Industry Stalwarts Reflect On The Hard Work That Led To Their Success
Jessamine McLellan - National Brand Ambassador for Redbreast, The Glenlivet, Aberlour, Powers & more - spoke with Meaghan Dorman - Bar Director at The Raines Law Room, Dear Irving & The Bennett - about drive, gender parity and the hard work that’s led them to succeed in a historically male-dominated industry
Jessamine McLellan: Meaghan, you are an amazingly accomplished individual in the bar industry, who also happens to be female. Many people respect you and look you as a mentor. What qualities about yourself do you attribute to your success? Tell us a little about your journey...
Meaghan Dorman: I’m the oldest of four and a twin, so I have always had people to look out for and I know how to share. Sharing ideas, credit, attention, opportunities and so on is so important in our industry and making sure that those next in line feel like they have a shot at success and are prepared by gaining more responsibilities as time goes on. I always take a moment to see a situation from all sides, to be able to give a measured and thoughtful response to issues that arise. I also have trained myself and others in virtually every role in our bars, as people will only trust you so far if you can’t jump in and help. A mentor doesn’t let the ship sink, they paddle even when the oars fall off.
JM: I have often felt that my relentless drive and inspiration comes from other people telling me “no, you can’t do that.” Essentially, telling me I can’t is the best way for me to show you I can. Was there a time where you were told you would not achieve something and how did it affect you?
MD: Earlier in my career, I was overlooked because I didn’t “look” like a bartender. People actually admitted it to me years later! I would say creativity, punctuality, responsiveness all go a lot farther than a mustache and outsize ego. I had to believe in the old hard work pays off adage, because I wasn’t comfortable being anyone other than myself. I was able to quietly make my journey and took that time I was left out of this or that to focus on my craft and personal style.
JM: In my time behind the bar, I found incredible talents in both men and women within my team - but there were always more men than women. It would be difficult to not notice the shift many industries are experiencing to listen to women and see their contributions as equal. Do you see this inclusion happening within our industry, or do we have a long way to go?
MD: I think we have a ways to go in evolving from old rules. For example, you might overlook a potential female barback because you aren’t sure they can lift cases or change kegs. You could be missing out on a fast, detailed oriented, organized barback because they might need help in one small task? We must evaluate systems and ideas to see if they really make sense to build the best team or if it’s these rules we inherited that hold us back. Women will certainly deal with a backlash on if we deserve the “extra” attention we are getting. Frankly, I see that it’s hard for some people to share and realize they might have to earn that next role instead of assuming it’s theirs. We also need to stop adding physical adjectives to women where we don’t with men, even in praise why add a successful CEO is stunning when you wouldn’t add her male counterpart is handsome? To focus on looks in any marginalized community adds to the idea that only some succeed and that success often has to do with physical appearance.
JM: Sometimes I think, "wow this generation of female bartenders have it so much easier!” - far from the truth, but we have come quite a long way. What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of female hospitality professionals behind you?
MD: I think the biggest challenge will be getting more women to the next level of ownership and being able to find investment as easily as men do. I want to see more women fully be able to call the shots and reap the financial rewards of their hard work and ideas.
JM: What woman, in the industry or not, inspires you and why?
MD: Michelle Obama. Seriously, who doesn’t want to sit down and have a martini with this woman? I want to absorb just one iota of her grace, gravitas and seemingly endless energy. Also fashion advice welcome!