Creating a Culture of Courage: Alison Goodwin of Conscious Consultants On How Authenticity Benefits People and Profits in the Workplace
An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Create Safe Spaces: Establish environments where difficult conversations can happen without fear of judgment or retaliation. As mentioned earlier, our ‘courageous conversations’ sessions are a prime example of how providing a safe space can enhance authenticity.
In today’s social media filled, fast-paced world, authenticity in the workplace and in our personal lives has become more difficult to come by. Business leaders must focus on the bottom line of profits and corporate success, but does that have to be at the expense of the authenticity of their employees? I believe it is quite the opposite. I know from my own experience that a culture of authenticity allows the hiring of a team that will bring their all to the workplace. That fosters innovation, creativity and a level of success that few companies dream of. Yet, fostering an environment where individuals feel secure enough to express their true selves remains a challenge. The importance of authenticity cannot be overstated — it is the foundation of trust, innovation, and strong relationships. However, creating such a culture requires intention, understanding, and actionable strategies. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Alison Goodwin.
Alison Goodwin is a business consultant, serial entrepreneur and owner of multiple companies around the world, including Conscious Consultants. With 25+ years of experience in business strategy, Alison specializes in consulting in sales, marketing and operations. She’s dedicated to supporting business owners who put integrity, ethical practice and customer care at the forefront of their ventures, helping them to create and implement robust, personalized strategies to scale their businesses and make an impact. With comprehensive offerings including 1:1 business strategy support, accredited training programs, customizable business templates, outsourced team solutions across key operational areas such as marketing, sales, HR, and a globally recognized Online Business Manager certification among her offerings, Alison’s commitment goes beyond just providing services; she aims to build a community where businesses can grow and thrive together.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
My journey into business consulting is a story of discovering the power of authenticity and the profound impact it can have on both businesses and people.
Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the unique privilege of working with a diverse range of companies; from ambitious startups to billion-dollar corporations. But what truly shaped my path wasn’t just the scale of these projects; it was the realization that staying true to your values can redefine success.
I began my career in HR and training, then transitioned into a rewarding role in sales. However, it quickly became clear that my real passion was in business operations. I had a natural ability to see the bigger picture, optimize processes, and lead teams toward sustainable growth.
This led me to the position I’m in today, where I’ve built a reputation for growing businesses ethically and helping them scale with a clear vision toward successful exits and sales.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that integrity and transparency aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the foundation of any thriving organization. I’ve seen firsthand how leaders who embrace these principles not only achieve better business outcomes but also create environments where employees feel genuinely valued and motivated. This realization has become the cornerstone of my approach: helping businesses grow in a way that aligns with their core values.
I’ve led some of the most challenging and rewarding projects of my career, managing global operations and building cohesive teams across multiple disciplines through my business. The common thread in all these experiences has been a deep focus on people — understanding their needs, nurturing their strengths, and creating spaces where they can truly thrive.
Today, my work centers on unlocking the full potential of businesses by embracing integrity, transparency, and sustainable growth. Whether guiding a startup through its first major scaling effort or advising established corporations on strategic growth, my approach is always the same: lead with authenticity, and the results will follow.
Authentic leadership isn’t just a professional philosophy for me — it’s a personal one. I’ve seen how staying true to your values can open doors to opportunities you never imagined. It’s a lesson that influences every project, every conversation, and every decision I make.
At its core, business consulting is about connection; connecting with people, understanding their challenges, and helping them navigate growth with integrity and purpose. This is the path I’ve chosen, and it continues to inspire me every day.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most transformative experiences in my career occurred when I was brought in to consult for a startup on the brink of collapse. Despite the company’s potential, the leadership team was fractured. The lack of transparency wasn’t just stalling growth, it was threatening to destroy the entire operation.
Recognizing the urgency, I proposed something that was radical at the time: a no-holds-barred, company-wide meeting where every team member could voice their concerns and ideas openly. This wasn’t just about giving people a platform — it was about creating a space where honesty could thrive without the fear of repercussion.
