Dervilla McGowan | Craft distiller – how she made the leap from academia to award-winning gin maker

What She Did Next

Dervilla McGowan had always loved science, ever since she was a kid. She went on to study microbiology at uni and even completed a PhD.

But at the end of her studies, she realised a career in academia wasn’t for her… and instead she wanted to use her scientific skills to make craft gin!

Derv and her hubby launched Anther in 2016, an award-winning gin brand that celebrates Australian botanicals and employs mostly women. More recently, they built their own distillery and bar at the historic woollen mills in North Geelong.

Derv is now a leader in Australia’s craft distillation industry and is passionate about supporting and empowering more women to join her.

In this episode, Derv chats with host Jacqui Ooi about:

· What drew her to study science and why she eventually gave it up

· How her early days as a bartender in London developed her palate and interest in spirits

· The process of making a career change in her 40s and starting a business with no formal training

· Why she loves making gin and championing women in the distillation industry

· Her best tips and recommendations for aspiring career changers and business owners

For more inspiring career change stories, tips and resources, sign up to our newsletter: https://whatshedidnext.com.au/

DERV’S RECOMMENDATIONS

Read, listen or watch:

Brené Brown https://brenebrown.com/

Inspired by:

Marie Curie

Brittany Higgins

Grace Tame

CONNECT WITH DERV

Visit her website: https://www.anther.com.au/

CREDITS

Host and producer: Jacqui Ooi

Associate producer: Catherine Cavill

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What She Did Next acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which this podcast is made, the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

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