“Every time I step into the Laphroaig® warehouses, breathe in the smell of maturing whisky, and look around at the casks, I feel myself come alive. There’s something magical about the idea that I get the opportunity to see what the casks laid down decades ago have become because of the contributions of those before me.

Most people may not know that a woman named Bessie Williamson inherited the Laphroaig distillery in the ‘50s after the owner passed. She started as a shorthand typist but proved herself to be so much more. She wanted the best for the distillery and made a lot of innovative changes to improve output, such as installing the larger Spirit Still No.1. Since Bessie retired in 1972, there wasn’t another woman in the management team for another 50 years – until me. 

There are moments when I feel like I need to pinch myself as being a part of history in this way was not something I ever expected. When I first started this position in November 2021, I had a female mentor from our Courvoisier® team in France. She assured me it’s ok to not always have the answer! I recall a conversation she and I once had, where I looked at her and said, ‘I don’t think I can get to the stage you’re at in my career’ and she said, ‘well a year ago, I didn’t think I could either.’ She taught me to be kinder to myself and believe in my capabilities. It’s this level of support that I aim to give my team every day. 

Occasionally, Bessie Williamson's niece will visit the distillery - She came last year and gave me a lovely leather schoolbook of Bessie's as a 'rite of passage' of sorts following my appointment as the second ever female in the management team. This lovely piece of history now sits pride of place on the shelf above my desk as a reminder of the trailblazer that came before me and of everything I can become.”

-    Pamela Ferguson, Assistant Distillery Manager, Islay, Scotland
 

New offering allows consumers to enjoy this iconic liquor in a convenient RTD cocktail for the first time ever

NEW YORK, March 29, 2023 -- OTR™ Premium Cocktails, the ready-to-serve cocktail brand developed by award-winning mixologists, has released the first-ever Midori Sour offered in a ready-to-drink format. OTR's latest bar-quality cocktail combines premium Midori Liqueur and pure creativity crafted into an upscale, ready-to-serve bottle.

The OTR Midori Sour Limited Release is an expressive cocktail that harmonizes Midori Melon Liqueur infused with Japanese melons, smooth vodka, and notes of bright lemon and lime and will be available beginning in April in select markets nationwide for a limited time. 

Midori, originally from Japan, and aptly named for its vibrant green color, made its US debut1 at the Saturday Night Fever launch party at the iconic New York City haunt- Studio 54. Fast forward to today, with 1980's nostalgia sweeping pop culture trends from music to fashion, television and beyond, it should come as no surprise that online searches for another 1980's staple - Midori cocktails - have increased 83%* this year.2

"As one of the fastest growing RTD brands, OTR is constantly innovating to push the boundaries of what the category can be," said Heather Boyd, managing director– RTD, Beam Suntory. "This limited-edition release of Midori Sour energizes and capitalizes on a trending era we know our consumers are experiencing firsthand and that has influenced top bar programs nationwide."

OTR Premium Cocktails was founded on the principle of delivering all the complexity and craftsmanship you would find at a bar, in a ready-to-drink cocktail, bringing that luxurious convenience into your own home. OTR Midori Sour boasts premium ingredients, bold flavor and vibrant color, perfect for elevating and energizing a celebratory moment, anytime, anywhere.

"With OTR Midori Sour, we are paying homage to the iconic cocktails that shaped 1980's nightlife by tapping into Beam Suntory's rich portfolio. As Beam Suntory is the originator of this iconic liquid, it's exciting to bring it back to life in this new format. OTR cocktails are all about finding the balance and flavor that gives you an experience that's greater than the sum of its parts, and our OTR Midori Sour is no exception," said Rocco Milano, co-founder and global brand ambassador, OTR Premium Cocktails.

