Beyond The Technique Podcast

Succession planning isn't something you wait for, it's something you build, and in this episode, we have Mary Beth Berns here to break down the most disastrous myths that can derail your salon or spa exit. From the misconception that growth automatically increases value to the belief that finding a buyer means you're almost done, they reveal what truly impacts a successful sale. You'll learn realistic timelines, why financial clarity and proper maintenance matter, and how emotional decisions can cost you at the finish line. If you want to maximize your business value, protect your legacy, and exit on your terms, this conversation will show you where to start and how to do it right.
 
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Salon Spa Connection: http://www.salonspaconnection.com/ 
Qnity Succession Planning EDU: https://qnity.com/blog/succession-success-readiness 
 
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In this episode, Kati Whitledge explores the classic "glass half full or half empty" mindset and what it means for salon owners navigating real business challenges. She shares how leaders can shift their perspective from focusing on what's missing to recognizing the opportunities, relationships, and resources already in front of them. Drawing from her own experience with team turnover and business changes, Kati encourages owners to take action with what they have while staying committed to growth and innovation. This conversation is a powerful reminder that optimism, resourcefulness, and faith-filled leadership can turn even difficult seasons into opportunities to build a stronger salon.
 
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/phGftLoBeBk
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From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book 
 
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BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/
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Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

In this special episode of Beyond The Technique, Kati Whitledge sits down with a very familiar guest—her husband, Anson Whitledge, VP of Operations at Inspired Enterprises—to share the unexpected journey that led him from electrical engineering and tech startups into the beauty industry. Anson opens up about growing up in rural Wisconsin, building early businesses in video production, and developing a deep passion for technology, systems, and now AI. Together, they share the behind-the-scenes story of how a chance salon visit (and an accidental bald spot!) sparked both a relationship and a business partnership. The conversation also dives into Anson's bold decision to leave a stable corporate career to help Kati grow their salon and technology ventures—just months before the pandemic reshaped everything. Salon and spa owners will walk away with insights on resilience, partnership in business, and the power of combining technology, systems, and leadership to build something meaningful.
 
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/YE1f1eD5ezQ
 
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From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book 
 
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BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique
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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/

In this episode, Kati Whitledge walks salon and spa owners through a modern, self-guided performance review process that empowers team members to assess their growth, goals, and impact. She shares how combining honest feedback, culture ratings, and clear review questions creates stronger alignment, better communication, and more meaningful development conversations. Kati also explains how understanding love languages at work and personalizing education plans helps leaders support their teams without burning them out. You'll hear how mentorship recognition, engagement surveys, and thoughtful follow-ups can dramatically boost morale and retention. This episode is a practical blueprint for building a healthier, more growth-focused salon culture through intentional leadership and better reviews.
 
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/AsAvgPIBUb8
 
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From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book 
 
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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/

In this powerful conversation, Kati sits down with third-generation cosmetologist and multi-location salon owner Rachel Thomas to unpack the real gap between salon owners and stylists—and why so many businesses struggle to become truly profitable. Rachel shares her raw journey through personal loss, financial hardship, and a near-death experience that forced her to rebuild her salon and her life with intention. Rachel challenges common industry beliefs about commission, rental, and hybrid models while exploring what it takes to create a high-ticket, high-margin salon built for longevity. Rachel reveals how mindset, KPIs, and luxury service positioning transformed her business and led her into coaching other owners through BYOB. This episode is a wake-up call for leaders ready to stop surviving and start building a salon that creates real wealth, opportunity, and freedom.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/MToHXLR4sIw
 
GET MY BOOK!
From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book 
 
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JOIN mya! joinmya.com
 
FOLLOW RACHEL PAIGE!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelpaigexo/ 
 
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/