With over 1 million YouTube subscribers and 128 million channel views to his credit, @freesaloneducation founder Matt Beck is one of pro beauty's most prolific content creators. The longtime salon owner, working professional, and educator shares the story behind his rise to prominence - and the role that education has played in building his career - as well as the careers of countless other professionals. Tune in for all this plus Matt's best advice on creating a great career! *Note: this episod...
Jun 22, 2025•42 min
After 45 years in the pro beauty, barber and wellness industry, Gordon shares lessons learned for creating long, successful and satisfying careers. In this episode, he discusses 5 essential drivers of success: Passion, Practice, Perseverance, Patience – and People. Based on decades of conversations with some of the most successful professionals from across the industry, Gordon suggests that paying attention to each his 5 "P's" can be game changing in any career. *Note: this episode was published...
Jun 15, 2025•24 min
In part 2 of this important 2-episode series, some of our favorite educators & artists share their very best advice for creating a great career. Guests include Tabatha Coffey, Sam Villa, Alfredo Lewis, Paula Peralta, Patrick Butler, Siiri Parks, Chris Baran, & John Mosley. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from some of the most renowned & talented educators we know. Hosted by Penny Burns, Founder, Beauty Cast Network. *Note: this episode was published originally as #36...
Jun 08, 2025•36 min
In part 1 of 2, some of our favorite educators & artists offer lessons learned – plus their best advice for the year ahead. Guests include Tabatha Coffey, Sam Villa, Alfredo Lewis, Paula Peralta, Patrick Butler, Siiri Parks, Chris Baran, & John Mosley. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from some of the most renowned & talented educators in beauty, barbering & wellness. Hosted by Penny Burns, Founder, Beauty Cast Network. *Note: this episode was published originally as #...
Jun 01, 2025•50 min
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. *Note: this episode was published originally as #59...
May 25, 2025•34 min
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. *Note: this episode was published originally as #58...
May 18, 2025•32 min
The OG Coach himself, @michaelcole_summit joins us to talk about the importance and power of "willingness" in being coached -and the fundamental steps required of us all to get the most out of coachable moments in our careers (and lives). With coaching on the rise in the pro beauty industry, this is a profoundly important conversation that is sure to inform. Powerful insights ahead! *Note: this episode was published originally as #53
May 11, 2025•34 min
Meghan Blanchette, Sport Clips Area Coach and Artistic Team Member, returns to share her thoughts on the big idea of perseverance -and the role it continues to play in building her career-- as well as in overcoming a personal history of drug and alcohol addiction. Now sober and a role model among her professional peers, Meghan authentically shares her story with us -- a genuine inspiration to all who listen in. Part 2 of 2.
May 04, 2025•36 min•Ep. 62
Longtime industry professional Melanie Knapp is the Director of Education for FS Cut & Color (Fantastic Sams). Melanie shares her best advice on creating a long, sustainable, and satisfying career - regardless of your chosen path. We also dig into her journey in becoming an educator and some of the unique responsibilities one assumes in leading others to learn. *Note: this episode was published originally as #39
Apr 27, 2025•31 min
Meghan Blanchette, Sport Clips Area Coach and Artistic Team Member, joins us to share her thoughts on the big idea of perseverance -and the role it continues to play in building her career-- AND in overcoming a personal history of drug and alcohol addiction. Now 10 years sober and a role model among her professional peers, Meghan authentically shares her story with us -- a genuine inspiration to all who listen in. Part 1 of 2.
Apr 20, 2025•40 min•Ep. 61
With over 1.5 million followers to her name, Patricia Nikole, creator of the "painted hair" technique, is one of the industry's favorite educators. The newly named Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador joins Gordon to share just some of her insights into creating a sustainable and satisfying career. We also dig into her latest passion project, The Paint Room Online Education platform, an innovative destination for anyone looking for an amazing online learning experience. *Note: this episode was pu...