The Midori Sour is available now in 375 ml and 200 ml bottles at 20% ABV in select markets nationwide while supplies last. For additional information about OTR, please visit www.ontherockscocktails.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About OTR™ Premium Cocktails
On The Rocks Cocktails (OTR) was founded in 2015 when restaurateurs Patrick Halbert and Rocco Milano, left the world of fine dining and embarked upon creating a line of craft-made bottled cocktails. Joined by Andrew Gill, the three began designing ready-to-serve cocktails using only the most premium natural ingredients – from recipe to manufacturing. The founders pioneered in experiences and places where a bartender was not available, and elevated beverage options in settings where convenience is in demand.

OTR Cocktails established itself early in the field with premium collaborations in the airline and hotel industries. Life doesn't wait for the bar; some moments call for a complex drink in an unconventional setting. On The Rocks Cocktails was crafted to rise to your occasion and bring the bar to you. OTR is currently available nationwide in nine popular cocktails including The Aviation, The Cosmopolitan, The Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita, The Mai Tai, The Manhattan, The Espresso Martini, The Daiquiri, and The Old Fashioned.

About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.  Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker's Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher's, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory's core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

©2023 Beam Suntory, Inc. New York. 

One-year pilot with Red BioTerra aims to neutralize 50% of Casa Sauza’s emissions by 2026 and 100% of emissions by 2030

Builds upon Casa Sauza’s existing regenerative agriculture practices and environmental leadership on water, waste and energy reduction

NEW YORK– March 2, 2023 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits with iconic brands such as Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®, announced today that it is launching a first-of-its-kind pilot program within the tequila industry to explore regenerative agricultural practices in the agave fields near its Casa Sauza operations in Jalisco, Mexico. The program has the potential to reveal new opportunities to improve carbon capture and supports Beam Suntory’s Proof Positive sustainability agenda and commitment to achieving net zero emissions in direct operations by 2030.

In partnership with environmental professional services company Red BioTerra, the pilot program will explore methods of maximizing carbon capture in agave fields by introducing additional plants, which absorb carbon during the day, between rows of agave, which absorbs carbon at night to avoid water loss. If successful, this method is expected to neutralize 50% of Casa Sauza’s emissions by 2026, and 100% by 2030.

“This marks an exciting step toward more sustainably sourcing the highest quality agave for our renowned Casa Sauza tequila, ultimately benefitting the environment through the power of regenerative agriculture,” said Kim Marotta, Global Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, Beam Suntory. “We are proud to be working toward our sustainability commitments with cutting-edge initiatives across our entire family of brands.”

The pilot program is the latest development in Casa Sauza’s long-held commitment to environmentally friendly practices. The tequila brand has one of the industry’s lowest water usage rates and is working toward further reducing water, energy and waste at its facilities through continuous production improvements and new technologies – including switching from fuel oil to natural gas. Casa Sauza is also part of the Charco Bendito Project, through which it supports the restoration and protection of a sub-basin of the Lerma–Santiago River and promotes reforestation, soil conservation and recharging the aquifer.

“Caring for the environment is a core value in our pursuit to produce the finest tequila,” said Servando Calderon, General Manager Tequila Operations, Casa Sauza. “We are proud to be kicking off this new pilot program, which has the potential to capture more than 36,800 tons of carbon per year – leading to healthier soil, increased biodiversity and reduced soil erosion.”

Results from the pilot program, which is inspired and supported by parent company Suntory Holdings’ Growing for Good initiative, are anticipated by the end of its first year of study, with the potential to extend for an additional seven years.

“World-class tequila begins with high quality, environmentally sustainable production,” said Fernando Avila, Master Distiller, Casa Sauza. “We look forward to not only expanding our own sustainable practices at Casa Sauza through carbon capture, but also introducing carbon capture to the broader tequila industry.”

About Beam Suntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones, El Tesoro and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Contacts
Media
Zsoka McDonald
Chief Communications Officer, Beam Suntory
Zsoka.McDonald@beamsuntory.com

#  #  #

©2023 Beam Suntory, Inc. New York.

