Chris Baran's Headcases

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Today's guest is someone very special to me. He has been on Headcases before, and his episode is one of our highest-ranked ever. He's my teacher, my mentor, and a true friend. He played a major role in shaping who I am today as a leader, a speaker, and an educator.

He has trained hundreds of thousands of people across 25 countries in business, leadership, communication, and personal development. He works with Fortune 500 companies to strengthen leadership, elevate performance, and increase sales with results from 15-85%. He has also authored best sellers like Sales Dogs...

They are more than just hairdressers–they are two true icons of the industry. They’ve owned prestigious bi-coastal salons. They've built careers as celebrity stylists and TV personalities in their own right. They are major beauty brand spokespeople, and they've created their own luxury retail lines. 

But what really sets them apart is where their heart is—education. They’ve spent years traveling the world, inspiring and elevating hairdressers everywhere, and we love them for it. They are among the elite, and they are here with us as today's HeadCases, the incredible Ted Gibson and Jason Backe.

Welcome to another episode of Headcases! Today’s guest used a word that really stuck with me: flourish. Not just to survive… not even just to succeed… but to truly flourish–both financially and artistically.

With over 30 years coaching to the spa and salon industry, he brings deep expertise in marketing, communication, and business operations. He has delivered more than 900 trainings to over 40,000 professionals worldwide, and is widely recognized as an expert in beauty systems and the wellness industry. With a NAHA nomination as Educator of the Year, he has created content for Milady, L’ANZA, DMK Internatio...

Today's guest is a repeat offender. He's been on Headcases before, and he never fails to deliver the goods. He brings more than 40 years of experience to the table as a stylist, a manager, a multi-salon owner, and as executive chain director.

He co-founded the Summit Salon Business Center, and for over 35 years he has been the founder and president of the Salon Development Corporation, an international company specializing in salon business training. As a global business educator and salon innovator, he has received countless awards for helping tens of thousands of salon professionals...

Today’s guest is a top-ranked podcaster, a sought-after keynote speaker, and the creator of The Vibe Method. He came from humble beginnings and rose to become a nationally celebrated entrepreneur with one enduring message: people matter most.

His guests on The Vibe Podcast have included Grammy winners, Super Bowl champions, innovators, CEOs, and everyday legends, and their conversations always leave you changed in the best possible way. He has a rare gift for blending strategy and conviction with soul and humour. He will teach you to use your go-giver brain with your go-giver he...

Welcome to Headcases! Today we demystify technology in our industry. We'll look at what can genuinely support your business, and what can actually hurt it if you’re not careful.

Our guest is the Executive Director of Industry Relations and Insights at Pivot Point International, where he connects the dots between data, education, and innovation across every corner of the professional beauty world—schools, salons, educators, brands, associations, and advocacy groups. He also helped launch some of our industry’s first tech-focused events, including Data-Driven Salon and the Salon Digital Summit. He continues to support the school commun...

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 Check out more episodes and the videos at https://chrisbaran.com/podcast

⭐️ Join our FREE Facebook community for Salon Team Trainers today. https://facebook.com/groups/salonteamtraining

✅ Exclusive content on how to implement and scale your salon training the easy way

✅ Save time and learn what works from people just like you 

✅ Get back to your mission of building the salon business and creating more jobs 

Learn more here - https://bit.ly/trainersplaybook

Join our FB group - https://facebook.com/groups/salonteamtraini...

You talk about a classic triple play—this episode is it. Each of these powerhouse women have been my guest in the past, but I could not resist the opportunity to bring these three best friends together for one epic conversation. So settle in and get ready for some laughs, some insight, and some pure inspiration.

One is an international hairstyling legend and five-time Hall of Fame award winner from Australia. Another is affectionately known as The Balay Lama, she's from the US and is the founder of Sunlights. And the third, representing the UK, is a We...

I had such a great talk with my guest this week. She is a powerhouse influencer with a mission to elevate and amplify the real life impact of artists, salon owners, and educators on all of us. 

She hosts her podcast, coaching, and personal development retreats under the Hair Love University umbrella. I can't wait to share with you this week’s guest: Elizabeth Faye. 

• Elizabeth shares the emotional story of how a hairdresser changed her world right when she needed it at 12 years old 

• She became ill durin...

Welcome to another episode of Head Cases! This week’s guest is a little different from the norm, and his story is one you’ll never forget. Before I introduce him, let me share a quick story. Back when I used to sail, we had this tradition after races, we’d hand out two awards at the bar: the Aw Shit Award for the one who really messed up, and the Done Good Award for the one who nailed it. And let’s be honest, we’ve all had our “Aw Shit” moments in life, as well as those “Done Good” ones...

