Beyond The Technique Podcast

Today, your host, Kati Whitledge breaks down how salon and spa owners can finally achieve big goals without becoming overwhelmed or quitting too soon. She challenges the belief that failure comes from lack of ability, revealing instead how "the gap" between where you are and where you want to be can create paralysis—and how daily action is the antidote. Kati walks you through the power of true commitment, identity shifts, and working backwards from your biggest vision into clear, repeatable daily habits. If you're ready to stop overthinking, build confidence through consistency, and "win the day," this episode will show you exactly how to move forward.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/ZDYIp2_0xr0   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_my

In this episode, Kati sits down with Kellie Johnson to explore the soft skills that truly separate top-performing salon professionals and leaders. From confidence and happiness as learned skills to building trust, integrity, and emotional intelligence within teams, Kellie shares actionable strategies to elevate culture and client experience. They also dive into real-world lessons on hiring, training, and leading through change in today's evolving salon landscape. If you want to strengthen your leadership and create deeper client connections, this is a must-listen conversation.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/0NyGIeUIdi8   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 ELAN HAIR STUDIO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elanhairstudio/  Kellie's Podcasts with us! Click Here   LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique

In this episode, Kati challenges the idea that happiness is something to chase, revealing how the "pursuit" mindset can actually keep salon and spa owners feeling stuck, dissatisfied, and always behind. Drawing on the concept of "the gap," she explains how constantly measuring yourself against an ever-moving ideal can create anxiety, burnout, and a lack of fulfillment—even when you're making real progress. Instead, Kati shares a powerful shift: practicing happiness in the present by recognizing growth, celebrating small wins, and appreciating the simple moments that already exist in your life and business. You'll walk away with practical strategies to build a culture of recognition, strengthen client and team relationships, and create a workplace where joy and progress can coexist every single day.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/mWoXOtR4WmE   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 my

Join us today as we sit down with Award-Winning Salon Owner Jennifer Alvarez to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical systems in business: your employee exit policy. Jennifer shares how a painful team departure led her to build a clear, structured protocol that protects culture, client relationships, and revenue—while still honoring team members' next steps. Together, they unpack the importance of proactive communication, legal protections like non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, and creating a win-win experience when employees leave. If you've ever felt blindsided by a team member's exit or want to future-proof your salon, this conversation will challenge you to lead with clarity, confidence, and long-term vision.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/CvuC2_LLTS0   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 JENNIFER ALVAREZ Instagram: https://w

What if the very thing you're trying to avoid is actually the key to your next level of growth? In this episode, Kati Whitledge challenges salon and spa owners to rethink conflict—not as drama to escape, but as a powerful driver of innovation, clarity, and leadership strength. She shares how avoiding conflict can quietly stall your culture, while healthy, values-driven confrontation builds respect, solutions, and momentum. You'll walk away with practical strategies to lead through tension with confidence, ask better questions, and turn conflict into one of your greatest business advantages.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/wSPVS9nU1G4   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.instagr

In this episode of Beyond the Technique, Kati Whitledge sits down with award-winning salon owner Tonya Raybon to unpack her 15-year journey from bookkeeper to thriving salon CEO. Tonya shares why she transitioned from a booth rental model to a commission-based team, and how that decision transformed her culture, financial stability, and leadership impact. You'll hear real, honest insights into letting go of hurt feelings when team members exit, learning through failure, and stepping fully into your role as a leader. If you're ready to build a stronger, more unified salon business in 2026, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to lead with clarity, courage, and vision.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/DjKEGFFoBPI   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 SALON RAYBON Website: https://www.salonraybon.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com

Today your host, Kati Whitledge challenges salon owners and leaders to confront one of the most destructive habits in the workplace—complaining. She explains how a culture of constant negativity erodes social capital, repels high-value clients, and ultimately limits the growth potential of both teams and businesses. Kati shares practical strategies, including the "5-second rule" and healthier ways to vent, helping leaders redirect conversations toward solutions instead of problems. If you want to protect your salon culture and build a team focused on growth, ownership, and opportunity, this episode will give you the mindset shift you need.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/_bnhvKbQCMU   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/    FOLLO