“I didn’t have the 'traditional' college experience like most people. While in school, I worked the overnight shift at a shipping company and went to class during the day. So, I didn’t have time to participate in a lot of extracurricular activities like a lot of my peers. Looking back, I don’t have any regrets because juggling school and two part-time jobs showed me that I can accomplish anything I set out to do, and my job taught me essential teamworking skills I continue to use every day. 

After graduating, I thought I was headed towards a career in the medical field since I have a Chemistry degree and love math and science. But I landed a job as a contract lab technician with Beam Suntory in the Global Innovation Center (GIC), and it was here that I discovered my passion for food science, which is like combining art, nature, creativity, and science in order to formulate and innovate the products that we launch. From there, I decided to go back and get my master’s in this field. 

In the GIC, teamwork plays an important part in the work that I do. Aside from my team, I work cross functionally with marketing, suppliers and other functions within the company. We all have the same goal in mind—developing the world’s best premium spirits. 

My favorite part of the job is seeing the products on the shelf. Knowing the work that went into creating a product and seeing people enjoy it is an amazing feeling. I remember having a real sense of accomplishment when the On The Rocks™ Manhattan Cocktail launched because it was a very complex liquid to develop, but the finished result came out great and even made me into a Manhattan cocktail enthusiast. 

My parents are also extremely proud of my job here and are always bragging about and purchasing the products they know that I have worked on. I was the first person to get a bachelor’s degree in my family, and they’ve always been supportive of my career choices.

I think college can be very intimidating because there’s often a misconception that you’re expected to pick something you want to do for the rest of your life, but like in my case, life has a way of surprising you. My advice is to just start something, figure out what you like and don’t like, and you’ll land where you’re supposed to be.“

— Danielle Druin, Senior Group Manager - Research & Development (RTD & Flavored Spirits), USA

• Premium-plus spirits comprise more than half of total Full Bottle Spirits sales for first time ever
• Company investing in future growth with record capital expenditures in the year
• 2023 sharply focused on premiumization strategies, RTD acceleration, and continuing the company’s transformation.

NEW YORK – February 15, 2023 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, today announced 2022 full year results, with net sales up 10.5% year on year, representing 24% growth versus the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Premium brands grew 15% in 2022, and now represent more than half of the company’s Full Bottle Spirits sales for the first time ever. Ready-to Drink (RTD) brand sales grew 16% driven by performance in Japan, Australia and the US.

“The quality of these results is clear and reflects our strategy to premiumize our spirits portfolio, build RTD leadership, and focus on value over volume,” said Albert Baladi, President & CEO of Beam Suntory. “We delivered these results despite significant challenges including supply chain disruptions, record inflationary pressures, our withdrawal from Russia, and restrictive COVID policies in China.”

Performance by Brand
Sales growth accelerated up the price ladder for key Bourbon brands, as Jim Beam grew at a single digit rate, Maker’s Mark grew 11% and Basil Hayden surged 40%. Furthermore, Roku, Hibiki, Yamazaki, Bowmore, Knob Creek, Tres Generaciones and Hornitos all delivered impressive double-digit sales gains. 
As an established leader in the RTD segment in Japan, Beam Suntory is focused on expanding its leadership and expertise in RTDs to high growth markets. On-The-Rocks nearly doubled in sales in the US, and -196 RTD saw explosive growth in Australia, with the core brands of Canadian Club & Dry and Jim Beam RTD delivering double digit growth. 

Performance by Geography
Beam Suntory delivered strong performance across its three regions against a backdrop of global headwinds moderating market conditions in the US and Western Europe, a COVID resurgence in Asia, and challenging inflationary pressures globally. 

• North America sales were up 8% versus 2021 despite softening market conditions in the US, where the company gained share in the Premium+ segment. Canada and Mexico delivered double-digit growth.
• Asia sales were up 13% buoyed by on-premise recovery, focus on premium brands, and successful Highball programs across key markets.
• International sales grew 10% despite the impact of the company’s exit from Russia. Spain, Oceania, India and Global Travel Retail were exceptional standouts with very strong double-digit growth.  

