Meet Devin Smith

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Devin Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Devin, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Being not only a woman in the brewing industry but also younger than many of my professional peers, imposter syndrome is something I’ve grappled with throughout my career. While the industry is becoming more welcoming to women, people are still often surprised to learn that I’m a brewer. Hearing comments like, “Oh, YOU brew the beer? No way!” or “Tell the brewer he did a great job,” can really tighten the grip of imposter syndrome. That’s certainly how I’ve felt in the past.

Looking back, I’ve realized there were several things that helped me loosen that grip and truly stand tall in my career. Surrounding myself with other brewers and professionals whose values align with mine—people I look up to and who consistently support others—has made me feel increasingly like I belong in this industry.

This support network also pushed me to engage in real, technical conversations on a professional level. Being part of an environment where respected peers challenge and encourage me has naturally fostered my professional growth.

Another major factor in overcoming imposter syndrome has been staying up to date with industry news and research. With so many resources available—publications, expos, conferences, local guilds, and more—there’s always something new to learn. I’ve never been one to settle into complacency, and that constant hunger for knowledge has helped me step fully into my role and resist the pull of self-doubt.

Ultimately, if you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, no matter the field, creating space for professional growth—and actively seeking it—is one of the best ways to rise above it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As Head Brewer at Clarion River Brewing Company, there are several areas I focus on professionally. One of the most meaningful aspects of my work is seeing how often our brewery becomes part of the significant moments in people’s lives. We’ve hosted rehearsal dinners and weddings, bridal and baby showers, retirement parties, celebrations of life, proposals, and spontaneous road trips. Witnessing our impact extend beyond the four walls of our pub is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Community is everything—and it’s humbling to be part of something that has become a local staple.

Beyond the brewery, I hold several values close when it comes to professionalism in the brewing industry. Chief among them is education. I believe in remaining a lifelong student of the craft—always open to learning, evolving, and avoiding stagnation. To support this, I serve on the Publishing and Editing Committee as well as the Scholarship Committee of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas. These roles help me stay current with industry research and publications while also giving back by creating opportunities for others to grow and thrive in their own careers.

As a woman in the brewing industry, I also place a high value on supporting other women—whether they’re already established or just beginning to find their space and voice. Through my involvement with the Pink Boots Society, an organization dedicated to supporting women and non-binary individuals in the brewing industry, I’ve found a powerful, uplifting network. Reaching back to support others on their professional paths brings me both pride and a deep sense of purpose.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

One quality I’ve found to be incredibly important in my professional development is humility. There’s often a misconception that confidence and humility can’t coexist—but I’ve found the opposite to be true. One balances the other. Confidence is essential, but you won’t always be the smartest, most accomplished, or most respected person in the room. Having the humility to recognize that will take you much farther than blind confidence ever could.

I also believe the ability to think on your feet and solve problems quickly is crucial in this industry. Even in the most organized and well-run breweries, things can go wrong in an instant. Being able to assess a situation, quickly determine your options, and make an informed decision makes you an asset—not only to your team but to the industry as a whole.

Lastly, I believe passion is a key driver of professional growth, no matter the field. Nobody wants to work with someone who’s just going through the motions. You’ve got to be genuinely passionate about what you do in order to do it well. I’m not a fan of the saying, “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life,” because even with passion, some days still feel like work. But when you truly care about what you do, your mindset shifts from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this.” That perspective makes it easier to stay motivated and continue pushing yourself forward.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

While our strengths are certainly important and often what shine through, I believe it’s equally valuable to invest time and effort in areas where we’re not as strong. In my experience, spending time in the “shadows” of ourselves—those less-developed areas—often leads to unexpected growth, not only in those weaker spots but in our strengths as well. We’re multifaceted as people, and sometimes clearing away the dust in one area allows another to shine even brighter.

Working to become a more well-rounded professional can also open doors we might not have realized existed. It’s easy to fall into tunnel vision when we focus only on what we already do well. But by expanding our skillset and strengthening our weaker areas, we broaden our perspective—and in doing so, we often uncover new opportunities for growth, collaboration, or leadership that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.clarionriverbrew.com/
• Instagram: @thefitbeerwitch
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-l-smith/