Succession planning isn't something you wait for, it's something you build, and in this episode, we have Mary Beth Berns here to break down the most disastrous myths that can derail your salon or spa exit. From the misconception that growth automatically increases value to the belief that finding a buyer means you're almost done, they reveal what truly impacts a successful sale. You'll learn realistic timelines, why financial clarity and proper maintenance matter, and how emotional decisions can cost you at the finish line. If you want to maximize your business value, protect your legacy, and exit on your terms, this conversation will show you where to start and how to do it right.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/g9WvNqlyCZQ   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 MARY BETH BERNS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbbsmallbusinesscoaching/  Salon S

In this episode, Kati Whitledge explores the classic "glass half full or half empty" mindset and what it means for salon owners navigating real business challenges. She shares how leaders can shift their perspective from focusing on what's missing to recognizing the opportunities, relationships, and resources already in front of them. Drawing from her own experience with team turnover and business changes, Kati encourages owners to take action with what they have while staying committed to growth and innovation. This conversation is a powerful reminder that optimism, resourcefulness, and faith-filled leadership can turn even difficult seasons into opportunities to build a stronger salon.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/phGftLoBeBk 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:

In this special episode of Beyond The Technique, Kati Whitledge sits down with a very familiar guest—her husband, Anson Whitledge, VP of Operations at Inspired Enterprises—to share the unexpected journey that led him from electrical engineering and tech startups into the beauty industry. Anson opens up about growing up in rural Wisconsin, building early businesses in video production, and developing a deep passion for technology, systems, and now AI. Together, they share the behind-the-scenes story of how a chance salon visit (and an accidental bald spot!) sparked both a relationship and a business partnership. The conversation also dives into Anson's bold decision to leave a stable corporate career to help Kati grow their salon and technology ventures—just months before the pandemic reshaped everything. Salon and spa owners will walk away with insights on resilience, partnership in business, and the power of combining technology, systems, and leadership to build something meaningful.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE:

In this episode, Kati Whitledge walks salon and spa owners through a modern, self-guided performance review process that empowers team members to assess their growth, goals, and impact. She shares how combining honest feedback, culture ratings, and clear review questions creates stronger alignment, better communication, and more meaningful development conversations. Kati also explains how understanding love languages at work and personalizing education plans helps leaders support their teams without burning them out. You'll hear how mentorship recognition, engagement surveys, and thoughtful follow-ups can dramatically boost morale and retention. This episode is a practical blueprint for building a healthier, more growth-focused salon culture through intentional leadership and better reviews.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/AsAvgPIBUb8   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! joi

In this powerful conversation, Kati sits down with third-generation cosmetologist and multi-location salon owner Rachel Thomas to unpack the real gap between salon owners and stylists—and why so many businesses struggle to become truly profitable. Rachel shares her raw journey through personal loss, financial hardship, and a near-death experience that forced her to rebuild her salon and her life with intention. Rachel challenges common industry beliefs about commission, rental, and hybrid models while exploring what it takes to create a high-ticket, high-margin salon built for longevity. Rachel reveals how mindset, KPIs, and luxury service positioning transformed her business and led her into coaching other owners through BYOB. This episode is a wake-up call for leaders ready to stop surviving and start building a salon that creates real wealth, opportunity, and freedom. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/MToHXLR4sIw   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https:/

There's hidden cost to making assumptions. Today, you'll hear how making assumptions will literally cost you financially, it will cost you time and resources, and it will cost you trust and relationships. Your host, Kati Whitledge, shares real examples of how assumptions fail us and what key principles we can apply to our leadership, communication and business practices to ensure we have great outcomes and the team feels everyone is on the same page. Please share today's episode with industry leaders you work with and enjoy! WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/mnd5BaCSL5U   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

In this episode, salon owner Jenny Jacome shares her honest journey of building a business that reflects her values, even when it meant making difficult decisions and standing firm in her vision. From navigating partnerships and hybrid salon models to launching a culture built on education and collaboration, Jenny reveals what she learned about leadership, boundaries, and trusting her instincts. She explains why clear agreements, structured onboarding, and unapologetic standards are essential for building a strong, aligned team. This conversation challenges owners to stop bending to every demand and instead design the salon they truly want to lead. If you've ever questioned whether you're allowed to stand your ground as a business owner, this episode will give you the confidence to do exactly that.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/106t0rUFiXQ   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 m

