Hairbrained Conversations

Nina L. Kovner joins Gordon for a discussion of 'hot topics' along with a live audience Q&A at Portland Razor Co's in-house barbershop. Topics include finding the right resources, overcoming negativity, becoming an educator and/or influencer, sustainability and much more. As always, an inspired conversation with @passionsquared.

Dean, co-founder, & co-owner of Paul Mitchell Schools, Winn Claybaugh is known throughout the professional salon industry as a game-changing figure. He is a successful author (Be Nice...or Else!), motivational speaker, podcaster (Masters) & inspiring role model. Listen in as Winn shares his story along with some of the many lessons learned throughout his 40+ year career in beauty.

Co-founder of the iconic Serious Business conference, Debra Neill Baker is also CEO (Chief Energizing Officer) of the Neill Corporation, the parent company of the Louisiana based Paris Parker Salons and a leading Aveda distributor. A self-described salon industry evangelist, Debra is a leading force behind the conference that many call the 'Ted Talks for the beauty industry.' A respected industry leader and visionary, Debra shares her insights into creating success as well as a look at the upcoming Serious Business conference, 1/19-20, New Orleans.

Industry veterans, friends and leading executives Dan Langer and Robert Reed join us for a enlightening conversation digging into the ongoing evolution of experience in the salon (in the context of the larger world around us), thoughts on how to excel in a time of 'disruption' and change, lessons learned over the course of their long careers and much more.

Excited to share our first-ever conversation with a real-life scientist - Laura Luciani, Davines International Scientific Communications Manager. It's easy to forget just how big a role science plays in the professional salon industry - until you hear from the likes of Laura (who makes science sound easy!). Listen in to our fascinating conversation about 'science and beauty'...as we're sure you are going to have some AHA moments.

A second hour of brilliant storytelling from the gifted artist @RobertLobetta, who shares with us the story behind his iconic career of almost 50 years- as well as some lessons learned along the way, thoughts on the current state of hairdressing and salons, plus some musings on his own future. Another instant favorite! Be sure to check out Part 1 of this conversation with Robert in our back library of episodes.

One of the most respected hairdressers of the last 50 years, Robert Lobetta is an artistic visionary, master of his craft...and brilliant storyteller (so much so that we've turned this conversation into a 2 part program). Listen in for a fascinating journey into the story behind the artist and his many lessons learned along the way. Stay tuned for Episode 101, Part 2 with @RobertLobetta for the rest of the story!

Michael Gordon is a rebel in the world of hair …and the iconic founder of Bumble and bumble. His knack for collaborating, connecting people and building creative, eclectic environments has cemented his legacy as an industry innovator. Gordon is the author of Hair Heroes and producer of Vidal Sassoon: the Movie. Today, Michael Gordon is in high demand to share his experiences with audiences from coast to coast, which has led him to follow a new path in public speaking, coaching and consulting.

Renowned artist, stylist & salon owner Kien Hoang is also the Principle Educator of Content for Oribe Haircare. The founder of UMBRELLA Salon shares some of the many insights gleaned from his consideable experience in all things hair - including his passion for art, design & fashion.

@passionsquared's Nina Kovner joins Gordon as our 1st guest on an all-new (and 2nd) weekly hb podcast -this one focused on finding answers to the many pressing business & career questions we receive from community members. Watch for the new series to launch in January, 2020.

This week's guest is a salon owner, colorist, educator, platform artist, business coach AND Lanza Global Education Director. Lanza's Scott Sueper has over 20 years of real-time experience to go with that long list of titles….and makes time this week for Hairbrained to share a sampling of the many lessons he's learned along the way.

OMC leaders, competitions and judges join us for a look at the world of hair competitions - and the varied reasons competing benefits the careers of so many. Guests include OMC's Social Media Director Vincent Fodera, Puerto Rico's Peter Cardon, Canada's Briana Cook, and Sweden's Joakim Roos as well as first-time competitor and hb community member Edward Kutana (USA).

Educator, colorist, and entrepenuer Rebecca Taylor has successfully navigated the shifting social media landscape as a public figure (within the profession) for ten+ years - and there's no end in sight to her growing success. Rebecca shares her very personal career story as well as her views on coming changes to social media for beauty - and news about her newly opened salon.

@WhitneyVermeer is a renowned men's groomer, educator, award-winning editorial stylist, & entrepreneur. The Andis Creative Lead of Global Education & Mitzutani platform artist shares her backstory, many of the lessons learned over the course of her career, as well as some great insights into creating a long, diverse career.

