Meet Jessica Goodall | Head of Events a Besa mi vino

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Goodall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
The habits that have helped me succeed are deeply rooted in my experience as a former D1 athlete on UCLA’s Women’s Rowing Team. The discipline and consistency required to maintain a rigorous training schedule taught me the importance of showing up every day, pushing through challenges, and striving for excellence. These qualities have been crucial in shaping my work ethic, enabling me to tackle the demanding environment of a startup with determination and persistence.

Leadership is another key habit that translated well into my professional life. On the rowing team, I learned the value of boosting morale, advocating for teammates, and stepping up when needed. This experience has been invaluable in my role at Besa mi vino, where I recruit and onboard interns, lead a dynamic team, and serve as the CEO’s right hand. Leading by example and fostering a supportive environment are skills I honed as an athlete and continue to utilize daily.

Execution under pressure is another habit I developed through rowing. The ability to perform under high-stress, combined with meticulous preparation and visualization, helped me orchestrate large-scale events, such as the 2,000+ attendee event we held during the summer. Visualizing success and executing plans with precision are skills I carry into every project.

Additionally, resilience is a habit deeply ingrained in me through years of athletic training. Facing setbacks, whether due to poor performances, illness, or injuries, taught me the importance of bouncing back stronger. In the startup world, resilience is everything.

Finally, the competitive nature of rowing, where small margins could significantly impact rankings, instilled in me a drive to excel and achieve more. This competitiveness fuels my efforts in building out sales and securing large volume accounts for Besa mi vino. One strong account can transform a startup, much like how one strong performance can define an athlete’s career.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
About Besa mi vino:

Besa mi vino is an organic, ready-to-drink wine company on a mission to make canned wine accessible, convenient, and cool for younger generations without sacrificing quality.

What sets Besa apart from other canned wine/ seltzer companies?

1. Female-Founded and Fronted: Besa mi vino is proudly female-founded and operated, with a strong connection to UCLA Bruins. This not only distinguishes us in a male-dominated industry but also brings a fresh perspective and a commitment to empowering women at every level of the business.

2. Organic, High-Quality Ingredients & Sustainability: We prioritize using organic ingredients in our products, ensuring that our customers receive a premium and healthier option compared to many other canned beverages on the market. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our eco-friendly packaging and production practices.

3. Innovative Product Development: Besa Mi Vino is known for its innovative approach to product development. From the introduction of Besa Hard Seltzer to the creation of the “Spin the Besa” drinking game, we constantly seek new ways to engage our customers. Our ability to pivot and adapt quickly to market trends sets us apart in a fast-paced industry.

4. Strong Community Engagement: We place a strong emphasis on community engagement, organizing events that range from intimate gatherings to large-scale brand experiences. Our commitment to connecting with our community and creating memorable experiences sets us apart from competitors who may not prioritize this aspect.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Mud water in Santa Monica- the most peaceful and calm energy- the best place to work. They host meditation sessions and a bunch of wellness driven events.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thank you to the pivotal female leaders in my life:

1. My mum: she started her own PR & travel company and sparked my entrepreneurial side

2. Everyone on the crew team at UCLA: taught me the true meeting of grit and family away from home

3. The Besa team: led by super star Victoria Brodsky who has been a great mentor and now boss over the last 3 years ago. Also, our fabulous head of social media Ella Harrington who has completely shaped the brand voice.

Website: https://drinkbesa.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkbesa/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-goodall-401177213