Beyond The Technique Podcast

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/ 

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/beyondthetechn

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.keasl

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.

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

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’

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 Bumble and Bumble network educator to international platform artist, tool designer, and one of the most sought-after voices in dimensional color and modern cutting. Together, they explore why mastering fundamentals, critical thinking, and hands-on learning will always outperform viral trends—and how salon pros can spot the difference between real education and surface-level content. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/q2IuFxZNAqI   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 ASHLEE NORMAN Instagram: https://www.instagram

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 biblical truth, Kati unpacks the difference between pride and humility, encouraging listeners to own their confidence without apology. If you’ve ever felt caught between criticism no matter what you do, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that you were made for this moment in time.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/kOA0adxJY74   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.c

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 strategies for avoiding burnout, hiring support, and building a business model that prioritizes balance and beauty. Whether you're behind the chair or leading a team, this is a must-listen for salon pros ready to grow with clarity and confidence. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/rmH9KEeHZlY   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 LEXI DAWN! Instagram:    LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    SPONSORS Join the PB

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 seconds, making appearance a key factor in client perception. Tune in to learn how to elevate your team's image while still honoring individuality.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/rJVcIrcombc   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 ‘Smar

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 clearly, and grow your profitability without sacrificing authenticity. If you've ever struggled with confrontation or feared being judged for enforcing your policies, this is your must-listen guide to courageous communication. WATCH ON YOUTUBE:  https://youtu.be/YAzQsANgOlg   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 DAWN BRADLEY! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnbradley/ Website: https://dawnbradley.com/  Listen to Episode 319 with Dawn: https://joinmya.com/podcast/0319-five-must-have-questions-to-ask-e

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 fair surveys, and mya’s matchmaking software—all for insights to improve hiring, guest experiences, and product decisions. Discover how to create a culture of communication that drives loyalty and lasting growth. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/cq3x-JjuxL0   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 Jo

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 miss Doug’s free loyalty calculator and training resources—linked in the show notes! WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/zozNfhHye3U   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 DOC Website: https://salondoc.com/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/salondoccoaching  Profit Calculator: 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/    Join the ‘Smarter

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 client experience that keeps them loyal for life. Whether you're in beauty, sales, or customer service, this episode will transform the way you connect with your customers.   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 W

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, self-care, and social media transformed his career, and why so many stylists burn out before they ever break through. If you're questioning your path or looking for a spark to reignite your passion, this is the must-listen conversation you didn’t know you needed. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/iYZga51lAIw   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 WESLEY PALMER Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesdoeshair/    LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https

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 podcasting helped grow my salon, build my network, and scale our software company, mya. If you’re craving connection, consistency, and next-level growth, this is the episode for you! WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/mbaCR9a2mhw   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.probeaut

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, Kell shares strategies for building income through in-salon workshops, smart product partnerships, and her innovative lookbooks. Whether you're a stylist, salon owner, or educator, this conversation is packed with real-world business tips you can use right away. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Tceamc7n1Xs   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 KELL GRACE Website: https://kellgrace.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellgrace/  GET HER LOOKBOOK: Click Here   LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https:

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 breakthroughs. Drawing from her background as a Division I athlete, coach, and the legacy of her grandfather Dr. Stuart Brown’s groundbreaking research, Mia explains how play isn’t a distraction from work, it’s a competitive advantage. If you’re a salon owner or leader ready to energize your team and rethink productivity, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/29ASyjiqu4k   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 MIA SUNDSTROM Website: https://nifplay.org/ LinkedIn: https:

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 professionals through his new program, S.E.A CHANGE. This mentorship initiative blends life coaching with faith-based resources, aiming to help salon professionals grow both personally and in their walk with Jesus. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about courage, conviction, and creating a community of purpose-driven leaders. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/JLeiT1l0sRA   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 JENTRY PETZOLD Website: https://www.jentrypetzold.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jentrypet