Qnity Lightbulb Moments

Data-Driven Beauty: Steve Reiss on Transforming the Industry Through Insights and InnovationThis week on Lightbulb Moments, we're joined by Steve Reiss, Executive Director of Industry Relations & Insights at Pivot Point International and a visionary strategist with over three decades of beauty industry expertise.As a seasoned veteran in marketing, communications, data, and technology, Steve has witnessed—and often pioneered—the evolution of beauty businesses. At Pivot Point International, he applies his analytical mindset to shape the future of beauty education.In this candid conversation, Steve and Tom tackle the critical yet often overlooked topic of mental health in the beauty industry. They explore practical approaches to building psychologically healthy workplaces where both professionals and businesses can thrive.Whether you're a salon owner, educator, or beauty professional curious about the human factors shaping our industry, Steve's insights make this an episode you won't want to miss.

Join Tom Kuhn as he welcomes Samantha and Philip Gould, stewards of a remarkable beauty empire that's been turning heads since 1932. From a single Memphis salon to a multi-location powerhouse spanning nearly a century, the Goulds share their unique perspective on sustaining family legacy while embracing innovation. Discover how this third-generation business navigates the delicate balance of honoring tradition and driving growth, while cultivating 300+ professionals through their salon empire and academy. This conversation unpacks the timeless principles and evolutionary strategies that have kept Gould's at the forefront of the beauty industry for generations.

Join host Tom Kuhn for an illuminating conversation with improv master Shana Merlin, founder of Merlin Works and award-winning improvisational talent.Tom will explore how Shana transformed from an improv novice to a celebrated educator who's helped organizations like Dell, T-Mobile, and Texas A&M University break through communication barriers using the power of spontaneity.Get a taste of how improvisation principles can revolutionize team dynamics and enhance adaptability in professional settings—a perfect preview of Shana's upcoming main stage presentation and interactive workshop.Don't miss this chance to discover the surprising science behind "yes, and" thinking from someone who's dedicated over twenty years to the art of thinking on your feet!

Painting with Light: Candy Shaw's Journey from Salon Legacy to Global EducatorThis week on Lightbulb Moments, we sit down with Candy Shaw, the "Balay Boss" herself and a true industry pioneer who transformed highlighting techniques worldwide.Born into beauty royalty as the daughter of world-champion hairdresser Jamison Shaw, Candy didn't just inherit a legacy—she revolutionized it. Trained in Paris and armed with French cutting precision, she elevated balayage from a niche technique to a global phenomenon through her signature fast, efficient, and no-nonsense approach.Despite running three successful businesses—Jamison Shaw Hairdressers (a 50-year Atlanta institution where she still serves up to 25 clients daily), her specialized Academy, and SUNLIGHTS® Balayage (creators of THE BALAY BOX® and innovative Kaolin-based lighteners)—Candy remains first and foremost an educator at heart. This dedication culminated in her recognition as a NAHA Educator of the Year finalist in 2022.

Join us for a brilliant conversation about maintaining creativity while building an empire, balancing family tradition with innovation, and how a passion for teaching others can spark an international movement in the beauty industry.

"The Power of Play: How Childlike Wonder Transforms Adult Leadership"Join host Tom Kuhn for a profound conversation with three generations of play research pioneers: Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, his daughter Lauren Sundstrom, and granddaughter Mia Sundstrom.In this extraordinary episode, we explore Dr. Brown's groundbreaking discovery that emerged from darkness—how his work on the 1966 Texas Tower Commission revealed the devastating consequences of play deprivation in childhood. This pivotal research launched a lifelong quest to understand play as not merely recreation, but as a biological necessity for human development.What makes this conversation truly unique is the multi-generational perspective spanning over five decades of research, offering insights into how play has evolved across different eras while revealing its timeless importance to human flourishing.Together, these three visionaries unpack:How play deprivation affects adult behavior in professional settingsThe surprising connection between playful leadership and business innovationPractical ways beauty industry professionals can incorporate "state of play" to enhance creativity, build stronger teams, and create more meaningful client experiencesThe evolution of play research across three generations and its implications for today's digital worldWhether you're a salon or spa owner, school director, or beauty industry leader, this conversation offers transformative insights into how embracing play can revolutionize your approach to leadership, creativity, and wellbeing.Discover why play isn't just for children—it's the essential ingredient for thriving adults and successful businesses.Don't miss this illuminating discussion that might just change how you view your professional purpose.THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Lightheart Sanders CPA: ⁠https://lsa.cpa/⁠Green Circle Salons: ⁠https://greencirclesalons.com/⁠Phorest Salon Software: ⁠https://www.phorest.com/us/⁠Lightbulb Moments is proudly presented by Qnity.Learn more about Qnity at:WEBSITE: https://qnityinc.comINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/qnityinc/LINKEDIN: ⁠http://www.linkedin.com/company/qnityinc

Join host Tom Kuhn for LIGHTBULB MOMENTS, featuring Edward Gottfried, Vice President of Product Management at Betterment. In this unscripted conversation, Edward will share insights into financial strategy, product innovation, and the critical intersection of technology and personal finance. With a rich background spanning Bloomberg LP and Betterment, he brings a unique perspective on how professionals can think strategically about their financial futures. This episode promises to ignite new thinking about financial planning for salon and spa owners, beauty school leaders, and industry professionals. Tune in live to discover the moments of insight that drive innovation in financial technology and learn how strategic thinking can transform your business and personal financial landscape.

