Sponsored article: Celebrating influential women across the drinks industry
Gillian Dalziel
Learning for Life Programme Manager at Diageo
What has been your experience as a woman working in the drinks industry?
I’ve been fortunate to have a positive experience working in the drinks industry, particularly within hospitality.
Starting my career in the early 2000s, in every role I’ve had, I’ve always felt encouraged and empowered by the people I’ve worked with from the outset.
The industry has allowed me to blend my passion for hospitality with my career ambitions.
Transitioning from juggling two jobs to joining Diageo in 2007 was a turning point, giving me the opportunity to grow professionally, learn from talented colleagues, and contribute to a company that has supported my development at every step.
What challenges and obstacles have you personally overcome?
Balancing two jobs while working towards my General Certificate in Distilling qualification was challenging.
Juggling full-time work alongside evening and weekend shifts was demanding, but it built my resilience and determination. My journey from working in bars to leading the Diageo Learning for Life programme also required navigating a steep learning curve as I adapted to the corporate environment.
These experiences taught me the value of perseverance and adaptability.
How is female equality enabled at your own organisation?
At Diageo, female equality is deeply embedded in our culture and leadership.
The company prioritises diversity and inclusion at every level, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to advance in their careers. From flexible working arrangements to leadership development programmes, Diageo actively supports women in pursuing their goals.
Initiatives like the apprenticeship and graduate programmes, which offer pathways into careers ranging from coopering to engineering and corporate leadership, exemplify this commitment.
Inclusivity and equality are championed by senior leadership, creating a genuinely supportive environment for women like me.
What opportunities does your organisation offer for gender-blind career advancement?
Diageo’s inclusive approach to career progression ensures that opportunities are based on skills, potential, purpose, and performance, regardless of gender. I’ve personally benefited from this approach, having had the chance to work across diverse areas of the business, including Distilling & Maturation, Supply Chain & Procurement, HR, and secondments in Corporate Relations.
This journey ultimately led me to my current role as Programme Manager of Diageo’s Learning for Life programme.
My success has always been driven by the value I bring to the business and my passion, not by my gender.
Can you tell us about positive experiences where inclusivity has helped you in business?
Inclusivity isn’t just the right thing to do – it drives real success.
When we create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, we benefit from diverse perspectives and ideas. It makes us stronger, more creative, and fosters effective collaboration.
Working in an inclusive environment has always made me feel supported and empowered to bring my best self to work.
A great example is the Diageo Learning for Life programme, delivered in partnership with Springboard. The programme thrives because it embraces diverse backgrounds and experiences. It equips people with the skills and confidence needed to build successful careers in hospitality, regardless of their starting point.
By welcoming diversity, we attract and retain the right talent, engage our teams, and build better business partnerships. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Can you tell us about any instances where a failure to be inclusive has impacted negatively on you or on your business?
I’ve been fortunate to work in organisations that champion inclusivity, but I’ve also seen the negative impact when it’s not prioritised. When diverse viewpoints aren’t encouraged or valued, it can limit creativity and hold teams back from reaching their full potential. It can also create barriers and negatively affect employee engagement.
That’s why I’m passionate about making inclusivity a priority in everything we do. By actively listening and creating space for everyone’s voice, we foster innovation and build a more supportive and dynamic workplace.
@DiageoGB
#DiageoL4L
