The ABIC Podcast

What does it really take to build an independent aesthetics practice that can grow without consuming every hour of your week?In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re joined by Max Hayward, co-founder of Aesthetic Nurse Software, to explore the business responsibilities that come with going independent — from consent and clinical records to client retention, stock and cash flow.Max shares how his mum Jo’s experience of starting her own aesthetics practice inspired a family solution that became a growing business, and what that journey taught him about supporting independent practitioners.Together, we explore:The practical challenges of moving from practitioner to business owner.Managing paperwork, clinical photography, treatment records and follow-up.The role of customer service and community in business growth.The business numbers independent practitioners need to understand.Three priorities for starting out, three for the next stage of growth, and practical steps established owners can take now.Whether you’re preparing to go independent or already running your own practice, this conversation offers practical insights into building a business that supports both your clients and your working life.This episode is proudly brought to you by Aesthetic Nurse Software.Enjoying the ABIC Podcast? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, follow us on Spotify and leave a review. Stay connected with us on Instagram at @aestheticbeautycouncil.

What if the future of results-driven skin is not about doing more—but knowing when to pause?In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we're joined by Sam from The Skin Bar for OmniDerm and Dr. Spiller Biomimetic Skincare, to explore why barrier health must sit at the centre of sustainable skin outcomes.Together, we unpack:Why the industry has become conditioned to equate intensity with resultsHow compromised and over-treated skin presents in clinical practiceWhy clients can mistake peeling, heat and visible reactions for progressThe difference between hydrating the skin and supporting its hydro-lipidic barrierHow to recognise when skin is ready for correction—and when it needs protection, replenishment or restraintThe role of consultation, homecare and client education in barrier recoveryHow a barrier-intelligent approach can strengthen trust, retention and long-term treatment outcomesThis episode challenges the idea that results must come from constantly pushing the skin. The future of advanced skin practice may not be about doing less—it may be about making smarter decisions based on what the skin can tolerate, repair and sustain.This episode is proudly brought to you by OmniDerm, the Australian distributor of Dr. Spiller Biomimetic Skincare.The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠** or ‘follow’ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, **and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us ⁠⁠⁠⁠@aestheticbeautycouncil

The client journey no longer begins when someone walks through your clinic door. It begins the moment they search, message, call, read a review—or wait for a response.In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, Ramey Shehata from Podium Software joins us to explore why faster communication, AI and trust have become business-critical for clinics, salons, spas and medical aesthetic businesses.Together, we unpack:Why slow responses can erode trust before the relationship beginsWhere businesses may be losing enquiries, bookings and loyalty without realising itHow missed calls and inconsistent follow-up affect the entire client journeyWhy reviews have become part of the client’s decision-making processHow AI and automation can support better service without replacing human careWhat should never be automated in a high-trust businessThe communication systems modern clinics should review and strengthenThis is an insightful conversation about the client journey before the treatment room—and how becoming easier to contact, trust and return to can support stronger conversion, retention and long-term growth.This episode is proudly brought to you by Podium SoftwareThe ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠** or ‘follow’ on ⁠Spotify⁠, **and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us ⁠@aestheticbeautycouncil

Acne is often treated as a stubborn skin problem—but could stubborn thinking be part of the problem?In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re joined by Kris Astroff for Circadia Australia to explore acne through the lens of circadian rhythm, inflammation, barrier recovery, sleep, stress, sebum and treatment timing.Together, we challenge some of the simplified and outdated narratives that continue to shape professional acne care. We examine why aggressive treatment can sometimes work against the skin, how its functions and needs change between day and night, and what therapists should consider when assessing skin readiness, treatment response and client lifestyle.We also discuss the pressure practitioners face to keep pace with evolving evidence, the importance of questioning supplier education and marketing claims, and how clinic owners can build a stronger culture of ongoing learning and evidence-aware practice.This clinically responsible conversation is for clinic owners, skin therapists, dermal clinicians, beauty therapists and educators who want to think more critically about acne and create more informed consultation and treatment practices.This episode is brought to you by Circadia Australia, ABIC Foundation Partner.Learn more at circadia.com.auThe ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

Why do so many talented people in beauty and aesthetics still end up on the wrong path? In this episode, Megan Rees unpacks the hidden career mistakes that quietly hold students and practitionersback, from choosing the wrong qualification too early to misunderstanding where beauty, dermal, and nursing truly diverge. This is a conversation about career clarity, credibility, long-term opportunity, and what it really takes to build a future in this industry with substance.This episode is brought to you by Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal ScienceThe ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil