From pharmacy to global brand: VBKI Young Professionals meet spirits expert Dr. Christina Jagla

Text: Johannes Hintze | Hansen & Heinrich Aktiengesellschaft

Albert Einstein once said: "The model is not the signpost, it is the direction." The third "VBKI Young Professionals Meetup" of this year took place on May 25 under this premise. The meeting place this time was the new Birdsnest bar in the Nikolai district. Traditionally, the participants receive brief impulses from successful personalities from various industries who are already where they want to be. One such source of inspiration was Dr. Christina Jagla, who is a prime example of a young leader. Originally a pharmacist with a doctorate, she has now established herself as a rising star in the spirits scene in Berlin, has received several awards throughout Germany and exports internationally.

Inspired by her many years of work in the family pharmacy, she founded her own company, Dr. Jaglas, seven years ago. Since then, she has continued the tradition of her family, who have been producing bitters according to a medieval monastery recipe for centuries. Today, she sells various high-quality spirit variations of this family recipe in upmarket restaurants and delicatessens.

After a few introductory words, Dr. Jagla answered the young professionals' questions. She took the bold step of leaving her secure pharmaceutical career behind to start her own company. How does a doctorate in pharmacy lead to the development of high-quality spirits? What are the initial difficulties in setting up a company? How do you finance the first few years? What is her management philosophy? And above all, what advice can she give to young people with similar ambitions?

After the exciting input, the young professionals had the opportunity to test 12 unique fragrances in the Bird's Nest "Walk of Fame". They could choose their favorite and later enjoy drinks that had exactly that aroma. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged networking among the participants and, of course, Christina Jagla also provided small samples of her spirits.

Special thanks go to Dr. Christina Jagla for her insights, which have provided a direction that will guide our own efforts for a long time to come.

If you would also like to register employees aged 35 and under as junior members as part of your company membership, please write to Maria.Arizti@vbki.de.