Beyond The Technique Podcast

The most effective salon and spa leaders don't need to be the hero—they become the trusted guide who helps others reach their full potential. In this episode, Kati Whitledge explains how owners can empower their leaders, leaders can develop their teams, and service providers can help clients become the heroes of their own stories. Discover why empathy and authority are essential to effective guida...

The most effective salon and spa leaders don't need to be the hero—they become the trusted guide who helps others reach their full potential. In this episode, Kati Whitledge explains how owners can empower their leaders, leaders can develop their teams, and service providers can help clients become the heroes of their own stories. Discover why empathy and authority are essential to effective guida...

If you want a new life, a stronger business, or a better future, you must first become someone who believes those outcomes are possible. In this powerful episode, Kati shares how changing her identity helped her overcome lifelong struggles, lose more than 100 pounds, and transform the way she leads and lives. Salon owners and leaders will learn how to replace limiting labels with empowering "I am"...

What if happiness wasn't just a personal goal—but a competitive business advantage? In this episode, Heather Bagby shares the powerful Head, Heart, and Hands framework from her new book, Beautiful and Balanced , revealing how emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and consistent action can help salon leaders build stronger teams, develop grit, and create lasting success. If you're looking for...

Are your stylists and service providers building their careers through real-world experiences—or just watching everyone else's on social media? In this episode, Kati challenges salon owners, leaders, hairstylists, and beauty professionals to get out from behind the screen, seek meaningful education, build powerful industry relationships, and place themselves in environments that fuel long-term gro...

Discover how salon owner and mentor Ashley Vance is leading a movement to heal the beauty industry by addressing burnout, mindset, and the leadership challenges that keep salons from thriving. In this inspiring conversation, Ashley shares her journey from receptionist to multi-location salon owner, why integrity and direct communication are essential for healthy teams, and how salon leaders can cr...

Today, your host Kati Whitledge encourages salon and spa owners to leap into the deep end, reminding leaders that building a dream business requires huge faith to face unpredictable unknowns. Drawing from a raw personal story of a failed collaboration and a lawsuit early in her career, Kati reveals how to navigate toxic professional relationships and double down on your determination to succeed. S...

For salon, spa, and beauty industry educators, great facilitation is about more than sharing information—it's about creating experiences that people remember and apply. In this episode, Kati sits down with industry educator and Redken facilitator Mandy McCullough to explore the four pillars of dynamic teaching: visual engagement, auditory engagement, physical engagement, and self-discovery. Whethe...

This episode is deeply personal. Kati Whitledge shares the unfiltered story behind her decision to retire from salon ownership after building, growing, rebuilding, and ultimately selling her award-winning salons. From navigating team walkouts, COVID, leadership challenges, and overwhelming stress to creating a successful succession plan and finding the right next owner, this episode is packed with...

In this episode of Beyond the Technique, Alfredo Lewis shares his incredible journey from aspiring actor to celebrity hairstylist, educator, corporate executive, and founder of an innovative new hair color treatment designed to help preserve color and boost shine. Alfredo opens up about the mentors who shaped his career, the personal challenges he overcame, and the pivotal moments that reignited h...

Today, your host, Kati Whitledge shares the five biggest leadership lessons she learned after leading more than 140 employees over 16 years as a salon owner. From hiring the right people and protecting your culture to navigating team transitions with resilience and grace. If you've ever struggled with letting people go, taken employee departures personally, or questioned your strength as a leader,...

What happens when a salon owner stays true to their vision—even when it requires making difficult decisions and navigating unexpected challenges? In this episode, Chris shares her journey through salon ownership, leadership, expansion, setbacks, and ultimately creating a business that aligns with her values, purpose, and passion for wellness. Salon and spa owners will gain powerful insights on pro...

Today, your host, Kati Whitledge breaks down the five key differences between good stylists and truly great stylists, revealing why talent alone is never enough to build a standout career. Kati shares how the industry's top performers invest beyond the bare minimum through advanced education, leadership, discipline, long-term client planning, and a willingness to grow even when no one is watching....

