The Shift

If you feel like your salon floor only runs smoothly when you’re there, you’re not alone. I used to feel like chaos was just part of the job with colour bowls piling up, clients waiting, and staff ignoring the mess until I created one simple system that completely changed the game. In this episode I’m sharing my walkthrough ritual, the exact checklist my stylists never skip and the one thing that...

We all have that one hire we regret but mine cost me more than just money. In this episode I’m sharing the story of the spa therapist who never worked a single day but still took me to court and how ignoring my instincts and failing to protect myself turned into one of the most stressful years of my business. If you’ve ever hired in a hurry or looked past red flags, this ones for you. Find me on I...

Ever make a big, exciting plan for your salon, only to feel weeks later like you’ve made zero progress? You’re not alone. That used to be me too. I’d get fired up, set a dozen goals, and then feel crushed when real life got in the way. In this episode, I’m sharing the unexpected shift that changed everything for me: choosing just one focus per year and building everything else around that. You’ll...

Ever found yourself hanging out at the colour bar, having a laugh with your team...then getting frustrated the next day when things aren’t done? It’s tempting to be the “cool boss.” Friendly. Approachable. Loved. But are you leading or just being liked? In this episode, I’m unpacking the blurred lines between being close to your team and accidentally giving your power away. Sharing personal storie...

He runs restaurants. I run salons. And somehow, we run a life together. In today’s episode, I sit down with my husband for an honest, funny, and real conversation about what it’s like to be in a relationship where both people are leaders. We cover business lessons, communication, culture, and how we support each other... even when we’re both flat out. Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.co...

The shifts that made me a strong, calm, respected leader didn’t happen overnight. They were slow. Quiet. Almost invisible until I looked back and realised how far I’d come. In this episode, I reflect on how I used to lead with emotion, frustration, and a need to feel appreciated. And how I slowly became a leader I’m proud of. Now my team runs the business without me. And while that’s what I always...

You’ve given them the perks. The birthdays off. The pizza nights. You’ve been kind, transparent, even vulnerable. So why are they still leaving? If you’re trying everything to build a happy team but something still isn’t sticking, this one’s for you. We’re talking about the real reason perks aren’t culture… and what actually keeps people loyal. — Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mic...

Your team’s fine. They show up. They do the job. You can’t really complain… and yet something’s missing. In this episode, I’m digging into the subtle but powerful gap between the team you have and the one you dream of- and why closing that gap has everything to do with you. If you’ve ever felt like they’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible, this one’s for you. Leadership Launchpad Wai...

Ever set a rule in your salon, only to find it’s forgotten weeks later? You laid it out clearly. Everyone agreed. So why isn’t it sticking? If you’ve ever walked back into your business thinking, “What happened to everything we agreed on?” this one’s for you. Leadership Launchpad Waitlist: https://michelletannerconsulting.com/about#waitlist-leadership — Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram....

Have you ever had two team members form an unhealthy bond that slowly started to rot the culture from within? In this episode of The Shift, I share how one apprentice almost took a loyal team member down with her, and how I got through it without burning it all down. — Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_tanner_consult/ Explore more: michelletannerconsulting.com —

You’ve been so busy chasing the next win you didn’t even notice this one. In this episode, I’m talking about the quiet, sneaky way success shows up and why so many of us miss the moment we used to dream about. From Bali mountaintops to maternity leave, I’m sharing what I’ve been working on behind the scenes with my leadership team and why it’s time we all stopped rushing and actually looked around...

You think staying behind the chair keeps you safe but it might be the very thing keeping your salon stuck. In this episode of The Shift I am unpacking the fear around stepping away from clients and why real leadership starts when you step off the floor. I am sharing how I made the transition, what I learned the hard way, and what every salon owner needs to know if they want more freedom, more impa...

