A Milestone for ABG, and Three Pivotal Moments Along the Way
We reached a milestone this week, when Beck and A Balanced Glass received the Diaz Communications Innovator of the Year Award for 2019.
It’s a big deal, especially for Beck to be recognized by our peers for starting “a movement within the wine industry that’s so exciting, critical and growing much faster than even I could imagine,” in the words of Jo Diaz.
In honor of the occasion, I’d like to pause and reflect on what I think have been three pivotal moments so far in the evolution of ABG. These moments are not necessarily the three moments that Beck would have picked but, from my role as “inside observer,” they seem to me to have moved the needle for ABG.
Launching ABG with a 30-Day Series
The first time ABG “went public” was at the Women of the Vine & Spirits conference two years ago, when Beck was invited to lead a wellness session and organize a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle of the program. She asked me to join her for the meditation part of it and, essentially, we were off and running.
The response to that session, and to Beck’s previous articles on the topic for Meininger’s Wine Business International, were so powerful that we knew we were onto something. To get “that something” off the ground, we initiated a 30-day series of reflections on the things and behaviors that inspire us to stay steady, and balanced, in a relatively unbalanced industry.
It was the perfect jumpstart to shift things into gear, and there’s a cross-continent team effort underway to transform that 30-day practice into an engaged learning module for the future – more on that in the coming months.
Involving the Community
Featuring a community member each week in our newsletter and blog post has evolved into one of the most crucial elements of ABG. It’s also one of the most popular, clicked-on parts of the website for the simple reason, we think, that community matters.
We want to see others just like us, who are struggling with things just like us, and who are finding ways to manage those challenges, just like we can. Featured community members are people we know and people we work with, and it’s heartening to hear their “origin stories” in wine as well as what they do, day to day, to keep their work-life balanced on an even keel.
The ABG Pins
Earlier this summer Beck announced the ABG pin program, as a way to visually recognize our shared, common interests in navigating health and wellness in this industry. The overwhelming response to the pin program, has felt, to me, like a validation not only of the idea of ABG but also of every single person who raises their hand with awareness around health and well-being at each stage of our professional journeys. Small in size, the pins send a mighty message.
That’s worth recognizing.
As ABG has been, this week, by Jo and Jose Diaz and as it continues to be recognized in the media and other award committees around the world.
I say it every week, in gratitude to Beck for holding the space of ABG, fearlessly and relentlessly. Congratulations, Beck, from your biggest fan.
Namaste,
Cathy
What We’re Reading:
There's no shortage of wine stories and media inundating our IN Boxes. Here's what has piqued our interest this week.
Why Sommeliers All Need to Learn About Non-Alcoholic Alternatives To Wine - The Drinks Business.com
“Sommeliers and bartenders should be able to recommend non-alcoholic beverages to pair with food just as they can with wine, beer or spirits, according to the next generation of drinks entrepreneurs.”
It’s Okay If You’re Not Resilient – Medium.com
“People don’t fail because they lack resilience; they lack resilience because circumstances have set them up for failure.”
Meet the Community!
Our community is only as strong as the company we keep, and here we meet some of the folks who make our profession so dynamic.
Chris Laveglia, Mid Atlantic Region Manager, Gonzalez Byass USA
Years in the Industry:
Officially 12 years but unofficially quite a bit longer. When I was on summer break from school my parents would permit me a day or two to spend a day with my dad, who was a sales rep in southern New Jersey. I was known as the Palm Bay Baby because I was the first child born to an employee at the time, back in 1984. I vividly remember going into accounts with him; he’d talk to owners, diligently take notes, and finally head to a payphone to call in the orders. He would later go on to become management at a distributor. I would sweep the warehouse, work the trucks in college during winter break, or just do odd jobs to make a buck here and there. Outside of actually making the wine I think I've had nearly any job in the wine industry there is – working harvest, cleaning tanks, warehouse, assembly line, tasting room, sales, delivery, importing and distribution.
My Biggest Challenge to Wellness:
For a long time it was convincing myself I was eating healthily while in fact I was not. The dearth of education to me was the biggest challenge, but once I learned about what to eat and WHEN to eat it, eating healthy truly isn't as much of a challenge as one might think. In our industry the consumption of unhealthy calories is unavoidable (and FUN!) but finding an appropriate balance is the key.
On a day-to-day level I find eating healthy and hydrating while traveling to be the biggest challenge. The healthiest option often is not the easiest. Finding those nutrient dense foods packed with energy calories are my go-to's. They are pretty simple but I love them. A banana with almond butter and black coffee is how I start most days if I work out in the morning. Packed with energy and delicious! If not working out in the AM I try to hold off on breakfast and stick with a black coffee—intermittent fasting is a real thing and really works.
Snack wise, I’m always hunting for high protein/healthy carb options. Beef/turkey jerky, nuts (specifically almonds), fruits, Greek yogurt, etc. One of my favorite sweet tooth substitutes is the Cookie Dough Perfect Bar – loaded with calories and it REALLY tastes like cookie dough!
How I Keep it Together to Stay Well:
Find an activity or exercise that you are passionate about! My wellness and fitness level kicked up precipitously once I found combat sports; I was drawn to the “human chess” element of it. I’ve alternated between disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and am currently boxing. Before you know it you're drinking more water/getting enough sleep/maybe going for that healthy snack so that you can more effectively perform your activity.
One of my favorite things about the wine industry is the passion of the people in it. We aren't a bunch who punch a time card, mindlessly drone for a paycheck and die. We are in this because it stirs something, emits emotion, stimulates the senses and stokes a fire. Whether it be riding a bike, yoga, boxing, running...find something you love.
All that being said...treat yourself! Anyone who knows me knows I have a ferocious sweet tooth. Life is too short to always skip dessert.
You can find Chris on Instagram, Facebook or email at Christopher.laveglia@gmail.com
Let’s Meet Up!
As work life has it, we are traveling over the next few months and would love to see you.
Attendee at ProWine China in Shanghai, November 12 to 14 (Cathy)
Presenter at Unified Symposium in Sacramento, CA Feb 6 to 8 (Beck and Cathy)
Presenter at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 25 to 29 (Cathy)
Presenter at the Future Wine Expo in Santa Rosa, May 12 and 13 (Cathy)
Drop a line to rebecca@abalancedglass.com or cathy@enolytics.com if you are interested in getting together for practice, a chat or a great glass together.
