LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 4: Pamela Anderson

Attends The Fashion Awards 2023 presented by Pandora at the Royal Albert Hall on December 4, 2023 in London, England.

You saw this, right? Pamela Anderson, the iconic bombshell and Baywatch star at 56, has started showing up on the red carpet wearing no makeup because it’s “very freeing” and she believes that “chasing youth is futile.” Well, if you haven’t been paying attention to Pamela Anderson, then you should because while her “no makeup” championship has taken the media by storm, I believe its impact extends to each and everyone of us. As leaders and marketers, it’s crucial that we understand the valuable lessons it offers.

First and foremost, Pamela Anderson, stepping out au naturel is a powerful reflection of the growing desire for authenticity. In a world saturated with filters and photo editing, audiences are craving realness. They want brands that embrace natural beauty and celebrate individuality. As I said, in my book, The Kim Kardashian Principle, we must recognize that authenticity is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have, and by aligning our messaging and our behavior with this trend will allow us to build trust and loyalty with our audience.

A staggering 86% of people would agree and take a brand’s authenticity into account when making a buying decision. However, 57% of those same people say that less than half of brands’ content comes across as authentic. That’s an opportunity right there if there ever was one.

And here’s another stat for you: 82% of people prefer to buy from brands that they share values with. So, we might aswell get real and show our audiences who we truly are.

Secondly, I see Pamela Anderson’s “no makeup” move as a wake-up call for inclusivity. Beauty standards have long been dictated by a narrow definition of perfection, but audiences are pushing back. They want to see themselves represented in advertising and media. Besides it’s time for us all to embrace diversity and ensure that our campaigns reflect the real world. By doing so, we not only meet the demands of our audience but also tap into powerful market who have been underserved for far too long.

That’s why 57% of people are more loyal to brands that commit to addressing social inequities in their actions. And let’s not forget about Gen Z, the generation that will soon dominate the market. A whopping 70% of Gen Z consumers are more trusting of brands that embrace diversity.

Furthermore, Pamela Anderson’s actions, reminds me of the importance of prioritizing well-being and just plain right good brand behavior. I think that audiences will only become increasingly conscious of the impact of products on their health and the environment. They want brands that offer clean, sustainable, and ethical options. It’s time for us to take note and adapt our offerings accordingly.

By prioritizing the well-being of people and the planet, we not only meet their expectations but also position ourselves as responsible and forward-thinking brands. Fifty percent of people now report wellness as a top priority in their day-to-day lives, a significant rise from 42% in 2020.

Last but not least, Pamela Anderson’s no make-up appearances serves as a reminder that societal pressures can be detrimental to our well-being. It’s time for us to take a stand against unrealistic beauty standards and promote body positivity. Remember what happened to Victoria’s Secret when they rejected body positivity? It wasn’t hard for me to project their downfall.

Fifty seven percent of people – rising to 71% of women and 79% of women under 55 – are eager to see health and beauty brands promote body positivity. It’s the number one area where women want to see brands take action, even above climate change and LGBTQ+ equality.

So thank you Pamela Anderson, for continuing to be a rebel within the industry and signaling to us the important cultural cues we need to take on board. Thank you for encouraging us to embrace the power of self-expression and create a sense of belonging for our audiences and for ourselves.

I’d say, It’s time to embrace the Pamela Anderson “no makeup” revolution lessons. Besides, it feels great to look in the mirror and feel you are okay, just the way you are. Named Esquire’s Influencer Of The Year, Jeetendr Sehdev is a media personality, international speaker and the author of the New York Times bestselling sensation, The Kim Kardashian Principle: Why Shameless Sells (and How to Do It Right.)