615: Your Real Competition is Not In This Industry
Beyond The Technique Podcast
What if your salon’s biggest competition isn’t another salon—but luxury experiences like concerts, festivals, and designer brands? In this episode Beauty Industry Expert, Tim Fisk joins us to unpack why salon owners must compete digitally for clients' attention and dollars. Tim dives into how important building trust with younger guests and mastering email and lead nurturing strategies is, so you can get and keep the next generation of consumers who spend the most on luxury hair services. He also shares his leadership journey within this industry and how he’s grown to be the best...
info_outline
614: Be A Girl’s Girl
Beyond The Technique Podcast
Kati Whitledge opens up about the leadership lessons she learned as a fiercely loyal teen—and how those early experiences shaped the way she empowers women today. From standing up for her friends to navigating the complexities of female friendships, Kati shares how sisterhood, not competition, is the foundation of strong salon teams. She reflects on how sports, style, and spiritual growth have all influenced her approach to leading with love, grace, and conviction. If you believe in building a supportive culture where women cheer each other on, this episode is your reminder that being a...
info_outline
613: Rise of The Fiercely Committed!
Beyond The Technique Podcast
Today we sit down with celebrity stylist and industry mentor, Danielle Keasling to explore the Rise of the Fiercely Committed—a journey marked by bold pivots, personal growth, and unapologetic authenticity. Danielle shares how she transitioned from marine biology to mastering the art of hairstyling, building a career that spans high fashion, education, and now coaching. You’ll hear how she broke through gatekeeping in the beauty world, developed her own artistic voice, and now helps others do the same—without needing to sacrifice their values or relocate. From session styling to...
info_outline
612: Make Better Long-Term Decisions
Beyond The Technique Podcast
In this episode, Kati shares a powerful 10-step framework inspired by Tony Robbins for making life-changing decisions that truly stick. You’ll learn how to get into a peak state first—because the quality of your decisions depends on your mindset and emotions when you make them. She’ll guide you through aligning decisions with your core values, your future identity, and every key area of your life, while using tools like the 10-10-10 method and the pain-pleasure principle to overcome short-term emotions. If you’re ready to burn the boats, back your choices with action, and become the...
info_outline
611: Building Community, with Daniel Johnson
Beyond The Technique Podcast
Kati welcomes Daniel Johnson, founder of the Green Beauty Community Foundation and The Salon Chair Guys, to share his powerful journey of community-building and sustainability in the beauty industry. From growing up in his father’s barbershop to developing eco-friendly solutions for salons, Daniel’s story is one of passion, purpose, and resilience. Together, they explore how beauty professionals can align with like-minded individuals, take the Green Pledge, and make a meaningful impact—one sustainable choice at a time. Get ready to be encouraged, empowered, and reminded that when the...
info_outline
610: Technology CANNOT Replace Everything
Beyond The Technique Podcast
In this episode, Kati explores the irreplaceable human elements that make salon experiences truly magical. From authentic conversation and intuitive energy reading to mentorship and meaningful touch, she shares ten ways that AI will never replicate what happens between real people. You’ll be reminded why community, creativity, and emotional intelligence are the soul of the salon industry. If you’ve ever feared tech could take over—this episode proves the heart of your business is safe. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A...
info_outline
609: Where You Get Education Matters, with Ashlee Norman!
Beyond The Technique Podcast
What’s the difference between being internet-famous and being truly educated? In this episode, Kati sits down with globally renowned colorist, educator, and content creator Ashlee Norman to dive deep into the world of hair education—and the impact (both good and bad) that social media has had on the craft. Ashlee shares her incredible journey from Bumble and Bumble network educator to international platform artist, tool designer, and one of the most sought-after voices in dimensional color and modern cutting. Together, they explore why mastering fundamentals, critical thinking, and...
info_outline
608: You’ll Be Judged Regardless
Beyond The Technique Podcast
Today, Kati gets real about being judged at every stage of her transformation—from weighing over 250 pounds to becoming ultra fit and confident. She shares how judgment doesn’t disappear with success—it simply takes a different shape—and explores the double standards women often face in both business and beauty. Drawing from personal experience and biblical truth, Kati unpacks the difference between pride and humility, encouraging listeners to own their confidence without apology. If you’ve ever felt caught between criticism no matter what you do, this episode will remind you that...
info_outline
607: Serve Without Sacrificing
Beyond The Technique Podcast
In today’s episode, Kati welcomes salon owner and stylist mentor Lexi Dawn, who shares her journey from Costa Rica to building a luxury booth-rental salon in Carmel, Indiana. Lexi reveals how she empowers stylists to serve without sacrificing, by setting boundaries, pricing with purpose, and staying confident in their value. She unpacks practical strategies for avoiding burnout, hiring support, and building a business model that prioritizes balance and beauty. Whether you're behind the chair or leading a team, this is a must-listen for salon pros ready to grow with clarity and confidence....
info_outline
606: Appearance Standards
Beyond The Technique Podcast
In today’s mini episode, your host Kati Whitledge breaks down why professional appearance standards—not just dress codes—are essential in the salon industry. She shares compelling data showing that well-groomed professionals earn more trust, land jobs faster, and even boost their sales by up to 20%. Kati explains how first impressions are formed in seconds, making appearance a key factor in client perception. Tune in to learn how to elevate your team's image while still honoring individuality. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market...
info_outlineWhat if the secret to unlocking your salon team's innovation, energy, and connection was... play? In this powerful episode, Kati welcomes Mia Sundstrom, Director of Play Transformation at the National Institute for Play, who shares how understanding and embracing your unique "play personality" can lead to peak creativity and workplace culture breakthroughs. Drawing from her background as a Division I athlete, coach, and the legacy of her grandfather Dr. Stuart Brown’s groundbreaking research, Mia explains how play isn’t a distraction from work, it’s a competitive advantage. If you’re a salon owner or leader ready to energize your team and rethink productivity, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/29ASyjiqu4k
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
FOLLOW MIA SUNDSTROM
Website: https://nifplay.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-sundstrom1/
LET’S CONNECT!
BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique
MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/
SPONSORS
Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/
Join the ‘Smarter Room’ Mastermind with Jay Williams!
Click Here to Learn More: https://thejwco.com/a-smarter-room/