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.

Key Takeaways

• Leave with a clear framework for applying the fail faster mindset to leadership and brand development.
• Gain tools for building psychologically safe environments where ideas and feedback can flourish.
• Explore strategies for managing and learning from setbacks in real time.
• Unpack real case studies that show how failure can unlock growth across sales, team culture, and product positioning.
• Most importantly, walk away with a renewed mindset that embraces iteration, learning, and forward momentum.

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.