An Interview with Karen Mangia
Engage in Transparent Practices: In a time when trust is more valuable than ever, transparency with our customers and stakeholders has become a key element of our success. By being open about our practices, especially regarding sustainability and social responsibility, we’ve built solid and lasting relationships with our clients and consumers.
Have you ever noticed how often we equate success with more? Whether that’s more products, more profits, more activities or more accomplishments, we buy into the belief that we have to do more to have more to be more. And that will sum up to success. And then along comes The Great Resignation. Where employees are signaling that the “more” that’s being offered — even more pay, more perks, and more PTO — isn’t summing up to success for them. We visited with leaders who are redefining what success means now. Their answers might surprise you.
As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Kristin Marquet.
Kristin is the spokesperson and PR specialist for the Los Angeles-based beauty brand, Kimtrue. With her extensive background in strategic communications, Kristin has helped elevate Kimtrue’s brand presence, ensuring its innovative products, such as the third-generation makeup meltaway remover, reach a broader audience throughout the United States.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about the topic of our time. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?
Thank you for this opportunity. One of the most impactful life experiences that have shaped who I am today is my journey working with the leading beauty brand Kimtrue as a brand publicist over the past four years. When we started working together, I was immediately struck by the brand’s commitment to authenticity and innovation in the beauty industry. Being part of a brand that values genuine connection with its audience and strives to create products that truly resonate with consumers has deeply influenced my public relations and marketing approach. I’ve learned the importance of staying true to a brand’s core values while being adaptable in a rapidly changing market.
Another defining experience was the challenge of navigating Kimtrue’s brand expansion into new markets. This experience pushed our team to think strategically and creatively, ensuring our messaging remained consistent while appealing to diverse audiences. It taught us the value of resilience, the importance of understanding cultural nuances, and the power of collaboration. These lessons have shaped our professional journey and reinforced our belief in the impact of meaningful storytelling in building a successful brand.
We all have myths and misconceptions about success. What are some myths or misconceptions that you used to believe?
One of the myths I used to believe as a business owner and PR agent was that success in this field was solely about landing high-profile clients and securing media placements. While those elements are important, my experience with Kimtrue has taught me that true success comes from building and maintaining strong, authentic relationships — both with clients and within the media. I also used to think that success was a straight path, where you could plan every step. In reality, as I’ve learned throughout my career, success often involves navigating unexpected challenges, adapting to change, and being willing to take risks to achieve long-term growth and impact.
How has your definition of success changed?
Initially, I equated success with tangible milestones. However, I’ve realized that true success is much more holistic. It’s about building lasting relationships, creating value for clients, and making a positive impact in their businesses and the community.
The pandemic, in many ways, was a time of collective self-reflection. What changes do you believe we need to make as a society to access success post pandemic?
The pandemic has indeed been a profound period of self-reflection, revealing both individual and collective vulnerabilities. Post-pandemic, I believe that as a society, we need to redefine what success means — shifting the focus from relentless growth and material achievements to a more balanced approach that values well-being, sustainability, and community. Success should no longer be about just the bottom line but also about how we treat our employees, the environment, and each other. We must prioritize the environment, mental health, work-life balance, and create systems that support a more equitable distribution of opportunities and resources. By doing so, we can build a society where success is accessible to all, not just the privileged few.
What do you see as the unexpected positives in the pandemic? We would love to hear a few of your stories or examples.
One unexpected positive that emerged from the pandemic was the opportunity for companies like Kimtrue to give back to the community in meaningful ways. During the height of the crisis, Kimtrue quickly pivoted to produce and distribute hand sanitizer and other essential products that were in short supply. This initiative wasn’t just about meeting market demand; it was about supporting frontline workers and vulnerable populations who needed these supplies the most. By donating large quantities of hand sanitizer to hospitals, schools, and community organizations, Kimtrue was able to make a tangible impact during a time of need. This experience reinforced the importance of corporate social responsibility and showed that even in challenging times, businesses have the power to contribute positively to society.
