What happens when an untold American legacy becomes a modern business movement and a masterclass in leadership, culture, and brand truth?

In this episode of Ask for an Answer, Jim Fielding sits down with Katharine “Kate” Jerkens, Chief Business Officer of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, to explore what it takes to build an iconic brand in uncertain times—without hiding behind “having all the answers.”

Kate shares the inside story of Uncle Nearest’s rise, including the origin of the Nearest Green legacy (the first known African-American master distiller who taught Jack Daniel), the leadership realities of building distribution and culture in a white, male-dominated industry, and how COVID reshaped consumer behavior, team dynamics, and decision-making.

This is a conversation about modern leadership, authentic storytelling, psychological safety, and the kind of long-game thinking that builds trust, not just revenue.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. The real origin story behind Uncle Nearest and why legacy-driven brands outperform “marketing-first” brands
2. What it’s like to lead as a woman executive in the spirits industry — and how to keep your edge without losing your humanity
3. How to navigate uncertainty (COVID, shifting consumer trends, cultural change) with curiosity instead of control
4. Why psychological safety is the hidden driver of better decisions and stronger teams
5. A leadership reminder that applies everywhere: you can’t control the world, but you can control how you show up

Mentioned in the episode:

1. The Nearest Green story and the mission behind Uncle Nearest
2. The Nearest Green Foundation and education legacy
3. The “HBCU Cocktail” initiative and HBCU Heroes
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Follow Katharine Jerkens / Uncle Nearest

Instagram: @unclenearest

Website: unclenearest.com

Follow Jim Fielding / Ask for an Answer

Instagram: @jimfielding

Website:

Podcast: Ask for an Answer

If this episode sparked something for you, don’t just agree with it, try it: take one question into your next meeting and see what changes.