Beyond The Technique Podcast

In this episode, your host Kati Whitledge challenges salon and spa owners to rethink how they make decisions in a world full of distractions, pressure, and decision fatigue. She breaks down what "smart decisions" really mean—choices that align with your purpose, passion, and business objectives, and why every decision may not deserve your energy. You'll learn how to slow down impulsive reactions, focus on what truly moves the business forward, and empower your leaders to own decisions in their areas of responsibility. Kati shares a simple but powerful four-question framework you can use for everything from hiring to new services and product offerings. If you want clearer thinking, better leadership, and more confident decisions that actually drive results, this episode is for you. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/bi20OMbLgaU   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/

In this episode, Kati sits down with Terra Harvell to talk about what it really means to build a salon you can actually walk away from—and why most salons are never truly sellable. Terra shares her journey from behind-the-chair to building scalable systems, including the hard lessons that led her to rethink commission models, leadership, and profitability. They unpack the concept of salon "roll-ups," exit strategies, and how to increase enterprise value instead of creating another job for yourself. You'll learn why only 2 out of 10 salons ever sell, and what needs to change if you want your business to be one of them. If you're a salon owner who wants freedom, options, and a business that works without you, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think bigger. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/We3y_jtcAI0   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 TERRA HARVELL Website: All the Things Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theterraharvell/    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/

In this episode, your host Kati Whitledge explores the powerful and often misunderstood difference between self-confidence and pride—and why both can quietly shape the way you lead, grow, and relate to others. She explains how real confidence is built on competence, truth, and humility, while pride is usually rooted in insecurity, image, and the need to protect ego. You'll learn the subtle behaviors that reveal when pride is creeping in, especially for high performers and fast-growing leaders, and how defensiveness can be an early warning sign. Kati shares practical, honest strategies for staying grounded, receiving feedback, and approaching others with both truth and respect. This conversation will challenge you to build "humble confidence" so your results, character, and relationships can all grow together. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/p6owNN6Rzzk   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/

In today's episode, Kati sits down with Blake Reed Evans to explore what modern leadership really looks like in today's salon environment. Blake shares his journey from associate stylist to shareholder and salon owner, and how mentorship, education, and a clear growth path shaped his success. Blake breaks down a new model of salon ownership, team development, and why flexible schedules and evolving benefits are essential to attract and retain top talent. You'll hear how Blake's salon balances high standards with a supportive culture, adapts to generational shifts, and creates long-term stability for both owners and team members. This conversation is a must-listen for salon owners and leaders who want to build a sustainable business, grow future leaders, and elevate the team experience. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/6BOqa2ncsQY   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 BLAKE REED EVANS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakereedevans/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blakereedevans    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/

Resilience isn't about avoiding stress, it's about learning how to adapt, endure, and grow stronger through every season of business. In this episode, Kati breaks down the four inevitable seasons salon and spa owners face—growth, steadiness, decline, and drought—and explains why waiting for a "stress-free" season is a trap. You'll learn how resilient leaders stay disciplined, protect their identity, and make clear decisions without letting fear or emotion drive permanent choices. This conversation will challenge you to see pressure as preparation and lead yourself and your team forward with clarity, ownership, and hope—no matter the season you're in.   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/

In today's episode behavior strategist, Jay Williams introduces his powerful "fast leadership" framework, breaking leadership down into three deceptively simple pillars: agreements, accountability, and alignment. He reveals why most leaders fail at holding people accountable, the critical difference between expectations and agreements, and how emotional intelligence elevates every conversation. Tune in to learn how to simplify your leadership approach, strengthen your team, and access the tools Jay recommends to accelerate your growth. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/sk5RtRgvWoA   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 JAY WILLIAMS Website: https://thejwco.com/  Previous Podcasts We've Done: https://joinmya.com/hs-search-results?searchType=podcasts&groupId=88608771168&term=jay+williams    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/

Building a thriving salon or spa starts with one powerful foundation: community. In this episode, Kati Whitledge unpacks why human connection is not just a "nice to have," but a biological, psychological, and business necessity for growth, retention, and long-term success. You'll learn why team members leave when they don't feel ownership or belonging—and how simple, intentional actions can dramatically strengthen loyalty, culture, and performance. If you want a salon where people stay, grow, and thrive together, this conversation will challenge you to lead community on purpose. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/ZGeI5TF4m3o   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/

