We recently connected with Saoirse McCabe and have shared our conversation below.

Saoirse, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

I’ve learned so many lessons in my previous roles, but one that stands out is the importance of building genuine relationships. Some of the most meaningful progress I’ve made in my career didn’t happen on Zoom or in a meeting room — it came from having lunch or a drink with someone or stopping by to connect in person whenever possible. At the end of the day, whether you’re working with colleagues, clients, or consumers, it’s the human connection that drives growth and long-term success.

In one of my past roles in marketing for a global Fortune 500 company, I noticed how often there was a disconnect between strategy, marketing, and execution — and ultimately what the consumer/customer actually needed and wanted. I watched brands pour thousands of dollars into market research and focus groups, only to miss the mark — when the simplest and most powerful insights could have come from asking consumers directly what they are looking for, or from listening to the reps and people on the front line who interacted with them every day. That gap between departments is something I know exists across many industries, but seeing it firsthand really shaped my perspective.

Another key takeaway for me has been the value of having a truly consumer-centric approach — making decisions with the customer at the heart of everything ensures the brand stays relevant and impactful. And above all, I’ve found that being authentic — showing up as yourself and leading with honesty — is what really resonates with people and creates lasting trust.”

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born into an entrepreneurial background and grew up working in my family’s business, Cork Heritage Pubs. My dad is an entrepreneur who has built one of the biggest hospitality groups in Ireland, which includes the award-winning Rising Sons Brewery, so I was immersed in the world of hospitality from a young age. That foundation gave me not only a strong work ethic but also an early understanding of how hospitality, community, and entrepreneurship intertwine.

At 23, I had the opportunity to move to the United States, where I’ve spent the last several years helping to build and launch new brands in highly competitive markets. Today, I am one of the founding partners and serve as the California and Nevada Market Manager for Martingale Cognac. Over the years, I’ve worked across every corner of the liquor industry — from marketing and sales to events, partnerships, and brand activations. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to receive awards recognizing my work in brand building and advocacy, which I view as both an honor and a motivation to keep pushing boundaries and delivering at a high level.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend strategy with creativity — I’m just as comfortable building a distribution plan as I am curating an elevated consumer experience. I see my role as bridging the gap between brand vision and on-the-ground execution, ensuring that the way a product is presented aligns with both consumer expectations and the values of the brand.

I’m most proud of the friendships I’ve built along the way, and of the reputation I’ve established for consistency, professionalism, and authenticity in an industry that thrives on trust. I want people to know that at the heart of everything I do is a genuine love for connecting people — whether that’s through a cocktail, a brand story, or a shared experience. My goal is to always create moments that feel memorable, meaningful, and elevated

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what’s really helped me build my reputation has been being very present and consistently putting myself out there, even on the days I didn’t feel like it. In the beginning of my career, I said yes to everything — every industry event, every networking opportunity, anything that allowed me to get in the room and meet people. Over time, you start to recognize which opportunities are truly productive and which aren’t, but that early period of saying yes was invaluable for building brand presence and opening doors to new introductions.

Being in Los Angeles has also been a huge advantage — no city networks quite like LA, and people are always connecting each other. Immersing myself in the local community has been key as well. Working in a very social industry like alcohol makes it easier to be present and engage, but I’ve also made an effort to go beyond the expected. For example, sponsoring and supporting local community events — even ones that weren’t an obvious fit for our brand. This gave me a chance to contribute, build relationships, and show up in ways that mattered. Whether that meant donating product to help elevate a fundraiser or partnering on grassroots initiatives, those efforts built trust and visibility in ways traditional marketing couldn’t.

All of that together — presence, consistency, community involvement, and a willingness to say yes — has been central to building my reputation in the market.”

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I really believe that everything starts from within, and in order to be a good leader you have to be balanced within yourself. Formally and professionally, we all know that stress and culture flow from the top down, so it’s important that your personal values and emotions are aligned with how you lead. One book that has had a big impact on me is Atomic Habits. It increased my productivity, but more importantly it helped me manage my own expectations. As a millennial in a world that has become very driven by social media, I think we’ve all developed unrealistic expectations around instant gratification and overnight success. What resonated with me most from Atomic Habits was the concept of compound interest — the idea that small, consistent actions done every day lead to big results over time. That philosophy has shaped how I approach both my career and leadership.

Another lesson that has influenced my management style is understanding that every person has different strengths, weaknesses, and working styles. Some people thrive with structure, others are more creative when given freedom. Good leadership means recognizing those differences and creating the space for each person to succeed in their own way. It’s also about leading with empathy — remembering that people aren’t just employees, but humans with lives and challenges outside of work. For me, it doesn’t matter how you get something done as long as the work is done well. That flexibility, paired with empathy and high standards, is what I try to bring to my management style and philosophy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://martingalecognac.com/
• Instagram: saoirse.mccabe
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saoirse-mccabe-362359106/

Image Credits

Head shot image first image provided is Raaz Photography.

Second full length image is Aleksandra Schmidt.