Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Van Sickle.
Hi Caroline, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Looking back to how I got here, to this moment in time, is like looking into a complex network of roots that now hold up a more expansive tree. From this rooted place, I can see how the circuitous nature of unexpected turns, some royally bad moves, and bold endeavors delivered me into a version of myself that’s a little bit stronger, wiser, more humble, gentler and definitely more compassionate. I am a professional corporate coach now and I was an entrepreneur in the technology space. I raised a company from an embryo to an adolescent who didn’t make it past eleven years old. As I write this, I realize after how much I put into the company, I still grieve its loss. It didn’t make it.
In short, the patented technology platform resembles the mechanics of Instagram Shop. Content creators could tag their outfits, makeup, home decor, etc. and ultimately be rewarded for their participation in the marketplace that inspires people to shop from the recommendations of other real people. The idea originally came to me the last semester in my MBA program at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. The purpose of PRIMP was to be a refuge from the perfection that’s portrayed in the fashion and beauty industry. The two crown jewels of the journey are the Beautocracy and the patent. The goal with the Beautocracy was to perpetuate the concept of people being the authors and not the objects of fashion and beauty advertising. The goal for the patent is to license it and continue to see my invention through to the highest and widest benefit.
After the close of PRIMP, I went back to Emory to become a corporate coach. As a certified coach, I use my experience as an entrepreneur and founder to coach teams and small companies. I wouldn’t be nearly as effective of a coach without personal experience both in the corporate world and as an entrepreneur.
I have been working as a corporate coach for an Atlanta-based marketing company. Working with this team has been some of the most rewarding work of my career.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No doubt, the journey was at best bumpy and at the worst, it felt like a roller coaster. I picture myself in the front row seat of Kingda Ka at Six Flags (https://youtu.be/AfBBq04ZScE). I had no idea how naive I was at the age of 30 when I began. If I had known how hard it was going to be, I probably would have been too afraid to take the first step. One of the challenges in particular was working with a development team in India on top of working with an 80% virtual team. Our budget allowed for an off-shore technology development team in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
As I see so many companies going virtual, I am cautioning all of my clients to approach at least a hybrid model versus 100% virtual, especially if the work they do is creative.
Even though my team in India spoke perfect English, so many things were lost in translation. I am now aware of the exponential benefit that happens when creative teams work together IRL. I think this was a huge disadvantage for us. Knowing what I know now, I am more committed than ever to encourage teams to get back into the office (at least for part of the time). The virtual veil hides the magic that maneuvers complex projects from mediocre to magnificent. When we work together in a shared space, we exchange the alchemy of pro-social hormones that ignite creativity and innovation. When we siphon ourselves off from the chemical, hormonal, and energetic fuel that comes only from direct human contact (eye contact, physical touch, smell, etc.), we literally choke our potential.
Back in 2016, the novelty of teleworking had worn off and the reality of separation settled in. Working remote brings about transactional businesses, but not transformational ones.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Consciousness Rising exists to support the growth of consciousness in businesses, individuals, and teams. I specialize in the corporate coaching of leaders and the interpersonal dynamics of teams. I provide guidance to support organizational transitions as they approach a hybrid workplace environment. In addition, I offer various custom workshops that promote a universal tool kit and language around effective communication, giving and receiving feedback, ego-free leadership, conflict resolution, goal setting, accountability and corporate vision, etc.
Learning and development are now tables-stakes for thriving organizations and teams. Just as we nourish and train our individual bodies for optimal health and performance, we must also train and nourish the body of our organizations.
What makes you happy?
The greatest joy in my work is witnessing my clients’ progress. Their ah-ha moments and breakthroughs are worth all the tea in China. It is a privilege to be alongside high-performance teams, acting as their sherpa along the way. I have a front row seat as they climb to their various personal peaks. Watching not only an individual but a team realize a higher potential from a higher power is why I do this work.
Contact Info:
- Email: caroline@consciousnessrising.co
- Website: www.consciousnessrising.co
- Instagram: @consciousnessrising.co
