In this interview episode, we have the opportunity to hear from Leva O’Neal and Emmanuel Pena. Leva was employed at Lyre’s Spirit Co.and Manny was Brand Ambassador for Diplomatico Rum during this period of their careers. At the time, Leve O’Neal  held the position of Brand Ambassador Team Leader -Central & EAstern Europe with Lyre’s Spirit Co, while Manny served as the Brand Ambassador for Diplomatico Rum.. Since this interview took place, both individuals have moved on to new roles: Leva is currently working in Amsterdam, while Manny  now holds the position of CCO of Bosscal Mezcal.. Introduction In this episode, Manny and Leva delve into the world of Brand Ambassadors in the liquor industry, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and unique experiences they encounter in their roles. Challenges of Working in Different States Manny discusses the challenges of working as a Brand Ambassador in New Jersey, a franchise state, and the intricate politics of dealing with distributors within the state. Additionally, they explore the unique hurdles of working in control states such as Pennsylvania and Texas. Transition to Brand Ambassadorship The hosts share insights into their professional journeys, detailing their careers before becoming Brand Ambassadors and the driving forces that led them to take the leap into this role. They also touch on what specifically appealed to them about representing their respective brands. Alignment with Brand Values Leva emphasizes the importance of finding a brand that aligns with her personal values, highlighting the significance of this alignment in her role as a Brand Ambassador. Managing Stress and Challenges The discussion delves into the stress and challenges inherent in the role of a Brand Ambassador, offering valuable insights into how they effectively manage these demands. Additionally, they address the difficulties of saying no and share strategies for handling such situations. Preventing Burnout The hosts explore the factors that can be exhausting in their line of work and provide actionable tips for preventing burnout. They stress the significance of creating rituals to start and end the day as a means of maintaining balance and well-being. Trends and Industry Insights Leva and Manny share their perspectives on the evolving landscape of the liquor industry, with Leva focusing on the challenges and potential of selling a non-alcoholic brand, and Manny highlighting the emerging trends in the rum sector and its future trajectory. Building Relationships and Adapting Approaches The conversation extends to the art of building relationships with multiple distributors and adjusting approaches based on diverse cultural backgrounds. They also touch on their experiences with off-premise strategies and leveraging e-commerce to connect with consumers, especially during challenging times such as shutdowns. Differentiating Off-Premise and On-Premise Manny delves into the major differences between off-premise buyers and on-premise, offering valuable insights into the distinct dynamics of these two facets of the industry. Navigating Drinking Pressures and Non-Alcoholic Options The hosts discuss the pressures associated with drinking and the growing appeal of non-alcoholic cocktails, shedding light on the benefits and considerations surrounding this evolving trend. Insights from Experience Leva and Manny conclude the episode by reflecting on their experiences and sharing valuable insights they wish they had known when they first started as Brand Ambassadors. Conclusion This episode provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the world of Brand Ambassadors in the liquor industry, offering valuable perspectives on the challenges, strategies, and evolving trends within this dynamic space.