Long-time professional and founder of Beauty Cast Penny Burns joins Gordon to discuss the importance of patience and how to think about your pro career as a journey. Penny shares her best advice in getting the right first job, how to think about salon ownership and/or the business side of independence - and the importance of learning how to follow before you lead.

*Note: this episode was published originally as #10

Sam Villa, @samvillahair, is one of the industry's most iconic, award-winning, and influential educators and artists. He is a mentor to many and has been a role model to tens if not hundreds of thousands of professionals around the globe. Sam shares his considerable insights into the power of connections, and the importance of communication (or soft) skills - in every part of your career. We also dig deep into Sam's profound understanding of the power of discipline, consistency, and commitment. Another not-to-miss episode!

*Note: this episode was published originally as #13

Antony Whitaker, @growyoursalonbusiness, is one of the world's most respected beauty business coaches. He's a thought leader in all things business who began his career as a working hairdresser. He went on to become an award-winning salon owner before achieving the status of renowned author, educator, and business coach. Today we talk about the importance of learning business fundamentals and best practices before taking the leap from "craft" to running your own business.

*Note: this episode was published originally as #8. Anthony Whitaker on Business Fundamentals

Beauty Cast Network founder Penny Burns joins Gordon to discuss the foundations of creating great and sustainable careers in beauty, barbering, and esthetics- big ideas that can positively impact professionals regardless of where they are in their careers. This week we discuss the importance of financial literacy -- relative to both our personal and professional lives as an absolute foundation for building long-term success.

One of the secrets to creating a long-lasting, sustainable, and satisfying career is the ability to 'reinvent' from time to time. With over 3 decades as a licensed professional, @alfredo_lewis has successfully morphed from departmentalized colorist to educator to Global VP of Education for a leading brand to influencer/brand ambassador (with over 1.5 million followers across Instagram and TikTok!). A passionate professional, Alfredo shares his best advice for "reinvention" over the course of your career.

Beauty Cast Network founder Penny Burns joins Gordon to discuss the foundations of creating great and sustainable careers in beauty, barbering and esthetics- big ideas that can positively impact professionals regardless of where they are in their careers. This week, we review our list of critical categories of non-technical practices - all essential to creating success and then dig into the power of effective communication skills.

One of the most widely recognized and respected business educators, coaches, and keynote speakers, Gino Stampora has undoubtedly helped to transform the careers and lives of many thousands of professionals worldwide. In this episode, Gino shares his best advice across a variety of topics - including the importance of understanding our industry's history within the context of today.

Lydia Sarfati, founder and president of skincare company Repechage, is one of the most successful women in the spa and salon industry. The recipient of numerous industry awards and an enthusiastic mentor, Lydia wrote the book "Success at Your Fingertips" in response to the many requests for advice she receives as she travels the world. Listen in for some of Lydia's best advice - part 3 of our quarterly series on building success as salon, spa, and/or barbering professionals.

Understanding and providing great service is foundational to building sustainable success in today's spas, salons, and shops. Lydia Sarfati, founder and president of skincare company Repechage, wrote the book "Success at Your Fingertips" in response to the many requests for advice she receives from professionals across the globe. One of the most successful women in the spa and salon industry, Lydia offers her very best advice in Part 2 of this 4-part series.

Lydia Sarfati, founder and president of skincare company Repechage, is one of the most successful women in the spa and salon industry! The recipient of numerous industry awards and an enthusiastic mentor, Lydia wrote the book "Success at Your Fingertips" in response to the many requests for advice she receives from professionals as she travels the world. Listen in for some of Lydia's best advice - part one of a new quarterly series.