In this episode, Kati challenges leaders to start building environments and relationships that raise their standards. She explains why goals may get you started, but standards are what actually shape your daily decisions and long-term results. You'll learn how surrounding yourself with high performers can accelerate your growth, sharpen your thinking, and create a healthy pressure to execute at a higher level. Kati shares powerful stories about mentorship, proximity, and why one right relationship can collapse time and multiply opportunity. If you're serious about growing faster, building smarter teams, and becoming the kind of leader high performers want to follow, this episode will raise the bar for how you think, choose, and lead. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/ocHrdaOkEjI   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.ins

Salon and spa leaders, this episode explores what the 2026 Hybrid Salon really looks like and why so many owners are rethinking traditional commission-only models. Michelle shares her real journey of evolving from a large employee-based salon to a thriving hybrid space that blends commission stylists with renters — while protecting culture, standards, and education. You'll hear practical strategies for hiring, onboarding, pricing rent, and managing shared logistics so hybrid models feel collaborative instead of chaotic. The conversation breaks down how transparency, mentorship, and structured systems create opportunity for stylists without sacrificing leadership or brand identity. If you're wondering how to future-proof your salon, attract high performers, and design a model that gives both owners and providers more freedom, this episode gives you a clear blueprint. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/2lnJwJXLNJs   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://join

In this powerful episode, Kati challenges leaders to get radically clear about what they actually want, and why clarity is the first step to creating the life they've always imagined. She explains how your brain's reticular activating system works, why your environment and media consumption matter, and how visualization and identity shifts accelerate real change. Kati shares her personal story of transformation, revealing why lasting results don't come from quick fixes, but from deciding who you are and showing up as that person daily. If you're ready to stop starting over, set better boundaries, and finally follow through long enough to see real results, this episode will reset how you think about goals, growth, and perseverance. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/rDJf0xIummQ   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.instag

Today we sit down with Allison Moncheck—award-winning hairstylist, educator, and owner of Unorthodox Salon—to unpack what it really means to build a career by doing things differently. Allison shares her unconventional journey from teenage cosmetologist to school counselor and back into the salon world, ultimately building a thriving business that prioritizes people over polish. You'll hear how she grew from a two-chair "baby salon" into a multi-chair concept, launched a suite rental model, and created a viral Head Spa experience—all while staying true to her values. As a self-described introvert, Allison opens up about stepping outside her comfort zone, building a strong team culture, and defining success without comparing herself to others on social media. This episode is a must-listen for salon owners and stylists who want permission—and practical inspiration—to build a business that's truly their own. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/SYbj8Xww4DI   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to

In this episode, your host Kati Whitledge breaks down why client retention is the real growth engine for salon owners—and how increasing retention by just 5% can boost profitability by up to 95%. She explains why repeat guests spend more, stay longer, and why the second visit is the true tipping point for loyalty. Kati shares practical strategies to improve rebooking, follow-up, and client engagement using smarter systems and more personal communication. She also reveals how better client-provider matching (instead of "swipe-style" booking) dramatically improves long-term results, including real-world success stories. If you want fuller books, stronger relationships, and more predictable revenue, this episode gives you a clear, simple game plan. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/oRNOcyJ2xC4   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: htt

Celebrity Hairstylist and Salon Owner, Traci Barrett joins Beyond the Technique to share her powerful journey from answering phones in a corporate salon to becoming a renowned hair artist in LA—and ultimately building a purpose-driven salon in Phoenix. In this episode, Traci and Kati dive into rethinking the traditional salon model, from commission structures and team-based environments to eliminating fear-based leadership and non-compete culture. Traci reveals how her personal life challenges reshaped her vision and led her to build a salon rooted in mentorship, education, sustainability, and service. You'll learn how she's creating a new standard through a structured education pathway, inclusive hair design, and a hospitality-inspired client experience, including her innovative focus on scalp care and Head Spa services. If you're a salon owner or leader who wants to build a modern, values-driven, and team-centered business that actually works, this episode will expand how you think about the future of our