Welcome to Head Cases! Today’s guest took an incredible path into the beauty industry, after a five-year stint in the Army, she set her sights on becoming a creative force in hair. She’s the former Creative Director for Pureology, a global educator and brand ambassador for BaBylissPRO, and she’s brought her artistry to the runway at New York Fashion Week for over 70 designers.

Her editorial work has appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and even made waves on 60 Minutes. She’s a multi-award winner and finalist at NAHA, American Beauty Vision, Be...

Today’s guest is a seasoned salon owner who recently celebrated a diamond milestone—25 years in the business. He now serves as the Director of Business and Leadership Development for the Salon 124 Group out of Atlanta, Georgia—an impressive company with over 200 team members, a cosmetology school, and more than $11 million in annual sales.

He’s a lifelong learner, a John Maxwell certified speaker and educator, and an outstanding coach. He also co-founded the industry-leading Shop Talk podcast and the 124Go Salon and Spa Business Academy, helping salon owners and professionals level up across the glob...

Today’s guests are the husband and wife team from Salon 27 in Mesa, Arizona. They added a virtual element to their consultations that has completely changed their business. They’re here to tell us how it's done with a simple four-step process.

As the salon's Creative Director, Amber brings the artistry and training. With Chet's background in marketing and data analytics, he's driving the innovation. Together, they balance business and creativity beautifully. They are profitable owners, phenomenal educators, and inspiring leaders—fresh off the huge honor of winning NAHA’s Inspiring Salon of the Year award—and they are g...

Today’s guest brings the perfect blend of heart and business savvy to the salon industry. With a business degree in hand, he helped elevate his salon both culturally and financially—earning a place in Salon Today’s Top 200 nearly every year since. As a business coach he helps good salons become great, guiding them to award-winning success.

He is an inspiring keynote speaker, a grounded thought leader, and a trusted common-sense coach. If you want your salon to have the culture where clients say, “I love the way this place makes me feel,” then you’ll want to lean...

Today’s guest is an absolute firecracker in the salon industry and you’ll feel it the moment she starts speaking. Her systems, strategies, and no-nonsense approach have helped salon owners hit seven-figure success and service providers reach six-figure incomes—without burning out.

She has empowered thousands of professionals to break through their limits, boost their profits, and build thriving businesses. She is a dynamic speaker, master transformation coach, and true industry disruptor, and as the founder and CEO of Inspiring Champions, one of the most respected coaching companies in the professional beauty industry, she’s here to help...

This is the second time we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming this incredible guest to Headcases, and for good reason. We started with a powerful conversation about the role of questioning in the salon, as owners, as educators, and as leaders, and it became something much deeper. His perspective as a corporate executive coach carries so much insight I knew I had to bring him back and share even more of that wisdom with you.

Jay Williams is an executive coach who’s worked with Fortune 500 companies. He’s also a dynamic, funny, and thought-provoking speaker. He’s t...

Welcome back to Headcases! Part 1 of our conversation with Celene Dupuis was incredible - she came in strong, busting industry myths and dropping leadership wisdom that every salon pro needs to hear.

In Part 2, we’re picking up right where we left off. Celene continues to challenge the status quo, offering real talk, practical strategies, and powerful insights to help you grow as a leader and build a sustainable, high-performing business. It's time to rethink the way our industry works - Let’s dive back in with Celene Dupuis!

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Hi, and welcome once again to Headcases. For a long time now I've wanted someone on the show who could bust some of the biggest myths that still haunt our industry—and today we have the perfect guest. She is an award-winning entrepreneur and leadership coach known for helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. While mentoring leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams across the beauty world, she also built a high-performing, sustainable business as CEO of Revamp Salon Company. She’s a go-to speaker for conferences, corporate events, and leadership summits—and today, she’s with us to dive into the...

My friends, welcome to another episode of Headcases — and this one’s a good one. My guest is a true powerhouse in the beauty industry. You probably already know her as a celebrity stylist, with a client list including Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, and Serena Williams.

She made history as the first African American beauty professional spokesperson for Pantene and as Aveda’s first Global Artistic Director for Textured Hair. Today, she’s the Global Artistic Director for Mizani and a proud member of the L’Oréal Professionnel Color Artistic Team. Get ready f...