Celebrity Colorist, L'Oreal Professionnel Global Artist, Educator and member of LP's Le Collectif Team, Min Kim talks about some of her favorite obsessions: beauty, hair color, life in the salon and on the road as an educator, her family...and lessons learned along the way.

With 35 years of experience in the world of fashion & beauty, VP of Business Development at ECRU New York, Dee DeLuca-Mattos has a unique point of view informed by her work across virtually every segment of our industry. Listen in for a great conversation with Gordon about branding & marketing for salons & professionals.

#Crafthairdresser Jude Viola joins us for an introspective conversation about her career and life journey - one that has taken her from getting a college degree in banking to being inspired 'by a pixie cut' to start her career in hairdressing. Gordon call this one "an instant favorite episode".

Listen in for insights and observations from the unique point of view of Alfaparf Milano USA's SVP of Sales and Education, Betsy Hamlett. The long-time industry executive shares her career story as well as a look into trends, best practices, and lessons learned along the way.

Barber, men's groomer, educator and family man Rory Sevajian takes us from his early days of working 'illegally' in a barbershop to his journey into cosmetology, missteps along the way - and lessons learned on his way to creating success for himself and his family.

Renowned L'Oréal Pro artist, educator, salon owner and balayage guru Nancy Braun shares her truly unique career journey -plus insights into creating success as a colorist as well as a business owner.

Richard Kavanagh is an award-winning, internationally renowned Redken artist & Session Stylist; Global Creative Director of New Zealand based salons Rodney Wayne Group; Creative Director ghd (for Australia and NZ) AND the innovative co-founder/ceo of piiq Digital. He was also 'squished by a dinosaur' as an actor in the movie King Kong. Tune in to learn more about Richard's fascinating story.

Aveda Global Artistic Director of Haircutting Ricardo Dinis shares some of the great lessons learned over the course of his fascinating career journey. Gordon calls this one 'an instant favorite and a must-listen-to episode'.

Colorist, salon owner, educator and Artistic Director of Color for John Paul Mitchell Systems, Colin Caruso is back for another inspired conversation sharing career and business insights - plus a look into the inspiration behind his new video series, Paul Mitchell Style Trip.

Live Audience Episode: Renowned for their IG collaborations, brand ambassadors Philip Wolff and Alfredo Lewis share some unique insights into the power of social media for today's salon and professional - live with hairbrained at Premiere Orlando. With appreciation to SalonCentric for sponsoring this important series.

Celebrity colorist, Olaplex brand ambassador, and educator Chad Kenyon goes deep into the very personal story behind his rise to success. Chad also offers up a lot of great insights & advice on building a longlasting, fulfilling career.

At age 6, Emilie told her mother she wanted to one day be a hairdresser. Fast forward 36 years: Emilie didn't quite make it to beauty school, but does lead (as General Manager) one of the industry's most iconic haircare brands -and has discovered a deep passion for supporting the professionals who work in salons every day. Listen in to another great conversation on creating success in the professional salon industry.

Antony Whitaker, the internationally renowned educator, author, and business coach, talks about the power of assisting, how to be a great mentor, shifting business models and more. A featured business educator at Paul Mitchell programs across North America, Antony is a wealth of great advice and information.

Aga Dondzik (@agadondzik) is a Hb podcast fan with a twist - she travels the world doing hair and makeup for bands/artists (currently on a global tour with Carly Rae Jepsen). The Chicago based, long time stylist and salon owner recently introduced herself to Gordon in a Chicago restaurant. What started out as a casual podcast related connection led to a deep dive into her professional journey - for all the world to listen in and learn from.

Sam Daly (aka @bottleblonde76) shares the unique story behind her 20+-year journey to success as a working professional, salon owner, educator/artist and more. The SalonCentric ambassador and Pulp Riot artist shares lessons learned across two decades of ups and downs on her way to prominence. With appreciation to SalonCentric for sponsoring this important series.

Award-winning educator and artist Joel Torres is known throughout the industry for his highly engaging educational content on social. The TIGI Creative Director, Americas shares the story behind his journey from Puerto Rico to the mainland USA and beyond - thanks to a lot of hard work, determination, and patience as a craft hairdresser and barber.

SalonCentric Ambassador and Redken Icon, Sam Villa talks about the importance and power of education to transform careers and lives, his take on the power of "experience" in the salon...and much more. With appreciation to SalonCentric for sponsoring this important series.

