Creating a Culture of Courage: Brooke Cesare On How Authenticity Benefits People and Profits in the Workplace
An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Transparent Communication: Consider fostering an environment of transparent communication by clearly outlining policies, procedures, and boundaries. Offering explanations for why these guidelines are in place can provide valuable context, promote understanding among team members, and leaves no room for misinterpretation.
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 Brooke Cesare.
Brooke Cesare Business Owner at Massage Heights Rancho Penasquitos and Westlake Village.
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?
After spending 24 years in the veterinary industry, I found myself seeking new opportunities about three years ago in pursuit of opening my own business. Initially drawn to the idea of doggy daycares, a twist of fate occurred and I was introduced to Massage Heights of Rancho Peñasquitos. This is when I realized that I wanted to follow a familiar passion; my love for health and wellness, especially massages.
My lifelong passion for health and wellness, coupled with certifications as a lagree and spin instructor and a background in competitive sports, made this new opportunity particularly appealing. While owning a business in this industry wasn’t something I had previously considered, I trusted in the lucrative opportunity to bring Massage Heights’s spa services into my community. Now, I’m grateful for the journey and the fulfillment it has brought.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
During my first week as a new business owner, I was filled with visions of growth and success. Amidst this excitement, I encountered a challenge that tested my decision-making skills, which was unfortunately having to terminate an employee during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was a situation I had never anticipated encountering so early on in my journey, and the decision weighed heavily on me as I grappled with the responsibility of balancing the needs of the business with the physical and emotional well-being of my current team.
Navigating through the complexities of the situation while prioritizing the protection of my new team, I was able to implement fairness and compassion while also recognizing the importance of maintaining a professional and productive work environment. This experience served as a profound lesson in leadership, reinforcing my commitment to fostering a workplace culture rooted in integrity, empathy, and respect.
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?
- Focus: Maintaining focus has been pivotal in nurturing a clear vision and directing my energy towards specific goals for the well-being of our guests and my team. It ensures that every decision I make, and action I take, is centered around enhancing their experience and promoting their overall wellness journey.
- Drive: A relentless drive to exceed expectations and push boundaries has been the cornerstone of my journey as a wellness entrepreneur. When faced with challenges, such as the decision to transition into a new industry, it was my drive that fueled my commitment to change.
- Passion: My passion for enhancing the lives of our guests through personalized wellness treatment options is perfectly aligned with Massage Heights’s overall mission to provide affordable and resort-quality massage, skincare and wellness services. By empowering our team, fostering open communication, and cultivating a culture of mutual respect and accountability, I have created a nurturing environment where my team feels valued and supported.
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?
Throughout my time working in sales, dating back to my early days as a 22-year-old, I quickly recognized the importance of authenticity in cultivating meaningful connections. From my very first sales role, I grasped the fundamental truth that successful selling hinges on the foundation of genuine relationships. I’ve learned firsthand that the ability to connect with individuals on a personal level transcends mere transactions.
I firmly believe that authentic interactions, characterized by genuine curiosity and empathy, lay the groundwork for trust and mutual understanding. Whether in sales, business ownership, friendships, or working relationships, taking the time to genuinely know people beyond the surface level discussions is indispensable.
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?
During my first week at Massage Heights, I made it a priority to connect with each of the 35–40 employees one-on-one. I made it clear that these meetings were not performance reviews, but rather opportunities for me to get to know them better. I encouraged them to ask me anything and share whatever they felt was important for me to know about them. Additionally, I asked if there was anything they would change if they could.
By setting this tone from the beginning, I believe it laid the groundwork for a trusting relationship between myself and the team. While it’s necessary to establish policies, procedures, and boundaries, clear and open communication ensures that everyone understands what to expect. This clarity creates a safe space where team members feel empowered to voice their ideas, concerns, and aspirations without fear of repercussion.
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?
Maintaining transparency and clarity regarding our team’s expectations is one of the most important and best ways to remain authentic. This includes not only communicating with management, but ensuring that every team member is informed about our goals, progress, and areas of opportunity. By keeping everyone in the loop, we foster a sense of ownership and accountability across the board.
I also strongly emphasize the importance of maintaining a drama-free workplace where mutual respect is paramount. I make it clear that gossip or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated, and kindness is essential as we never know what others may be going through. This creates a foundation of trust and mutual respect, allowing everyone to feel valued and heard.
I actively encourage diverse perspectives and viewpoints. Recognizing that differing opinions can lead to innovation and growth, we create an environment where team members feel empowered to express themselves openly. When conflicts arise, we approach them with a commitment to fairness and respect, seeking solutions that honor the perspectives of all involved.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways to Create a Culture Where People Feel Safe to be Authentic?”
- Transparent Communication: Consider fostering an environment of transparent communication by clearly outlining policies, procedures, and boundaries. Offering explanations for why these guidelines are in place can provide valuable context, promote understanding among team members, and leaves no room for misinterpretation.
- Promote Kindness, Respect, and Healthy Environment: A team will have the foundation for individual and collective success through a culture of open dialogue, empathy, and understanding. By fostering these values, you can promote a positive and harmonious work environment where drama and gossip are less likely to arise.
- Regularly Seek Input: To ensure everyone feels heard and valued, you might consider actively seeking feedback from team members. This could involve scheduling regular one-on-one meetings or creating anonymous surveys that provide opportunities for individuals to express themselves freely.
- Recognize Individual Wins: Celebrating and acknowledging individual achievements can be a meaningful way to show appreciation for your team members. Take the time to understand their personal goals and values as this allows you to tailor recognition in a way that resonates with each individual, and recognize the difference in public or private praise. When you highlight their successes, you can boost morale and motivation within the team.
- Emphasize Team Success: Make sure you’re always emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration within your organization. When you foster a culture where everyone’s contributions are valued and recognized, you can create a sense of camaraderie and shared accountability for the team’s success.
In your opinion, how does authenticity within an organization influence its relationship with customers, clients, or the broader community?
Customers and clients are drawn to authentic organizations because they perceive them as genuine and trustworthy. Authenticity creates a sense of reliability and consistency, reassuring customers that you will deliver on your promises time and time again. This leads to increased customer loyalty as individuals feel confident in their decision, and can result in growing your customer base through word of mouth, positive reviews, etc.
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. 😊
My movement would prioritize building genuine relationships with individuals and placing importance on what brings them joy, rather than adhering to societal norms or your own agenda. By truly connecting with others and honoring their values and aspirations, we can foster a world where everyone feels valued and empowered to pursue their unique paths to happiness and fulfillment.
How can our readers further follow you online?
- Instagram: @massageheights.pq
- Facebook: @MassageHeightsRanchoPenasquitos
- TikTok: @massageheightspq
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: Brooke Cesare On How Authenticity Benefits People and Profits in the… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.