You think holding on tight will keep them loyal, but fear makes salon owners do wild things. In this episode of The Shift, I’m talking about the subtle ways fear-based leadership shows up in our salons, and why it backfires every time. From micromanaging to emotional manipulation, I’m sharing how to lead from trust, not panic, and the systems that actually make people want to stay. — Find me on In...

Before the branding, before the bookings, before the big team, there was a kitchen sink, a carport, and a whole lot of hustle. In this episode, I’m taking you back to the three wild months I ran a full blown salon out of my then boyfriend’s apartment. From juggling laundry schedules to dodging a non compete clause, this is the gritty, scrappy chapter of my story you’ve never heard. Proof that buil...

Stylists are burning out. Their bodies are giving out. And too many salon owners have no plan for what happens next. In this episode I am giving you the wake up call I got the hard way and what I changed because of it. — Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_tanner_consult/ Explore more: michelletannerconsulting.com —

You can build a loyal team, run a thriving salon, and still completely miss the mark when it comes to your apprentices. In this episode of The Shift, I’m sharing what went wrong with our apprenticeship program, why it took years to fix, and the hard lessons I had to learn along the way. If you’ve ever felt like you’re pouring everything in and still not getting it right, this one’s for you. — Find...

You can have five-star reviews, loyal clients, and a thriving team—and still get slammed in a private Facebook group. In this episode of The Shift, I’m sharing exactly what happened when I stumbled across a brutal thread about my salon, how I handled it, what I learned, and why I still believe corrections and complaints can actually grow your business. If you’ve ever had that stomach-drop moment r...

Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It just means you’re growing. In this episode of The Shift, I’m breaking down exactly how I’ve experienced imposter syndrome at different stages of my career, from building my clientele to leading my team and now stepping into coaching and speaking. I’ll share how I worked through it, why confidence only comes from action, and why feeling like...

Having nonstop energy might seem like a superpower, but it comes with its own challenges. In this episode of The Shift, I’m sharing what it’s really like to have a brain that never slows down, how it impacts my life and business, and the tools I use to keep myself balanced. From hyperfixation to burnout, and the self-care strategies that actually work, this episode is a deep dive into the reality...

Leaving a salon is one thing—coming back is another. In this episode of The Shift, I sit down with my ex-employee who left after five years, only to return nearly two years later. We dive into why she left, what she learned from working in other salons, and why she ultimately decided to come back. Plus, I share why I said yes to rehiring her and what this experience taught me about leadership, loy...

Thinking like a stylist won’t grow your business, thinking like a CEO will. In this episode of The Shift, I’m breaking down the five key habits that successful salon owners use to lead, scale, and build a business that thrives. Learn what a salon CEO really does, how to shift from stylist to leader, and the daily habits that will set you up for long-term success. If you’re ready to take your salon...

If you say you hate numbers, I don’t believe you. You don’t hate them, you just don’t understand them. And that’s exactly why so many salon owners avoid them. But ignoring your numbers means running your business blind. In this episode of The Shift, I’m sharing how I went from avoiding my numbers to making them my biggest business advantage. We’ll break down tracking, forecasting, and planning so...

Ever feel like you’re constantly hiring and training, only to have stylists walk out the door? In this episode of The Shift, I’m breaking down exactly how I’ve built a salon where my team stays, thrives, and grows. I’ll share the systems, training strategies, and leadership mindset that have helped me create a high-retention, high-performing team. If you want a salon where stylists feel valued, mo...

Your online presence can make or break your bookings. In this episode of The Shift, I’m diving into the key places clients check before deciding to book - and why your website, reviews, and booking system might be turning them away. Learn how to build trust, remove barriers, and make it easy for clients to say yes. Whether you're struggling to attract new clients or just want to optimise your book...

Toxic salon culture can hurt your team and your business. In this episode of The Shift, I’ll uncover the red flags to watch for, what drives negativity, and how to turn things around. Learn actionable tips to shift your culture and create a positive, thriving environment your team will love. Whether you’re starting fresh or making changes, this episode has you covered. — Find me on Instagram: http...