E335: Bernard Borghei - Courage, Connectivity and the Songs within
In this deeply personal episode of Back2Basics, Bernard Borghei takes us far beyond the world of telecom. While he is a consummate and wildly successful wireless infrastructure executive, this conversation is about the human story beneath that success: leaving Iran as a child, rebuilding life in America, working his way through school, and carrying the lessons of survival, gratitude, and resilience into everything he does. Bernard’s journey reminds us that what we build professionally is often shaped by what we have endured personally, and that true legacy is not only about professional success, but about the lives, values, and dreams we keep carrying forward.
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RSS Feed DOWNLOAD "BREAKING MY ALLEGIANCE" by Bernard Borghei on your favorite APP or go to:
Breaking My Allegiance - Single - Album by Bernard Borghei - Apple Music
Learn more about Bernard at: Bernard Borghei | LinkedIn
Episode Highlights
From Tehran to Philadelphia: A Teenager’s Escape from Revolution
At just 12 years old, Bernard witnessed the Iranian Revolution up close. His family lost everything—their home, savings, and even his Star Wars toys were confiscated. By 13, he was fleeing across Europe, eventually finding asylum in the U.S. thanks to policy changes under the Reagan administration.
The Immigrant’s Fire: Why Hunger Beats Talent
Bernard shares how working in pizza shops to pay for college while never attending a single basketball game or spring break fueled his relentless drive. His biggest fear? That his own children would have to experience the same survival mode he did.
A Forgotten Iran: When Faith United, Not Divided
Before the revolution, Iran was a secular, democratic society where Christians, Muslims, and Jewish Persians celebrated each other’s holidays. Bernard recalls watching the Israeli national soccer team play in Tehran—proof that the region once thrived on coexistence.
The Music That Saved Him (And the Record Exec Who Said No)
Music was therapy for Bernard. He taught himself guitar on a left-handed Fender, wrote 22 songs, and almost got signed by Polygram—until an A&R guy told him, “I can’t sell this face to the MTV generation.” Instead of giving up, he kept playing on weekends for decades.
Breaking My Allegiance: A Song Against Weaponized Faith
Bernard’s first official single, releasing this Friday, is a rock anthem born from his experience with the Iranian regime. It’s not against faith—it’s against using religion to justify oppression. The song’s message: *“If that’s what your religion is, I’m breaking my allegiance.”*
The Immigrant’s Oath: Integrate, Follow Rules, Be Grateful
Bernard offers a powerful perspective on immigration: he never hid his roots, but he worked tirelessly to learn English, pay taxes, and contribute. His advice to new immigrants? “If you want to chase a better life, respect what this country has to offer.”
Show Notes
2:35 🇮🇷 Bernard’s childhood in Tehran – close to the Shah’s family
5:21 🗽 Ronald Reagan’s policy change allowed Iranian refugees like Bernard into the U.S.
7:44 🍕 Working in pizza shops and restaurants to pay for college
10:39 🇺🇸 “This is still the greatest country on Earth”
12:35 ✡️✝️☪️ Remembering a secular Iran where all faiths coexisted
14:31 ⚽ Iran was the only Middle Eastern country that would play soccer against Israel|
18:20 🧠 Defining ingredients of success: hunger, fire, and learning from mentors
23:40 🎸 Music as therapy – unwinding from the harsh realities of life
25:58 🎸🎸 Bernard is left-handed – finding a left-handed guitar was nearly impossible
26:58 💰 His dad bought him his first Fender; Bernard paid for $20/hr lessons himself
30:20 🎤 Polygram A&R guy loved his voice
32:25 🎸 Bernard never stopped playing – weekends recording for decades
34:48 🛐 His song stands up to the weaponization of faith
37:36 🗳️ Democracy is fragile – vote, stay involved, don’t be complacent
40:08 🧳 Bernard’s advice to immigrants: integrate, learn the language, follow the rules
44:37 ❤️ What keeps him centered? Family. He prays only for health and togetherness.
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