Beyond The Technique Podcast

Hosted by Kati Whitledge

Business Arts

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Beyond The Technique podcast with Kati Whitledge. We exist to support beauty & wellness pros and your growing team and business. We believe it's what you do beyond the technical aspects of your craft that will bring substantial success. We promise to bring you the most forward-thinking industry topics to help you consistently grow and develop yourself and your business.

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60 recent

June 15, 202634 min

698: Profit is Personal, with Nina Tulio

Beauty industry speaker, consultant, and author Nina Tulio joins us today for an honest conversation about leadership, profitability, and the personal growth required to build a sustainable salon business. Inspired by Nina's new book, Profit is Personal, this episode challenges salon and spa owners to stop chasing trends and start focusing on the systems, values, and self-awareness that truly drive long-term success. Nina also shares insights on pricing strategies, hiring with intention, and why leading from confidence instead of fear creates healthier teams, stronger cultures, and more profitable businesses. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/dkRRbCh24PU GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com FOLLOW NINA! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninatulio/ Get her book: Click Here Listen to our podcasts: Click Here LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS GlossGenius | Manage your business with ease. Use code BEYOND to save 50% on your first 2 months of Gold and Platinum plans: glossgenius.com/beyondthetechnique Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

June 11, 202619 min

697: Never Burn a Bridge, with Kati Whitledge

Kati's here to share the importance of protecting your reputation, maintaining integrity, and never burning bridges in business or life. Kati shares personal experiences, real-world examples from the salon industry, and practical advice on handling difficult exits, gossip, conflict, and emotional decision-making with professionalism and grace. She also outlines actionable steps for repairing damaged relationships, rebuilding trust, and leading with humility, wisdom, and character in every season of leadership. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/_BB9aDh-o7c GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

June 8, 202624 min

696: Revamp Your Hiring Process, with Jessi Ivey

In this episode of Beyond the Technique, Kati Whitledge sits down with salon owner, Jessi Ivey to break down the hiring strategies that helped grow a salon from two team members to over 25 and generate more than $2.5 million in revenue. Jessi shares how refining her hiring process with multiple interviews, shadow days, and clear expectations transformed her culture, improved retention, and supported rapid growth—even after launching during the pandemic. Salon and spa owners will learn how to build a strong team through structured hiring, ongoing education, and boundaries that create both accountability and long-term success. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/o7OqWkkdXhY GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com FOLLOW JESSI IVEY Website: https://www.lewisandivey.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theiveyclub/ LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

June 4, 202622 min

695: How to Win Even When You're Losing

Today, your host, Kati Whitledge shares how true winning isn't tied to perfect outcomes, but to the courage, discipline, and standards you maintain during seasons of loss. She challenges salon and spa owners and leaders to protect their mindset, stay committed to healthy routines, and continue creating momentum even when life feels difficult or uncertain. Kati also dives into the importance of faith, resilience, community, and personal growth, reminding listeners that some of the greatest lessons and breakthroughs are developed in the hardest seasons. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/rda7TpnFeo0 GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

June 1, 202624 min

694: The Heart of Hospitality, A Salon Owner's Story of Success

In this episode, Kati sits down with top salon owner Sherri Belanger to explore "The Heart of Hospitality" and what it truly takes to create an elevated client experience that stands out. Sherri shares her journey from stylist to owner of a thriving 22-chair team-based salon, along with real insights on expansion costs, building with intention, and hiring for character over skill. Salon and spa owners will walk away with actionable ideas on designing unforgettable guest experiences, scaling sustainably, and reconnecting with their deeper "why" to lead and grow with purpose. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/3BRDAZiw-Vc GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com FOLLOW BELLE SIRENE SALON Website: https://www.bellesirenesalon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellesirenesalon/ LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

May 28, 202621 min

693: DISC Personality Profiles Explained, with Kati Whitledge

Today, your host Kati Whitledge breaks down the DISC personality profiles and explains how salon and spa owners can use them to better understand communication styles, leadership approaches, and team dynamics. She walks through each type—D, I, S, and C—highlighting their strengths, challenges, and ideal roles within a salon environment, along with practical tips for leading each personality effectively. You'll learn how to adapt your leadership style, improve hiring decisions, and unlock your team's full potential by meeting people where they are. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/MIp4QlX__Hc GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

May 25, 202628 min

692: Transform The World One Makeup Application At a Time

In this episode of Beyond the Technique, Kati Whitledge sits down with pioneering makeup artist Dina Ousley to explore her groundbreaking journey in the airbrush makeup industry. From working behind the chair to serving celebrity clients like Meryl Streep, Dina shares how innovation, resilience, and education helped her build DINAIR, a category-defining brand. She breaks down the science behind airbrush makeup, why it performs differently under HD cameras, and how challenging industry norms ultimately fueled her success. Salon and spa leaders will walk away inspired to embrace innovation, invest in education, and stay committed to their vision—even when others don't see it yet. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/cePXApIA3lg GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com FOLLOW DINAIR Website: https://www.airbrushmakeup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinairofficial/ LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

May 21, 202623 min

691: How to Work with People Who Annoy You, with Kati Whitledge

In this episode of Beyond the Technique, Kati Whitledge challenges salon and spa owners to stop labeling people as "annoying" and start addressing the specific behaviors that disrupt team culture. She shares practical strategies for identifying common workplace triggers—like negativity, lateness, and poor accountability—and teaches leaders how to communicate directly, set clear boundaries, and elevate standards without criticism. This conversation will help you lead with emotional intelligence, turn tension into growth opportunities, and make confident decisions when behaviors don't align with your culture. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/0xs5RKyN_7w GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

May 18, 202638 min

690: Better Training, Bigger Profits!

Today, we have the founder of Invisible Bead Extensions®, McKenzie Turley here to share how an education-first approach to hair extensions can transform both stylist performance and salon profitability. From losing her voice as an opera singer to pioneering Invisible Bead Extensions, McKenzie reveals how a commitment to research, technique, and mentorship filled a critical gap in the industry. You'll learn why better training is the key to delivering superior results, increasing client trust, and multiplying revenue. Salon owners and leaders will walk away with a clear understanding of how to support their teams' growth, implement higher standards, and unlock bigger profits through intentional education. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/dqv663gLXG0 GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com FOLLOW MCKENZIE TURLEY AND IBE® Website: https://invisiblebeadextensions.com/ IBE® Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblebeadextensions McKenzie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmckenzieturley/ LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS GlossGenius | Manage your business with ease. Use code BEYOND to save 50% on your first 2 months of Gold and Platinum plans: glossgenius.com/beyondthetechnique Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

May 14, 202620 min

689: Nuances in Going from One to Two Salon Locations, with Kati Whitledge

Expanding from one salon to two is more than a business decision—it's an emotional and strategic leap that requires clarity, capital, and courage. In this episode, Kati shares real-world insights on recognizing the right opportunity, why turnkey locations can be a gamechanger, and how to protect the culture of your original salon while building a second. She breaks down the importance of treating each location as its own entity while maintaining brand consistency, along with key financial and leadership considerations. If you're thinking about scaling, this episode will help you move forward with intention—not just excitement. GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE FOLLOW JOHNNA BATES'S CURLY HOOD DRYERS! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theveildryer/ SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/