We recently connected with Jim Baudino and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jim, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
You could say that I’m an optimist by nature, by nurture, and by choice. My natural inclination towards connecting with others, much like my mother, creates a foundation of positive interactions. Her constant smile, kind words, and genuine interest in others instilled in me the belief that building relationships fosters a positive outlook and a strong sense of community.
Perhaps the most significant driver of my optimism is a deep sense of gratitude. Recognizing the inherent value of each day and acknowledging the challenges faced by others motivates me to make the most of every opportunity. I have traveled to 60+ countries and have seen first hand how fortunate I have been. From spending quality time with family to finalizing a business deal, it’s important to keep in mind the bigger picture and appreciate that life is a journey, not a destination. Even those early morning video conference calls, a smile and upbeat attitude might seem small, but they set the tone for a positive and productive interaction.
Let’s be honest, what’s the alternative? Dwelling on negativity serves no purpose. Throughout my career, I’ve navigated diverse roles and experiences. Each transition has presented unique learning opportunities, solidifying my belief that continuous improvement is key to success. Sure, things don’t always go according to plan, but that doesn’t mean it’s a failure. It’s a chance to learn, grow, and adapt.
I am especially optimistic about the future of cannabis and psychedelics and their overall medicinal benefits. While it has taken decades to get to this point, there is a lot of momentum globally for change and we are finally seeing major shifts in policy and reform.
My optimism is a strategic choice built upon a foundation of personal values and professional experiences. It fuels my ability to connect with others, embrace challenges, and continuously strive for improvement.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My story is a bit of a wild ride. On a personal level, I’m a huge advocate for travel and exploration. The pandemic presented a unique opportunity for my family and me to embrace that fully. We rented out our home in Los Angeles and have spent time over the last four years in Hawaii, across the US and Canada, Europe, and now we’re rounding out our time in New Zealand. These experiences have definitely broadened my perspective and appreciation for different cultures and ways of life.
Professionally, my journey has been diverse. I hold both an engineering degree and an MBA, and my career has spanned major corporations like Toyota and Deloitte Consulting, as well as exciting startups. I’ve been fortunate to have my hands in a variety of roles, from running multi-million dollar events with major partners in the automotive industry to working in cannabis media alongside Snoop Dogg and other celebrities.
Currently, my focus is on the booming functional beverage industry with Harmony Craft Beverages. We’re a purpose-driven platform dedicated to developing, building, and expanding wellness brands through beverages. As consumers increasingly seek alternatives to alcohol and prioritize overall health and well-being, we’re concepting and developing brands and products that cater to those needs.
We’ve successfully piloted products within the cannabis industry and are now transitioning them to a broader functional market, incorporating elements like hemp-derived THC and adaptogens. We also provide services for companies that need support in developing or bringing their own brands or products to market through our deep ecosystem of experienced team members and industry experts.
What excites me most about Harmony Craft Beverages is the chance to be at the forefront of this evolving industry. We’re creating products that not only taste great but also offer functional benefits, promoting a healthier lifestyle. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of something that can positively impact people’s lives. We will be launching beverage brands with internationally acclaimed musicians in time for their upcoming tours this summer, as well as launching our own brands, Klaus and Malus, within the next few months.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say that adaptability, relationship building, and continuous learning have been key qualities that have had the most significant impact on my journey.
With adaptability, embracing change and the unexpected has been crucial. From navigating diverse industries to living in different countries, my ability to adapt has allowed me to learn, grow, and thrive in various situations.
My advice for early career folks would be to seek out new experiences and to develop a growth mindset. Don’t shy away from opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. Take on new challenges, volunteer for different tasks, and actively seek out diverse experiences. View challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. Embrace the idea that you can always develop new skills and adapt to changing circumstances.
For building relationships, my genuine interest in connecting with others has fueled my personal and professional life. Building strong relationships has opened doors to new opportunities, provided invaluable support, and enriched my overall journey.
My advice for early career folks would be to network actively and focus on quality connections. Make a conscious effort to connect with people in your field and beyond. Attend industry events, join online communities, and strike up conversations with those you find interesting. Don’t just aim for quantity. Build genuine relationships based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Finally, with continuous learning, or kaizen in Japanese, it was key to my early education with lean manufacturing and also my time with Toyota. My constant desire to learn has propelled me forward. Whether through formal education, industry research, or simply seeking out new experiences, learning has been the foundation for my growth.
My advice for early career folks would be to never stop learning and embrace curiosity. Make learning a lifelong habit. Read industry publications, take online courses, attend workshops, and actively seek out mentors who can share their knowledge. Stay curious about the world around you. Ask questions, explore new ideas, and challenge your own assumptions.
By focusing on these qualities and actively developing them, early career individuals can set themselves up for a fulfilling and successful journey. The path may not be linear, and that’s okay. Embrace the unexpected, build meaningful connections, and never stop learning.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Harmony Craft Beverages caters to emerging beverage brands looking for a comprehensive partner in navigating the functional beverage market.
Our ideal client prioritizes health and wellness, aiming to offer consumers functional alternatives that cater to their well-being needs. They are open to innovation and exploring trends like low-no alcohol and functional ingredients, such as hemp-derived THC and adaptogens.
The ideal client realizes that they can’t do it all and that success doesn’t happen overnight. A successful partnership thrives with clients who value collaboration and openly communicate. They understand their own team’s strengths and trust in the intentions of the relationship.
Ultimately, Harmony Craft Beverages seeks clients who share their vision of creating high-quality, innovative functional beverages that resonate with health-conscious consumers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://harmonycraftbeverages.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonycraftbeverages
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmony-craft-beverages
