In this live, in-person Besties Roundtable, Julie Pankey and MaryAnn Sessine reflect on growth, leadership, boundaries, and the things they simply don’t do anymore. From letting go of hustle culture to redefining success in the spa and wellness industry, this honest conversation is your reminder: you’re not behind — you’re just editing your life.

Are pizza parties and bonuses actually fixing burnout — or are they missing the point? In this episode, we break down the Five Love Languages in the workplace, why most leaders think they’re showing appreciation (but teams don’t feel it), and what Gallup data reveals about recognition, engagement, and profitability. If you lead a spa, wellness business, or team across multiple generations, this conversation could completely shift how you retain and motivate your people.

Hosts Marianne and Julie explore the hidden cost of always being the dependable person at work, home, and in friendships. They discuss how chronic reliability can lead to exhaustion, resentment, and even physical signs of stress tracked by devices like Oura rings.

The episode covers practical ways to protect your energy—setting boundaries, saying no, asking for support, and consciously putting one small responsibility down—while still honoring your values. They close with Galentine's Day well-wishes and a reminder to appreciate and support the reliable people in your life.

Julie and MaryAnn discuss Valentine’s Day strategies for spas—what to keep, what to skip, and how to create authentic experiences that drive return business.

They cover gift‑card tips, team buy‑in, duo (not "couples") services, Galentine’s ideas, and simple value‑adds that feel caring instead of gimmicky.

At the end of January, Julie and MaryAnn check in on the reality of goals versus expectations and why so many resolutions lose momentum. They break down SMART goal setting, the power of identity-based growth, and why redefining success can feel more supportive than starting over. This episode is a reminder that adjusting your goals isn’t failure — it’s alignment, awareness, and forward progress.

Download our S.M.A.R.T Goal Workbook- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NL3152y0169uCsrz_qKCImdzsfQMYdwu/view?usp=sharing

Julie Pankey and MaryAnn break down what sustainable growth really looks like in 2026, from building a business that supports your life to avoiding burnout, over-scaling, and constant reinvention. This episode focuses on intentional strategy, consistent marketing, and smart education to help spa owners and entrepreneurs grow steadily, profitably, and with longevity.

Wellness in 2026 isn’t about chasing every trend — it’s about consistency, discernment, and doing what actually fits your life. Julie and MaryAnn break down wellness “trends vs. traps,” from high-protein everything and supplements to wearables and overcomplicated morning routines, sharing real talk, personal lessons, and practical habits busy women can actually sustain.

Julie and MaryAnn look back on 2025 with honesty, humor, and clarity—sharing personal wins, business lessons, and the wellness trends they’re loving, leaving, or watching closely. From consistency over perfection to spa industry insights on skincare, devices, and weight-loss culture, this episode is a grounded reset for 2026.

In this first episode of 2026, Julie and MaryAnn break down what spa clients loved, avoided, and stopped booking in 2025. This real-world client behavior wrap-up helps spa owners and leaders understand shifting expectations, decision fatigue, and why simplicity is driving bookings heading into the new year. A must-listen for anyone refining services, menus, and strategy for 2026.

If we were opening — or reopening — a spa today, these are the decisions we’d make differently right now. In this episode, Julie and MaryAnn break down how they would approach leadership, systems, services, pricing, and vision if they were stepping into a spa in today’s market. This is a practical, no-fluff conversation for spa owners, directors, and managers who want clarity, focus, and forward momentum heading into 2026.

Notes:

Ready to turn your spa dreams into a thriving reality? The Spa Startup course is your hands-on roadmap—packed with practical tools, licensing advice, marketing strategies, and budgeting know-how—so you can launch smart, grow fast, and skip the fluff. 

Our Spa Hive Favorites Shopping List

Julie's 2025 Book List 

MaryAnn's 2025 Book List

Save $25 OFF Julie’s Favorite Planner: Savor 90-Day Planner;  i.refs.cc/1l05nWWP

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