Creating a Culture of Courage: Caroline Baudino Of ShopWithCaroline On How Authenticity Benefits People and Profits in the Workplace
An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Provide Support and Resources: Offer the necessary tools, training, and support to help individuals achieve their goals. This can include mentorship, access to resources, and regular guidance.
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 Caroline Baudino .
At 52, Caroline’s the ultimate “Over 50” lifestyle influencer and your new Instagram obsession. Her fashion-forward, brutally honest and motivational content has ignited her own corner of the Internet like wildfire. Known as @Shop.With.Caroline, she recently launched the hit podcast Coming In Hot with Dear Media and her “Just Get Dressed” videos have inspired countless women to embrace their personal style, leading to a more fulfilling life. Her wildly popular fashion sense has led to collaborations that include major brands like Nike, Free People, and Sephora. A Los Angeles-based mom of two and wife, she draws from her Cuban immigrant roots to inspire women through her dynamic lifestyle. Known for her stylish flair, stacked jewelry, and “choose happy” philosophy, Caroline supports women of all ages in overcoming obstacles and embarking on transformative journeys, much like her own.
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?
A few years ago, I felt mid-life crisis in full swing feeling lost and disconnected, really struggling to find my place and purpose. This changed with an A-ha moment when I discovered that simply getting dressed had a profound impact on my well-being. Through my JUST GET DRESSED Instagram videos, which were really just helping keep myself accountable, I began sharing my story and this simple yet powerful idea.
By sharing my journey, I was encouraging my followers to embrace the power of self-care and personal style as tools for improving their lives. Which really helped me figure out my message and what I was supposed to be doing: looking good on the outside positively influences how you feel on the inside, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful life.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
The most interesting thing that has happened since starting my career is all of the incredible and influential people I’ve been able to meet. From meeting Gary Vee, to speaking at VeeCon, connecting with people like Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos and soon to be on The Good Morning Show.. never did I think I’d be standing in such inspiring + influential circles.
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?
- My honesty — providing brutal truths in my coffee talks where I share daily what’s on my mind with total transparency — daily life, and work.
- Authenticity — Always being my true self, showing it all, and speaking my mind without any filters.
- Positivity — Always motivating people to look and feel their best on all my platforms.
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?
Ripping the towel off! Quite literally, letting go of my insecurities and leaving opinions and judgment of others out of my conscience. Using my platform to show my real body, with cellulite, and imperfections was therapy not only for me, but for my audience as well and I think THAT was a huge turning point in how I connect with my audience as well. Not only did I talk the talk, I walked the walk and people respond to authenticity.
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?
I think it’s about encouraging positivity and kindness within the workplace and approaching situations and people with respect and positivity. I think ultimately we can all agree to disagree but creating a work environment where people feel they can express themselves, their creative ideas, and opinions creates an empowering environment. Showing up, listening to people’s concerns and making the changes or having those hard conversations can really make the world of a difference.
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?
Embracing conversation from people of all ages and people that come from all backgrounds. I have 20 year old’s DMing me how to find true happiness with dating advice, I have 50 year olds coming to me for parenting advice and ways to feel and look their best, and I have 80 year olds in my DM’s telling me I’ve inspired them to get up and get dressed. I do my best to speak to everyone, acknowledge everyone, and embrace everyone’s differences. At the end of the day, we’re the only person we can be and I think it’s important to wake up with the best attitude to have the best day possible and I share every aspect of my day — the bad and the good — because that’s what makes us human and we live in a world where social media not only has filters, but it is filtered.
1. Embrace Flaws and Insecurities
- Lead by Example: Share your own imperfections openly. For example, me posting a photo with visible cellulite or discussing a personal struggle in a “humble hour” setting realize normalized vulnerability on my platform and began to build more and more trust with my audience.
- Create Platforms for Sharing: Set up forums or meetings where people can share their personal challenges and insecurities. Ensure these platforms are supportive and confidential.
- Celebrate Authenticity: Highlight and appreciate when team members, followers, friends etc. share their true selves, including their flaws. Recognize their bravery in being open and encourage others to follow suit.
- Normalize Mistakes: Foster an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. Share stories of how mistakes led to growth and improvement.
2. Effective Communication
- Foster Open Dialogue: Create regular opportunities for open communication, such as town hall meetings, feedback sessions, and one-on-one check-ins. Ensure everyone feels their voice is heard.
- Encourage Transparency: Promote a culture of transparency where information is freely shared, and decision-making processes are open. This builds trust and reduces fear of speaking up.
- Provide Training: Offer training on effective communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and constructive feedback. This helps individuals communicate more openly and honestly.
- Model Respectful Communication: Demonstrate respectful and empathetic communication in your interactions. Show that differing opinions and concerns are valued and addressed with care.
- Use Multiple Channels: Provide various channels for communication, including anonymous options, to cater to different comfort levels and ensure everyone can express themselves.
3. Having Fun
- Incorporate Fun into Work: Organize regular team-building activities, social events, and casual gatherings to create a relaxed and enjoyable work environment.
- Encourage Creativity: Allow time for creative pursuits and brainstorming sessions that include fun and playful elements. This can stimulate innovation and make work more engaging.
- Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and celebrate both small and large achievements with fun activities or informal parties. This helps maintain morale and reinforces a positive culture.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to take breaks and pursue hobbies or interests outside of work. This helps reduce stress and fosters a more enjoyable work environment.
- Be Playful: Integrate humor and light-heartedness into daily interactions. Encourage a culture where people can joke and laugh together without fear of being judged.
4. Being Realistic with Goals
- Set Clear and Achievable Goals: Ensure that goals are realistic and attainable. Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to set goals that are clear and feasible.
- Provide Support and Resources: Offer the necessary tools, training, and support to help individuals achieve their goals. This can include mentorship, access to resources, and regular guidance.
- Break Goals into Smaller Steps: Divide larger goals into manageable tasks to make progress more visible and achievable. Celebrate each milestone to maintain motivation.
- Regularly Review Progress: Schedule periodic reviews to assess progress and make adjustments as needed. This helps in staying on track and addressing any challenges early on.
- Encourage Realistic Planning: Promote realistic planning by setting achievable deadlines and expectations. Avoid setting overly ambitious goals that could lead to burnout or frustration.
5. Encouraging Diverse Perspectives
- Foster Inclusivity: Actively seek and value diverse perspectives. Ensure that everyone, regardless of background or role, feels their input is valued and considered.
- Create Safe Spaces: Develop environments where people can share their unique viewpoints without fear of rejection or ridicule. This could be through diverse focus groups or inclusion committees.
- Encourage Dialogue: Promote open discussions about different perspectives and experiences. Facilitate conversations that allow for the exchange of ideas and viewpoints.
- Recognize and Address Bias: Provide training on unconscious bias and ensure that decision-making processes are fair and inclusive. This helps in creating an environment where diverse perspectives are respected.
- Celebrate Diversity: Highlight and celebrate the unique contributions of individuals from different backgrounds. Recognize how diverse perspectives enhance creativity and problem-solving.
In your opinion, how does authenticity within an organization influence its relationship with customers, clients, or the broader community?
It builds the ability to create an audience that trusts you, and most importantly, respects you.
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. 🙂
Getting up and getting dressed and taking time for yourself to put that oxygen mask on first because when you look good, you feel good, and then go do food. It’s just like making your bed in the morning, it makes you feel like you accomplished something.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Instagram and TikTok @Shop.With.Caroline and my podcast ‘Coming In Hot’ anywhere you listen to podcasts!
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: Caroline Baudino Of ShopWithCaroline 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.