618: Nothing Is as Good or As Bad as It Seems

This week on Beyond The Technique, Kati sits down with industry legend and Paul Mitchell Artistic Director, Stephen Moody, to explore what Gen Z stylists truly need to thrive. From shifting trends in hairdressing to the timeless power of consultation and communication, Stephen shares insights gained from a career shaped by Sassoon and fueled by a passion for education. You’ll hear why Gen Z clients crave authenticity, how stylists can balance creativity with financial success, and why the human connection in beauty can never be replaced by technology. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that bridges generations and reimagines the future of hairdressing. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/f4ouJItyyWQ   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 STEPHEN MOODY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairmoody/     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/

In this episode, we explore the powerful truth that nothing is ever as good—or as bad—as it seems, especially when we’re viewing someone else’s life or success from the outside. We dive into how to shift your mindset, stop living in emotional extremes, and break free from the trap of comparison. You’ll learn how to self-evaluate with wisdom, stay grounded in truth, and focus on thoughts that fuel your growth. If you're ready to stop chasing perfection and start building a life that’s authentically yours, this episode is for you. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/bNQcrh3K8dg   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 KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/   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/

From aspiring actor to Founder of Masters of Balayage, Ryan Weeden’s journey proves that passion and persistence can transform your career. In this episode, Ryan and Kati dive into the evolution of the hair industry—from fast-tracking behind the chair to building an education empire that now fills retreats and workshops nationwide. You’ll hear how Ryan carved out his niche, why mastering your craft matters more than titles, and what today’s salon owners must know to thrive beyond the influencer era. If you’re ready to be inspired by a story of reinvention, artistry, and entrepreneurship, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/eG_aGNtRZEw   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 MASTERS OF BALAYAGE Website: https://www.mastersofbalayage.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastersofbalayage/  HERO RETREAT: https://www.mastersofbalayage.com/hero2025    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/

Are you settling for less than you’re capable of in your health, relationships, or business? In this episode, Kati shares a powerful and personal journey of waking up to the areas of life where she had been settling—and how faith sparked the shift toward lasting transformation. From surrounding yourself with better influences to taking 100% ownership of your life, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to step into the life you truly desire. If you’re ready to stop playing small, this episode is your wake-up call. 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 KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/   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/

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 leader he can be for the new generation of hairstylists!  WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/1L3uAAC43qc   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 TIM FISK + SUMMIT SALON BUSINESS CENTER Website: https://summitsalon.com/  Summit Online Courses: https://myportal.summitsalon.com/  Tim’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timfiskis/ Summit’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summitsalon/    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/

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 "girl’s girl" is a leadership superpower.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/xQeej-3leSQ   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 KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/   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/

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 biohacking, this episode is a must-listen for any stylist or salon owner ready to rise, lead, and create on their own terms. WATCH ON YOUTUBE:  https://youtu.be/eB5vc1IKSA0   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 KEASLING Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.keasling/  Website: https://daniellekeasling.com/    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/

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 person your next-level life requires—you don’t want to miss this! WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/2cOm8c_OiBQ   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 KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/   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/

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 community leads, change follows. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/DLZwMHyn6Fw    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 GREEN BEAUTY COMMUNITY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenbeautycommunityfoundation/  Website: https://greenbeautycommunity.com/    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/

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: https://youtu.be/ZxCViFbSYSw   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 KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/   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/