627: Elevate Your Employee Experience

In this episode, Kati explores the inevitability of offense in the creative industry and why learning to manage it is essential for personal and professional growth. She unpacks the value of constructive feedback, active listening, and assuming positive intent when receiving correction. With real examples and leadership insights, Kati highlights how humility, empathy, and trust create a culture where feedback becomes a tool for development rather than a source of conflict. Tune in to discover how reframing correction as direction can transform your team’s growth and your own leadership journey. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Kqe5xjlKMRo   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/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   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/

The salon industry is shifting fast, with more stylists choosing self-employment and traditional salons struggling to compete. In this episode, Kati welcomes back business coach Nikki Le to share how owners can elevate the employee experience to retain top talent and thrive in this new market. From customized training to career ladders, Nikki breaks down practical strategies to create a workplace where stylists feel valued, supported, and inspired to stay. If you want to future-proof your salon and win against the booth rental trend, this episode is a must-listen. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/m4g-MRC2GAo   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 NIKKI LE Website: https://www.nikkileconsultancy.com/  Eleve Retreat: https://statements-strong.teachable.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkileconsultancy/ Listen to our first podcast together:  https://joinmya.com/podcast/0391-the-fundamentals-of-managing-your-salons-money-with-nikki-le    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/

Distractions don’t just steal your time, they drain your energy, creativity, and focus. In this episode, Kati shares her personal journey with ADHD, biohacking, and the power of reducing decision fatigue to stay in flow. You’ll discover practical strategies to automate routines, set boundaries, and manage technology so you can protect your energy and productivity. Whether you’re a salon owner or creative professional, this conversation will help you eliminate overwhelm and master focus for lasting success. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/SlGz55I_PPI   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/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   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 welcomes industry coach and mentor, Misty Jane to share her bold perspective on money in the beauty industry. Misty reveals how she paid off $48,000 of debt in just two years, opening the door to a debt-free salon career and her current passion for coaching stylists. Together, they explore the deeper psychological roots of financial struggles, why income alone won’t save you, and how giving money a purpose leads to true freedom. Listen today for fresh insights, real strategies, and encouragement to pursue financial wellness as a form of self-care. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/n5D5qBzjOZU   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 MISTY JANE! Website: https://mistyjayne.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mistyjayne_/    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 shares how working with Brad Sugars and his ActionCoach franchise helped her achieve an 878% profit increase and a million-dollar revenue in a very small salon space. She dives into practical strategies to fix financial challenges, from boosting revenue through pre-selling gift cards, packages, and memberships to cutting unnecessary expenses without hurting the guest experience. You’ll also learn how tools like mya’s matchmaking software and dashboard can improve client retention and scheduling efficiency. Tune in for simple, actionable steps to protect your salon’s financial health and grow profits with confidence. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/lYoY8umy4SQ   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/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   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 does it take to build a beauty brand that truly empowers stylists? In this episode, Kati sits down with Tiffany Loe, founder of Christian Michael Hair Extensions, to talk about her journey from starving actress to single mom, to now thriving salon owner leading a multi-method hair extension company. Tiffany shares how she bridged the gap between luxury extensions and full-circle education, helping thousands of stylists gain confidence and new opportunities. Together, they explore salon growth, ethical hair sourcing, and Tiffany’s mission to build hub salons that empower stylists nationwide. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Ygg2ba6bcEQ   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 TIFFANY LOE! Website: https://www.christianmichaelhairextensions.com/  Tiffany’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyloe/  Christian Michael Hair Extensions: https://www.instagram.com/christianmichaelhairextensions/    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 uncovers the warning signs that a stylist may be leaving your salon and why addressing issues head-on is essential for a healthy team. She shares insights on managing growth as salons expand, including how shifting mindsets can affect culture. Kati also opens up about balancing directness with kindness in difficult conversations, offering practical ways to lead with courage and compassion. Listeners will walk away with strategies to strengthen team dynamics, honor professional boundaries, and focus on the stylists who are truly committed. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/xvrJeUh_Mkw   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/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   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/

This episode is a must-listen for Salon Owners who want to take control of their financial future. Guest expert Kristin Stutz, a former Stylist and Salon Owner turned certified financial planner, shares how she helps owners connect the dots between business and personal finances. You’ll discover strategies for overcoming financial fears, building wealth with intention, and planning for both growth and eventual exit. Packed with real stories and actionable tips, this conversation will empower you to make confident, informed financial decisions for your life and salon. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/D8uk8yYiZgE   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 KRISTIN STUTZ Website: https://www.illumefs.com/  Meet with Kristin: https://calendly.com/kstutz/discovery-session?month=2025-09  LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-stutz-cfp%C2%AE-052a226b/    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/

The meeting after the meeting is the most important piece of the puzzle. In this episode, Kati pulls back the curtain on how her companies plan meetings and the meeting after the meeting. She shares her salon’s meeting structure—from daily GM check-ins to monthly gatherings that mix in professional development and celebration. You’ll hear smart strategies for debriefs, team collaboration, and even how to handle sensitive topics with ease. Plus, she shares fun anniversary promotions and simple tools that keep the whole team inspired, organized, and thriving. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/cb8DlD-GRmU   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/

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/