Apr 13, 2025•30 min
Jenn Lyles is an award-winning professional marketer in the pro beauty space who has built her career in part by leveraging the power of personal branding. The Executive Director of the Beauty School Directory, Jenn's personal brand is all about sharing her wealth of knowledge with others. Listen in for insights, best practices and inspiration into a topic that has proven game-changing for more professionals than we can count. *Note: this episode was published originally as #14
Apr 06, 2025•34 min
Change is a constant in both our lives and careers. Too often, however, lessons to be learned are missed as we work our way through the 'moments' at hand. Career and business thought leader and renowned coach, Nina Kovner shares her views on how to view change proactively in order to best move your career and life forward as both continue to unfold in front of us every day. *Note: this episode was published originally as #54
Mar 30, 2025•37 min
Elizabeth Faye(@heyelizabethfaye) is founder of the all-new Vitality Project --and "an expert in business strategy, a trauma-informed life coach, breath-work facilitator, podcast host, author & the founder of multiple heart-led brands”. The Vitality Project’s goal is to create ‘a well-being revolution’ for the pro beauty industry; we discuss this along with Elizabeth’s best advice for creating long, sustainable, and successful careers in beauty, barbering, or esthetics.
Mar 23, 2025•36 min•Ep. 60
Award-winning artist & educator Chrystofer Benson on the importance of creativity - regardless of your career aspirations. With over 100 awards/titles to his name, Chrystofer began his creative journey in beauty school when he first stepped into the hair competitions space. From there, he developed a passion for creating that has taken him literally around the globe. Listen in for Chrystofer's best advice on creating a long-lasting, successful career. *Note: this episode was published origin...
Mar 16, 2025•33 min
Winn Claybaugh is the charismatic and iconic dean of Paul Mitchell School. Winn is also an educator, author, podcaster, and motivational speaker. A passionate advocate for positivity and professionalism Winn's decades of influence transcends beauty, inspiring all to "Be NICE(Or Else!)". Tune in for invaluable insights. This is a GREAT episode on the power of simply being nice! *Note: this episode was published originally as #15
Mar 09, 2025•48 min
Longtime industry professional Melanie Knapp is the Director of Education for FS Cut & Color (Fantastic Sams). Melanie shares her best advice on creating a long, sustainable, and satisfying career - regardless of your chosen path. We also dig into her journey in becoming an educator and some of the unique responsibilities one assumes in leading others to learn. *Note: this episode was published originally as #39
Mar 02, 2025•31 min
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
Feb 23, 2025•32 min
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. ...
Feb 16, 2025•34 min
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...
Feb 09, 2025•32 min
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.
Feb 02, 2025•34 min•Ep. 59
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 you...
Jan 26, 2025•36 min
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.
Jan 19, 2025•32 min•Ep. 58
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.
Jan 12, 2025•35 min
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.
Dec 29, 2024•35 min
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.
Dec 22, 2024•41 min
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.
Dec 15, 2024•34 min
Created in collaboration with Schedulicity, this is the last in our 7-part series focused on the all-important Client Journey. Schedulicity's Missy Megginson is back to share a recap of our in-depth series on how to up your marketing game with clients -without increasing your spending. Thanks to Schedulicity for supporting Beauty Cast Network's mission of inspiring sustainable career success!
Dec 08, 2024•33 min•Ep. 57
Pivot Point and Wahl Academies Principal Ken Washburn joins us to talk about the value of competitions in helping future professionals and working pros alike to build skills, confidence, and teamwork. We also dig into the upcoming Sport Clips Battle of the Hair Student Competition, a photographic competition that is a perfect opportunity for soon-to-be new professionals to test their competitive spirit and drive. For info on the event and how to enter, visit sportclipscareers.com.
Dec 01, 2024•35 min•Ep. 56
Created in collaboration with Schedulicity, this is Part 5 of a 7-part series focused on the all-important Client Journey - from prospect to 1st-time and repeat clients excited to return for their next visit. Schedulicity's Missy Megginson is back to share insights - this time into the opportunities around client checkout and rebooking, as a part of the overall journey. Stay tuned for more Mastering the BUSINESS of Beauty insights - monthly in 2024! Thanks to Schedulicity for supporting Beauty C...
Nov 17, 2024•37 min
