The SB Podcast: IWD 2026 – the Power of Mentorships

Why It Matters

Mentorship bridges the gender gap in a capital‑intensive sector, fostering talent pipelines and market diversification. Empowering women through networks and consumer support can reshape funding dynamics and brand leadership in spirits.

Key Takeaways

• Panel highlighted informal mentorship's impact on women in spirits
• Double Dutch scholarship offers training, confidence, networking for female bartenders
• 15‑minute “Aperitivo With Me” calls provide quick career guidance
• Female founders receive only 2.3% of global VC funding 2024
• Consumers can drive change by supporting women‑led beverage brands

Pulse Analysis

Mentorship is emerging as a strategic lever for gender equity in the global spirits industry. While traditional corporate programs remain scarce, the London panel demonstrated that informal relationships—such as advice from bar staff or ad‑hoc phone calls—can accelerate skill development and confidence. Initiatives like Double Dutch’s Female Bartending Scholarship and Roberta Mariani’s 15‑minute "Aperitivo With Me" sessions illustrate scalable models that blend training, networking, and real‑world problem solving, offering women tangible pathways to senior roles without lengthy bureaucratic processes.

Funding disparities remain a critical barrier. Data from Founders Forum Group shows that female‑only founding teams captured just 2.3% of venture capital in 2024, reinforcing the need for dedicated angel networks and gender‑focused investment funds. Panelists emphasized that visibility matters: when women see peers succeeding, they are more likely to pursue capital and leadership opportunities. Consumer behavior also plays a pivotal role; purchasing decisions that favor women‑led brands can signal market demand, encouraging investors to allocate resources toward diverse founders.

The broader industry implication is clear: fostering a mentorship culture and amplifying female representation can unlock untapped growth. As the drinks sector continues to innovate with new formats—coconut‑water cocktails, tonic mixers, and premium aperitivos—companies that embed inclusive mentorship into their DNA will attract top talent, enhance brand authenticity, and ultimately capture a larger share of an increasingly conscious consumer base. The momentum generated by events like this panel suggests that mentorship, when paired with strategic investment and consumer advocacy, will be a cornerstone of the sector’s future resilience.