Hi, I'm Lauren Mote. I have been a specialist in food, beverage, wine, beer and more for 20+ years. I am a global traveller, having visiting over 60 countries, avid fitness, nutrition and lifestyle lover, outdoors, nature and mindful living. My focuses are beverage, cocktails, with alcohol or alcohol-free, ingredients, farms, travel and culture, activism, fitness, food & nutrition. I am Canadian, from Toronto, lived in Vancouver for 12 years, and now based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Longer Bio:
Lauren is the DIAGEO Reserve & World Class Global Cocktailian, co-creator of Bittered Sling Bitters, a sommelier, writer, and spirits’ judge. As the first woman to win World Class Canada, Lauren also impressed at the World Class Global Finals in South Africa (2015) placing in the top 12, globally.
Today, Lauren spearheads the World Class Studios educational program globally and creates programming for bartenders, ambassadors, customers and consumers across 60 countries. She’s the global ambassador for the World Class program and represents the entire Reserve portfolio – the luxury arm of DIAGEO. Lauren is the co-creator of World Class Community Week – a global, digital initiative designed to inspire, engage and communicate with the trade community around the world while spending time at home.
Lauren and her husband – celebrated Chef, Jonathan Chovancek – are the owners of newly formed agency, “Chard & Laver B.V.” in Amsterdam, the Netherlands – a consulting firm related to food, beverage and event programming. Lauren’s consulting projects include the Four Seasons Hotel Group – specifically Whistler, BC; Vancouver, BC; and San Francisco, CA.
As an active member and educator within the global spirits industry, Lauren is one of 24 individuals on the Tales of the Cocktail Culture and Education committee, has presented at Bar Convent Berlin and Sao Paulo, Barometer and Tales of the Cocktail, and this year, Lauren celebrates her 20th year as a bartender. In 2019, Lauren was singled out as one of the top 4 “International Brand Ambassadors of the Year”, and in 2020 shortlisted for “Best Bar Mentor” at the annual Spirited Awards by Tales of the Cocktail – a program that celebrates the very best in the wider drinks industry from all nations and brands.
Educated at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto, Lauren's studied in International Relations, Peace & Conflict Studies and Political Science have added a rich, global perspective to her work, as well as an understanding of culture, lifestyle and human behaviour that complements her projects, and team development. Lauren’s currently completing her master’s, writing a book and is based in Amsterdam.
