Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) recently appointed Laura DePasquale, MS as the new chair for WSWA Women’s Leadership Council (WLC). DePasquale is the senior vice president of sales & commercial operations, artisanal wine for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS).
As an active member of WLC for the past three years, DePasquale brings a wealth of knowledge to the industry. Beverage Wholesaler recently had a chat with her to find out what goals she has planned as chair, the lessons she learned at SGWS and more.
Beverage Wholesaler (BW): How does it feel to be appointed Advisory Board Chair for the Women’s Leadership Council?
Laura DePasquale (LD): I am so appreciative and frankly humbled by the opportunity to serve our community and industry as the Advisory Board Chair for the Women’s Leadership Council for WSWA.
BW: What are your goals for the WLC as the new Advisory Board Chair?
LD: I have many goals for the WLC during my term as chair. Most importantly, to make sure that our mission of empowerment, education and elevation continues to drive results in promoting more women and diverse candidates into key leadership and decision-making roles throughout the wholesale beverage Industry and to make sure that our Board of Advisors continues to represent all of our wholesale members equally.
BW: How are you planning to accomplish those goals?
LD: I believe the best way to continue to foster our mission is to listen intently to our constituents, make sure all of our members are seen and heard and to continue to drive membership and participation to our virtual quarterly workshops or annual fall conference. It’s important for our members to see the WLC as a learning resource and networking opportunity. We also plan to engage our alumni board members in a series of virtual morning “coffee talks” on topics as wide ranging as current events affecting our industry to popular career development podcasts and articles.
BW: What are some lessons you learned at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits that you plan on bringing to the WLC?
LD: Working at Southern Glazer’s provides our employees with incredible learning and leadership development opportunities. I think the biggest thing I’ve personally learned at Southern Glazer’s is that listening and hearing more intently makes you a better servant leader.
BW: What are some of the biggest struggles the beverage alcohol industry is currently facing?
LD: Certainly, the beverage industry is facing unusual headwinds. The biggest immediate threat is clearly the unknown regarding potential tariffs which will affect all aspects of our business.
BW: What do you think the future holds for the industry?
LD: I’m confident that the future is bright for our industry. Wine and spirits are not commodities. There’s emotion attached to our products and our industry whether it’s a bottle of special wine to celebrate an event or a social gathering around a table with cocktails. This social and emotional aspect is embedded in our industry and our products.
