Speed to Lead: How Podium is Revolutionizing Aesthetic Conversions with AI and Tech

In this inspiring episode of the Business of Aesthetics Show, host Lauren Umstattd chats with Nurse Practitioner Aimee Kryger about her exciting journey into the world of aesthetics. Aimee shares her background in critical care and ENT, how she discovered her passion for aesthetic medicine, and the steps she took to transition into a thriving private practice. You'll hear about the challenges and rewards of working in aesthetics, the value of mentorship, and tips for nurses and practitioners looking to enter this growing field. Aimee also opens up about her favorite treatments, how she balances work and family life, and her big career goals for the future. If you’re curious about a career in aesthetic medicine or want to hear honest insights from a rising star in the field, this episode is for you! Key Takeaways Breaking into the aesthetics field takes patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn. Aimee shares how she built her career step by step and how staying patient helped her find the right opportunity. Real-world experience and strong mentors are more valuable than taking just one class. Learning hands-on and building relationships with experienced providers made a big difference in Aimee’s journey. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” path in aesthetics. It’s okay to try different practice settings—Aimee explored mobile therapy, med spas, and surgery centers before finding her best fit. CO2 laser treatments are a favorite for skin rejuvenation. Aimee loves using CO2 lasers to give patients long-lasting, natural-looking results.

In this episode of the Business of Aesthetics Podcast, host Michael Walker sits down with Shannon Blake, Director of Partnerships Aesthetics at Podium, to talk about how clinics can grow their practice faster by replying to leads quicker and using smart tools like AI. Shannon explains what “Speed to Lead” really means and why it matters more now than ever—especially with the aesthetics industry facing a dip in revenue. You’ll hear how using an AI Patient Coordinator can help practices respond to leads within minutes, keep in touch with patients after hours, and never miss another opportunity again. This episode is full of practical tips on how to combine text messaging, automation, and smart follow-up systems to boost patient conversions, improve the front desk experience, and keep your schedule full. Whether you’re new to AI or already using it, this conversation will give you a fresh look at how to level up your practice, stay ahead of the competition, and make every lead count.   Key Takeaways Here are the main points your audience will walk away with: Speed matters – If your practice isn’t replying to leads within 5 minutes, you’re likely losing them to someone else. Use one system for all leads – Collecting leads from different platforms into one place helps you respond faster and stay organized. AI Patient Coordinators can help – Tools like Podium’s AI assistant can reply instantly, follow up automatically, and even book appointments—day or night. Missed calls don’t have to mean missed revenue – Some systems can now text back anyone who calls and doesn’t get through.

In this exciting episode of the Business of Aesthetics podcast, host Michael Walker welcomes Ben O’Brien, co-founder of the Faces Consent app. Ben shares his journey from opening clinics across the UK to building one of the most powerful all-in-one tools for aesthetic professionals. Ben explains how Faces Consent started as a simple way to collect patient consent forms, but quickly grew into something much bigger. Now, the app helps over 150,000 practitioners handle bookings, store patient records, write prescriptions, and even order medical supplies, all in one place. He also talks about how they use AI to create review summaries, help with customer service, and boost clinic marketing. Michael and Ben dive into some big problems that aesthetic clinics face today, like managing paperwork, hiring the right staff, and dealing with burnout. Ben shares real stories and helpful tips on how clinics can grow smarter, not harder. He also explains how important it is to start small, focus on your strengths, and build systems that support your goals and lifestyle. In this episode, you’ll also learn: How the Faces Consent app began as a simple tool to collect patient forms and grew into a full practice management platform. Why streamlining consent, booking, and product ordering can save time and reduce stress in your clinic. How AI helps generate patient reviews and handle customer service without adding more work to your plate. Why listening to user feedback early on helped the app grow and become trusted by over 150,000 practitioners. How digital tools can protect your brand and processes, especially if you operate in multiple locations. What challenges clinics face with staffing and prescriptions, and how the app helps solve both. Why it's smart to grow slow and focus on what you're good at, instead of trying to do everything at once.

In this informative episode of the Business of Aesthetics podcast, host Michael Walker sits down with healthcare attorney and entrepreneur Sara Shikhman, Managing Partner of Lengea Law, to explore the essential legal considerations every aesthetic practice should understand. Sara shares her personal journey from practicing law to launching and scaling a successful med spa, providing a unique dual perspective as both a legal expert and business operator. She discusses common compliance challenges, including licensing, supervision, ownership structures, intellectual property, and contracts that can make or break a practice. Drawing from her extensive experience helping over a thousand clients—and growing a single-room spa into a multi-state operation generating $13M+ annually—Sara offers real-world advice on how aesthetic providers can protect their businesses while positioning themselves for sustainable success. In this episode, you’ll learn: Key legal risks that med spa owners often overlook The importance of starting lean and scaling smart How proper legal structure and compliance can protect your investment Tips for building a legally sound and profitable aesthetic business Whether you’re starting out or expanding, this episode delivers must-know legal insights to help your aesthetic practice grow with confidence.

