“It’s great that I’m the first, but what’s most important is that I’m not the last.”

If you’re a wine lover or a visionary, you are going to adore my guest today! Bertony Faustin is a philosopher, thought-provoker, and change-maker, and his spirit is one that will endure all obstacles and setbacks, all while inspiring others to do the same!


In 2008, Bertony became the first recorded black winemaker in Oregon – and the journey that led him to this incredible accomplishment was not typical, nor could it have been. You are going to hear his entire story of how he pivoted from being an anesthesiologist to a successful trailblazer and futurist in the wine industry.


Bertony embodies all the characteristics of a visionary leader. He’s looking to change the world and he’s doing that by courageously using his freedom of choice and breaking the societal stereotypes that sometimes hold people in their narrow boxes. He forges clarity into what the future should look like, builds connectedness in every arena, and shapes a positive culture for the next generation.


While I was listening to his story, I particularly loved his mindset of taking leaps of passion instead of leaps of faith, and how his business signature is not the wines he produces but the taste of life and the experience he is offering to the people that cross his threshold at Abbey Creek Vineyard. For him, relational capital means more than all the money one can ascertain, and he constantly works on creating an industry culture based on meaningful connections.


Listen to Episode 15 of Roar, and learn how you can change an industry by having the right vision. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Bertony’s unique way of thinking and you’ll definitely feel motivated to go after your dreams with boldness.     


Some questions I ask:

Why did you decide to go into the movie industry and what is your documentary about? (13:14)What sets you apart? What is the Abbey Creek experience and what type of customers are you servicing? (22:15)How did you get people to buy into your leadership vision as a winemaker? (25:20)Are you stepping into any other new business arenas in 2020 or beyond? (34:42)


In this episode, you will learn:

How & why Bertony made a great pivot from being an anesthesiologist to making wine. (04:37)How stereotypes can sometimes prevent people from going after their vision and purpose in life. (10:46)The difference between a mentor and a coach. (15:03)How to make the most impact in the field you activate in & How Bertony repurposed the wine industry. (17:27)How you can change the world, by focusing on one person at a time. (23:46)The biggest mistake in branding & the importance of marketing the person, not the product. (25:42)Envision versus envisage & where people get stuck. (27:58)Why it is better to take leaps of passion instead of leaps of faith. (30:17)The reason why Bertony created the Pinot Noir Juice. (35:14)The trap of “giving back” & how Bertony sees this needs to be done. (36:26)


Connect with Bertony:

WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn


Resources mentioned:

Book: Chris Voss – Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On ItDocumentary: Bertony Faustin – Red, White & Balck

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