Stuart George - Founder and CEO of Vins Extraordinaires.
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The Flying Winemaker:
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Giulia Magnani London -14/05/2018
How many people dream of living a life that revolves around their passion?
Probably everyone. How many, though, actually believe it to be possible? The truth is, very few. We may recall one of the most important statements Steve Jobs pronounced while addressing a group of students in 2005, at Stanford University: “You’ve got to find what you love…. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking, and don’t settle”. Although inspiring, many would consider this phrase to be utopian, and basically impossible to apply in the real world. The competitive world we live in, and the decreasing amount of opportunities available on the job market, often puts us in the position of having to choose between passion and success. This, however, is the story of someone, who is living that dream, and who was indeed able to turn his own passion into a reality. That someone is Stuart George, founder and CEO of Vins Extraordinaires. Vins Extraordinaires organizes events for both private and corporate clients, who get the opportunity to enjoy a glass of fine wine, while meeting and networking with people that come from different professional backgrounds. We were able to talk to Stuart George personally on the phone and managed to get some insights on how he achieved his professional network around something he loves: “wine, wine, wine” After gaining experience in the field of wine production while traveling around the world as a flying winemaker, Stuart George went back to the UK, where in January 2018, decided to found his own company together with the Fine Wine Network, which has reached over 200 members after only a couple of months. We asked him how it is that he was able to achieve these results and what it takes to become a member. His reply - there are only 3 main ground rules: be over 18, willing to meet new people, and of course, cannot be a competitor. Stuart pointed out that the key in creating a wide network lies in being persistent. What keeps him motivated is the chance of keeping contact with what he loves, while sharing his passion with others. He added that his favorite part of the network is being able to create a virtuous circle where people communicate, express, and exchange different contacts and ideas. The best and most important characteristic of the network, as Stuart said, is the possibility of “working with people, rather than against them”. Stuart is now aiming to widen the network and reach 1000 members by the end of the year. He is also in the process of building a retail platform, through which he can sell wine across the UK and perhaps abroad. ”Just do it.” is Stuart’s advice,
“You never know whether what you do will succeed or not” Inclusivity, exchange, persistency, passion: these are all values that Stuart not only believes in, but considers fundamental when one is aiming at becoming the boss of their own selves.
Stuart has shown us that, perhaps, there is still a possibility in our society of achieving success, without having to renounce to our true passions. After having listened to Stuart’s story, we can go back to Steve Job’s words, and re-consider our passions with more hope and potential. While Stuart challenges anyone to beat the oldest wine he’s ever drunk, a good old Vintage 1780, we challenge you to turn your passions into reality too. As you’ve seen - it is not impossible. |