Paid non client of Betterment. Views may not be representative, see more reviews at ⁠G2⁠. ⁠Learn more⁠ about Qnity's relationship with Betterment.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Lightheart Sanders CPA: ⁠https://lsa.cpa/⁠

Lightbulb Moments is proudly presented by Qnity.Learn more about Qnity at:WEBSITE: https://qnityinc.comINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/qnityinc/LINKEDIN: ⁠http://www.linkedin.com/company/qnityinc

Join host Tom Kuhn for LIGHTBULB MOMENTS, where this week's special guest Susan Wos, Founder of SalonSpa Connection, reveals the spark behind her transformative platform for the beauty industry. Susan will share how she recognized the fragmented landscape of salon opportunities and created a innovative solution to connect beauty professionals with career resources, job listings, mentors, and business opportunities. As Tom often says, 'You can't start a fire without a spark' - and Susan's 2018 vision to unite the salon, spa, and barber industry is a perfect embodiment of that philosophy. Tune in live to catch this unscripted conversation that explores the moment of inspiration behind SalonSpa Connection and discover the catalyst for your own next breakthrough. Don't miss your chance to be part of this illuminating exchange designed to inspire immediate action in your professional journey.THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Lightheart Sanders CPA: ⁠https://lsa.cpa/⁠Green Circle Salons: ⁠https://greencirclesalons.com/⁠Phorest Salon Software: ⁠https://www.phorest.com/us/⁠Lightbulb Moments is proudly presented by Qnity.Learn more about Qnity at:WEBSITE: https://qnityinc.comINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/qnityinc/LINKEDIN: ⁠http://www.linkedin.com/company/qnityinc

Discover a revolutionary approach to team engagement as Tom Kuhn unveils ACCE - a powerful methodology that bridges the gap between business metrics and human connection. In this enlightening episode, Tom shares the spark of inspiration behind this unique framework that weaves together Appreciation, Care, Challenge, and Encourage to create lasting team unity. Learn how this elegant system can transform your leadership style and workplace culture by aligning head and heart. Plus, viewers will receive exclusive access to a free tool to implement these insights immediately. Whether you're looking to strengthen team bonds or elevate your leadership approach, this episode offers a fresh perspective on creating meaningful engagement that drives results.THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Lightheart Sanders CPA: ⁠https://lsa.cpa/⁠Green Circle Salons: ⁠https://greencirclesalons.com/⁠Phorest Salon Software: ⁠https://www.phorest.com/us/⁠Lightbulb Moments is proudly presented by Qnity.Learn more about Qnity at:WEBSITE: https://qnityinc.comINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/qnityinc/LINKEDIN: ⁠http://www.linkedin.com/company/qnityinc

Join Tom Kuhn for an inspiring Lightbulb Moments interview with Robert Reed, founder of ERGO Research and creator of the Art of the Blowdry education program! Discover what led this family-operated business to triumph over a devastating warehouse fire and gain valuable insights into the challenges and future facing salon and spa owners now facing the impact of California's current wildfires.THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Lightheart Sanders CPA: ⁠https://lsa.cpa/⁠Green Circle Salons: ⁠https://greencirclesalons.com/⁠Phorest Salon Software: ⁠https://www.phorest.com/us/⁠Lightbulb Moments is proudly presented by Qnity.Learn more about Qnity at:WEBSITE: https://qnityinc.comINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/qnityinc/LINKEDIN: ⁠http://www.linkedin.com/company/qnityinc

Join us for an illuminating conversation with Jayne Morehouse, a powerhouse in beauty industry communications and CEO of the Beauty Industry Report. With decades of experience helping brands tell their stories, Jayne shares her insights on building meaningful connections through PR, social media, and content development. Discover how she's helping companies in the beauty, lifestyle, and pet sectors cut through the noise to create lasting impact. Whether you're a brand owner, entrepreneur, or marketing professional, you won't want to miss Jayne's expert takes on evolving communication strategies and the future of brand storytelling.THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Lightheart Sanders CPA: ⁠https://lsa.cpa/⁠Green Circle Salons: ⁠https://greencirclesalons.com/⁠Phorest Salon Software: ⁠https://www.phorest.com/us/⁠Lightbulb Moments is proudly presented by Qnity.Learn more about Qnity at:WEBSITE: https://qnityinc.comINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/qnityinc/LINKEDIN: ⁠http://www.linkedin.com/company/qnityinc