Best Kati Whitledge Podcasts (2025)

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626: Eliminate Distractions, with Kati Whitledge 21:37

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24d ago21:37

21:37

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 a…

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632: Ten Traits of Overbearing Leaders 19:30

2d ago19:30

19:30

In this episode, Kati breaks down the ten traits of overbearing leaders, from micromanaging and excessive control to guilt-tripping and lack of empathy. She shares personal stories of struggling with one of the overbearing traits and highlights how these behaviors can stifle creativity, trust, and growth in a salon setting. Kati emphasizes the impo…

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631: What to Look For When Hiring Stylists 32:02

5d ago32:02

32:02

In this episode, Kati Whitledge welcomes Danielle Anderson, a seasoned salon leader and hiring expert, to share her journey and insights from managing teams in the beauty industry. Danielle opens up about her rapid career growth, the challenges she faced post-COVID, and the leadership strategies that helped her build thriving salon cultures. She hi…

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630: The Power of Suggestion 15:10

9d ago15:10

15:10

This episode explores the psychology of suggestion in marketing and its impact on consumer behavior. Kati shares how strategies like priming, social proof, and sensory cues influence clients to book, buy, and return. She highlights the importance of building trust through reviews, visuals, and in-person recommendations, while creating memorable lux…

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629: The Myth About Work-Life Balance 27:36

12d ago27:36

27:36

In today's episode, Kati welcomes Morgan Thomas, who you may know as Jade Beauty Co., to share her journey through the hairdressing and fashion industries. Together, they unpack the myth of work-life balance, highlighting Morgan's shift toward integration and how she built a thriving career without experiencing burnout. Morgan also offers insights …

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628: Overcoming Offense 23:30

16d ago23:30

23:30

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 ho…

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627: Elevate Your Employee Experience 34:02

19d ago34:02

34:02

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 break…

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625: Your Income Won't Save You 34:43

27d ago34:43

34:43

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 fin…

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624: Fixing A Financial Problem, with Kati Whitledge 16:44

1M ago16:44

16:44

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 unnec…

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623: Hair Extensions in A Hybrid Salon 36:19

1M ago36:19

36:19

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 betwe…

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622: Signs A Stylist is Leaving, with Kati Whitledge 18:53

1M ago18:53

18:53

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 conversatio…

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621: Money Talks! 34:50

1M ago34:50

34:50

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 w…

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620: The Most Important Meeting is Not the Meeting 18:41

1M ago18:41

18:41

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 str…

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619: What Gen Z Stylists Need for Future Success! 43:36

2M ago43:36

43:36

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 p…

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618: Nothing Is as Good or As Bad as It Seems 19:39

2M ago19:39

19:39

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 g…

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617: Master Your Craft with Ryan Weeden! 35:25

2M ago35:25

35:25

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 …

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616: Stop Settling 21:26

2M ago21:26

21:26

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% ownersh…

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615: Your Real Competition is Not In This Industry 26:16

2M ago26:16

26:16

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 masteri…

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614: Be A Girl's Girl 19:27

2M ago19:27

19:27

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 o…

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613: Rise of The Fiercely Committed! 39:24

2M ago39:24

39:24

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, educat…

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612: Make Better Long-Term Decisions 21:53

2M ago21:53

21:53

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…

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611: Building Community, with Daniel Johnson 26:49

3M ago26:49

26:49

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.…

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610: Technology CANNOT Replace Everything 16:27

3M ago16:27

16:27

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 intelli…

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609: Where You Get Education Matters, with Ashlee Norman! 32:07

3M ago32:07

32:07

What's the difference between being internet-famous and being truly educated? In this episode, Kati sits down with globally renowned colorist, educator, and content creator Ashlee Norman to dive deep into the world of hair education—and the impact (both good and bad) that social media has had on the craft. Ashlee shares her incredible journey from …

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608: You'll Be Judged Regardless 16:13

3M ago16:13

16:13

Today, Kati gets real about being judged at every stage of her transformation—from weighing over 250 pounds to becoming ultra fit and confident. She shares how judgment doesn't disappear with success—it simply takes a different shape—and explores the double standards women often face in both business and beauty. Drawing from personal experience and…

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607: Serve Without Sacrificing 34:43

3M ago34:43

34:43

In today's episode, Kati welcomes salon owner and stylist mentor Lexi Dawn, who shares her journey from Costa Rica to building a luxury booth-rental salon in Carmel, Indiana. Lexi reveals how she empowers stylists to serve without sacrificing, by setting boundaries, pricing with purpose, and staying confident in their value. She unpacks practical s…

