We had the good fortune of connecting with Caroline Liem and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caroline, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
BALANCE the scale, juggling work and life responsibilities along with joy, and ultimately finding something must be left out or risk tipping the scale. BALANCE is stillness and there is great value to be found there. It is in the quiet, and in the moments between the lines, where the magic happens. Lately, I lean more and more into HARMONY. We are our whole story, our entire voice; where we come from, who has guided and cheered and challenged us, are all included in our lived experiences. HARMONY keeps us in momentum, and allows for all our great juicy, messy, beautiful, thoughtful, and courageous parts to live in the same space as we keep stepping. Harmony creates possibility to bring forward a certain part my story when needed for my business – a project, a client – and another part personally – with friends and family – but it is all supported by my entire self, staying present and leaving nothing behind.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It is said the average person will have 12 jobs in their lifetime. I had that number beat a long time ago and imagine most creatives have exceeded that number as well. Growing up in an Asian household it was expected that you give, that you be of service, work hard, and become a doctor. And so I became… an optician…for a long time. And what I realized was I was fully into a “Plan B” that turned into a career that wasn’t the most fulfilling experience for me. I’ve always been pulled by a sense of belonging and collaboration. By holding space for everyone to feel empowered, to speak up, I create the supportive conditions that bring forward a sense of acceptance. 

So how did I know “casting” was it for me? I didn’t. I didn’t know casting was a career. I got a couple degrees in theatre and I was working in regional theatre, and then that moment happened…when preparation meets opportunity! As a curious actor, a door opened for me to experience what it was like on “the other side of the table” and that was the moment I knew what I was supposed to be doing.

I love casting so much because it’s an opportunity for me to co-create and support a vision; to be in conversation with a lot of different people. The conversation is finally opening and leaning into equity, belonging, and inclusion and shining a light on global voices. Being able to move in these circles professionally and personally creates welcomed opportunities and challenges to use my voice while being of service.

We’re all multi-hyphenates- mine include longtime coach and mentor to creatives. What I love about teaching and working with actors, dancer, musicians, writers, directors, chefs (!) all the beautiful creatives…they bring themselves unapologetically to the table. It’s important to provide a space for people to try and try again. I feel honored when chosen to work as someone’s coach. Whether we work together for an hour or over the year, the participation and collaboration between two committed people in a space of trust, safety, and joy is a privilege – one I do not take lightly.

We all come into this world with a purpose, and it’s a matter of uncovering that purpose and leaning into it. ‘We already possess everything we need to succeed’. Sometimes the moments need time to unravel, encouragement to bring it forward, or stepping out of our own way to let it shine!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The beach is definitely on the list – from Malibu to Venice, there are so many beautiful destinations in-between, as well as hiking Temescal Canyon or Ferndell Trail. I’m vegan so there will be vegan cafe excursions including Wild Living Foods (spicy tuna roll), Au Lac LA (sweet n spicy tempeh), Pizzanista (vegan mac n cheese pizza on Sundays), and Sage Plant Based (jackfruit nachos).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Visibility matters. Please view some collaborations with Casting Society at https://bit.ly/CSA_YouTube

Website: www.carolineliem.com

Instagram: @itscarolineliem

Linkedin: @itscarolineliem

Twitter: @itscarolineliem

Image Credits
Photo credit: Molly Pan @mollypanphotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.