I’m not okay, you’re not okay, but it’s okay. We all want our salons to be fun, positive environments for guests and staff. But the pandemic told us that a “good vibes only” leadership style is not going to cut it. Salon leader Derek Reynolds says learning to be vulnerable helped him connect with employees on a deeper level - and you can too.
In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty reigned in the salon industry. Questions like “When will I be allowed to open back up?” “Is it worth the risk to go to work?” and “Will my company survive this?” were on the minds of owners and staff. Leaders had a choice: put on a brave face for their workers, or be honest about their fears. Our guest Derek Reynolds says learning to be vulnerable helped him connect with employees on a deeper level.
Also during the pandemic, the motivations of salon pros shifted more towards flexibility and time with family. In this episode, Derek and host Blake Reed Evans discuss how to navigate this new landscape with compassion, and why it’s okay not to be okay.
Derek is the team leader for the Leadership Division and a salon consultant with Summit Salon Business Center, general manager of Cutler Salons in New York City, and a certified Enneagram practitioner.
To learn more about Summit’s leadership coaching and retreats, visit summitsalon.com/divisions/leadership-division.
SUMM IT UP is produced by Andrea Muraskin. Tim Fisk is the executive editor. Find all of our past episodes at summitsalon.com/summ-it-up-podcast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
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Follow host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email him at bevans@summitsalon.com.
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