Jane Thomson, Founder of The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society & Australian Women in Wine Awards (Australia)

Years in Industry:
I started working in the wine industry officially seven years ago when I started The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society in 2012. But prior to that had worked in the Hunter Valley for a couple of years in the early 2000’s running a cellar door based cooking school - my father is a grower there who had his own label for a while. So I’ve been around wine for a large part of my life. I started the Australian Women in Wine Awards in 2015 and it’s the thing I am most proud of. Working with Australia’s women in wine to lift their profile, tell their stories, celebrate their achievements and push for gender equality is by far and away the most satisfying work I’ve ever been involved in. 
 
My Biggest Challenge to Wellness:
Is definitely balancing my time. In addition to running the FLWS and the AWIWA and all the travel and work that goes with that, I am married and have three daughters (including two who are teenagers. It’s like having toddlers again!!) and a working farm. We grow Pecan Nuts and organic beef cattle. Plus, I love to play competitive field hockey and to participate in my local community through various voluntary roles.

I am the most “me” when I am living a very full and busy life. I love it that way! (I’m not good at living quietly!) But of course the flipside to that is that sometimes I really struggle to keep on top of everything. When it feels like it’s too much, it’s then that I find myself eating badly, not exercising enough and generally feeling miserable within myself.
 
How I Keep It Together to Stay Well:
It’s certainly not possible for most people, and it probably sounds a little weird, but one of my biggest strategies is to prioritise time with my horses! I am not naturally great at mindfulness and being in the moment, but when I’m with my horses (I currently have three) they give me that. They ground me and no matter how I’m feeling that day, or what’s going on for me, they help me find calm.

When I’m with them (whether riding or just hanging out), it’s pure joy for me. I am totally in the moment and can think of nothing else. I joke that horses are my yoga, but that’s exactly the sort of benefit they give me! Core physical exercise, mental calmness and a deep soothing of the spirit. And those benefits then transfer into everything else I do. I’ve also, in recent years, purposefully retrained myself to be less of a perfectionist. All perfectionists know that it’s EXHAUSTING being us! So I’ve learned – and practiced - to let go more and to be ok with whatever happens. This has had a big positive impact on how I live and manage my energy levels. It’s going to be a lifelong practice though I think!

Find Jane online at FLWS and AWIWA, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.