In today’s fast-paced aesthetics industry, patients aren’t just looking for single treatments—they’re seeking transformative results with minimal downtime. In this insightful episode of the Business of Aesthetics podcast, host Michael Walker sits down with expert aesthetic consultant and educator Tracey Lizsa Mancuso to explore the art and science behind treatment stacking—a strategic approach to combining aesthetic procedures for superior, longer-lasting results. Tracey shares how aesthetic professionals can elevate their practice by creating personalized, results-driven treatment plans that layer technologies like lasers, radiofrequency, and ultrasound. With a deep understanding of skin physiology and proper treatment sequencing, providers can achieve safer outcomes, enhanced patient satisfaction, and stronger retention. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to combine aesthetic treatments safely and effectively. The benefits of sequencing treatments to reduce downtime and boost results. How to educate patients and set clear, realistic expectations. Why continuous learning is key to staying competitive in medical aesthetics. Whether you run a medical spa, cosmetic dermatology clinic, or aesthetic practice, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you stand out, increase treatment efficacy, and deliver consistent, high-value results that keep patients coming back. Tune in to discover how treatment stacking can become your competitive edge in today’s results-driven aesthetic market.

What does it take to transform an entire industry? In this must-listen episode of the Business of Aesthetics Podcast, we sit down with one of the most influential figures in aesthetic nursing today—Tracy Hotta, founder of THMA Consulting. From her early days in ER and OR to becoming a nationally recognized educator and advocate, Tracy shares the powerful story behind her journey and how she’s been reshaping the standards of aesthetic medicine. Whether you're an aspiring injector, a clinic owner, or simply curious about the inner workings of the booming aesthetic industry, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights: How Tracy helped break barriers for nurses in the aesthetic space. Why mentorship and safety training are more critical than ever. What every injector must know before they pick up a needle. The hidden challenges of social media for medical professionals—and how to navigate them ethically. You’ll walk away with a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in aesthetic medicine while staying grounded in ethics, education, and excellence. This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a roadmap for those who want to do things right and raise the bar for everyone.

In this episode of Business of Aesthetics, host Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with Dr. Milind Kachare, a rising plastic surgeon who recently joined Nayak Plastic Surgery in St. Louis. Dr. Kachare shares his journey from medical school to aesthetics, the mentors who shaped his career, and how he managed crucial decisions—including whether to join a practice, start his own, or go the hospital route. Whether you’re a new doctor exploring a career in aesthetics or a seasoned professional looking to mentor the next generation, this episode offers valuable insights into setting up a successful career in this competitive field.

In an industry as competitive as aesthetics, having a great service and patient experience is only part of the equation. The reality is, your online presence can make or break your practice. In this episode, host Michael Walker sits down with returning guest Naren Arulrajah, CEO of Ekwa Marketing, to discuss what separates thriving aesthetic practices from those that fail to grow. Many practice owners underestimate the power of a structured marketing plan. Some rely on short-term tactics like paid ads, social media promotions, or word-of-mouth. While these can help, they aren't enough to build lasting visibility. The practices that dominate their markets do so because they invest in long-term marketing strategies, ensuring they consistently attract and retain high-value patients. A well-thought-out 6-month marketing plan allows aesthetic practices to: Build strong SEO rankings so they show up in patient searches Avoid overspending on paid advertising by leveraging organic reach Adapt to Google’s ever-changing algorithms to stay ahead of competitors Track key performance metrics that drive patient growth Create a predictable and sustainable patient flow On the flip side, practices that operate without a structured marketing plan often struggle with visibility, patient retention, and unpredictable revenue. If your practice is experiencing fluctuating patient volume, low online engagement, or ineffective advertising, this episode will give you actionable insights to turn things around.

Welcome to an enlightening episode of the Business of Aesthetics podcast, where we explore into the future of patient care with our esteemed guest, Dr. Jonathan Kaplan. A board-certified plastic surgeon based in San Francisco, Dr. Kaplan brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to the field of aesthetic medicine. His journey began at age 16, inspired by a transformative skin cancer procedure he witnessed, leading him to a distinguished career that includes training at the Cleveland Clinic alongside the team behind the first U.S. face transplant. After building a thriving cosmetic practice in Baton Rouge, he founded BuildMyBod Health—now rebranded as DoctorWell—a groundbreaking platform that enhances price transparency and streamlines patient care through automation. Aesthetic professionals won’t want to miss this episode as Dr. Kaplan unveils how automation, particularly through his DoctorWell platform, is revolutionizing weight and wellness programs. Listeners will gain critical insights into overcoming inefficiencies, boosting practice profitability, and meeting modern patient demands with technology-driven solutions. From tackling obesity as an underlying health factor to automating subscriptions for medications like semaglutide, this episode offers actionable strategies to enhance patient trust, expand reach, and future-proof your practice. Tune in to discover how to stay ahead in the evolving aesthetics landscape!

In this episode of the Business of Aesthetics Podcast, host Michael Walker speaks with expert consultant Jessica Hunter. Jessica shares why these treatments are in high demand, who the best candidates are, and how to offer them successfully. She explains how both in-person and virtual treatment options can help save time, increase revenue, and bring in new patients. You’ll learn simple steps to get started, the best way to structure pricing, and how to educate your patients about GLP-1 treatments. Whether you’re just considering these services or looking for ways to improve your current system, this episode will help you take the next step with confidence. Key Takeaways GLP-1 weight loss treatments are highly in demand, and many of your existing patients may already be interested. Offering both in-person and virtual treatment options can make it easier for patients while improving efficiency in your practice. Proper pricing and a focus on recurring revenue are key to making GLP-1 services profitable. Patient education is critical—help them understand the treatment, what to expect, and how it can benefit them.