Today’s guest is making a real impact in our industry. She’s the Executive Director of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), bringing her unique blend of experience as a licensed aesthetician, makeup artist, and business owner.

Before stepping into her role at PBA, she ran a successful cosmetics and skincare business in Michigan, and spent 15 years in corporate communications and community relations in the health and wellness space, including with the YMCA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State, and a master’s from Saginaw Valley State University. This week’s HeadCase is Leslie...

She co-founded the highly successful Julian August Salon in California, where she spent 32 years perfecting her craft behind the chair. Her passion for teaching—combined with her unmatched technical skill—made her one of the most sought-after colorists and educators in North America.

While working full-time in the salon, she also founded Hair Color Magic, an education program that helped colorists around the world thrive. Most recently, she co-founded both CCB Collective Color Brands and Color Space. If you ask me what Lupe Voss represents, the answer is simple: creativity, quality, dedication, discipline, and inspiration. Let’s get in...

If anyone deserves the title of GOAT in hair color, it’s today’s guest. Fresh out of university and beauty school, she was appointed Director of Education at Clairol. She later consulted for brands like Redken and Joico to help develop major professional color lines. She has traveled the globe, training thousands of colorists. She co-owned the famous Minardi Salon in New York. A true celebrity stylist, she has worked with stars like Mandy Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, and Brad Pitt.

Her list of awards is just as impressive: NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award, Empowerment’s Ceil...

This week on Headcases we are joined by a true force in the beauty industry. He’s built a remarkable career as a celebrity hairstylist, a master colorist, a brand ambassador, and a business executive. He’s taken his expertise worldwide, teaching sold-out classes around the world. Specializing in balayage, blonding, and advanced color techniques, he has not only perfected his craft but also mastered the social media game, amassing an impressive 3 million followers. Today, we’ll dive into his journey and share his insights, plus the secrets of his success.

Let’s get into this week’s HeadCase...

Today’s guest on HeadCases is a third-generation hairdresser, a salon owner, and internationally recognized artist with over 40 years behind the chair. In that time, he’s traveled more than 3 million miles, sharing his knowledge and passion.

He is a visionary philanthropist committed to protecting the health of clients and hairdressers both. He made it his mission in creating his own brand, Surface, promoting personal health, respect for the Earth, and helping others to grow.

Let’s get into this week’s HeadCase with the one and only Wayne Grund.

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his week I'm chatting with someone I admire very much as a no-nonsense truth teller who leads with love. She is a published author. She is a world-renowned keynote speaker. She owns three schools and three salons where her mission is not to hire employees but to develop future partners. This mindset makes her a key part of the John Maxwell Team, one of the world's top leadership training organizations. She led nationwide values-based leadership initiatives for 25,000 leaders with Maxwell at the invitation of the governments of Guatemala and Costa Rica. And she co-hosts the Next Level Salon Podcast...

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 Check out more episodes and the videos at https://chrisbaran.com/podcast

⭐️ Join our FREE Facebook community for Salon Team Trainers today. https://facebook.com/groups/salonteamtraining

✅ Exclusive content on how to implement and scale your salon training the easy way

✅ Save time and learn what works from people just like you 

✅ Get back to your mission of building the salon business and creating more jobs 

Learn more here - https://bit.ly/trainersplaybook

Join our FB group - https://facebook.com/groups/salonteamtraini...

"What would you do if a person with autism sat in your chair for a haircut? What if the sounds of the salon triggered an episode—causing them to holler, scream, or bounce? Or if they were terrified of clippers? Would you know how to help?

That’s exactly why I’m so excited about today’s guest. Welcome to another episode of Head Cases! Our guest is not only a visionary but also the founder and CEO of Sensory Safe Solutions. With 24 years in the salon industry, she brings not just professional expertise but also a deeply p...

This week I’m speaking with a Harvard and Wharton Business School grad and founder of Busy Salons. He is president of Salon Ninja, and the creator of A-Game Mastery Coaching. He is a Hi-Performance coach and has worked with many high profile salon artists. It’s my honour today to chat with Andrew Finkelstein.

This week I'm with a great friend who is a 13-time NAHA finalist and winner. His work has appeared in almost every industry magazine in the world. He’s been on Oprah, CNN, and Good Morning America. He has styled for movies, music videos, and fashion runways. Here is Mr Nicholas French!

• One of the best pieces of advice that Nicholas got from his father when he was only 10 years old: “Keep your eyes open 24 hrs a day because you never know what you are going to see”. You have to always be on the lookout for inspirat...

