703: Lessons I've Learned Having Over 140 Employees
Release Date: 07/02/2026
703: Lessons I've Learned Having Over 140 Employees
Beyond The Technique Podcast
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 with letting people go, taken employee departures personally, or questioned your strength as a leader, this conversation will give you practical perspective and renewed confidence to keep moving forward. Tune in to discover why your team can become your greatest teachers and how every leadership...
info_outline
702: Never Lose Sight of Your Vision
Beyond The Technique Podcast
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 her values, purpose, and passion for wellness. Salon and spa owners will gain powerful insights on protecting their vision, avoiding burnout, making courageous leadership decisions, and building a business that supports both professional success and personal fulfillment. WATCH ON YOUTUBE:...
info_outline
701: The Gap Between Good and Great Stylists, with Kati Whitledge
Beyond The Technique Podcast
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, leadership, discipline, long-term client planning, and a willingness to grow even when no one is watching. Salon and spa owners, leaders, and beauty professionals will walk away with practical insights on developing a stronger culture, creating deeper client loyalty, and challenging themselves to stop...
info_outline
700: Hire Better, Stronger, Faster!
Beyond The Technique Podcast
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 to help owners reduce no-shows, assess personality and communication skills earlier, and build a stronger pipeline of candidates before the in-person interview ever begins. Salon and spa leaders will gain insights into creating a more modern, efficient, and culture-focused hiring process that saves...
info_outline
699: What are You Known For, with Kati Whitledge
Beyond The Technique Podcast
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 loyalty, and create clarity through consistent operations, marketing, hospitality, and culture. You’ll learn how to identify what your salon or spa should be known for, create unforgettable guest experiences, and ensure every touchpoint—from your website and social media to your team behavior...
info_outline
698: Profit is Personal, with Nina Tulio
Beyond The Technique Podcast
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 owners to stop chasing trends and start focusing on the systems, values, and self-awareness that truly drive long-term success. Nina also shares insights on pricing strategies, hiring with intention, and why leading from confidence instead of fear creates healthier teams, stronger cultures, and more...
info_outline
697: Never Burn a Bridge, with Kati Whitledge
Beyond The Technique Podcast
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 decision-making with professionalism and grace. She also outlines actionable steps for repairing damaged relationships, rebuilding trust, and leading with humility, wisdom, and character in every season of leadership. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever;...
info_outline
696: Revamp Your Hiring Process, with Jessi Ivey
Beyond The Technique Podcast
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 interviews, shadow days, and clear expectations transformed her culture, improved retention, and supported rapid growth—even after launching during the pandemic. Salon and spa owners will learn how to build a strong team through structured hiring, ongoing education, and boundaries that create both...
info_outline
695: How to Win Even When You’re Losing
Beyond The Technique Podcast
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 creating momentum even when life feels difficult or uncertain. Kati also dives into the importance of faith, resilience, community, and personal growth, reminding listeners that some of the greatest lessons and breakthroughs are developed in the hardest seasons. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: ...
info_outline
694: The Heart of Hospitality, A Salon Owner’s Story of Success
Beyond The Technique Podcast
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 insights on expansion costs, building with intention, and hiring for character over skill. Salon and spa owners will walk away with actionable ideas on designing unforgettable guest experiences, scaling sustainably, and reconnecting with their deeper “why” to lead and grow with purpose. ...
info_outlineToday, 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 with letting people go, taken employee departures personally, or questioned your strength as a leader, this conversation will give you practical perspective and renewed confidence to keep moving forward. Tune in to discover why your team can become your greatest teachers and how every leadership challenge can shape you into the owner your business needs.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/_0_cwcK5kRY
GET MY BOOK!
From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book
POWERED BY:
JOIN mya! joinmya.com
LET’S CONNECT!
BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique
MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/
FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/
Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE
SPONSORS
Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/