In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty reigned in the salon industry. Questions like “When will I be allowed to open back up?” “Is it worth the risk to go to work?” and “Will my company survive this?” were on the minds of owners and staff. Leaders had a choice: put on a brave face for their workers, or be honest about their fears. Our guest Derek Reynolds says learning to be vulnerable helped him connect with employees on a deeper level. 

Also during the pandemic, the motivations of salon pros shifted more towards flexibility and time with family. In this episode, Derek and host Blake Reed Evans discuss how to navigate this new landscape with compassion, and why it’s okay not to be okay. 

Derek is the team leader for the Leadership Division and a salon consultant with Summit Salon Business Center,  general manager of Cutler Salons in New York City, and a certified Enneagram practitioner.

To learn more about Summit’s leadership coaching and retreats, visit summitsalon.com/wellness-culture/summit-leadership-system

SUMM IT UP is produced by Erica Furgiuele. Tim Fisk is the executive editor. Find all of our past episodes at summitsalon.com/summ-it-up-podcast-new, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. 

This episode was originally published in July of 2022. 

Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. 

Follow host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email him at [email protected]. 

Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.  Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or what topics you’d like us to cover next.

Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. 

SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlocked

Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at [email protected]. 

Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.