Focus on Long Term Sustainable Growth
Beam Suntory remains focused on ‘Growing for Good’ through long term, sustainable growth. In 2022, the company reported record high capital expenditures geared toward expanding capacity, quality improvements, and sustainability.  During the year, the company announced several investments, including $400 million in its Booker Noe distillery to increase global production capacity for Jim Beam while at the same time reducing carbon emissions by 50%.  The company also completed the relocation of its global headquarters to New York City in September, strategically placing global leadership and brand teams in a globally influential and diverse city at the forefront of trends.

The company also published its inaugural sustainability report in 2022, providing an update on its Proof Positive enterprise-wide sustainability strategy.  Proof Positive represents more than $1 billion in investments to positively impact the environment and make sustainable impacts on consumers and communities. 

About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.  Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones, El Tesoro and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails. 

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
 

Masters’ Selection second edition celebrates exceptional synchronicity.

Chicago, IL (February 6, 2023) – Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whisky announces the arrival of Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old Single Malt Whisky in the US. The most recent release in the storied partnership between Bowmore and Aston Martin, Bowmore® has an inherent appreciation as to how time comes to bear on the character of the whisky, and how time past has shaped today.  

Rooted in intentionality, Bowmore makes whiskies this way on purpose, shaping every drop, adding depth and distinction of flavor to shape its multi-dimensional single malt. It is this precise ethos that shapes and drives Bowmore’s collaboration with the ultra-luxury British brand, Aston Martin.  It is a partnership built on a true coming together of heritage and innovation, and while  originating from two very different, if not contrasting, worlds the two companies share a synchronicity that unites and creates a strong bond that bridges these distinctive worlds.  And this bond evolves from the partnership of the two Masters, who each lead their areas of expertise with vision and vigor. In celebration of this extraordinary meeting of minds, we unveil the second iteration of our inspired Masters’ Selection series, Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old, a single malt capturing a harmonizing force in both its presence and its character. 

Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin, said, “For Aston Martin, we are always striving to push the boundaries, be that design, engineering, or performance, to achieve the very best in each car we create.  We are fueled by passion, but also by the partnership.  In coming together with Bowmore, we can imagine, discover, and create together, taking inspiration from one another constantly.   Working together to create synergies and bridges between our two worlds feels very natural so we’ve achieved a powerful harmony built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.”

Ron Welsh, Master Blender, Bowmore, said “We talk about shared synergies between the contrasting worlds of Bowmore and Aston Martin and this is what truly defines the relationship Marek and I have formed.  We have relished in the opportunity to share experiences, ideas, and thoughts from each other’s worlds, listening and learning from the inherent skill, knowledge, and creativity we both possess.  In collaborating as guardians of our respective legacies, we recognize the honor bestowed upon us.

This whisky absolutely captures this synchronized creativity as it brings two distinct parts together, in this case, American Oak hogsheads with Sherry butts. But also uniting two different millennia, with whisky distilled in 1997 and 2000 respectively.  It delivers a character of two distinct, synchronized parts, much like our two Masters. Beginning with fragrances of honey sweetness, peach, and apricot, yet evolving into bolder medicinal aromas, with fresh tobacco, cloves, and eucalyptus. The palate is treated to another contrast of character, yet this time with a maritime feel giving an initial medicinal, salty taste that gives way to sweetness in the form of honey, and then an intriguing note of fresh oysters lingers that brings it back to Islay, along with the subtle peat smoke on the mouth drying finish.

The story of this whisky sees Bowmore’s Master Whisky Blender skillfully seeking the optimal nurture of spirit in cask. From sampling different cask styles to defining the character they all align behind; this is true collaboration at its finest. By sharing experiences, ideas, and thoughts, they explore each other’s worlds, listening and learning from the skills they all champion, taking inspiration to shape this latest creation. 