Discover the marketing trends you cannot afford to ignore as Kati sits down with industry marketing expert Kayla Morgan, who shares the digital strategies driving real revenue for salons and spas right now. In this episode, you'll learn why Meta ads must stay on, how geo-targeting and best-practice offers boost bookings, and which visuals consistently outperform in today's crowded feed. Kayla also reveals the rising role of AI—from virtual reception to SEO support—and why blogs are still essential for local search dominance in 2026 and beyond. Together, they unpack how to budget for marketing, track ROI, and refresh your online presence to stay competitive. If you're ready to elevate your brand visibility, attract new guests, and future-proof your marketing strategy, this is the episode you won't want to miss. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/bep3a54Hm1g   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 IMAGINAL MARKETING Website: https://imaginalmarketing.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immarketing/  Email: hello@immarketinggroup.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/

Today, Kati reveals how our deepest pains personally, professionally, and emotionally, can become the very fuel that ignites our greatest leadership breakthroughs. She shares her own journey from childhood hardship and unhealthy patterns to strength, identity transformation, and purpose, proving that pain isn't punishment, it's preparation. Salon and spa owners will learn how to reframe setbacks as signals for innovation, stronger systems, healthier cultures, and more impactful client care. You'll finish this episode inspired to turn your hardest experiences into leadership mastery and to help your team do the same. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/zgeuEOysqpo   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/

Today we sat down with financial expert, Mel Abraham, to help salon owners redefine what it means to be truly free. Mel shares his deeply personal journey from leaving corporate life without a plan, to rebuilding the life of his dreams after cancer, to creating his signature "money machine" that generates income outside your business. Together, they talk about how to embrace present joy while building a secure future. Mel teaches that discipline doesn't mean deprivation. You'll learn why financial freedom isn't about hitting a number, but rather it's about creating choices, aligning money with your values, and living the life you love while you build it.  WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/_ebqH9DtP-E   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 MEL ABRAHAM Website: https://melabraham.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melabraham9/  GET HIS BOOK: https://www.melabrahamtraining.com/your-money-machine-book-eg    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/

Start the year with a mission that moves you. In this powerful conversation, Kati uncovers how the military defines "mission" and shows salon and spa owners how adopting that level of clarity, purpose, and direction can transform their business in 2026. You'll learn why revisiting and rewriting your mission each year fuels innovation, deeper team alignment, stronger culture, and measurable growth. Walk away inspired to update your mission with bold intentions so every decision, action, and outcome this year supports your biggest impact yet. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/JFBwGCgA354   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/

In this powerful year-end episode, industry expert, Danielle Cherewyk is back to tackling one of the biggest challenges facing salons and spas today: cash flow. Danielle breaks down why 82% of businesses fail due to cash flow issues and shares the exact strategies salons can use to stay profitable. Learn actionable ways to increase client frequency, transition into high-maintenance services, and boost retail revenue while empowering your team with financial clarity. You'll also hear how membership models like "The Beauty Bank" create predictable income and help clients invest in consistent home care. Don't miss Danielle's inspiring insights—plus a sneak peek at the new book Prove Them Wrong—in this essential episode for every growth-minded beauty leader. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/c511oW_c0A4   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 DANIELLE CHEREWYK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellecherewyk/  Salon Website: https://www.theheadroom.ca/  Prove Them Wrong Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Prove-Them-Wrong-Performance-Six-Figure/dp/B0FXNJ8N31  Our First Episode Together: https://joinmya.com/podcast/547-my-salon-does-44-rts    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/

Today we talk about the concept of unconditional honor in leadership and business. We are drawing inspiration from military culture, where treating people with honor isn't optional, it's a matter of survival. You'll hear how this same mindset can transform everyday business environments by uncovering hidden strengths, recognizing potential before performance, and leading from the trenches. With personal stories and real examples, Kati shows how honor builds trust, drives accountability, and creates a culture where people feel safe to grow and strive for greatness.  WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/FlupIhFe83I   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/