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606: Appearance Standards 9:02

3M ago9:02

9:02

In today's mini episode, your host Kati Whitledge breaks down why professional appearance standards—not just dress codes—are essential in the salon industry. She shares compelling data showing that well-groomed professionals earn more trust, land jobs faster, and even boost their sales by up to 20%. Kati explains how first impressions are formed in…

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605: Speak Confidently in Any Situation 33:39

3M ago33:39

33:39

Are you ready to speak confidently in any situation, even tough ones? In this episode, returning guest Dawn Bradley shares powerful stories about setting boundaries with compassion, managing client cancellations professionally, and building self-trust in the face of anxiety and people-pleasing. Learn how to stop outsourcing your worth, communicate …

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604: Get Feedback and Grow Your Salon 17:45

3M ago17:45

17:45

What if we told you that you can grow your salon by getting more feedback. In this episode, Kati shares how continuous feedback from team members, clients, and prospective hires boosts engagement, retention, and overall productivity—backed by real stats and real-world examples. You'll hear how her salon uses tools like virtual shadowing, career fai…

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603: A Loyalty Program That Makes You Money 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

Are you leaving money on the table with your salon's loyalty program? In this episode, salon industry expert and business coach, Doug Campbell joins Kati to share how salons can structure loyalty programs that actually increase profits—plus how to leverage retail, train your front desk like a sales team, and avoid common marketing pitfalls. Don't m…

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602: The Spender vs. The Saver 16:32

4M ago16:32

16:32

Do you truly understand the psychology behind your clients' buying decisions? In this episode, Kati Whitledge breaks down the key differences between spenders and savers, offering real-world insights from her book From First Date to Forever. You'll learn how to identify each persona, how to speak their emotional language, and how to deliver a clien…

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601: How to Survive The Beauty Industry 48:06

4M ago48:06

48:06

In this raw and inspiring episode, Wesley Palmer reveals the real challenges of surviving and thriving in the beauty industry. From dropping out of hair school to becoming a top educator with Paul Mitchell, Wesley shares the unfiltered journey of career reinvention, industry burnout, and the power of authentic connection. You'll hear how sobriety, …

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600: What I've Learned from Doing 600 Podcasts! 15:56

4M ago15:56

15:56

It's our 600th episode! I'm Kati Whitledge, and when I launched the Beyond The Technique podcast in 2016, there were no American podcasts for salon owners—so I created one. In this milestone episode, I'm sharing the five biggest lessons I've learned through hundreds of unscripted conversations with salon pros, educators, and leaders, and how podcas…

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599: Build Your Clientele from Bridal Styles 33:12

4M ago33:12

33:12

Join us today as we feature Instagram Influencer and Educator, Kell Grace! Kell is known for teaching four updos in four minutes. She reveals how she built a high-demand brand through simple, wearable styling techniques—and teaches salon owners how to turn brides into long-term clients. With over 300,000 followers and two decades of experience, Kel…

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598: The Power of Play 24:39

4M ago24:39

24:39

What if the secret to unlocking your salon team's innovation, energy, and connection was... play? In this powerful episode, Kati welcomes Mia Sundstrom, Director of Play Transformation at the National Institute for Play, who shares how understanding and embracing your unique "play personality" can lead to peak creativity and workplace culture break…

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597: Sharing Faith in Your Salon 34:54

4M ago34:54

34:54

In this deeply personal episode, Jentry Petzold shares his journey back to the beauty industry after a five-year hiatus, where he built businesses in waste management and real estate. Jentry opens up about the faith transformation that changed everything—moving from New Age practices to Christianity. Jentry is on a mission to empower beauty profess…

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596: Rethink Team Based Pay 43:52

5M ago43:52

43:52

In this episode, industry experts, Brett Pierce and Michael Yost get candid about the highs and lows of leading a team, learning financial fundamentals, and building a thriving culture. They share the evolution of their understanding of business operations, the power of team-based pay—and the myths surrounding the concept, and how career growth can…

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595: Get AI at Your Salon Without Doing It Yourself 29:35

5M ago29:35

29:35

In this episode, tech entrepreneur Ameet Kallarackal joins us to explore how AI is transforming the salon industry. From website optimization to content creation, Ameet shares how his company, Glammatic, helps salon owners drive traffic, increase appointments, and stay ahead of the digital curve. They address the common fear of losing brand voice w…

