126 episodes
126: Why Great Barbers FAIL as Business Owners | The Leadership Skills Nobody Teaches
23/07/2026 | 33 mins.Why do so many talented barbers struggle when they become business owners?
Recorded live at HairCon 2026, Anthony Laban is joined by Tom Chapman (Diligents) and Michael Damiano to discuss the leadership skills that separate successful barbershops from those that fail.
They dive into building a strong team culture, earning respect as a leader instead of acting like a boss, managing self-employed barbers, handling staff who leave, growing through social media, hiring for personality over skill, and why communication is the most valuable tool any shop owner has.
Whether you're opening your first shop or managing a growing team, this episode is packed with honest advice from owners who have built successful businesses.
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Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk
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Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.- Are apprenticeships in barbering broken?
Recorded live at HairCon 2026, Anthony Laban is joined by Aaron Dorn and Adam Sloan from the Men's Hairdressing Federation (MHFed) to discuss the future of barbering education.
The panel explores why apprenticeships have declined, the financial support available to employers, the challenges facing salons and barbershops, online education, becoming a better educator, and what separates great apprentices from the rest.
Whether you're a salon owner, barber, educator or someone thinking about joining the industry, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest discussion.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇
Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry. - SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇
Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk
00:00 Intro
02:21 Why Print?
06:37 Creative Process
13:33 Future Talent
20:21 American Crew
28:19 Retail Reality
34:19 Education Matters
40:21 Final Thoughts
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Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry. - Do you need to own a salon to build a successful career in hairdressing?
Recorded live at HairCon 2026, Anthony Laban is joined by Desmond Murray and Stacey Wright to discuss the many career paths available within the hair industry. From editorial work and education to photography, Fashion Week and global brand roles, they share why success isn't limited to owning a salon.
The conversation explores creativity, mentorship, discipline, awards, imposter syndrome and why constantly learning is the key to building a long and fulfilling career.
Whether you're an apprentice, barber, hairdresser or salon owner, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to grow in the industry.
Follow our guests:
📲 Desmond Murray: @desmondmurray
📲 Stacey Wright: @staceywright_
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review. It really helps us continue bringing conversations like this to The Noble Barber.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇
Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry. - What separates a successful barber from a successful business owner?
Recorded live at HairCon 2026, Anthony Laban sits down with Joth Davies (Savills Barbers) and Charles Rose (Crate Collective) to discuss what it really takes to build a long-lasting barbering business. From growing teams and retaining staff to education, branding, academies and expanding beyond the chair, this episode is packed with practical advice for barbers looking to think bigger.
Whether you're opening your first shop or planning your next move, this conversation offers honest insight into building a business that lasts.
Follow our guests for more barbering and business insights:
Joth Davies & Savills Barbers: https://www.instagram.com/savillsbarbers/
Charles Rose & Crate Collective: https://www.instagram.com/cratecollective/
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review. It really helps us continue bringing conversations like this to The Noble Barber.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇
Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
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About The Noble Barber
Top Barber Podcast hosted by indursry proffesional Anthony Laban. The only podcast that is "cutting through the crap". Weekly guests featured talking through any and everything barber related.
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