217: Career Conversations: From studying politics to world-leading drinks expert

Sometimes in life, you just know you need to make a change. For Lauren Mote, that realisation came as she approached the end of her international politics degree.

"I was opening my Russian politics book and thinking 'I'm not interested in this," she tells Elisa Roche.

"And then (I was) picking up Harold McGee's 'On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen'."

Lauren says it wasn't that she'd lost interest in academia, just that the subject matter had changed.

Fast forward 24 years and she's been named one of the best bartenders in the world, became Diageo's first ever Reserve Global Cocktailian, and has launched a number of successful businesses.

Her career in hospitality didn't start with quite so much glamour, although she does say she got "gratification" from her job as a singing hamburger dresser when she was 16.

Listen on to hear about the strong female figures who inspired Lauren to succeed, how she sees herself as still very much on a career journey, and get her top tip for avoiding a hangover.

Lauren Mote, Drink Consultant and Entrepreneur

Lauren Mote is a sought-after consultant and expert in the global spirits industry. 

Lauren is a Founding Partner of Bittered Sling Bitters, Chard & Laver Agency, Nightcap Media and Kale & Nori Culinary Arts. 

She's also the co-founder of Women Celebrate, a social media initiative to highlight women and fem folx in the drink industry and their achievements.

An active member and educator within the global spirits industry, Lauren has led seminars at Bar Convent Berlin and Sao Paulo, TED, Vancouver, Barometer and presented at World's 50 Best Bars Awards. 

Lauren is a part of the Tales of the Cocktail’s Culture, Education and Spirited Award committees. 

She was recognised by her industry peers as one of the top 4 "International Brand Ambassadors of the Year 2019", top 4 "Best Bar Mentor 2020" at the annual Spirited Awards and the first Canadian woman inducted into the “Dame Hall of Fame” by Tales of the Cocktail. 

Lauren is often included in the industry's best lists, including the Bar World 100 by Drinks International, celebrating the very best of the global drinks industry.