Qnity Lightbulb Moments

In this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom Kuhn sits down with Ameet Kallarackal co-founder and CEO of Glammatic, to explore how the salon industry is evolving and what it takes to stay competitive.

Ameet shares insights from working with hundreds of premium salons, breaking down how search behavior is shifting and what that means for attracting new clients. From changes in web traffic to the growing challenge of getting guests to return for a second visit, this conversation highlights the trends shaping growth right now.

They also discuss why your website remains the “mothership” for new client acquisition and simple ways salons can adapt in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

The episode closes with a personal reflection from Ameet on growth and gratitude, proving that some of the most impactful lightbulb moments happen beyond business.

This episode of Lightbulb Moments takes a practical look at how AI is showing up inside the salon business, beyond the hype.Host Tom Kuhn sits down with Ronan Perceval, founder and CEO of Phorest Software, for a real-world conversation on technology, growth, and the future of work in the beauty industry.They break down three powerful AI tools transforming salon operations:Front Desk AI to reduce friction and improve client communicationCheat Sheet to instantly prepare stylists with client insightsReporting AI to turn data into clear, actionable answersBeyond the tools, the conversation explores how AI fits alongside people and systems—and why human connection remains at the core of great salons. They also unpack the real story behind tech layoffs and what AI actually means for salon teams.Plus, Tom connects it all to Qnity’s upcoming 17% Growth Challenge, showing how these tools can drive real results in revenue and performance

In this special mini-episode, Tom Kuhn takes a moment to connect with the audience live from Austin, Texas, and share updates on some exciting happenings in the beauty and salon industry. While our guest Micah Nickens is temporarily unavailable due to jury duty, Tom gives listeners a sneak peek of the incredible story to come—a New Orleans barber whose life was forever changed by a serious brain injury, inspiring resilience, mentorship, and personal growth.In addition to previewing Micah’s story, Tom covers:Updates on The FiLL Conference (May 18–20) and this year’s theme “AND”: combining people + profit, tech + touch, head + heart.Details about the 17% National Growth Challenge, helping service providers increase sales and elevate their business strategies.

Early insights from the latest P&L study, highlighting trends in profit, labor costs, and top performers’ strategies.

Recommendations for industry-focused content, including Wynn Claybaugh’s episode with Mike Rowe on Hairdressers Rule the World, showcasing the value and opportunities in cosmetology and trades.

In this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom Kuhn sits down with Austin-based AI operator Thanh Pham for a fast-paced, eye-opening conversation about how AI is already transforming salons, from marketing and retail to bookings, retention, and beyond.Thanh shares practical, real-world examples salon owners can use immediately, including:Turning messy before-and-after photos into polished, post-ready images in secondsConverting a single photo into high-engagement video contentUsing AI to drive more five-star reviews (hint: it starts with the stylist)Deploying AI “agents” to answer phones, confirm appointments, manage cancellations, and capture missed revenue 24/7Improving inventory management, retail recommendations, and personalized follow-upBoosting client retention through smarter, automated communicationThe conversation also dives into the bigger questions:Will AI replace people — or elevate them?How do we balance efficiency with humanity?And where’s the ethical line between helpful and hollow?If you’re curious, cautious, or completely overwhelmed by AI, this episode will stretch your thinking and give you tangible ideas you can test right away.

The future of salons isn’t either human or technology, it’s human and technology.

In this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom sits down with leadership coach and Circle facilitator Jodi Ohama for a candid conversation about what’s really happening inside leadership teams today.Drawing from insights in Qnity’s Circle groups and recent workplace research, they unpack the decline in manager engagement, especially among younger leaders and women — and what it means for performance, culture, and retention.They explore:Role overload and ambiguityThe shift from holding people accountable to holding them capableWhy coaching beats tellingThe importance of role clarity and KPI alignmentHow habits like triangulation erode trustIf you’re leading people in today’s fast-moving environment, this episode offers practical insight on building stronger, more engaged teams.

“Data’s Like a Bag of Chips: Insights from the Kim Report”

Ever wonder what’s really driving salon revenue, services, and staffing trends? Tom Kuhn sits down with Alain Audet of the Kim Report to reveal the latest anonymized data from thousands of U.S. salons. From revenue growth driven by price increases to why adding staff doesn’t always mean more profit, this episode shows why in the beauty industry, “data is like a bag of chips—you can’t just stop at one number.”

Tune in for real insights, lightbulb moments, and the numbers that are shaping the industry.

Kick off 2026 with clarity, focus, and a fresh game plan. In this solo episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom sets the tone for the year ahead with a powerful reset on intention, focus, and action. He shares Qnity’s word of the year Focus and explains why “not more, but better” is the mindset salons, spas, and med spas need right now.From there, Tom dives into two bold, community-driven challenges designed to tackle the industry’s biggest pressures head-on:The +1 Profit Challenge: a first-of-its-kind cohort helping companies uncover just one extra percentage point of profitability proving that small, focused moves can unlock massive impact.The National 17% Growth Challenge: a proven, team-based approach to sustainable revenue growth that’s already generated millions in new sales and helped practitioners reset their “normal” for good.Packed with real data, practical frameworks, and an energizing call to action, this episode is equal parts strategy session and pep talk. If you’re ready to refine your business, rally your team, and make 2026 a year of momentum, not just motion this one’s a must-watch.

Beauty industry visionary. Inspired leader. Impassioned teacher.

Debra Neill Baker serves as Chairman of Neill Corporation with a leadership philosophy rooted in possibility, creativity, and human potential. Known affectionately as the company’s “Chief Energy Officer,” Debra champions a culture where people are encouraged to think bigger, dream bolder, and bring their fullest selves to the work they do every day.Her calling is to inspire deeper, more curious thinking—sparking curiosity, expanding perspectives, and surrounding teams with fresh ideas, new inspiration, and innovative voices. Debra believes that leadership isn’t about directing; it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive, grow, and discover their own brilliance.

In this episode, Tom talks with Chris, head of the tax department at Boyum & Barenscheer, about what salon owners need to know for 2025 taxes. Having guided hundreds of beauty businesses through PPP, ERC, and ongoing tax planning, he breaks down the new rules and how to avoid costly mistakes. Chris shares clear, actionable tips on the tip credit, deductions, and smart strategies for growing or multi-location salons. Whether you handle taxes in-house or work with a CPA, this episode gives you practical guidance to keep your salon profitable and compliant.

This week, Tom chats with Kacy Smith, General Manager of James Griffith Salon, and Tina Ruiz, Operations Director and Managing Partner of Ruiz Salon Group. Kacy, who has spent the past 11 years growing within James Griffith Salon, shares how a front-desk role transformed into a calling rooted in teamwork, healthy challenge, and genuine connection, fueling her passion for creating a culture where both teams and clients feel cared for.Tina brings a contrasting yet complementary perspective, drawing on her Marine background to bring discipline, strategic clarity, and operational excellence to Ruiz Salon, while also exemplifying commitment through achievements like completing an Ironman. Together, they offer insights into leadership, culture, and continuous improvement — grounded in Kacy’s heart-centered approach and Tina’s systems-driven expertise.