Today I sit down with the Midwest Hairstyling Awards Hairstylist of the Year, NAHA Educator of the Year and Director of the Hair Labs Detroit Barber School, Mr Rodrick Samuels. 

Rodrick shares some great nuggets of wisdom this week including his top 3 list for students - you have to show up, you have to work hard and you have to listen. 

He shares how education has changed so much from when he was in school, how teaching is 1000% different now. 

Hear about the importance of failure and how this has always pushed Rodrick in...

Today’s guest is not just a dear friend but a certified visionary who has left an indelible mark on the beauty industry. He’s an award-winning colorist and stylist, a former Global Artistic Director for Matrix, and a creative force whose work has graced international magazine covers, advertising campaigns, and stages worldwide.

But that’s not all—he’s also an internationally acclaimed photographer, capturing breathtaking moments with his own creations and those of other exceptional artists. His passion for creativity and community led him to establish the CBC, a global collective of beauty talents and brands, sp...

This week’s guest is Nieves Almaraz, winner of NAHA Men’s Hairstylist of the Year 2021. With a barbering license and a cosmetology license, Nieves owns a barbershop and a barber school and thrives on inspiration.

Today's guest is especially exciting for me - not just because he’s an incredibly talented hairdresser, but because his passions extend far beyond hair to art, music, and fashion. Based in the UK, his creativity and vision have landed his work in TV and top industry magazines.

Recently, Creative Head Magazine honored him with the Business Thinker Award for building an outstanding multi-faceted brand. They even called him a ‘genius and an inspiration,’ and once you hear about his journey, you’ll see why. From salons and studios to academies and even a farm that sources ingredie...

I’m excited to chat with my next guest, a Lifetime Achievement winner and a Hall of Heroes award winner, Ginger Boyle. 

• Ginger shares how she lived off the grid for a year waiting for her cosmetology license 
• She took a chance and moved across the country to work for Horst
• How sometimes on the road for hair shows, they would have to get their “models” in the mall or bar
• Hear how Ginger took having an affirmation to help her through a rough patch, to a daily online affirmation for thousands of people

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This week’s guest has inspired an entire generation of hairdressers. Benni Tognini is an Australian icon, considered the father of avant garde hairdressing

Benni and his team have won a string of international accolades, including World Master of the Craft. He’s the man behind the powerhouse Togninis brand.

I am so lucky to have Benni as a very good friend, and it was a pleasure to sit down and chat with him about how he got started.

-Benni's realization that sports and hairdressing are similar, with patterns in the training, practicing, and...

My guest is an Aveda Global Master and NAHA Master with an impressive list of accolades, including Hairdresser of the Year, Avant-Garde Stylist of the Year, Salon Team of the Year, and twice Makeover Stylist of the Year. He’s been named one of the top 20 salon owners in the U.S. and one of the top 75 educators of the century.

He’s earned Lifetime Achievement Awards from Aveda and the Art and Fashion Group and is an Aveda World Master Award winner. With nine Atlanta-area salons, 250+ service providers, and a partnership with 40 salons in Japan, he’s trul...

As a leading beauty innovator for more than 20 years, Nick Stenson has dedicated his career to creating and advocating for exceptional, inclusive beauty experiences, services and products.

With multiple nominations and wins in the prestigious North American Hairstyling Awards and a beauty brand of their own, this week’s Headcases is a true hair hero! In this week’s episode we learn more about Nick’s journey into the industry and how he invests in himself.

Welcome to Headcases. Today’s guest is one of the most recognizable faces in the salon industry. He is a celebrated platform artist and educator, known for mixing fun, irreverence, and incredible skill in his teaching. His work has been published worldwide, and he has collaborated with top brands like Aveda, Revlon Professional, TIGI, Rusk, and Scruples.

A two-time NAHA Hairstylist of the Year and the first-ever NAHA People’s Choice Award winner, he boasts an astounding 27 NAHA nominations. He’s also winner of the Canadian Mirror Awards International Hairstylist of the Year. He trained under runway legend...

From horse training to hair styling, Ammon Carver joins us to talk about learning to love yourself and your craft, plus his transition from teaching behind the chair to mentoring on stage and to becoming a father. 

Ammon Carver has gained recognition in the hair and beauty industry for his refined aesthetic, his continued passion, and his portfolio of flawless looks. With 7 nominations and awards for Master Hairstylist of the Year and Salon Team of the Year in 2015 by the prestigious North American Hairstyling Awards, Ammon is one of the most highly regarded hair stylists in the b...