Let's start with a controversial statement - I HATE the term BOSS (and Manager) - it implies that the people that look to you for direction can't think for themselves!
My fascination with leadership and process started many years ago during my training as an Army Officer, where I was taught the fine art of logistics. This means I specialized in getting people, trucks and any other stuff from point 'A' to point 'B'. I am the guy at the airport who doesn't complain when the flight is cancelled as I know what goes into the back end of that decision - especially if the airport is closing and they must get you to a hotel for the night!
After the Army, I persued a career in the corporate world and whilst many of my leadership skills weren't really appreciated back then, they loved the fact it could see process like 'The Matrix' and was always an early adopter of new technologies and concepts. Back then (and still today) corporate structure was very hierarchical and featured the Boss, many Managers and even more Supervisors. Process was often not driven from best practice but 'this is the way we have always done it' and those who know me understand that is like waving a red rag to a bull, I will always ask WHY - because there is a better way.
EVOLUTION ALWAYS WINS!
Fast forward 30 years after rising through levels of management and discovering my passion in Sales, Marketing and Executive Leadership, I now specialise in helping to develop high functioning, autonomous teams and have contracted (and still do) to companies large and small. Recently, I have been involved with the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into clinical environments and leveraging AI for amazing social media marketing outcomes, and yes, I know how to build funnels - it's my passion!
SO WHY AM I HERE?
After listening to me work with my team on ZOOM every day during COVID, my partner, Lisa Conway, founder of The ZING Project, explained to me that I needed to share what I know with Hair and Beauty professionals, as this level of expertize should not be reserved for the corporate elite. It needs to be accessible to all, and she was right! Whilst you may not think these skills are transferable to Salon, Spa or Clinic owners, they absolutely are and they often adopt faster than large bureaucratic organizations.
So, whilst I still enjoy my Corporate gigs, I find that as a Salon MENTOR I get to use my skills to help Hair and Beauty professionals develop their team into self-driven, autonomous thinkers - all with the same mission at heart and supported by exceptional marketing that keep new clients walking through the doors every day. Seeing that gives me great joy!
So, do you have the GROWTH mindset and are ready to ACCELERATE the velocity of your business, or are you sticking with 'this is the way we have always done it'? If so, how's that worked for you?
