Women in Beverage: Katherine “Kat” Wojcik
We reached out to some of the influential women in beverage alcohol today to learn more about their backgrounds, inspirations and role models, and what it means to be a leader in the industry today. Here’s our interview with Katherine “Kat” Wojcik, director of beverage programs and partnerships, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas, at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
How did you get into the beverage alcohol business?
After graduating from University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a degree in hotel administration, I planned to work in front office, or other hotel leadership roles. After 9/11, many companies paused internships and management training programs. Luckily, I worked in restaurants while attending university, and instead of moving to front office, stayed in restaurants and bars.
I’ve always wanted to travel the world, and have a love of history and the arts. I started my career as a travel agent, and throughout my many jobs and cities I’ve lived in, I have always gravitated back to wine and beverage, as it combines all the things I love into one glass!
Beverage has been a common thread in my career since I began with the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin about 20 years ago. I am thankful for that property requiring all leaders to become certified sommeliers.
After receiving certification, I have always gravitated to positions that involve beverage or wine, with roles in hotels and in sports and entertainment that are heavy in beverage programming. Aside from the sommelier or sales manager, the many roles in the beverage industry are fairly unknown. I was lucky to meet a friend that introduced me to this world, and I’ve been in a beverage leadership role at global hotel companies for just over 12 years.
Did you have a mentor in the industry? Have you been a mentor to others?
I am lucky enough to have had several mentors throughout my career, and still speak with many of them today. Though I wish I had a female mentor to speak with 20 years ago that would help me in navigating the corporate culture, build relationships, and in general, how to be my best self in a sea of male leaders. I hope to provide that for someone, and am part of the mentorship program at IHG, and also unofficially a mentor to others within and outside of the organization.
Being a mentor has made me a better listener and better leader to our teams, because it’s not at all about me. It’s about them, their career, and being there in whatever capacity they need at the time.
Have you faced challenges as a woman in a leadership position in what’s still a male-dominated industry?
Of course! I think many of us still do. While there are now a lot of women in the industry, many of the top leadership roles are still held by men. I think the challenges are slightly different today than they were 20 years ago, however with the same underlying root: change.
The world and this industry will continue to evolve, as it has done for thousands of years. To be successful in this dynamic industry is to embrace the change.
How has your company benefited from having women at the table making decisions?
The decisions made are now more inclusive, and for a larger audience. For example, females are an increasing percentage of business travelers. While not everyone fits in the stereotype, the needs and wants are different when it comes to travel goods, security, and meal preferences. By having women at the table, we’re able to create those curated experiences for our guests.
Specifically for our beverage programs, we have a group of male and female leaders blind-tasting products and discussing them. We have a well-rounded program, and our cocktail and wine menus are developed for a variety flavor profiles and preferences, appealing to everyone, and leaning in to some of those indulgent moments that are sought after by our guests.
Do you think the beverage alcohol industry has improved as far as women and gender DEI in the past five years?
I do think it has improved over the years with mentors and the many programs that have helped to support women in their goals. It’s also important to recognize the success of others, and to provide opportunities for those interested to enter the industry. Organizations like Batonnage, Wine Empowered, Women of the Vine & Spirits, and so many more to mention, all contribute to this success.
There is still more work to be done in this area – just because a woman cleans the wine tanks at night doesn’t mean you have a diverse winemaking team. To be truly diverse means you have representation throughout the organization and the decision-making opportunities.
What advice do you have for people (women in particular) looking to get into the beverage alcohol industry?
Firstly – even if you don’t think you are qualified, apply. I’m sure you’ve heard the statistic about how men and women view applying for their next job. I don’t know how this statistic has changed over the past few years: Men apply for a job when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100% of them.
In many cases, our industry hires for passion, not always past experience. Passion, respect for others, respect for the craft, and how you view your learning journey is what we look for. You can learn beverage skills and improve your knowledge of the subject by taking classes, earning certifications, and working with others. Just by eating and drinking at restaurants and trying new things, you’re already gaining valuable insight!
And don’t be afraid to take a job that is not your forever job in order to gain valuable skills. If you don’t like it, move on, and add it to your resume only if you want to. Don’t take up space in someone else’s dream job!
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