There are many inspiring stories about extraordinary people in the world, but none is quite as inspiring as the one about Bernadette Bastorous. Her story is a how-to guide for anyone with lofty dreams, not just about coffee. Let’s dive into the wisdom from her journey in a simplified and humanized way.
Table of Contents
Lesson 1: Go with the Flow
Imagine going from selling houses to running a coffee empire. That’s her life, in a nutshell. Bernadette Bastorous is currently serving as President at Qargo Coffee in Miami, Florida, United States, a position she has held since August 2023. Before joining Qargo Coffee, she held the position of Vice President of Operations at CITI Investment for 4 years and 5 months, where she demonstrated proficiency in new business development, real estate, team leadership, and management. She teaches us that change is like a rollercoaster; we might as well enjoy the ride. In a world that’s always shifting, being open to change is vital. Embrace change with open arms, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.
Lesson 2: Turn Problems into Opportunities
Bernadette didn’t climb the success ladder without a few bumps. But here’s the twist – she turned obstacles into stepping stones. Instead of getting bogged down, she made her way through the challenges. It’s all about resilience and a positive mindset. She took the hits, learned the steps, and kept moving.
Lesson 3: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Ever heard of Qargo Coffee? That’s Bernadette’s invention. But here’s the cool part – she didn’t do it alone. Partnering up with coffee giants like Lavazza? That’s a power move. When the best people work together, everyone receives a boost. Collaborate, align goals, and watch amazing things happen.
Lesson 4: Think Outside the Coffee Cup
Bernadette created an experience with coffee for everyone. From unique blends to revamping customer experiences, she’s the Picasso of the coffee scene. Is the lesson here? Leaders who think beyond the norm shape industries. Break the mold, create your masterpiece, and let innovation be your guide.
Lesson 5: Diversity Rocks the Boat
In the coffee industry, Bernadette is a trailblazing woman in addition to being a leader. And it’s definitely not just about gender diversity; it’s about embracing different voices. Her journey challenges norms and shows a mix of perspectives in your morning brew. Spice up your leadership with diversity.
Lesson 6: Bounce Back Like a Boss
Life threw curveballs at Bernadette, but she hit them back with style. From real estate hustles to coffee royalty, what is her hidden asset? Resilience and perseverance. Failures are only detours on the path to achievement. Her motto has always been “keep pushing, keep hustling.”
Lesson 7: Show You Care
Bernadette’s journey teaches us that being a good leader is also about caring for your team. Showing empathy and understanding emotions build trust and a positive work environment. When leaders genuinely care for their team members, it fosters stronger relationships and better teamwork. It’s a relatable lesson that reminds us that leadership is not just about business; it’s about people.
Lesson 8: Keep Learning
In this changing world, the importance of continuous learning stands out. Leaders who commit to ongoing education, for themselves and their teams, stay ahead in dynamic industries. She embraced curiosity, encouraged a culture of learning, and adapted to new information and technologies. Her lesson resonates because it acknowledges the fast-paced nature of the modern world. By fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and learning, leaders create resilient teams capable of thriving in changing circumstances. Bernadette’s story reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge is a key ingredient for sustained success.
Lesson 9: Pass the Torch
The next generation of leaders can learn a lot from Bernadette’s inspirational journey. Her story isn’t a solo one; it’s an invitation to the leadership team. Your journey is about encouraging others to join the field, not just about climbing the ladder. Create a ripple effect with your actions, and watch the impact spread.
Embracing Bernadette’s Leadership Style
Beyond her success as a coffee businesswoman, Bernadette Bastorous is a master of leadership. Her journey is a set of tracks for leaders. It’s not about the destination; it’s about hard work and improvement. Being a leader is a feeling, an ongoing project of development, education, and motivating others.
Let us keep in mind the teachings from her playbook while we enjoy our coffee. As we go through our own paths, her story is like a guiding light, showing us the qualities that make a good leader: being able to adapt, working well with others, staying strong in tough times, and always looking for new and better ways of doing things.
In a world where leaders are judged not just by what they achieve but by the lasting impact they have, her story reminds us that leadership isn’t only about having a specific job or title. Through her experiences, she inspires us to lead with a clear purpose, be open to change and create a legacy that makes a positive impact on industries and communities.
