WINE WOMEN will host the panel discussion, “These Men Want You to Succeed,” on April 17th from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, in Sonoma. Featuring former President and CEO of the Network of Executive Women, Joan Toth, as the panel moderator, the event will explore how women can gain support from the men in their organizations as a critical component to success. Panelists will include Brian Kelleher, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Pahlmeyer; Pete Richmond, President of Silverado Farming Company; and Larry Smith, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Jackson Family Wines.
Toth observed: “Men lose out as well as women when workplaces are gender-biased. How do we leverage the unique insights men offer about career experiences, engage one another as full partners in creating gender-inclusive workplaces, and create solutions rooted in a holistic understanding of how gender affects men’s and women’s behaviors and outcomes in the workplace?”
Christine L. Mueller, Wine Women president, further explained: “As an organization focused on supporting women in the wine industry, we’ve held numerous events featuring women speakers and panelists. In the real world, however, we’re only half the workforce. So we wanted to learn more about working with the “other half,” by listening to what they have to say.
Our panelists all came to us as huge supporters of the women who work with, for or above them.” She continued, “I hope that our members and guests will find our panelists’ perspectives valuable to the growth of their careers in this industry.”
ABOUT THE EVENT
The evening’s festivities include a reception before the panel discussion begins. Guests will celebrate the inroads women have made towards narrowing the gender pay gap in addition to discussing how the gap can be closed. This event is open to members and non-members alike. Advance registration is required. Details and tickets are available at These Men Want You to Succeed. Guests will enjoy appetizers from Park Avenue Catering and may purchase a glass of the award-winning wines of Gloria Ferrer (over 400 gold medals and 50 outstanding 90+ ratings in the last five years).
ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKERS
Joan Toth, Moderator
Joan Toth is a purpose-and-performance-driven leader, with extensive background and demonstrated success in for-profit and non-profit services in consumer-packaged goods services and related retail industries. She leads the diversity and inclusion practice at Simpactful, a consulting firm that develops real-world, actionable strategies primarily for companies in consumer goods and services and retail. For 14 years, Joan led the Network of Executive Women, the retail/consumer goods and services industry’s most influential mission-driven organization. She has extensive experience in diversity & inclusion work, development of startup business operations, program and content development, and ensuring financial sustainability and long-term growth. She is adept at leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders including boards of directors, Fortune 500 corporate partners, staff, and members, while ensuring delivery of innovation, member/customer value, strong P&L, financial stability and resources for growth.
PANELISTS
Brian Kelleher, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Pahlmeyer Winery
In addition to supporting wome to achieve their business goals, Brian develops sales and marketing organizational structure. He recruits, hires, trains, aligns, and manages the performance of sales and marketing personnel. He is proud to foster a motivating and competitive culture. Prior to his tenure as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Brian served as Director of Commercial Sales for Pahlmeyer Winery and Wayfarer Wines.
Pete Richmond, President, Silverado Farming Company
Pete founded the Silverado Farming Company in 2001 after 15 years as a vineyard manager in the Central Coast and Napa Valley. Among the big-name wineries he’s worked for are Atlas Peak, William Hill, Stag’s Leap, Bien Nacido and Kendall-Jackson (for whom he implemented their first organic vineyards). Pete earned his bachelor’s in agriculture business from Fresno State University.
Larry Smith, Senior Vice President Human Resources, Jackson Family Wines
Larry has been the Senior Vice President Human Resources for Jackson Family Wines since 2014. Prior to his current role, he’s held executive HR and Operations roles internationally and domestically in B2B, Fashion, Branding and previously in the Wine Industry.
Prior to his corporate career, Larry served fifteen years as a U.S. Army officer with tours at the Pentagon, N.A.T.O Headquarters in Brussels and the Command & General Staff College.
EVENT TICKETS
Tickets for “These Men Want You to Succeed” range from $25 to $42 and are available on Eventbrite at: https://these-men-want-you-to-succeed.eventbrite.com/?aff=WIA. Early bird ticket sales will end on March 19th. Limited seating is available.
ABOUT WINE WOMEN
WINE WOMEN’s mission is “To champion the advancement of women’s careers in the wine industry by building strong relationships, essential business skills and leadership among members.” At the core of the new 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional organization’s activities are programs focused on providing the tools, guidance and creativity for members to attain industry prominence.
For more information about WINE WOMEN, visit: http://winewomen.net/about/ or call 707.721.1095. Visit WINE WOMEN’s website at WineWomen.net, or their Facebook page, WineWomenOrg, or find them on Twitter @WineWomenOrg. For complete details on their events calendar, visit: WineWomen.net/Events-List.