The CEO was hesitant; such candor could either make or break the team. But the situation was dire, and we had nothing to lose.
The day of the meeting was tense. People were nervous, unsure of how their honesty would be received. But as the conversation unfolded, something remarkable happened. Walls came down, voices grew stronger, and what started as a risky experiment in transparency turned into a profound moment of collective transformation.
The team members didn’t just air grievances; they found common ground, rediscovered their shared vision, and began to trust each other again.
This meeting became the catalyst for the company’s turnaround. Recognizing the need to sustain this newfound cohesion and trust, we implemented an employee well-being program that addressed both physical and mental health.
Understanding that leadership sets the tone, I also secured a budget to run senior leadership retreats focused on well-being, self-awareness, and authentic leadership. Moreover, we put processes in place that prioritized well-being at the forefront of the business, ensuring that this commitment wasn’t just a one-time initiative but a core part of the company’s culture.
The impact was profound. The company didn’t just recover — it skyrocketed. The startup went on to secure significant funding, expand its market presence, and ultimately become a major player in its industry. Employees reported higher satisfaction and productivity, and the leadership team became a unified force, driving the business forward with renewed energy and purpose.
This experience was a powerful reminder that authenticity and well-being aren’t just nice-to-have — they’re necessities. By creating a culture where people feel safe to be real and cared for, we were able to tap into the full potential of the team and the business. It was a massive lesson in the power of trust, transparency, and well-being, and it’s something I carry with me in every project I undertake.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
The three traits that have been most instrumental to my success are:
- Integrity: I’ve always believed in doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult. Early in my career, I faced a situation where I had to call out unethical practices in a company I was consulting for. It was a tough decision, but maintaining my integrity was non-negotiable. It not only preserved my reputation but also helped the company course-correct and eventually thrive.
- Resilience: The road to success is rarely smooth. I’ve encountered numerous challenges, from economic downturns to personal setbacks. Resilience has allowed me to stay the course, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward. For example, during the 2008 financial crisis, I had to pivot my entire business strategy to adapt to the changing market conditions. It was a difficult period, but resilience saw me through, and my business emerged stronger.
- Empathy: Understanding and valuing the perspectives of others has been crucial, especially in the diverse environments I work in. Whether I’m consulting for a startup or a billion-dollar corporation, empathy allows me to connect with people on a deeper level and tailor solutions that resonate with their unique needs.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a pivotal moment in your career or personal life when being authentic made a significant impact on your success or well-being?
A pivotal moment in my career that truly encapsulates the power of authenticity came when I was brought on as chief operating officer (COO) for a global project.
The project involved a large-scale operation where the stakes were incredibly high, both financially and reputationally. From the outset, I noticed several issues internally that not only felt misaligned with company values but were also causing the company to hemorrhage money.
The leadership team had been following advice from so-called experts that, frankly, wasn’t just ineffective — it was detrimental.
Imagine the pressure: Here I was, brought in to steer a multi-million-dollar project, and the first thing I had to do was sit down with the CEO — a figure revered in their industry — and tell them that the experts they had trusted were leading them down a wrong path. This wasn’t a conversation anyone would want to have, but my commitment to integrity left me with no other option. I had to be authentic, even if it meant risking the relationship.
I decided to approach the conversation with complete transparency, outlining the issues I saw and the long-term implications if they weren’t addressed. It was a tense moment, but what followed was transformative. Rather than reacting defensively, the CEO appreciated my honesty and recognized that the advice they had been following was indeed costing them millions. Together, we dismantled the existing strategy and rebuilt the business from the ground up, focusing on sustainable and ethical practices.