Bowmore Masters’ Selection Edition 2 22 Year Old is the second release in the collectible series available in key global markets including the UK, Germany, Canada, USA and China. Presented at 51.5% ABV with a US suggested retail price of $450, available in the US as of January 2023. 

For more information please contact:
Manuela Savona, Savona Communications – Manuela@SavonaCommunications.com 
Michael Verdi, Beam Suntory – Michael.Verdi@BeamSuntory.com 

Notes To Editors:
CASK TYPES: American Oak hogsheads with Sherry butts
AGE: 22 Years Old
ABV: 51.5%

Tasting notes 
ON THE EYE: Deep copper 
BREATHE IN: Sweet and fruity notes of heather honey, vanilla, cherries, and lychees with a floral character and a hint of eucalyptus. Oak spices, licorice and fresh tobacco leaves with a touch of aniseed and mint.
TASTE: Malty spice notes of vanilla fudge, golden syrup, and butterscotch, with thyme and white pepper, woody notes of dry oak, hazelnut, demerara sugar, and maple syrup and dates.
SAVOR: Sweet and woody with notes of licorice sticks deliver a spicy mouth feel and a touch of peat smoke.

            
ABOUT BOWMORE®
For over 240 years, the Bowmore Distillery has been capturing the essence of Islay from the shores of its remote island home. Shaped by centuries of skill and tradition, Bowmore’s single malt harnesses the power of this time in every single drop, defined by the past and savored in the present.

Time is defining at Bowmore® and we tirelessly harness the power of time to shape our whiskies. Our distillery’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our fruity and smoky single malts. Today, we are among one of a few distilleries which still produces its own floor-malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand-drawn machinery.  Water for the whiskies is especially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln. 

Bowmore® Distillery's proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit and gives a hint of sea air to the character. The legendary Bowmore® No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault's sea-facing wall. 

Matured in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry, or claret, over time developing rich and mellow flavors until the expertise of our whisky makers deems them ready for bottling.  It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people, and tradition that makes Bowmore the exceptional single malt it is today.

Time is marked on each and every bottle of Bowmore, proudly and boldly as a marker of where and when each one’s journey began.  This is our story of time. This is Bowmore; the Art of Time since 1779.
www.bowmore.com

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY    
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek®, Basil Hayden’s® and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails. 
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. 

ABOUT ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA
Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS Superleggera and the new SUV, DBX.  Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 51 countries around the world. 

Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown. www.astonmartin.com

Enjoy Responsibly. Bowmore® Masters’ Selection Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 51.5% Alc./Vol.© 2022 Beam Suntory Import Co., Chicago, IL. All trademarks  are the property of their respective owner.

“I experienced a bit of a culture shock when I joined Beam Suntory Korea in 2018. I was used to working at local Korean companies where things are done more traditionally, continuing to work in ways that have succeeded in the past. When I joined Beam Suntory, I was surprised by how encouraging the leadership team was in getting team members to try new things and share ideas. It’s the “Yatte Minahare” spirit that our company values– being innovative through experimentation, learning from success and failure along the way.

Prior to joining the company, I felt like I didn’t really know myself professionally. I had never reflected on things like my strengths and weaknesses. But once I started embodying the Yatte Minahare spirit—trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone, I started to discover myself. I found motivation in new experiences, diving headfirst into new projects, and really challenging myself.

One instance that really stands out is when I agreed to give Korean bartenders, our key brands partners, a tour around our Kentucky distilleries. I had never even been to America before! But I love a good challenge, so I spent a lot of time preparing every single detail for a successful trip without a tour agency. I find that rather than being nervous and hesitant in new experiences, I’m filled with excitement and curiosity.

I’m currently embarking on a new journey – being a dad. Building a family is a new challenge in which my wife and I have had to learn as we go, not shying away from fears of failure and diving in without hesitation. I try to live by this mindset every day.”

- JaeEon An, Marketing Manager – Brands & Innovation, South Korea