Hairbrained Conversations

If ever there was an example of the opportunities open to licenced salon professionals, it is @paulmitchellpro's Kristin Firrell. Starting her career as a hairdresser at Sassoon in San Francisco, Kristen's career has taken her to positions in Australia, New York City and Beverly Hills. Today Kristin is a VP at one of the largest hair care and color companies in the world. She joins Gordon to share thoughts on creating and sustaining success during these difficult times, the coming new normal industry-wide, and much more.

@SebastianPro_official Global Artistic Director, educator, and master of the 'blade' (as in razor), @ShayDempsey1 shares his story, some of the lessons learned along the way, as well as his positive take on the fast-changing landscape in professional education - and how we teach and learn as an industry.

Renowned educator, Andrew Carruthers has recently been named Culture Ambassador for @SamVillaHair and just launched The Journeyist, his new life and career coaching program for professionals. Andrew joins us to discuss the story behind his iconic career, the evolution of his own journey as an integral part of the Sam Villa education team - and his longtime passion for the power of effective life coaching to change lives for the better.

Salon owner, world-class competitor, and working professional @JimmyVanBoxel used much of his pandemic related downtime to conquer TikTok. Today, Jimmy's page has 1 million followers and over 100 million video views. An official TikTok 'creator', Jimmy shares insights into this fascinating social platform - as well as lessons learned as a long time competitor in OMC HairWorld's World Championship of Hairdressing.

Ronan Perceval, CEO, creator/founder of Phorest Salon Software joins Gordon to discuss the future of salons and professionals - based on the reality of data collected from thousands of salons across the globe using Phorset throughout the pandemic.

Gordon (@gordnm) turns over the hosting duties this week to Amy Dodds, Hb Senior Director of Engagement - and shows up as our guest to share some of the stories behind his 40+ year career in pro beauty & his journey to Hairbrained, thoughts on the evolution of digital and social media, and answers the big question "why are you so passionate about hairdressers and the larger salon industry".

Educator, Author, and Entrepreneur Ivan Zoot shares insights into our changing industry -and what he knows are the fundamental strategies and best practices needed to succeed behind the chair going forward. A renowned figure in men's grooming and barbering, Ivan has always been drawn to the business side of the salon/shop - as a foundation for a long, successful career doing what he loves most - serving clients and doing great hair.

To start the year off right, Hb Co-founder Randy Taylor joins Gordon to talk education - and its fast changing landscape in the age of Covid. Among the salon industry's most renowned photographer/videographers, Randy shares insights into life behind the scenes working with many of the biggest names in beauty, the story behind his own iconic career - and thoughts on digital education and Hairbrained's online learning platform, www.HbLive.me.

Internationally renowned business educator, coach and author Antony Whitaker joins Gordon for a year-end conversation about the state of the global salon industry in the age of Covid, including a discussion focused on the coming 'new normal'. For more great business insights from Antony, check out Hb Conversations episodes #13 and #81.