John Tan is the founder of CorkVision, an AI-powered platform helping wineries run smarter, leaner operations. After a decade building a successful tech company in New York, he moved to Napa Valley to follow his passion for wine. Today, he combines his background in technology with his love for wine to support small, family-run wineries through innovation. He has spoken with over 150 wineries to deeply understand their needs—and CorkVision was built to help them thrive.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your business, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
CorkVision is the first agentic AI platform designed specifically for the wine industry. Most wineries run on small teams and lean resources—so we built a smart assistant that helps with operations, sales, inventory, marketing, and more. Our mission is to empower winery teams to do more with less, using data and automation to make their work easier and their businesses more profitable. It’s not about replacing people—it’s about giving them tools to thrive.
What inspired you to start your journey as a coach and entrepreneur? Were there any specific events, challenges, or people that motivated you to take this path?
I’ve always been passionate about solving problems. After selling my first tech company, I moved to Napa Valley not knowing how I’d fit in—just that I loved wine. But working harvest, helping friends in their tasting rooms, and seeing firsthand how much time and effort goes into every bottle, I realized there was a gap. I could use my background in tech to help people I cared about—friends running wineries—with smarter tools. That personal connection became my inspiration.
Looking back at the beginning of your career, what were the major challenges you faced when establishing yourself as a leader/coach? How did you overcome those obstacles?
As a solo founder, the biggest challenge has been wearing every hat—product development, marketing, legal, branding, sales. There’s no playbook for entrepreneurship. What helped was asking for help. I leaned on my advisors, industry friends, and mentors to fill in the gaps. I learned to be okay with not knowing everything, and focused instead on staying clear about the vision and always listening to the people I’m building for.
Would you like to share any remarkable achievement?
One of the moments I’m most proud of professionally was having 18 wineries sign Letters of Intent to join CorkVision before the product was even live. That early trust—from people who understood the problem I was solving—validated the time I spent listening to over 150 wineries and designing something meaningful for them.
On a personal level, I’ve completed 4 Ironman-distance triathlons, about a dozen half-Ironman races, and over two dozen marathons. Endurance racing taught me that persistence, preparation, and mindset can carry you through the hardest moments—skills I’ve leaned on constantly while building CorkVision from the ground up.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women leaders have always been essential—it’s just now we’re finally starting to see more of them get the spotlight they deserve. In my previous company, two women were the backbone of our team’s success. Today, they’re still part of my advisory circle. Women bring clarity, empathy, precision, and strength to leadership—and when organizations embrace that, everyone benefits. I think women leadership isn’t just necessary; it’s the future.
What message/advice would you have for future women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. The truth is—none of us are ever totally ready when we start. But if you have a vision and the courage to take the first step, the path starts to reveal itself. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, build a community that believes in you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re allowed to lead in your own way—and the world needs your perspective.
Please insert website or social media links (if any):
www.corkvision.com
LinkedIn – John Tan
LinkedIn – CorkVision
Instagram – CorkVision
