Sponsored article: Celebrating influential women across the drinks industry

Clara Shand 

Managing Director at AG Barr

How long have you been in the industry?

My passion for hospitality began in my youth, and I’ve now spent over a decade in the drinks industry. Like many, my career in the sector began in the licensed trade, hotels, and catering companies.

The people I encountered there inspired me to pursue higher education and those roles allowed me to self-fund my studies, adventures, and gain crucial early professional experience.

My journey to this point has been unique, but I am forever grateful for the opportunities and support this industry has afforded me.

What is the best thing about working in the licensed trade?

The sense of community. This industry is fundamentally people-first, driven by individuals who serve and connect with their communities every single day.

Hospitality, in Scotland, is a significant force. Now more than ever the trade is the core of the communities we serve.

The way we support and value our people profoundly impacts not only the individual and their families, but also our local and wider society. Being a part of that community is a privilege.

What challenges have you faced as a woman working in the industry?

Two key challenges stand out for me.

I love this industry, it is incredibly rewarding but also highly demanding of your time, resources and energy. Balancing and re-balancing the competing priorities has been a learning curve and taught me more than I expected.

An influential leader in my career talked about ‘the diamond’ and this has stuck with me, changing the way I manage myself. Three points of the diamond represent the areas in which we dedicate most of our time – at work, investing in family and spending time with friends.

Most of us move between those areas, trying to find a balance. But we forget about the pinnacle of the diamond – the time you take for yourself. It’s the point that holds everything together, reminding us that without caring for ourselves the rest of the diamond loses shape and can collapse.

Across all industries, action is being taken around diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Creating cultures in our organisations where barriers to entry are removed, where we are respectfully curious as we seek to understand, and we implement policies that ensure everyone is safe and we hold ourselves/others to account is paramount.

As a woman in the industry, it’s important to have confidence in who you are and what you want to achieve. Trusting your core values and professional worth are key. Whenever self-doubt arises connect back to these anchors and surround yourself with people who are your champions, your challengers and will speak up.

Who have been the most influential mentors in your career so far, and what did you learn from them?

I found this a really difficult question to answer. From teachers at school who encouraged me, to line managers and leaders over the years who’ve believed in me and supported me to realise my potential, so many people have played a key role in my career so far.

I am a believer in being open and curious, everyone teaches you something. For me the best thing we can do is pay it forward, always.

What advice would you give a young woman starting out in hospitality in 2026?

Accepting my dyslexia taught me that accepting your whole self is a strength. Embracing what makes you different will take you further than trying to conform ever will. For anyone starting out, you are powerful, and you can achieve your goals.

The industry is constantly evolving and expansive; it will look completely different in five years than it does now, or did five years ago. Committing to continuous learning, network building and skill development, regardless of your role or career level, will always pay back.

A non-linear career path, with a range of experiences, is invaluable. Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone. It is often a catalyst for growth, leading you to opportunities you never imagined. The diversity of roles that exist in the licensed trade is unique and affords the opportunity to try new things, allowing you to discover your true strengths and passions.