At the heart of the beer industry, women and non-binary leaders are not just breaking barriers – they are reshaping the future of brewing. While International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality, we believe it’s essential to spotlight the contributions and achievements of these trailblazers all year round.
Their leadership, vision, and determination are creating opportunities and forging new paths, challenging the status quo, and making room for the next generation of women and non-binary people to thrive in the traditionally male-dominated industry. Celebrating these remarkable individuals every day highlights the progress we’ve made, and the continued work needed to build a more inclusive and diverse beer industry for all.
Today we shine a light on Harriet McCready, the Co-founder and Creative Director of award-winning brewery, Mountain Culture. McCready is a natural born storyteller, who transferred her experience in magazines into creating and communicating Mountain Culture’s unique brand identity.
When Harriet McCready first met her husband DJ in 2014, he was working as a brewer. McCready herself knew nothing about beer. But she quickly learned that there was something special about the beer DJ was making.
“He introduced me to this world. I didn’t understand how much of an art and science creating beer was. But I saw the way people responded to his beer. I thought ‘Oh, wow. He must be really good at what he does.’”
The pair got married and like many newlyweds they travelled. Upon returning home, they were at a career crossroads – although their next move quickly became clear.
“I remember I just felt that people needed his beer. So many people were so excited by what he was creating. So, I said, ‘DJ, you’ve got to give the people what they want.’”
Together, they created Mountain Culture, opening the doors to their brewpub in Katoomba, NSW in 2019.
Since then, the brewery has made significant strides. They have expanded their production brewery and venue in Emu Plains, taken out the top spot of the GABS Hottest 100 beers three years in a row, and most recently announced their national expansion with the acquisition and rebrand of Fox Friday.
Authenticity and creativity
A passionate writer and creator, McCready was formerly the deputy editor of Dolly and Cosmopolitan magazines – a job she adored.
“I found working with women to be extremely empowering and enriching. Everyone I worked with was incredibly talented and having a team around that pushes you to be better is really great. The discussions were always so funny and so smart. I loved being surrounded by such intelligent women every day.”
In the role McCready was responsible for managing teams and supported creative output which she said has translated well into her role today.
“When I first started at Mountain Culture, I had no experience talking to predominantly male audiences. I decided to lean into being authentic about our story and creating a window into our world here to connect with not only men, but everyone,” she told Beer & Brewer.
Reflecting on the experience, McCready notes the support of a trusted team and her ability to remain true to herself as the key to success.
“Sometimes, as women, we dull our voices. I’m really proud that I didn’t do that with Mountain Culture. I was always just me from my email style to my design aesthetic to the beer packaging.”
She added: “I think where brands trip up is when they try and be who they think the customers want them to be, rather than themselves. It’s about finding what your brand is and its values. Then really homing in on that and not trying to be everything to everyone.”
Advice for women in beer
McCready is proud of how the brewing industry is amplifying women’s voices and creating opportunities for success.
“You can’t be what you can’t see. Showing other women, that they can get a job in beer is really important and highlighting to young bartenders that this is a career that can go beyond pouring beers too.”
Her advice to women in the industry is simple.
“It can be daunting sat around a table full of men – that’s not specific to this industry. Keep taking that seat at the table. Yes, you might not feel confident the first time or the second, or tenth.
“There is so much truth in ‘You’ve got to fake it till you make it’. The more experience you have, the more times you do that thing that makes you uncomfortable, things will get easier.”
McCready said determination and skill go hand in hand.
“Be passionate. Live and breathe it. Understand what the market looks like, what’s changing and what consumers are looking for – but remember don’t lose yourself to those demands either.
“When I was hiring in magazines, I had a publisher say to me, ‘You don’t necessarily hire the person that has the best CV, you hire the person that has the spark in their eye.’ I have taken that with me ever since.”
Continuing to grow
Looking ahead, McCready shared her ambitions for the brand.
“We always say we want a can of Mountain Culture in every fridge in Australia, and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon. It’s a very big, audacious goal, so we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
To get there, McCready said she needs to remember to set personal goals too – one of which is remembering to slow down.
“I think it’s now just about allowing myself to do that, because when you’ve been in the driver’s seat it can be hard to delegate. We have such a great team who I trust completely, so now I think it’s the time.”