To mark International Women’s Day, we have invited our very own Isabelle Wu from C&B’s Singapore office to share her experience in the wine industry.
Q: Tell us about you and your current role?
I’m the Sales Manager at C&B Singapore and I oversee the operation of the Singapore office. I work closely with my team to present our extensive portfolio to clients in Singapore and the South-East Asia region. We also introduce customers to our exclusive producers and develop local business opportunities.
I started off in the wine industry in Shenzhen in 2005 as an event and private sales manager for the biggest wine distributor in China. I then move on to lead the trade marketing and business development team for South China. In 2011, I relocated to Shanghai as brand manager with the same company and later transferred to the Hong Kong branch as the Marketing Director.
I enjoy music and outdoor activities – horseback riding, hiking and kayaking – you name it. I am a mother of two young kids. And of course I enjoy wine and sometime a glass of whisky.
Q: Tell us about your experiences as a woman working within the wine industry?
Clients and friends envy that I get to drink all the good wines, however, to succeed as women in this (or any) industry I have to work harder. Not only do I have to meet professional expectation but I also have to manage my responsibilities as a mother.
Q: Throughout your journey has there been someone who inspired or mentored you and how did this help you?
I am lucky to have met great mentors at different stages of my career. Special thanks to three important individuals:
The general manager of South China who brought me into the wine industry and sent me through all the WSET courses.
The brand vice-president of South China who taught me the trade of brand management and how to view things at a strategic level.
Thibaut Mathieu who has given me the opportunity to head the C&B team in Singapore!
Q: What has been the most challenging but rewarding experience working in the industry?
Keeping up to date with wine knowledge and market movement on top of my everyday duties is perhaps the most challenging to me. But I get to taste and drink some of the best wines at tastings and trainings.
Q: What advice would you offer to women looking for a career within the wine industry?
You need to love wine to be in the industry, however, you need to keep learning and improving yourself. It’s more than just drinking all the best wine!
Q: What has been your go to white and red wines during this pandemic?
Mâcon-Verzé from Domaine Leflaives and Corney & Barrow Claret. Nothing too fancy as my wine consumption doubled during the pandemic.
Q: How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8th?
I usually treat myself to some “me time”. Not sure what that will be this year yet.
For more information about our Women in Wine offer, visit corneyandbarrow.com/women-in-the-spotlight