Philana Bouvier, VP - Fine Wine, Business Development, Republic National Distributing Company, San Francisco (USA)

Years In Industry:

More than 20 years.  My adult life started earlier than I had wanted.  At a very young age I had to survive on my own without any real guidance from a parent.  I started in the wine and spirits industry as a Merchandiser for Anheuser-Busch in Honolulu, Hawaii.

After roles in sales at both Anheuser-Busch and Southern Wine & Spirits, I started my own PR company, and then a water company, which I ultimately sold the U.S. distribution rights to the Underwood family – owners of Youngs Market.  I came-in house with Young’s Market ultimately serving as General Manager for Hawaii, before moving to California as SVP New Business Development.  

Now post-merger, as VP, Supplier Business Development Fine Wine for Republic National Distributing Company.

My Biggest Challenge To Wellness:

My biggest challenge is reminding myself how far I’ve come and that where I am today is enough.  Upholding my values and knowing my business while constantly being challenged at every level can be tough.  Keeping my sense of self confidence, being present, and believing in myself is what I diligently work on every day.

I need to take the time to slow down, exercise more patience, and take that breath.  I am naturally wired to move at a fast pace.  My ambition and drive to accomplish everything possible for myself and my family is always a tough benchmark.  I personally raise the bar to an extremely high level, there are days I can barely keep up with myself!

In my role, I can be entertaining six days and nights a week!  Another challenge is to have discipline to not eat and drink everything that is on my plate, which is hard to do.  There is nothing I love more than exploring new wineries, and unique culinary adventures with family and friends.  We are very fortunate to be in this industry.  It’s important for our mental and physical well-being to take care of ourselves as it can be a lot more consumption than is needed.  Hospitality is so much of what we do.  I’m passionate about the people and the relationships that these experiences bring into my personal life and work.

How I Keep It Together To Stay Well:

My amazing husband who supports me daily, and the support of my network of women in the industry. Through the WSWA, Women’s Leadership Council, I am constantly supported by hundreds of women across the nation that utilize this amazing network to support each other both professionally and personally.  Connecting with people and cultivating genuine relationships that inspire and support my spiritual, physical and mental well-being have enabled a great balance in my life that I continue to improve on.  Surrounding myself with EXTRAORDINARY people and a SENSE OF HUMOR is key!  

I am proud to be the Chair of the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) for the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), and one of the founding members of the Advisory Board in addition, an Officer for WSWA’s Council of Leadership Development. 

Giving back to the community is also essential for my well-being.  I am a Corporate and Advisory Board Member for The Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, The Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation in New York, and The Napa Valley Cannabis Association.

I am always asking for constructive feedback, as it’s a constant journey to know yourself more and to work on being the best you can be.  I have learned that if you can understand that the person giving you feedback cares about your well-being and success, it ultimately a becomes valuable, self-reflective learning lesson that supports my success and personal growth.

For the first-time last year, I ran the New York Half Marathon.  I made it a priority to pay attention to my physical being.  I also practice the methodology of the Hoffman Process’s daily “Quadrinity Check-In” - which Is like 10 years of therapy in seven days. It’s my daily practice and check-in.

You can connect with Philana on Instagram @philanabouvier and LinkedIn