In this milestone 700th episode of Beyond the Technique, Kati Whitledge interviews beauty industry innovator and Tippy co-founder Terry McKim about the future of hiring for salons and spas. Terry shares the inspiration behind his new company, IntroVu, a one-way video interview platform designed to help owners reduce no-shows, assess personality and communication skills earlier, and build a stronge...

For salon and spa owners and leaders, branding is far more than a logo or color palette—it's the consistent experience, reputation, and message people associate with your business. In this episode, your host, Kati Whitledge shares how strong brands attract aligned clients and team members, build loyalty, and create clarity through consistent operations, marketing, hospitality, and culture. You'll...

Beauty industry speaker, consultant, and author Nina Tulio joins us today for an honest conversation about leadership, profitability, and the personal growth required to build a sustainable salon business. Inspired by Nina's new book, Profit is Personal, this episode challenges salon and spa owners to stop chasing trends and start focusing on the systems, values, and self-awareness that truly driv...

Kati's here to share the importance of protecting your reputation, maintaining integrity, and never burning bridges in business or life. Kati shares personal experiences, real-world examples from the salon industry, and practical advice on handling difficult exits, gossip, conflict, and emotional decision-making with professionalism and grace. She also outlines actionable steps for repairing damag...

In this episode of Beyond the Technique , Kati Whitledge sits down with salon owner, Jessi Ivey to break down the hiring strategies that helped grow a salon from two team members to over 25 and generate more than $2.5 million in revenue. Jessi shares how refining her hiring process with multiple interviews, shadow days, and clear expectations transformed her culture, improved retention, and suppor...

Today, your host, Kati Whitledge shares how true winning isn't tied to perfect outcomes, but to the courage, discipline, and standards you maintain during seasons of loss. She challenges salon and spa owners and leaders to protect their mindset, stay committed to healthy routines, and continue creating momentum even when life feels difficult or uncertain. Kati also dives into the importance of fai...

In this episode, Kati sits down with top salon owner Sherri Belanger to explore "The Heart of Hospitality" and what it truly takes to create an elevated client experience that stands out. Sherri shares her journey from stylist to owner of a thriving 22-chair team-based salon, along with real insights on expansion costs, building with intention, and hiring for character over skill. Salon and spa ow...

Today, your host Kati Whitledge breaks down the DISC personality profiles and explains how salon and spa owners can use them to better understand communication styles, leadership approaches, and team dynamics. She walks through each type—D, I, S, and C—highlighting their strengths, challenges, and ideal roles within a salon environment, along with practical tips for leading each personality effect...

In this episode of Beyond the Technique , Kati Whitledge sits down with pioneering makeup artist Dina Ousley to explore her groundbreaking journey in the airbrush makeup industry. From working behind the chair to serving celebrity clients like Meryl Streep, Dina shares how innovation, resilience, and education helped her build DINAIR, a category-defining brand. She breaks down the science behind a...

In this episode of Beyond the Technique , Kati Whitledge challenges salon and spa owners to stop labeling people as "annoying" and start addressing the specific behaviors that disrupt team culture. She shares practical strategies for identifying common workplace triggers—like negativity, lateness, and poor accountability—and teaches leaders how to communicate directly, set clear boundaries, and el...

Today, we have the founder of Invisible Bead Extensions®, McKenzie Turley here to share how an education-first approach to hair extensions can transform both stylist performance and salon profitability. From losing her voice as an opera singer to pioneering Invisible Bead Extensions, McKenzie reveals how a commitment to research, technique, and mentorship filled a critical gap in the industry. You...

Expanding from one salon to two is more than a business decision—it's an emotional and strategic leap that requires clarity, capital, and courage. In this episode, Kati shares real-world insights on recognizing the right opportunity, why turnkey locations can be a gamechanger, and how to protect the culture of your original salon while building a second. She breaks down the importance of treating...