We’re all looking for answers about how to be successful now. Could you please share “5 Ways To Redefine Success Now?”
Here are ways to redefine success:
Prioritize Social Responsibility: In today’s world, success is increasingly measured by a company’s impact on its community and environment. For Kimtrue, this meant stepping up during the pandemic to provide essential products like hand sanitizers to those in need. By focusing on the well-being of others, we redefined our success not just by profits but by the positive impact we had on society.
Embrace Sustainability: Being eco-friendly is no longer just an option; it’s a necessity. At Kimtrue, we’ve made significant strides in ensuring our products are as sustainable as possible. This commitment to the environment has become a core part of our identity, attracting customers who share our values and contributing to long-term success.
Engage in Transparent Practices: In a time when trust is more valuable than ever, transparency with our customers and stakeholders has become a key element of our success. By being open about our practices, especially regarding sustainability and social responsibility, we’ve built solid and lasting relationships with our clients and consumers.
Invest in Long-Term Relationships: Success is about the relationships we build. We’ve focused on creating lasting partnerships with suppliers, customers, and the community. These relationships have helped us navigate the challenges of recent years and will continue to be a cornerstone of our success moving forward.
It’s essential to consider our environmental impact. Sustainability has always been a core commitment, and the pandemic emphasized the urgency of eco-friendly practices. We intensified our efforts to reduce waste, source sustainable materials, and develop products as gentle on the planet as they are on our customers — such as our Third Generation Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm, which has now sold 12 million units worldwide. This approach aligns with our values and meets the consumer demand for environmentally and socially responsible brands.
How would our lives improve if we changed our definition of success?
If we prioritized well-being, community impact, and sustainability over mere financial gain, our lives would improve in numerous ways. We would experience greater fulfillment, as our achievements would align more closely with our values and contribute to the greater good. Our relationships would deepen, as we’d place more emphasis on collaboration and mutual support. Additionally, by creating a healthier work-life balance and caring for our planet, we would create a more resilient, compassionate, and sustainable world for future generations.
What’s the biggest obstacle that stands in the way of our redefined success? And what advice would you offer about overcoming those obstacles?
The biggest obstacle to redefining success is often our deeply ingrained beliefs and societal pressures that equate success with wealth, status, and external validation. These traditional notions can be hard to shift, as cultural norms and the media reinforce them. To overcome these obstacles, it’s essential to challenge these beliefs by reflecting on what truly brings fulfillment and meaning to your life. Surround yourself with a supportive community that values holistic well-being and purpose-driven success, and continuously remind yourself that success is a personal journey, not a one-size-fits-all destination.
Where do you go to look for inspiration and information about how to redefine success?
When redefining success in a business context, I often look to industry leaders and business innovators who challenge traditional metrics and emphasize sustainable growth, impact, and employee well-being. I explore insights from business strategists like Simon Sinek and Jim Collins, who focus on purpose-driven leadership and long-term success.
Additionally, I find inspiration in case studies and articles from leading business publications like Harvard Business Review and Fast Company, which highlight companies that prioritize ethical practices, innovation, and creating value beyond profit. Engaging with entrepreneurial communities and attending industry conferences also provides fresh perspectives and actionable strategies to incorporate into my own approach to business success.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He, she or they might just see this if we tag them.
We would love the opportunity to have a private breakfast or lunch with someone who has significantly impacted their field, blending innovation with a strong sense of purpose. Engaging with a leader who has successfully navigated challenges and created lasting change would be incredibly inspiring and insightful, offering valuable lessons that can be applied across various aspects of life and business.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
We can be reached at Kimtrue.com and @kimtrue.official on Instagram and TikTok.com.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success and good health.
About The Interviewer: Karen Mangia is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world, sharing her thought leadership with over 10,000 organizations during the course of her career. As Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce, she helps individuals and organizations define, design and deliver the future. Discover her proven strategies to access your own success in her fourth book Success from Anywhere and by connecting with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Kristin Marquet Of KimTrue On Why & How We Need To Redefine Success Now was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.