Shattering Glass Ceilings: Three Amazing Wine Ladies that Reshaped my Career

Happy International Women's Month!

Hey there, Wineologists! 

Long time no see! 

Pardon my latest hiatus! I had a pretty major surgery a few weeks ago and have been recovering ever since. February was a pretty busy month preparing to step away from my survival job for 6 weeks. Recovery has been touch and go, but I finally have a little energy in the tank to talk all things International Women’s Month with you!

So, I know, I know. We are only supposed to get a DAY, but it would seem certain search engines (ahem, Google) have decided 50% of the world’s population isn’t even worth that now, so I've been left with no other choice but to check their pettiness and raise mine significantly. You chose this Google! Ladies, the month of March is ours! 

As a female entrepreneur, I wanted to use International Women’s Month as an opportunity to honor a few women who illuminated my path as I pursued my WSET Diploma. These women are brilliant, kind, creative, and stand on their business. They serve as the North Star for women forging their own paths in the wine industry. As a fellow female leader, I have always recognized the importance of sending the elevator back down for those following behind. The light in the room is ours to share, and I cannot thank these women enough for sharing their wisdom to help me succeed!

Wendy Narby

In the summer of 2023, I was deeply immersed in writing my thesis paper for my WSET Diploma (I promise, I’ll share a post about this for all my fellow WSET Diploma candidates). When you register for your thesis paper, the WSET offers candidates a choice between two topics. I opted to write about achieving 100% sustainability in Bordeaux by 2030. At the start of my research, one name kept surfacing… Wendy Narby. Wendy holds a Masters in Food and Wine Marketing and, after a distinguished career in Paris, is now one of the world's foremost experts on Bordeaux. Her website and blog, Insider Tasting, provided detailed insights into many of Bordeaux's key sustainability certifications (HVE, Terra Vitis, Organic and Biodynamic viticulture) and formed the basis for all my subsequent research. I even contacted Wendy via LinkedIn to see if I could reach out with questions regarding my research. She responded promptly and was more than willing to assist a humble WSET Diploma candidate. So, thank you, Wendy! I couldn't have completed that thesis without you. Oh, and, by the way, I passed with MERIT!

Kelly Liang

While studying for D3: Wines of the World, I discovered Kelly Liang’s FREE D3 Newsletter. Although Kelly works in Marketing and Content creation, this newsletter was a true game changer for my studies. Sent daily, it includes theory warm-up questions and concludes with past D3 exam questions and their corresponding Examiner’s Report from WSET Global. This newsletter provided a valuable insight into what to expect on exam day, from theory question structure to common exam day pitfalls. It also acted as a crucial starting point for my own study techniques. Kelly claims a 20% increase in passing rates compared to those who don’t use her free resources, and based on my own success on my first attempt at the exam, I’m convinced. Kelly is a talented wine content creator, and I doubt I would have done as well without her help! Thank you so much, Kelly!

Anne McHale, MW

Anne McHale, a Master of Wine (MW) located in London, is the founder of Diplomatherapy. Browsing her website reveals numerous testimonials from Diploma students experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout, often on the brink of a meltdown. Girl, I felt so seen!!! Although I didn't join Diplomatherapy and chose Kelly Liang for my theory essentials, Anne McHale is the exam cheerleader you never knew you needed. She provides the emotional support and strategic advice crucial for D3 success. Her emails often included mini-exams, helping you discover your studying style and tailor your habits accordingly. She also gave invaluable strategic tips for exam day, even sending a message to all her students just before we entered the exam room. She provided a different kind of free support, which was vital for me to face the exam with calm and confidence. With all that being said, many of my fellow graduates are also alumni of Diplomatherapy and can't say enough about how valuable it was in achieving their own success! Thank you for everything, Anne!

With International Women’s Month coming to an end, which women have influenced your life and career? You're welcome to share in the comments below! As always, join me on TikTok and Instagram, @wineologistsunited.

Until next time, Wineologists!