.