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594: Healthy Competition & Collaboration 31:37

5M ago31:37

31:37

In this inspiring episode, Kati welcomes first-time podcast guest Kayla Swanson, a rising leader in the beauty industry who shares her unexpected journey from virtual assistant to event producer and podcast host. Kayla opens up about her personal transformation, how she found her purpose, and the mindset shifts that helped her embrace feedback and …

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593: Level The Fk Up! 43:09

5M ago43:09

43:09

In this powerful and raw episode, Lisa Giles, founder of Straight Out of Cosmo, shares her deeply personal journey from a vocational school hairstylist to salon owner, educator, and industry disruptor. She opens up about overcoming trauma, embracing authenticity, and how hairstyling gave her purpose, healing, and the platform to help others do the …

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592: Master The Customer Journey 33:16

6M ago33:16

33:16

In this episode, we welcome Siobhan McCaffrey from Phorest Salon Software to uncover what truly goes through a client's mind before they book with a new salon. She shares the crucial metrics that signal why some salons stall in growth—and how to fix the breakdowns in your buyer's journey before they hurt your bottom line. Plus, stick around until t…

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591: How to Make Six Figures Behind-The-Chair 29:00

6M ago29:00

29:00

In today's episode, our founder and host Kati Whitledge reveals how beauty pros can earn six figures by mastering the business side of being behind the chair. She shares proven strategies for building a loyal, high-spending clientele that keeps coming back and spends more each visit. If you're a salon owner who wants your team to boost retention an…

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590: A Simple Lesson in Curls 42:27

6M ago42:27

42:27

We are joined today by global educator and curl specialist Aaron Scott Lacy, who shares his powerful industry journey and the mindset that's helped him rise without needing external validation. Aaron opens up about what balance looks like in his life, how he defines true success, and the intentional approach he brings when teaching groups of all si…

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589: Raising Prices The Right Way 42:10

6M ago42:10

42:10

In this episode we bring industry icon Ivan Zoot to explore the often-dreaded but absolutely essential topic of pricing in the beauty business. With over 40 years of experience, Ivan breaks down the misconceptions around price increases and reveals the power of data-driven decisions that can boost confidence and client retention. From the real reas…

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588: The Successful Have This in Common 23:10

7M ago23:10

23:10

Today you'll learn what the most successful people have in common. Our host, Kati Whitledge shares simple daily habits that foster a growth mindset, like documenting your wins and reflecting on lessons learned. You'll gain strategies for navigating setbacks, setting clear goals, and taking bold action—even when it's uncomfortable. Whether you're an…

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587: Be a 6-Figure Booker! 42:55

7M ago42:55

42:55

Unlock the secrets to becoming a six-figure booker! In this episode, we welcome beauty industry coach Justin Gold, who reveals the six keys to booking $100K or more in services. Whether you're a stylist striving to hit new income goals or a salon owner looking to elevate your team's performance, this conversation is packed with game-changing insigh…

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586: Efficient, Intentional, and Revs Your Spirit Up! 29:43

7M ago29:43

29:43

Get ready to be inspired as the incredible J. Ladner returns to share his game-changing approach to taking your career behind the chair to the next level! If you're willing to adapt and embrace a more efficient way to color hair, J's insights will light you up. He's not only a master of his craft but a passionate advocate for ensuring hairdressers …

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585: Deliver World Class Customer Service 29:04

7M ago29:04

29:04

Get ready to be inspired by first-time guest Marty Smith, a seven-figure multi-location salon owner who got into the beauty industry at a young age and never looked back. Marty takes us through every stage of his journey to salon ownership, sharing the key moments that shaped his success. He reveals the core team values that drive world-class custo…

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584: Emily Chen is The Influencer of Our Industry! 33:34

7M ago33:34

33:34

In this episode we welcome back the incredible Emily Chen, known as @EmChenHair on Instagram and recognized as one of the top 25 influencers across all industries. Emily shares her inspiring journey from high school dropout to six-figure stylist, ultimately building a thriving seven-figure commission salon. Now a global educator, she empowers hairs…

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583: Use Video to Attract Ideal Clients 35:52

8M ago35:52

35:52

Join us for today for a conversation with video production expert Chris Sulimay, who began his journey in the beauty industry over 30 years ago and has since evolved into a go-to video strategist for speakers, coaches, and consultants. Chris reveals the key elements we've been missing in our video content and shares expert tips on how to stand out …