Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Episode Thirty Five. S3: Cloud Nine to Cutting Through the Noise: Stephanie Mason and Hayley Mears on Growth, Change & What’s Ahead
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Episode Thirty Five. S3: Cloud Nine to Cutting Through the Noise: Stephanie Mason and Hayley Mears on Growth, Change & What’s Ahead
In this episode of Cutting Through the Noise, Hayley Mears and Stephanie Mason finally reconnect after a whirlwind year of global events, career milestones, and industry evolution.
Steph shares her journey stepping into her new role as Global Managing Director of Cloud Nine, reflecting on leadership, brand integrity, and what it’s like to run a family-owned powerhouse from Europe. She gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Cloud Nine’s founders continue to build smart, intentional growth — and what that’s teaching her about running a global business with purpose.
The two dive into the energy of HairCon and Hair Festival, calling HairCon “Coachella for hair” — a raw, authentic, and immersive experience that’s setting a new benchmark for how industry events should feel. From meeting the CEO of K18 on the floor to celebrating Aussie talent like Cain Mackay, it’s clear these events have redefined connection and creativity in the salon space.
Their chat moves into the deep end with a real talk on AI and the business of hair. Steph and Hayley explore how automation and AI will reshape the salon landscape — from admin and marketing to education and efficiency. They discuss how salon owners can upskill fast, get ahead of the curve, and use AI tools to work smarter, not harder.
They also reflect on post-COVID business realities — the salon closures, sole trader boom, and the evolving definition of success in today’s economy. Both agree: the future belongs to those who adapt.
This episode is raw, unfiltered, and filled with valuable insight on leadership, innovation, and what’s next for the global beauty industry.
💡 Highlights
- Steph Mason’s transition to Global MD at Cloud Nine
- Key lessons from working with founders Gavin and Martin
- Reflections on HairCon and Hair Festival — redefining industry events
- The changing face of the UK and Australian salon markets
- Post-COVID business realities: closures, resilience, and reinvention
- AI in the salon industry — efficiency, education, and empowerment
- Why upskilling in AI is now a must, not a maybe
🔗 Useful Links
Connect with Hayley Mears:
Instagram: @haylsmears
Connect with Stephanie Mason:
Instagram: @stephaniemason
View all episodes
By Cutting Through The NoiseIn this episode of Cutting Through the Noise, Hayley Mears and Stephanie Mason finally reconnect after a whirlwind year of global events, career milestones, and industry evolution.
Steph shares her journey stepping into her new role as Global Managing Director of Cloud Nine, reflecting on leadership, brand integrity, and what it’s like to run a family-owned powerhouse from Europe. She gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Cloud Nine’s founders continue to build smart, intentional growth — and what that’s teaching her about running a global business with purpose.
The two dive into the energy of HairCon and Hair Festival, calling HairCon “Coachella for hair” — a raw, authentic, and immersive experience that’s setting a new benchmark for how industry events should feel. From meeting the CEO of K18 on the floor to celebrating Aussie talent like Cain Mackay, it’s clear these events have redefined connection and creativity in the salon space.
Their chat moves into the deep end with a real talk on AI and the business of hair. Steph and Hayley explore how automation and AI will reshape the salon landscape — from admin and marketing to education and efficiency. They discuss how salon owners can upskill fast, get ahead of the curve, and use AI tools to work smarter, not harder.
They also reflect on post-COVID business realities — the salon closures, sole trader boom, and the evolving definition of success in today’s economy. Both agree: the future belongs to those who adapt.
This episode is raw, unfiltered, and filled with valuable insight on leadership, innovation, and what’s next for the global beauty industry.
💡 Highlights
- Steph Mason’s transition to Global MD at Cloud Nine
- Key lessons from working with founders Gavin and Martin
- Reflections on HairCon and Hair Festival — redefining industry events
- The changing face of the UK and Australian salon markets
- Post-COVID business realities: closures, resilience, and reinvention
- AI in the salon industry — efficiency, education, and empowerment
- Why upskilling in AI is now a must, not a maybe
🔗 Useful Links
Connect with Hayley Mears:
Instagram: @haylsmears
Connect with Stephanie Mason:
Instagram: @stephaniemason