The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) announced it is now accepting applications for the three DISCUS Academy 2025 Leadership Certificate Programs: the Executive Leadership Program, Developing Leadership Program and Developing Women Leadership Program conducted in collaboration with Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS). Interested applicants can apply here until Nov. 15, and there is a discounted rate for those who apply by Sept. 30.

“DISCUS Academy’s leadership programs continue to expand and build talent within the spirits industry through insightful course content and first-in-class instruction,” DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger said in a news release. “More than 180 professionals have graduated from the leadership programs over the last five years and the feedback from past participants has been tremendous. These rising leaders leave our career building programs feeling inspired, prepared and ready to tackle any challenge to succeed in the spirits industry.”

“I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with like-minded professional women while growing our leadership skills,” Amanda Tucker, Edrington area manager and graduate of the DISCUS Academy’s Developing Women Leadership Program, stated. “I will take the lessons from the cohort back to my team and my company to help build a bolder, brighter and more diverse future in the spirits industry.”

The leadership certificate programs are open to beverage alcohol professionals across all tiers. The three programs are each an eight-month commitment, consisting of virtual and in-person elements. Leadership certificates are taught in partnership with the University of Kentucky and Cornell University, and participants will receive a certificate from the respective institution upon completion.

DISCUS ACADEMY LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Executive Leadership Program

The Executive Leadership Program, in partnership with the University of Kentucky’s Gatton School of Business, develops a leader’s ability to communicate strategy, negotiate skillfully, influence team behaviors and deliver results. The program ensures the right blend of soft skills and a strategic mindset to achieve performance outcomes at participants’ companies. This cohort is designed for spirits professionals who have at least five to seven years of experience and have demonstrated responsibility for cross-functional leadership and/or strategy-level decision-making in the distilled spirits industry.

Developing Leadership Program

The Developing Leadership Program, in partnership with Cornell University, transforms early-stage managers into true leaders, by exploring leadership styles, developing interpersonal skills, and learning how to build and manage a high-performance team. Entrepreneurs, new managers and employees with limited management experience are encouraged to apply. This cohort is designed for any spirits professional with an interest in growing their leadership skills.

Developing Women Leadership Program

This program, in collaboration with Women of the Vine & Spirits, is conducted in partnership with Cornell University and is designed to empower and advance women in the spirits workforce by developing leadership and managerial skills. This cohort is designed to support and cultivate tomorrow’s trailblazers by teaching early-stage managers how to develop their own leadership style, grow interpersonal skills, and build and manage a high-performance team.

MEET THE PROGRAM FACILITATOR

DISCUS Academy Leadership Program Facilitator Kate Wiggins will be holding virtual “office hours” on Oct. 3 where those interested in learning more about the three different DISCUS Academy Leadership Programs can sign up to speak with her.

Read more: DISCUS Wraps Up 2024 Conference in San Diego

ABOUT DISCUS ACADEMY

DISCUS Academy was launched in 2021 to provide best-in-class training and education for distilled spirits industry professionals. In partnership with Cornell University and University of Kentucky, DISCUS Academy also offers three leadership development programs to provide professionals of varying leadership experience education tailored to their career stage. Available to DISCUS members and non-members alike, DISCUS Academy also offers curriculum and industry-recognized certifications related to the business of distilling, rather than training on production or spirits knowledge—a first of its kind.