Beyond The Technique Podcast
by Kati Whitledge
Welcome to the Beyond The Technique podcast with Kati Whitledge. We exist to support beauty & wellness pros and your growing team and business. We believe it's what you do beyond the technical aspects of your craft that will bring substantial success. We promise to bring you the most forward-thinking industry topics to help you consistently grow and develop yourself and your business.
Episodes
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0738: Unlock Your Team's Performance Potential
How much should we really trust customer feedback when emotions can change from one moment to the next? In this episode, Kati Whitledge sits down with social scientist, and the CCO for European Wax Center, Katie Mullen to explore the complicated relationship between human emotion, consumer...
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0737: Surviving A Salon Walkout
What do you do when your salon experiences a walkout or another devastating team loss? In this episode, Kati shares one of the biggest lessons she learned through her own salon walkouts: give yourself space to feel the emotions, but don't stay there—you have to take action. She also explores the...
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0736: Our Top Industry Threat, with Terra Harvell
The beauty industry is facing a serious threat as rising student-loan defaults expose the gap between cosmetology education and sustainable career success. Kati welcomes back Terra Harvell, founder and CEO of Harper Ellis Hair Co. and Strata Salon Systems, to explore why business acumen…
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0735: How to Communicate and Lead Rebels
Are you someone who naturally resists structure, expectations, or doing things simply because "that's how it's done"? In this episode, Kati explores how our natural tendencies can become strengths or stumbling blocks, especially when independence and rebellion keep us from meeting the standards...
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0734: Four Signs You're Ready for A Salon Mentor
Are you facing the same team challenges, relying on AI for business answers, or feeling exhausted from making every decision alone? Award-winning salon owner and mentor Celene Dupuis reveals four clear signs that it's time to seek guidance—and why coaching should be the last investment you cut…
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0733: Three Ways to Be Less Timid
Courage isn't something you're born with—it's something you build through practice. In this episode, Kati shares three powerful ways to become less timid: take action before you feel confident, intentionally increase your tolerance for rejection, and get clear about what you want so you can ask…
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0732: Holiday Marketing Ideas that Work!
Ready to make this holiday season your most profitable one yet? In this festive episode of Beyond the Technique, host Kati Whitledge catches up with marketing guru Kayla Morgan from Imaginal Marketing Group to unpack strategies that actually drive revenue for salons and spas. Kayla spills all the...
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0731: Your Past Predicts Your Future
Your future isn't shaped by what you want—it's shaped by the behaviors you repeat today. In this episode, Kati explains how your patterns are more predictive than your plans and why meaningful transformation requires personal accountability, patience, and consistent action. You'll learn how to...
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0730: Stop Discounting Your Services
Why do so many salon and spa owners discount their services, avoid raising prices, or hesitate to recommend what their clients truly need? Master coach Brigette Sobus returns to reveal how fear, guilt, people-pleasing, and limiting beliefs can quietly sabotage even the strongest business systems....
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0729: 3 Bad Habits to Eliminate
What if the key to greater freedom in your business is simply asking your team one powerful question? In this episode, Kati Whitledge shares how to stop solving every problem and start encouraging team members to bring forward their own proposed solutions. You'll learn how this leadership habit...
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0728: The Vitality Project, with Elizabeth Faye
Beauty industry wellness thought leader Elizabeth Faye joins us to share how her journey through burnout, anxiety, and autoimmune challenges transformed the way she approaches success, leadership, and life. She introduces the Vitality Project, a workplace wellness platform designed to help beauty...
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0727: You're Not Special Enough
In today's crowded beauty and wellness market, simply offering great services and earning strong reviews is no longer enough to stand out. Salon, spa, and med spa owners now compete not only with established businesses, but also with savvy independent professionals using AI and modern marketing…
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0726: Back From a Financial Fallout
What happens when a multimillion-dollar salon appears successful but is quietly borrowing money to cover payroll? Atelier Studio owner Anna Johnson shares how a major expansion, rising overhead, and unsustainable staffing costs erased her profits—even while annual revenue remained at $2.6…
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0725: The Salon I'd Choose If I Were Starting Over
If you were starting over in the beauty industry, what would make a salon truly worth choosing? In this episode, Kati Whitledge shares the six qualities she would prioritize, including commission-based earning potential, ongoing education, an inspiring service menu, quality products, a clean...
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0724: Winning at Adaptation, with Rachel Gower
What does it take to build a salon business that can withstand change, team turnover, and unexpected challenges? Rachel Gower, president and CEO of Houston's award-winning salon The Upper Hand, shares how consistent recruiting, a strong apprenticeship program, and strategic marketing have fueled...
