We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Kendall. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.

Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

Growing up in this day and age we are all taught that we are “one of a kind”. Not that each of us don’t have something special of offer, but at the end of the day, for better or worse, we are all replaceable. I always thought if a certain co-worker or boss left, the company would implode. But low and behold, within a few months and some navigation, things usually turn out just fine. I was always so worried about a star employee leaving or getting poached by a competitor, but what I found was it was always going to be ok. There are plenty of talented, hungry individuals that might actually be better than what you’ve been experiencing with your star performer. The first time I learned this was in my first job out of college, our owner would say everyone was replaceable, but I truly didn’t believe it. How would our company run without this said man or woman? Our customers love him/her and won’t come back if they are not here. But over the years I would see the number one salesperson leave, thinking that there is no way someone could fill those shoes, but someone always did, and usually better.
It has actually created a less stressful work environment for me knowing that if someone does have to move on, we will persevere.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I grew up in Sonoma County and always knew I was destined to work in the world of wine. A product that teaches history, accentuates food and conversation, what’s not to love? I have worked with wine on many levels, from at the core, a winery itself, to owning restaurants and curating wine lists, managing restaurants and now on the distribution side where I sell to restaurants and wine shops. The family owned company I work for , Chambers & Chambers, is on it’s 47th year as a business and only works with small family run wineries. I love this side of the business as I get so much face to face time with the top sommeliers and wine connoisseurs here in San Diego. Everyone has a different objective, a different cuisine and goals to obtain. It’s like a puzzle to solve at every account to try to get them what they need. I pride myself on creating these longterm relationships, and now many friendships, where we work together to bring the customer what they are looking for.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

The best advice I have for managing a team, is make sure you’re willing to do what everyone of your staff members can do. You wan’t to be able to step in and show them how to possibly even do it better. I always respect a manager that is willing to get his/her hands dirty and helping when the time calls

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

I’ve been recently listening to WEconomy by Richard Branson’s daughter and other guest authors. It outlines a new way of doing business that also gives back to the world. I’m very interested in finding meaning, while making a living and possible changing the world… this book makes it seem possible!

Image Credits
NA