Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/931490
20 / the tasting panel / january/february 2018 A s a Human Capital Executive at Total Beverage Solution, Holly Berry oversees the human capital strategy and execution for the full-service importer and supplier. With 20 years of experience in human resources, Berry is a seasoned expert when it comes to hiring, inspiring, and retaining top talent. Read on to learn more about her career and what she finds most exciting about the beverage industry. ForceBrands: You joined Total Beverage Solution last year after working across various industries. What inspired you to join the beverage industry? Holly Berry: I began my career as an Occupational Health Nurse for a luxury automobile manufacturer, where I was initially responsible for workplace health, wellness, safety, and absence management. My mentors encouraged me to obtain an MBA in Human Resources Management, which allowed me to take on additional roles in employee relations, training, devel- opment, talent acquisition, and more. I was drawn to Total Beverage Solution because of the opportunity to work with people who are passionate about world-renowned beer and acclaimed wine and spirits from across the globe. FB: What do you find most exciting about the state of the beverage world right now? HB: It is exciting and rewarding to be involved in an industry that is not only rich in history and heritage, but that's innovative and constantly evolving. Wineries, breweries, and distilleries continue to redefine and hone their craft to create recipes and styles reaching a wide range of consumers—from novice to expert. Total Beverage Solution's portfolio is an excellent example of this juxtaposition of tradition and innova- tion; it offers selections from producers like New Zealand's Kono Winery, which honors its rich Maori heritage through sustainable winemaking practices, yet is innovative in its methods to produce award-winning wines like Kono Sauvignon Blanc. FB: You attended ForceBrands' HR Collective event last fall, where we discussed the state of the modern workplace. What do you foresee as the biggest hiring challenge for 2018? HB: I believe acquiring top talent in 2018 will be impacted in three major ways. First, it's a candidate's market. Due to the low unemployment rate and skill shortages, star candidates will have multiple options, leading to the second concern: The time to fill an open posi- tion will likely increase due to competi- tion. Thirdly, companies will need to differentiate themselves to be able to stand out as an employer of choice. Candidate expectations have changed, requiring companies to be agile and adaptable to win the war for talent. HUMAN CAPITAL EXECUTIVE, TOTAL BEVERAGE SOLUTION Holly Berry PHOTO COURTESY OF TOTAL BEVERAGE SOLUTION HOT SHOT