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0723: It's Never Too Late to Change Your Standards and Set New Goals
You don't have to wait for a new year to reevaluate your life, raise your standards, and pursue meaningful new goals. In this episode, Kati explores seven key areas of well-being—financial, career, family, social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual—and explains how to determine which deserve...
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0722: Creating Space to Be Sugared and Bronzed
What began as a side hustle in a Santa Monica apartment has grown into SUGARED + BRONZED, a nationally recognized beauty brand with 50 corporate-owned locations. Co-founder and president Courtney Claghorn shares how an unwavering focus on client comfort, strategic locations, intentional hiring…
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0721: What Stylists Need to Do When they Start Behind-The-Chair
Building a successful beauty career starts with putting in the time, gaining experience, and making yourself available when clients need you most. In this episode, Kati shares why new stylists and service providers should embrace model calls, volunteer opportunities, advanced education…
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0720: Manage Your Team More Efficiently
Managing your salon team shouldn't require juggling group texts, emails, social media, and multiple apps. In this episode, Kati welcomes Salon Symphony founder Antonio Stanley to share how his all-in-one platform brings team communication, training, events, goals, tasks, resources, onboarding…
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0719: Pressure Is A Privilege Until It Isn't
Pressure can sharpen your focus, strengthen your performance, and inspire growth—but when it becomes constant, it can threaten your health, relationships, and leadership. In this episode, Kati shares lessons from her own transition out of salon ownership while exploring how anxiety, stress, fear,...
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0718: Get this Conversation Right
AI is transforming the front desk, and salon and spa owners can now deliver immediate, personalized support without overwhelming their teams. In this episode, conversation designer Jyoti Iyer introduces Brook, a virtual assistant that manages calls, texts, website chats, appointment bookings, and...
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0717: Your Weaknesses are Strengths Abused
Your greatest weakness may actually be one of your greatest strengths—simply overused, misused, or applied in the wrong context. In this episode, Kati explores how qualities like communication, confidence, loyalty, optimism, decisiveness, and adaptability can create powerful results but also…
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0716: Stay Humble, Thirsty, and Strong!
In this inspiring episode, Kati sits down with salon owner and educator Kelley Martell to explore her 22-year journey of creativity, resilience, and continual growth in the beauty industry. Kelley shares why salon owners must remain humble, stay present with their teams, and recognize the talent...
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0715: Focus on What's Right
Your brain is wired to notice problems, but constantly focusing on what's wrong can stall progress, exhaust leaders, and create a fearful salon or spa culture. In this episode, Kati explores the difference between pessimism, blind optimism, and realistic optimism—and shares how effective leaders...
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0714: Which Enneagram Are You?
What if understanding why you lead the way you do could transform how you connect with your team? Certified Enneagram coach and salon owner Jennifer Culverhouse reveals how the Enneagram goes beyond surface-level behaviors to uncover the motivations, strengths, fears, and patterns driving each of...
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0713: Be The Hero's Guide
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…
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712: The Ultimate Business Upgrade
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…
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711: Change Your Identity to Change Your Life
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…
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710: The Book Every Salon Leader Needs, with Heather Bagby!
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…
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709: Get Up, Get Out, and Gain Experience
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...
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708: Heal the Industry, with Ashlee Vance
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…
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707: Stop Planning, Start Swimming
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…
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706: Four Pillars to Becoming a Powerful Educator
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...
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705: I've Retired From Salon Ownership Part One
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...
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704: Pioneering QOAT with Industry Disrupter, Alfredo Lewis!
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…
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703: Lessons I've Learned Having Over 140 Employees
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...
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702: Never Lose Sight of Your Vision
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...
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701: The Gap Between Good and Great Stylists, with Kati Whitledge
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,...
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700: Hire Better, Stronger, Faster!
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…
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699: What are You Known For, with Kati Whitledge
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...
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698: Profit is Personal, with Nina Tulio
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…
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697: Never Burn a Bridge, with Kati Whitledge
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...
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696: Revamp Your Hiring Process, with Jessi Ivey
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...
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695: How to Win Even When You're Losing
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...
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694: The Heart of Hospitality, A Salon Owner's Story of Success
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...
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693: DISC Personality Profiles Explained, with Kati Whitledge
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…
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692: Transform The World One Makeup Application At a Time
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,...
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691: How to Work with People Who Annoy You, with Kati Whitledge
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,...
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690: Better Training, Bigger Profits!
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...
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689: Nuances in Going from One to Two Salon Locations, with Kati Whitledge
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...
About this show
Welcome to the Beyond The Technique podcast with Kati Whitledge. We exist to support beauty & wellness pros and your growing team and business. We believe it's what you do beyond the technical aspects of your craft that will bring substantial success. We promise to bring you the most forward-thinking industry topics to help you consistently grow and develop yourself and your business.
Hosted by
Kati Whitledge