As CBCo Brewing’s Chief Operating Officer, Richard Bryant’s whole job is about being focussed on the big picture. But even in the fast-moving world of craft brewing, he always makes time to appreciate the small things.
What drew you to working at CBCo Brewing?
I came into the Chief Operating Officer role at CBCo because I wanted to bring my background in FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) and retail to something a bit more hands-on and creative. I’d worked with large corporates before, but there’s something special about craft brewing, The pace, the passion, and the opportunity to really shape how the business grows. It felt like the right time to dive into something that’s both challenging and inspiring, and something I am truly passionate about.
What is your role all about? What skills do you need to be good at it?
As COO, I’m responsible for making sure all parts of the business work together; from sales to the supply chain, and to our venues. It’s a bit like juggling, but with a lot of moving parts that need to sync up just right. You need to be detail-oriented but also see the bigger picture and be ready to jump in and solve problems as they come. It’s busy, but that’s part of what I enjoy.
When you first started your career, did you have a clear goal and plan for where you wanted to go, or did you just take each opportunity as it came?
I actually started out life as a chef, but always knew I wanted a career in business. I had a good idea of the direction I wanted to take my career, focusing on building strong commercial and leadership skills. That said, I was also open to opportunities and new challenges that came my way. I chose roles that would expand my experience, which helped me grow in unexpected and valuable ways.
How have you grown professionally and personally since starting work with CBCo?
Working at CBCo has definitely pushed me to grow in new ways. Running a brewery and hospitality venues isn’t like anything I’d done before, and it’s taught me a lot about managing complexity and staying flexible. I’ve also learned a tonne about balancing the creative side of craft beer with the demands of running a business.
What do you love most about your job?
For me, people are what really make the job rewarding. I’m passionate about learning from those I work with and helping others grow their careers. We spend so much time at work, so it should be more than just a job. It should be an enjoyable, fun and inspiring place to be. Seeing others succeed and knowing I’ve helped play a part in that makes the role incredibly fulfilling.
What are some of the challenges and how do you overcome them?
One of the ongoing challenges is managing the constant change and complexity in the craft beer industry, especially with shifting consumer preferences. I’ve found that staying calm under pressure, being adaptable, and making well-informed decisions quickly are critical. Plus, taking the time to taste the latest brews keeps things interesting and reminds me why this industry is so rewarding.