Business Leader Spotlight
Carolina Gutnisky, Business Leader, Shakeology®
- What attracted you to Beachbody®?
I started at Beachbody in November, 2008, and was attracted to the company for a number of reasons. I liked that it was in the health and fitness industry, that the products really worked, and they weren’t “get-thin-quick” gimmicks. Beachbody was fast-growing and entrepreneurial—a place where if you had ideas, you could implement them quickly and have an impact on the business. I love its mission of “helping people achieve their goals and live healthy, fulfilling lives.” - What other brands did you manage prior to Beachbody?
After graduating from Columbia Business School in New York City, the first brand I managed was Wisk laundry detergent. The two biggest brands I’ve managed are Revlon (lipsticks, not the whole brand) and Atkins Shakes and Bars. Atkins was my first foray into nutrition and I loved it! That experience is what kick-started my interest in nutrition and fitness, and ultimately what led me to work for a company like Beachbody. - What are some of your key responsibilities/objectives?
My biggest responsibility is to make sure that Coaches have the best tools to share and sell Shakeology. This year I want to really emphasize product training and business-building training. With all the new Coaches coming in every day, I want to make sure these new Coaches know what to do when it comes to Shakeology. - Do you use Shakeology?
Yes, I’ve been drinking it every day for 2 years! It keeps me full from breakfast to lunch and I love how good it tastes. But what really surprised me about it was how it curbed my craving for sweets. I never used to be able to pass up cookies, cakes, and brownies, but now I can! Type 2 diabetes runs in my family, so I need to watch my sugars and limit sweets. Shakeology helps me do this. I also see it as my nutrition “insurance.” I don’t have to worry if I’ve put an avocado or a maca root in my salad—the wide variety of nutrients from all the exotic super-foods in Shakeology has me covered. - What advice would you give to people just starting with the product?
I recommend drinking Shakeology every day, preferably for breakfast. (You’ll feel the benefits all day long if you drink it early in the day.) I would also recommend using water and not milk as it can contribute to digestive discomfort (even milk substitutes like soy milk or almond milk). Lastly, it’s common for new users to experience some digestive discomfort as their bodies get adjusted. This is quite normal and you can always start with half a dose and work up to a full scoop. - What do you feel are the key strengths of Shakeology that set it apart from other nutritional products?
What’s really amazing about Shakeology is that it is so nutrient-dense—you get so much nutrition packed into not that many calories. Of the 70-plus ingredients, it’s got over 30 known “super-foods,” including 10 adaptogen herbs (the most I’ve ever seen in one product), and there’s over 15 grams of protein. Talk about bang for your buck! In my opinion, it’s the most nutrient-dense super-food protein shake on the planet. And it really does taste incredibly delicious! - What misconceptions (if any) might Coaches have about Shakeology?
It seems that a lot of Coaches feel they need to be nutrition experts in order to sell Shakeology. You don’t have to be an expert, but you do have to drink Shakeology yourself so you can share your story. That’s what I do—I share my story about how it curbed my cravings and helps me maintain my ideal weight. That’s usually what gets people interested—that it worked for YOU. - What advice do you have for Coaches for promoting Shakeology?
First, you have to be a product of the product, so if you’re not on Shakeology Home Direct, then get with the program! Second, I’d say that if you’re not using the “100 Doctors” audio CD, you’re missing a huge opportunity! When you have 100 doctors talking about how great a product is, it’s going to hit home with a lot of people. - What do you envision as the future of Shakeology?
New flavors! We’re working on them, so stay tuned. Also, Darin, Isabelle, and Dr. Bill Wheeler are always reading the latest research on nutrition and evaluating new, cutting-edge ingredients from the purest, most potent sources. I can’t say too much here, but it’s exciting stuff! - How do you feel about helping others?
I love that everything I do helps spread the word about a product that transforms people’s health and their lives. Who wouldn’t love that? It also helps people have more energy so they can accomplish more, and feel better so they can achieve their weight loss and fitness goals. And for Beachbody Coaches, Shakeology builds their businesses so they can earn extra income. It makes me feel good that my job and my efforts help our Coaches and customers in all these ways.
Questions about your workout program, diet, the latest newsletter, or anything wellness related? Chat with Steve Edwards, the overseer of Beachbody’s fitness and diet development (who also serves as your Fitness Advisor on the Message Boards), in the Team Beachbody Chat Room on Monday, March 21st, at 8:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM PT.
If you’d like to ask a question or comment on this newsletter article, just email us at mailbag@TeamBeachbody.com.