From humble beginnings, Stephanie Kocielski has carved out an iconic career that has taken her around the world. From working behind the chair at A Robert Cromeans Salon and traveling the globe as a renowned platform artist to her current position as Paul Mitchell Systems VP of Key Customer Relations, Stephanie has "done it all". Listen in to another inspired conversation in this week's episode.

Over the course of a 50+ year career, Carmen DePasquale has become known as an innovator in the business of beauty. The one time stylist's 'empire', the DePasquale Companies, today includes DePasquale The Spa & Salon Systems, Artistic Academy of Hair Design and Aesthetics, & haircare brand ECRU New York. Listen in as Carmen shares lessons learned during his half-century of professional experience.

One of the industry's most recognizable faces -and voices, Charlie Price is known for his artistry, practical salon focused education and fun, irreverent style of presenting. The award-winning artist and one-time villain on Bravo TV's Shear Genius joins Gordon for a fun, far-ranging and smart conversation.

SalonCentric ambassador Philip Wolff is an educator and influencer - a skilled professional who has 'done it all' yet remains humble and connected. The Matrix Global Educator talks about what it takes to sustain a 20+ year career in our highly competitive industry. With appreciation to SalonCentric for sponsoring this important series.

Renowned globetrotting updo and longhair artist/educator Sharon Blain shares the story behind her iconic career as well as great advice on becoming a successful educator, working professional and more.

TIGI co-founder and international artistic director Anthony Mascolo on the story behind his iconic career as well as a deep dive into his passion project (and Gordon's "favorite industry magazine") Infringe (and Infringe.com).

SalonCentric ambassador and colorist Caroline Guiney shares insights into salon suite ownership, a career option that is transforming the industry. From the pros and cons of suite owner to insights into her success as a colorist, Caroline shares some great information. With appreciation to SalonCentric for sponsoring this important series.

One of the industry's most passionate executives, Olaplex President Reuben Carranza joins Gordon for a conversation sharing his unique journey as a leader, lessons learned along the way and the true story behind the rise a game-changing brand.

One of the industry's most successful salon organizations, Van Michael Salons are renowned globally as leaders in best practices in every aspect of their business. A long-time Aveda Concept Salon owner, Van shares a great list of insights into what makes his organization so uniquely successful. This is a not to be missed episode!

Influencer and working salon professional Shelley Gregory is the 2nd guest in our 6 part series on growing your career & business. Shelley shares her experiences with proven, real-time tactics that have helped her build a successful and sustainable career in the salon. With appreciation to Salon Centric for sponsoring this important series.

Hairbrained Co-founder Gerard Scarpaci shares a deep dive into the personal and professional experiences that have made him who he is today - the #crafthairdresser's #crafthairdresser. This is a not to be missed episode!

Join Sofie and Schorem's Rob (along with a passionate live audience in NYC) for a brilliant conversation with Gordon on the changing landscape of barbering/mens grooming, social media and so much more.

Renowned salon owner & educator Daniel Mason-Jones on the ins and outs of owning your own salon. The 1st guest in a series of 6 special episodes on key topics related to growing your career & business, Daniel dives into the big ideas that have propelled him to success as both an owner & working hairdresser. With appreciation to Salon Centric for sponsoring this important series.

One of the industry's most prominent executives, TIGI's Elisa Fischer leads a passionate hairdresser-centric company, created by hairdressers, for hairdressers. With responsibility for the North and South America and the Asia-Pacific regions, Elisa has a huge passion for advancing the careers of working professionals throughout the world. Listen in for some great advice and insights.

Recorded LIVE during Redken's 2019 Symposium, this episdoe features a variety of insights and great advice from Ann Mincey, @RebeccaTaylorHair, @CassandraPlatinum, @MichaelColeSummit, @HeyElizabethFaye and @Ryan.Weeden(@mastersofbalayage).

Kelly Cardenas is a renowned salon owner, career and business coach, JPMS national educator and, most recently, author. Known throughout the industry as an inspiring figure, Kelly shares his remarkable story as well as some significant insights into building a sustainable business and career.

Don Godfrey (the founder of @nothingbutpixies, @wickeddopehair and social media marketing coaching platform @fiidnt) goes deep into IG and related brand building best practices --and the story behind his rise in pro beauty.

Salon owner, working hairdresser, celebrity stylist and entrepreneurial spirit Janine Jarman shares the story behind her brilliant rise to success, best advice for creating your own and much more.

From 4 years in a high school beauty school program to traveling the world with Rhianna, @ursulastephen has had a unique and inspiring path to success. The 'architect of style is a celebrity stylist, salon owner, working professional and emerging educator with a great outlook on life and career. Listen in for some great lessons learned!