Jennifer Chin, Founder, Strategic Wine Solutions, New York (USA)

Years In Industry:
12+ years. I started out as the Assistant Brand Manager, United States for Champagne Krug.

Back then, Krug marketing consisted of two people - me and my boss. My utter naiveté and a disproportionate amount of work turned out to be a fortuitous combination in that I wasn't limited to a single lane. On any given day, I'd work on brand management, events, press, distributor management, sales rep education and/or marketing communications.

I soon realized wine was "it" for me and decided to round out my background with hands-on experience in sales and portfolio management. I was fortunate enough to find an amazing opportunity at a boutique importer/distributor in NYC called Willette Wines.

In 2009 I started my own consulting firm, Strategic Wine Solutions where I work with small, family owned wineries to increase profitability. As a former classical pianist, I'm passionate about helping winemakers succeed in a manner that befits their artisanal intentions and family legacy.

My Biggest Challenge To Wellness:
My knee jerk reaction to this question was, "Oh, SO many challenges. How much time do you have?" More seriously, my answer is two-fold:

1. Being self-employed is an extraordinary privilege and a joy - having said that, my boss is a taskmaster. :)

2. Remaining adaptable in a changing environment. On any given week, I could be managing producer work-withs, developing a pricing model, setting up desksides, traveling, developing marketing programming, or.... or....

I manage ambiguity (better) when I've a basic framework and can flex activities in and around that. Working out - along with friends and family time - is one of the very few things that are always on my schedule. I work out at least five times/week and don't deviate because I'm the kind of person that if I give myself an inch, I'll take a mile and next thing you know, it'll be years before I see the inside of a gym.

How I Keep It Together To Stay Well:
I think one’s journey to wellness is evolving and deeply individual. However, seeing how others find balance can sometimes trigger a thought or an action that leads to a more positive path – ergo why supporting initiatives like "A Balanced Glass" is so important.

In my previous career in management consulting, we had a lot of client dinners and I watched how my bosses and colleagues enjoyed those occasions whilst remaining professional. Bear in mind, they were also the same folks who got up before the crack of dawn to workout, had a family, traveled like crazy and managed a successful career. Over the years, I've adapted that model to something that works for me:

1. I do Bar Method at least five times a week. It's a mix of ballet and pilates and requires a level of concentration that prevents me from thinking about anything else. So it's a "two-fer." In one hour, I squeeze in a workout and a bit of meditation.

2. A few times a month, I'll throw in a HIIT class to make sure that my cardio is still up to snuff.

3. When I'm traveling, I do Bar Method online and throw in a run every other day. The great news about our jobs is that we're often in beautiful places. Doing a morning run next to a vineyard is an incredible and inspiring thing.

4. I try to leave the table a little hungry and a little thirsty. That way, I've something to look forward to next time.

5. I’m extremely fortunate in that I’ve an amazing support network. They call me on my sh_t, are the best cheerleaders and I attribute much of my success to them.

You can connect with Jennifer online at Strategic Wine Solutions on in Instagram Jennifer Chin IG and Godfather IG