Jennifer Thomas, John Anthony Wines and Spirits & Rooted Connections

Job Title: Director of National Accounts (on-premise), John Anthony Wines and Spirits
President and Founder, Rooted Connections
Location:    Redondo Beach, CA

What's your background, and how long have you been in the beverage industry?
I’ve been in the beverage industry for close to 20 years now, working in the National Accounts sector for over 10. It’s been a fulfilling and challenging journey, but I was determined to “try” out every role because I’m constantly striving to learn more. The layers of this industry run as wide as they do deep. Even after 20 years, I feel like I’m at the precipice of a whole new chapter of learning.

 What are the top 3 challenges to maintaining your well-being in your work?
1. . I thrive off what I call my “go mode”. The energy of others and conversations I have invigorate me. That combined with the pace of my travel, can lead me to overextend myself. I don’t always realize until I hit the proverbial wall and I’m exhausted.
2. The desire to help others is a deeply rooted feeling. I discovered this speaks directly to how I identify with the concept of servant leadership (knowledge I gained when I completed my master’s in organizational leadership). It makes it very hard for me to say no. When I reflect upon my own career, I want to know I did everything I could to guide and support others however they may need it.
3.  The food and drink are an area that I am slowly learning to balance a little more. Because I travel so often, I’m able to preplan quite a bit so I’ll figure out what days I’ll drink and what days I’ll take off. I’ve managed to get down to around three times a week. Honestly its more the desserts that get me. I have a serious sweet tooth.

What are 3 things you do (or try to do) to maintain your well-being?
1.        I plan my workouts while I’m on the road. I will fly in my sneakers, so I have no excuse to not at least get a walk in. I also have “sticky” socks in my suitcase so I can do yoga in my room and not slip all over the place.
2.        Writing is my calm space. I’ve been a writer for as long as I can remember and getting thoughts and ideas out of my head help to quiet things down. It can also energize me quite a bit too so I love the creative outlet it allows me.
3.        I deeply believe in not forcing things. When I look at the multiple elements of life that I am balancing I like to take time to stop and ask myself “How does this feel?” Is it natural? Do I feel like I’m banging my head into a wall? I have found that when something isn’t forced, I end up much happier with the outcome and it feels right. Forcing things usually gets us the exact opposite of what we truly want.

 What other beverages do you drink when you're not drinking alcohol?
I have my one cup of coffee in the morning while I do puzzles, then I’m a water person the rest of the day. I have Yeti’s filled with water all over my house.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I climbed Mt. Adams in Washington, which is 12,281ft in elevation (and I am not a climber/hiker). It’s the second highest peak in Washington and I did it as part of my Leadership and Hardiness class at Gonzaga. It was rooted in learning how resiliency plays a large role when it comes to being an effective leader.

What are you looking forward to?
A few things! Building the National Accounts business with John Anthony Wines and Spirits. This is the first time they’ve had someone in that sector and I’m having the most wonderful time doing it. I’m also looking forward to educating more women about my business Rooted Connections and the Rooted Leadership program I created. There is an incredible amount of opportunity for women in this industry to be future leaders, but the time to prepare is now. The Rooted Leadership program is geared towards developing their leadership style using self-inquiry and external application.

What's your weirdest wellness hack?
Any time I travel, once I get to my hotel, I put my legs up on the wall for 20 minutes. That and compression socks!

What inspires you on your journey in the beverage industry?
It’s not so much about the "what" as it is about the "who" that inspires me. In such a competitive industry, it’s easy to feel the weight of it all. But I've come to see that there are natural "includers" out there—the ones who aren’t threatened by others and recognize that there’s room for all of us. The world often pushes us to operate from a mindset of scarcity, which pits us against each other. But over the years, it’s those who invite you to join them, whether at dinner or simply at their table, who remind me why I’m still here.

What is a quote that you love?
“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

You can connect with Jennifer on Instagram at @jennyban1