The Connector

For nearly six decades, Penzone Salons + Spas has been recognized for its commitment to education, innovation, and culture. President & CEO Debbie Penzone shares how those values continue to shape the organization and introduces Base One, the company's new education and event space designed to foster learning, collaboration, and connection across the professional beauty community.

Antony Whitaker, founder of Grow My Salon Business and host of the Grow My Salon Business podcast, joins Gordon to explore 10 powerful trends shaping the future of salons. From shifting workforce dynamics and changing consumer expectations to the impact of demographics, the economy, and the environment, Antony shares sharp insights on the forces reshaping our industry.

By any measure, Sam Villa is one of the most renowned educators in the world. Sam joins us to discuss the power of connections and collaboration as well as his hopes for the future. We dig into the state of education for professionals as those with "influence" take to platforms and the front of classrooms throughout the industry.

At just 30 years old, Ameet Kallarackal is quickly becoming one of beauty's rising leaders. Gordon talks with the Glammatic co-founder about building a company straight out of college, learning leadership without a traditional mentor or boss, and his perspective on innovation, AI, and the future of salon technology.

As the founder and CEO of Phorest, Ronan Perceval has spent nearly two decades helping salons better understand their clients, their businesses, and the opportunities hidden within their data. In this episode, Gordon and Ronan discuss the evolving beauty tech landscape and its impact on salons - including how AI is NOT “changing everything”. 

Award-winning salon owner Michaella Blisset Williams is the founder and CEO of Salon 718, with eight locations across Brooklyn. A passionate industry leader and ICA Board member, Michaella brings a powerful perspective on leadership, culture, and team building that is highly relevant to the future salons.

Award-winning editorial stylist and texture artist Naeemah LaFond is known for blending fashion, culture, and creativity into bold, unforgettable looks. She has appeared on runways around the world as well as in Vogue, Glamour, Allure, ELLE, and WWD. The Global Brand Ambassador for Olaplex and Shark Beauty is Founder & Creative Director of Texture on Set, an annual conference focused on artist...

Michael Cole, one of the leading and most innovative voices in salon business education and coaching for over 30 years, is the co-founder of Salon Summit Business Center ("Summit") and the founder of the Salon Development Corporation. In 2023, Michael joined  the PCI Academy Leadership Team where he works with future professionals pushing the boundaries of innovation and education as it re...

Tabatha Coffey is, without question, one of the most iconic, well-known, and most respected hairdressers on the planet today.  Her no-nonsense take on building a successful career and business in our industry has inspired countless professionals to greater success. Tabatha joins host and ICA General Manager Gordon Miller to discuss the power of our mindsets to impact our careers, businesses, and l...

Known throughout the industry as an absolute master of the art, craft, and business of hairdressing, Candy Shaw is also among Intercoiffure's most recognized and respected members. The 2025 NAHA Educator of the Year has been changing careers and lives for decades. In this episode, Candy brings us some of the stories, beliefs, and practices behind her most iconic career.

A member of the iconic Neill family (owners of Neill Corp, Serious Business, Aveda Arts Institutes, Paris Parker Salons), hairdresser, and founder of Elevate Hair, Tatum has made his unique mark on the industry. He joins Gordon to discuss leadership in 2026, the state of social media, and even a dive into hair trends.

Sam Brocato returns to share more of his very practical perspective on AI's power to transform salons. Sam Brocato Salon uses AI across virtually every area of the business. From staff training and 24/7 customer support to financial and business analysis, we dig into some real-world examples of how AI is benefiting Sam's team, clients, and larger business.

AI Artistic Director Sonya Dove joins The Connector to preview “The Power of Connection.” She shares how creativity is shaped through collaboration, culture, and community—and why the relationships we build, behind the chair and beyond, are essential to growth, inspiration, and lasting success in today’s evolving salon industry.

Aveda’s Senior Vice President of Global Artistry Antoinette Beenders is arguably one of the most iconic and masterful hairdressers of the modern era. Last year, she was named PBA’s North American Hairdressing Awards Legendary Icon, “paying tribute to a prolific career of sophisticated, experimental, and boundary-pushing hair, makeup, and fashion”. Antoinette joins Gordon to share her thoughts on t...

In this episode, we sit down with Alain Audet, SalonInteractive's KIM Report, to break down what’s really happening inside the salon industry right now...informed through the lens of real data from real salons. More importantly, KIM helps to connect the dots between insight and action.

In this episode, host Gordon Miller is joined by Sam Brocato, a leading voice in the industry, to share his perspective on the power of AI to transform salons. Sam Brocato Salon uses AI across virtually every area of the business. From staff training and 24/7 customer support to financial and business analysis, Sam is a role model for our industry. This was so good that part 2 will be coming next.

Renowned salon business educator & coach Antony Whitaker joins host Gordon Miller, ICA general manager, to discuss the foundational issues that underpin long-term, sustainable success. The founder and host of the Grow My Salon Business educational platform and podcast, Antony is known for his decades of insights into how salons and pros alike can successfully navigate our ever-changing industr...

Welcome to the very first episode of The Connector, the podcast from Intercoiffure America Canada. Host Gordon Miller, ICA’s General Manager, is joined by Scott Buchanan, President of Intercoiffure America Canada and owner of Scott J. Salons. In this kickoff episode, Gordon and Scott share updates on ICA initiatives and then dive into a discussion about business best practices, KPIs, and the metri...