Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/913027
{ SOMMjournal.com } 95 What traits do you believe you possess that have helped you become a leading woman in the wine industry? A surprising number of the women responded by immediately saying, "I'm not sure I'm a leading woman in the wine indus - try, but I'll answer your question anyway." That's a classic example of how we fail to own our success and thereby hold ourselves back, all the while being dutiful. To end on a positive note—and frankly, the most important note—I want to share what these 50 women said were the most important traits they possess. And I encour - age you to take a moment and think about the three traits you believe have contributed to your own success. Finally, I believe the wine industry is an industry of great people and surprising generosity. I believe women can excel and move into more leadership positions within the industry. But I also believe that's not happening right now. Right now, we're treading water. Before the wine industry is truly an industry of men and women, there is much work to do. And we're fooling ourselves if we think someone else is going to do it. So, I encourage us all to: Be more serious about business. Be ambitious. Look for ways to demon- strate your potential and distinguish your performance. Execute at a higher level. Do 10 percent more than is ever required. Give a lot and ask for a lot. Don't overexplain. Take risks. Don't second-guess yourself. Adopt a professional, business-oriented tone of voice and dress the part. Have a firm handshake. Take control when you can and when it's appropriate. Be supportive of other women. Keep moving the culture of wine in America forward as a culture of smart, dynamic women and men. Karen MacNeil is the author of The Wine Bible and the editor of WineSpeed. You can reach her at karen@karenmacneil.com. Karen MacNeil asked 50 women in the wine industry which three traits they possess that helped them become a leading woman in their career field. Here were their responses, many of which were repeated by multiple women. Attention to detail Determination Thirst for knowledge and constant education Adaptability Open-mindedness Thick skin Extroverted personality Networking skills Audacity, grit, and stamina Intelligence Integrity Commitment to excellence Creativity and innovation Dedication Unwavering vision In their responses, the women also shared their own tips for career advancement: Have good social graces Give ten times more effort than your competition Don't give up Be humble Ask for five times more than you think you are worth Fearlessly (and at times persistently) ask questions Tune out the endless nay-saying Become a compassionate and astute listener Be extremely competitive Have nerves of steel Have persistence and tenacity Give up other aspects of life to focus on your job Constantly strive to improve Believe in yourself Don't think about yourself as a "woman in the wine business" Understand what drives your passion Build relationships Develop a keen understanding of priorities Be an intuitive, strategic thinker Be a caring leader Challenge the status quo Do not settle for mediocrity Seek great mentors Embrace criticism Treat co-workers fairly Advocate for yourself Take on tasks or people well beyond your comfort zone Always be thinking about how to do it better Solicit the advice of smarter and more success - ful people Pivot around obstacles Have a strong soul