EXPLORING THE INDUSTRY’S MOST CREATIVE JOB: HEAD OF ADVOCACY, PROOF CREATIVE

ASIA PACIFIC, 11 MAY – Could you be our new Head of Advocacy?  Jason Williams is moving to new ventures and so we seek a new creative talent to spearhead this amazing consultancy arm, as Head of Advocacy Proof Creative. 

As the Head of Advocacy for Proof & Company’s consultancy arm, Jason “Widge” Williams has one of the most exciting and dynamic roles in the beverage industry. From creating new bar concepts to working on hotel development projects, his job is never dull. In this interview, we dive into his daily routine, career trajectory, and what it takes to succeed as a hospitality consultant.

What does an ‘average’ (actually, not so average) workday look like?

If I had to describe my role in just five words, I would say that it is stimulating, diverse, extraordinary, fulfilling, and creative. From collaborating with top hotel brands to developing cutting-edge beverage solutions, no two days are the same.

My role goes beyond just developing creative beverage solutions. I also work closely with property owners and VPs at leading hotel brands, providing insights on strategy, business development, and everything in between. On select high-value projects, I am involved in the entire process, from layouts and cocktail menus to music briefs and financials.

For the daily happenings, it can be anything from team whiteboard sessions on a new drinking ritual for a global hotel brand, to work on BOH layouts for a rooftop bar in Bangkok. As part of the 28 HongKong Street leadership team, I also dedicate time to working on the business strategy, marketing efforts and people management.

How did you land the gig and how has it changed over the years?

 When I first landed the gig, I never imagined the amazing journey that lay ahead. I was given the opportunity to lead a bar and beverage consultancy embedded in our distribution business, a groundbreaking concept that our co-founders envisioned. With my transferable skills and experience in running beverage programs for a larger group in Sydney, I had the foundation to take the team to greater heights.

As the consultancy grew, so did our portfolio of clients and projects, giving me the chance to work on innovative and impactful initiatives that are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of cocktails and spirits. From collaborating with leading hotel brands to working on new bar concepts and the ’20 Pillars’ on select high-value projects, my days are never dull.

Being part of the Proof Creative and advocacy arm has also allowed me to contribute to the broader conversation around the beverage industry and its future. As we continue to innovate and pioneer new approaches, I’m excited to see where this journey takes the business and how our expert Proof Creative team can continue to make a positive impact in the industry.

Is there one stand-out project that defined your career to date? 

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to work on many incredible projects, but one in particular stands out as a defining moment for me: Atlas. Working on this project was a dream come true, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the owners and operating team to bring the concept to life.

It was an honour to be a part of creating such a special place, and it truly shaped my approach to cocktail and bar design. The experience reminded me of the importance of taking risks, pushing boundaries, and trusting your instincts to create something truly unique and unforgettable.

How do you balance creative vision with practical considerations, budget, timeline, and more?

My main focus is ensuring client relationships to ensure that we, as a team, have a solid understanding of the client’s goals and objectives, which enables us to design solutions that are not only creative but also realistic, achievable, and aligned with their budget and timeline. Balancing these factors can be challenging, but we believe it’s essential to deliver exceptional results that exceed expectations.

How do you stay up to date with industry trends and incorporate new ideas and technologies into your work?

As a part of an integrated business such as Proof & Company (spirits distributor, bar operator, consultancy), we are exposed to varying sides of our industry. I believe that staying abreast of industry trends and incorporating new ideas and technologies into our work is essential to create truly innovative solutions.

This means attending conferences and events, networking with other industry professionals, and regularly learning from the best – we go to a lot of bars! Our consultancy also aims to elevate the hotel bar experience by incorporating more disruptive ideas in that space.

What are the essential qualities of a successful Head of Advocacy, and how do you cultivate these qualities in yourself and your team?

I believe the essential qualities of a successful Head of Advocacy include a passion for exceptional creative drinking experiences, a passion for our industry, big-picture thinking, great communication skills, confidence, creative outside-the-box thinking, and exceptional client relationship management.

I continue to cultivate these qualities in myself and my team by promoting a culture of innovation, creativity, and collaboration, and by fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to share their ideas and opinions.

Any other thoughts?

As I look back on my incredible journey of the past 8 years with Proof & Company and engage in conversations with potential candidates for my succession, a question keeps lingering in my mind: “Why am I leaving this role?” The truth is, it’s not an easy decision. Living abroad has been an amazing adventure, filled with unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships, and…finding my wife!

However, the time has come for me to return to Australia, where I can focus on pursuing my business endeavours. While I will dearly miss the incredible moments and contributions to one of the world’s finest drinks companies, I am excited to embrace the next chapter of my life.