In the beverage alcohol industry, we are often conditioned to present perfection, from the polished shelf set to the seamless guest experience. But behind every success story lies a trail of risks, rejections, and recalibrations. What if failure is not the enemy but the entry point to powerful leadership? Failing Faster to Lead Better invites attendees to rethink the role of failure and learn how to use it as a tool for strategic growth. This highly engaging seminar explores how embracing setbacks, when done intentionally and reflectively, creates stronger teams, bolder brand strategies, and more resilient leaders. Drawing on over two decades of experience in spirits, hospitality, and national sales leadership, Rawnica Dillingham blends real-world case studies with practical frameworks to help participants lead with clarity, creativity, and confidence. Attendees will take part in live exercises, peer discussion, and mindset-shifting insights designed to help them view failure not as a flaw, but as a powerful form of feedback. This is a session built for leaders who are ready to experiment, innovate, and grow with intention. Audience Takeaways Attendees will leave with a clear framework for applying the fail faster mindset to leadership and brand development. They will gain tools for building psychologically safe environments where ideas and feedback can flourish. They will explore strategies for managing and learning from setbacks in real time. The session includes real case studies that show how failure can unlock growth across sales, team culture, and product positioning. Most importantly, participants will walk away with a renewed mindset that embraces iteration, learning, and forward momentum. Target Audience This session is designed for hospitality professionals in leadership or management roles, supplier and distributor partners growing national or regional brands, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs in the wine and spirits space, and sommeliers or beverage directors looking to lead teams or launch programs. It is for anyone committed to evolving as a thoughtful, adaptive, and people-centered leader. Why This Session Matters at SommCon As the beverage industry evolves, so must our definition of leadership. Perfection is no longer the benchmark. Agility, self-awareness, and a willingness to iterate are now the true markers of growth. This session empowers attendees with the mindset and practical tools needed to embrace uncertainty and guide their teams through change with empathy and vision. Failing Faster to Lead Better aligns with SommCon’s mission to advance leadership across the beverage industry through education, innovation, and connection. It offers a candid and timely perspective that meets professionals in the reality of their daily work—building, refining, adapting, and leading forward.