In this candid episode, salon owners and leadership mentors Tess and Nicola open up about the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading a conscious team - especially during emotionally charged times. Over the past few weeks, their team has been navigating a range of difficult personal experiences, from grief to overwhelm, and this episode is a reflection of how they’ve chosen to show up as leaders without losing themselves in the process.

If you’re a business owner or team leader who deeply cares about creating a safe space while also maintaining your own emotional boundaries, this conversation is for you.

Tess and Nicola share real insights into:

• How to support team members when they bring emotional baggage into the workplace
• Why the old idea of “leave your stuff at the door” is outdated and unrealistic
• What it means to hold space consciously - with both compassion and personal boundaries
• The exact steps Nicola takes when a team member arrives visibly distressed
• How to avoid absorbing your team’s energy while still being a supportive leader

This episode also includes three practical, tangible tips that you can apply right away in your salon, business, or leadership role to protect your energy and support your people more effectively.

What You’ll Learn

• Why silence, presence and confidentiality are foundational to trust
• How to respond with empathy without trying to "fix" someone’s situation
• The importance of private debriefing versus collective problem-solving
• What it means to be a conscious leader in 2025
• How to cultivate safe spaces where people feel seen and supported — not judged

Whether you're managing a salon, leading a creative business, or running a team in any industry, this episode is a must-listen if you're navigating the complexities of human leadership.

To follow our journey:
Instagram @aheadhair_
@the_conscious_salon

This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative