Hairbrained Conversations

Wella Professionals' iconic Global Creative Artist Sonya Dove & Global Ambassador and influencer Briana Cisneros join Gordon to talk about everything from their individual career origin stories and learnings along the way to their shared passion for hair color, social media, education... and Wella.  

One of the industry's most iconic business/career education-focused thought leaders and coaches, Michael Cole is a global business educator for L'Oreal PPD (which includes Redken, Matrix, and L'Oreal Professionnel) and co-founder of the Summit Salon Business Center.  In this 15 minute conversation, Michael shares his best advice on setting goals that work.  Another 'must listen to' episode!

In this episode, Entrepreneur, Educator & Author Lorean Cairns goes deep into the power of culture to transform businesses, careers, and lives. Lorean's book *Culture Fox (How to Cultivate a Lasting Culture) *was one of Gordon's favorite reads of 2019.  Listen in as Lorean shares the story behind her meteoric rise from working stylist to CEO of an international organization, with over 150 employee...

Nina L. Kovner joins Gordon for a discussion of 'hot topics' along with a live audience Q&A at Portland Razor Co's in-house barbershop.  Topics include finding the right resources, overcoming negativity, becoming an educator and/or influencer, sustainability and much more. As always, an inspired conversation with @passionsquared. 

Dean, co-founder, & co-owner of Paul Mitchell Schools, Winn Claybaugh is known throughout the professional salon industry as a game-changing figure. He is a successful author (Be Nice...or Else!), motivational speaker, podcaster (Masters) & inspiring role model. Listen in as Winn shares his story along with some of the many lessons learned throughout his 40+ year career in beauty.

Co-founder of the iconic Serious Business conference, Debra Neill Baker is also CEO (Chief Energizing Officer) of the Neill Corporation, the parent company of the Louisiana based Paris Parker Salons and a leading Aveda distributor. A self-described salon industry evangelist, Debra is a leading force behind the conference that many call the 'Ted Talks for the beauty industry.'  A respected industry...

Industry veterans, friends and leading executives Dan Langer and Robert Reed join us for a enlightening conversation digging into the ongoing evolution of experience in the salon (in the context of the larger world around us), thoughts on how to excel in a time of 'disruption' and change, lessons learned over the course of their long careers and much more.

Excited to share our first-ever conversation with a real-life scientist - Laura Luciani,  Davines International Scientific Communications Manager. It's easy to forget just how big a role science plays in the professional salon industry - until you hear from the likes of Laura (who makes science sound easy!).  Listen in to our fascinating conversation about 'science and beauty'...as we're sure you...

A second hour of brilliant storytelling from the gifted artist @RobertLobetta, who shares with us the story behind his iconic career of almost 50 years- as well as some lessons learned along the way, thoughts on the current state of hairdressing and salons, plus some musings on his own future. Another instant favorite! Be sure to check out Part 1 of this conversation with Robert in our back librar...

One of the most respected hairdressers of the last 50 years, Robert Lobetta is an artistic visionary,  master of his craft...and brilliant storyteller (so much so that we've turned this conversation into a 2 part program).  Listen in for a fascinating journey into the story behind the artist and his many lessons learned along the way. Stay tuned for Episode 101, Part 2 with @RobertLobetta for the...

Michael Gordon is a rebel in the world of hair …and the iconic founder of Bumble and bumble.  His knack for collaborating, connecting people and building creative, eclectic environments has cemented his legacy as an industry innovator. Gordon is the author of Hair Heroes and producer of Vidal Sassoon: the Movie. Today, Michael Gordon is in high demand to share his experiences with audiences from c...

Renowned artist, stylist & salon owner Kien Hoang is also the Principle Educator of Content for Oribe Haircare. The founder of UMBRELLA Salon shares some of the many insights gleaned from his consideable experience in all things hair - including his passion for art, design & fashion.

@passionsquared's Nina Kovner joins Gordon as our 1st guest on an all-new (and 2nd) weekly hb podcast -this one focused on finding answers to the many pressing business & career questions we receive from community members.  Watch for the new series to launch in January, 2020. 

This week's guest is a salon owner, colorist, educator, platform artist, business coach AND Lanza Global Education Director. Lanza's Scott Sueper has over 20 years of real-time experience to go with that long list of titles….and makes time this week for Hairbrained to share a sampling of the many lessons he's learned along the way.

OMC leaders, competitions and judges join us for a look at the world of hair competitions - and the varied reasons competing benefits the careers of so many.  Guests include OMC's Social Media Director Vincent Fodera, Puerto Rico's Peter Cardon, Canada's Briana Cook, and Sweden's Joakim Roos as well as first-time competitor and hb community member Edward Kutana (USA).

Educator, colorist, and entrepenuer Rebecca Taylor has successfully navigated the shifting social media landscape as a public figure (within the profession) for ten+ years - and there's no end in sight to her growing success.  Rebecca shares her very personal career story as well as her views on coming changes to social media for beauty - and news about her newly opened salon. 

@WhitneyVermeer is a renowned men's groomer, educator, award-winning editorial stylist, & entrepreneur.  The Andis Creative Lead of Global Education & Mitzutani platform artist shares her backstory, many of the lessons learned over the course of her career, as well as some great insights into creating a long, diverse career.

Celebrity Colorist, L'Oreal Professionnel Global Artist, Educator and member of LP's Le Collectif Team, Min Kim talks about some of her favorite obsessions: beauty, hair color, life in the salon and on the road as an educator, her family...and lessons learned along the way. 

With 35 years of experience in the world of fashion & beauty, VP of Business Development at ECRU New York, Dee DeLuca-Mattos has a unique point of view informed by her work across virtually every segment of our industry.  Listen in for a great conversation with Gordon about branding & marketing for salons & professionals. 

#Crafthairdresser Jude Viola joins us for an introspective conversation about her career and life journey - one that has taken her from getting a college degree in banking to being inspired 'by a pixie cut' to start her career in hairdressing. Gordon call this one "an instant favorite episode".

Listen in for insights and observations from the unique point of view of Alfaparf Milano USA's SVP of Sales and Education, Betsy Hamlett.  The long-time industry executive shares her career story as well as a look into trends, best practices, and lessons learned along the way. 

Barber, men's groomer, educator and family man Rory Sevajian takes us from his early days of working 'illegally' in a barbershop to his journey into cosmetology, missteps along the way - and lessons learned on his way to creating success for himself and his family. 

Renowned  L'Oréal  Pro artist, educator, salon owner and balayage guru Nancy Braun shares her truly unique career journey -plus insights into creating success as a colorist as well as a business owner.  

Richard Kavanagh is an award-winning, internationally renowned Redken artist & Session Stylist; Global Creative Director of New Zealand based salons Rodney Wayne Group;  Creative Director ghd (for Australia and NZ) AND the innovative co-founder/ceo of piiq Digital.  He was also 'squished by a dinosaur' as an actor in the movie King Kong.  Tune in to learn more about Richard's fascinating story. 

Aveda Global Artistic Director of Haircutting Ricardo Dinis shares some of the great lessons learned over the course of his fascinating career journey. Gordon calls this one 'an instant favorite and a must-listen-to episode'.