This experience did more than just save the company — it solidified a long-term partnership based on mutual respect and trust. Because of this authenticity, I didn’t just walk away with a successful project under my belt; I forged a relationship that has opened doors to some of the most high-profile opportunities in my career. This includes working with high-net-worth individuals and ultra-high-net-worth individuals who value not just expertise but integrity (something that has become a hallmark of my business).
These clients, in turn, have introduced me to global celebrities and involved me in projects that many only dream of. They know that when they work with me, they’re not just getting a consultant; they’re getting a partner who is committed to doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult. And in a world where so much is driven by surface-level appearances and short-term gains, that commitment to authenticity has set me apart, leading to awards, recognition, and opportunities to travel the world.
What this experience taught me is that being authentic, even when it’s uncomfortable, has far-reaching benefits. It builds genuine connections and attracts opportunities that align with your true self. By not conforming to the status quo and choosing to act with integrity, I’ve been able to cultivate relationships and projects that are not only successful but also deeply fulfilling.
This is the kind of success that isn’t just measured in profits, but in the quality of the connections and the impact you have on those you work with.
How do you navigate the challenges that come with encouraging authenticity in a diverse workplace, where different backgrounds and perspectives may sometimes lead to conflict?
Navigating these challenges requires a balanced approach. It’s essential to create an environment where every voice is heard and respected. Encouraging open dialogue, providing conflict resolution training, and supporting a culture of empathy are all key strategies.
In one of our clients’ companies, we implemented regular ‘courageous conversations’ sessions where employees could discuss sensitive topics in a structured and supportive environment. This not only helped in resolving conflicts but also brought the team closer together.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways to Create a Culture Where People Feel Safe to be Authentic?” What strategies have you found most effective in fostering an environment where employees or team members feel safe to express their true selves, including their ideas, concerns, and aspirations?
- Lead by Example: Leadership should model authenticity in their actions and decisions. When leaders are transparent and true to their values, it sets a powerful example for the entire organization. For instance, in one of my companies, we ensure that leadership openly discusses both successes and failures, which encourages and supports a culture of trust.
- Encourage Open Communication: Create channels where employees can express their thoughts without fear of repercussions. We introduced anonymous feedback systems in one of our companies, which allowed team members to voice their concerns and suggestions freely.
- Provide Support Systems: Offer resources such as mentorship programs, counseling, or workshops on emotional intelligence. This support can help employees navigate their own authenticity journeys. I’ve seen this work particularly well in our online training company, where we provide regular coaching sessions for personal development.
- Celebrate Diversity: Acknowledge and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and perspectives within the organization. This can be done through cultural events, diversity training, and inclusive hiring practices. In one project, we implemented a diversity council that led initiatives celebrating different cultures, which significantly improved team cohesion.
- Create Safe Spaces: Establish environments where difficult conversations can happen without fear of judgment or retaliation. As mentioned earlier, our ‘courageous conversations’ sessions are a prime example of how providing a safe space can enhance authenticity.
In your opinion, how does authenticity within an organization influence its relationship with customers, clients, or the broader community?
Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. When a company is authentic, it resonates with customers and clients on a deeper level, developing loyalty and long-term partnerships.
Moreover, authenticity in business practices can enhance the organization’s reputation within the broader community, attracting not just customers, but also top talent and investors who share similar values.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I already champion a movement towards ethical entrepreneurship. My public work, whether speaking on stages, appearing on podcasts, or showing up in publications such as this, openly encourages business leaders to prioritize integrity, sustainability, and social responsibility and my mission is to emphasize the profound impact this can have on society.
My hope with everything I do and everywhere I show up is to inspire entrepreneurs to create businesses that not only generate profit but also contribute positively to the world.
How can our readers further follow you online?
You can learn more about my work and follow me online at www.conscious-consultants.com where you can also sign up to our mailing list. I also regularly share insights on ethical business practices, leadership, and growth strategies on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/contactalisongoodwin
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Creating a Culture of Courage: Alison Goodwin of Conscious Consultants On How Authenticity Benefits… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.