Salon owners know the power of social media but are they truly leading their team by example? In this episode, Jodie Brown shares how she went from hairstylist to marketing mentor, revealing the simple branding strategies that helped her grow her business and build real authority online. Together, we talk about how storytelling, specificity, and a bold personal voice can transform your salon's social presence and culture. You'll also learn two exciting ways to work with Jodie, including a transformational retreat in Italy designed to ignite your brand and your confidence! WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/alRhPLtyh50   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 JODIE BROWN! Website: https://www.jodiebrown.ca/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjodiebrown  Podcast: https://www.jodiebrown.ca/podcast  Retreat: https://www.escapetoelevate.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/

When you create order in one part of your business, disorder will show up somewhere else and that's not a sign of failure, it's the science of growth. In this episode, we break down the law of entropy and explain why the most successful leaders learn to anticipate chaos, secure team buy-in and rebuild systems as their business scales. You'll hear real examples of what disorder looks like and the risk of lack of engagement, uneven workloads and resistance. If you're growing, leading change, or planning a big shift in your business, this episode will give you the mindset and tools to manage disorder instead of being blindsided by it.   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/

What if unlocking your next level of leadership begins with rediscovering your true authority—your soul authority? In this inspiring episode, Master Certified Coach Lyn Christian returns to share how their Soul Authority Track is transforming leaders through purpose, radical self-awareness, and measurable personal growth—like improved health, renewed confidence, and clear career direction. You'll hear behind-the-scenes insights on the first beta group, the powerful system Lyn built around nurturing authentic leadership, and why the beauty industry is uniquely positioned to benefit from this work. Kati and Lyn also explore why your most productive decade may actually be ahead of you—and how your personal growth today shapes those future results. If you're ready to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction—this episode will ignite the spark. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/OEWcGOPQhmE   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 LYN CHRISTIAN Website: https://soulsalt.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynchristian/    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/

Raising your prices isn't about charging more, it's about elevating your standards so you can deliver the level of excellence today's clients expect. With industry expenses rising 12–20% since 2021, strategic price adjustments are what allow you to invest in better education, tools, technology, and the kind of talent that keeps your business thriving. Data shows that a 10% price increase can generate more than double the financial impact of a small commission bump, giving your team greater earning potential without increasing your workload. When you confidently update your pricing, you attract clients who value your expertise, support your growth, and stay committed long-term. Ultimately, raising prices is one of the most powerful moves you can make to strengthen your culture, your team, and the future of your business. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/oWDK2mpM_zo   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 FOLLOW NINA TULIO: https://www.instagram.com/ninatulio/    SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

Get ready for a powerful and refreshingly honest conversation with legendary salon owner, educator, and curly-hair specialist Casey Voss—a 25-year industry vet whose story reads like a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and leadership. In this episode, Casey opens up about rebuilding after a devastating salon fire, navigating major business transitions, letting go of ego, and learning to trust bold decisions even when they cost her people, comfort, or certainty. You'll hear how vision-casting, year-end audits, boundary-setting, and courageous conversations became the foundation of her growth—and how they can transform your salon too. Kati and Casey dive into the realities of leading teams, the challenges of turnover, and the freedom that comes when you finally stop operating out of fear and start building intentionally. If you're hungry for clarity, courage, and a renewed sense of purpose in your salon leadership, this conversation will light you up. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/GvFg9Ir4qNo   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 CASEY VOSS! Website: https://www.vossthecurlboss.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vossthecurlboss/  Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@caseyvossthecurlboss    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/

When others doubt you, it can become your greatest edge. In this episode, Kati reveals how being underestimated became her superpower—from prevailing in a courtroom to building a one-of-a-kind tech platform that is reshaping the beauty industry. She shares how working quietly in the shadows allows you to learn, grow, and prepare without the noise of critics. Discover why the most powerful moves often happen when no one's watching, and how proving yourself right is far more rewarding than proving others wrong.   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/

In this inspiring episode of Beyond The Technique, host Kati Whitledge welcomes salon owner, educator, and L'Oréal Professional Artist, Daniel Mason-Jones for a powerful conversation about the trends shaping the salon industry in 2026. Daniel shares how purpose and passion can transform not just a career, but an entire community. You will discover how building culture, offering education, and prioritizing well-being can create thriving, loyal salon teams. This episode will leave you feeling motivated to lead with empathy, courage, and vision for the year ahead.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/GkKdJD6uwx0   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 DANIEL MASON JONES Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielmasonjones/  Website: https://www.danielmasonjones.com/ Muse Salon: https://www.musesalonandspa.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/