The Connector

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 the evolution of creativity and collaboration over the course of her 40+ year career.

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 industry and world.

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 metrics that matter most for salon owners and their teams. This is the 1st in a new weekly series designed to connect salon owners and professionals with the ideas, leaders, and conversations shaping the future of professional beauty.