Discus opens 2025 leadership programme applications

The three Discus Academy programmes provide training and education for distilled spirits industry professionals.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (Discus) is now accepting applications for its three 2025 Academy Leadership Programmes, which include, Executive Leadership, Developing Leadership, and Developing Women Leadership.

Interested applicants can apply until 15 November, with a discounted rate running until 30 September.

The Discus Academy was launched in 2021, and provides professionals of varying leadership experience education tailored to their career stage.

“Discus Academy’s leadership programmes 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.

“More than 180 professionals have graduated from the leadership programmes over the last five years and the feedback from past participants has been tremendous. These rising leaders leave our career building programmes feeling inspired, prepared and ready to tackle any challenge to succeed in the spirits industry.”

Discus members and non-members alike can apply. Academy Leadership Programme facilitator Kaye Wiggins will hold ‘virtual office hours’ on 3 October, when those interested can learn more about the different programmes.

The Executive Leadership programme is held in partnership with the University of Kentucky’s Gatton School of Business, and develops the ability to communicate strategy, negotiate skilfully, and influence team behaviours. It 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.

The Developing Leadership programme is held in partnership with Cornell University, and moulds early-stage managers into leaders by exploring leadership styles, developing interpersonal skills, and learning how to build and manage a high-performance team. It is designed for all spirits professionals interested in growing their leadership skills, including entrepreneurs, new managers and employees with limited management experience.

The Developing Women Leadership programme is a collaboration with Women of the Vine & Spirits, and is held in partnership with Cornell University. It is designed to empower and advance women in the spirits workforce by developing leadership and managerial skills as well as support and cultivate future trailblazers by teaching early-stage managers how to develop their own leadership style, grow interpersonal skills, and build and manage a high-performance team.

“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 Developing Women Leadership programme, said. “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 programmes are open to beverage alcohol professionals across all tiers. The three programmes are each an eight-month commitment, consisting of virtual and in-person elements. Participants will receive a certificate from the respective institution upon completion.