Qnity Lightbulb Moments

Tom Kuhn

For salon, spa, and beauty industry leaders who crave clarity, financial success, and real-world inspiration. Hosted by Tom Kuhn—Founder and CEO of Qnity, industry innovator, and former salon owner—each episode features powerful “lightbulb moments” that help leaders make smarter decisions, boost profitability, and unlock growth.
From insightful solo episodes to candid conversations with top industry changemakers, you’ll walk away with practical tools, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose. 🎧 Tune in for your next lightbulb moment—because better business starts with better thinking.

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21 episodes
Avg 39 min
English

Episodes 21

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Monday · 44 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Luke Carlson
What Really Changes as a Business Scales 🤔What does it take to grow from one location to a national brand without losing the culture, customer experience, or clarity that made you successful in the first place?On this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom Kuhn sits down with Luke Carlson, Founder and CEO of Discover Strength, to talk about what really changes as a business scales.Luke shares lessons from growing Discover Strength across locations and state lines, including the systems that make scale possible, why simplicity creates focus, how to develop leaders from within, and the shift owners must make from being great technicians to becoming great managers of people.It’s a conversation about growth, but even more, about building a business that can get bigger without becoming more complicated, diluted, or dependent on the founder.For any owner thinking about their next location, their tenth location, or simply how to lead the business they have today, there are plenty of lightbulb moments in this one.
August 21 · 51 min
Lightbulb Moments Episode | Featuring Jason Altmire & Riley Burr
Every generation gets handed the same advice: go to college, get a degree, land a stable job. What if the smartest career move today looks nothing like that?In this episode, Tom sits down with Jason Altmire and Riley Burr, co-authors of Trade Up, a new book on the changing value of higher education. Riley writes from a Gen Z perspective, exploring why so many young people are choosing skilled trades and hands-on careers over a traditional degree, cosmetology among them. Jason brings years of research on the workforce trends driving that shift.A few takeaways to expect: why cosmetology is one of the few careers AI can't easily replace, why Gen Z is drawn to this kind of hands-on, purpose-driven work, and what it means for how you attract and keep great talent in your business.Tune in, you might leave thinking differently about your next hire.
August 1 · 52 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Susan Wos and Mary Beth Berns
Succession Planning in the Beauty Industry: What Every Owner Needs to KnowIn this episode, host Tom Kuhn is joined by two powerhouse voices in beauty business transitions: Susan Wos, founder and principal broker of SalonSpa Connection, the only national brokerage dedicated exclusively to buying and selling salon, spa, and barbershop businesses, and Mary Beth Berns, 40-year industry veteran, former salon co-owner, and business coach helping beauty entrepreneurs move forward with clarity and confidence.Together, they unpack what most owners don't think about until it's too late - from knowing the real value of your business and cleaning up your financials, to the emotional side of letting go and what it means to build a business with the end in mind. They tackle the five most common reasons small businesses are forced to sell, why a happy team directly impacts your valuation, and what happens when succession plans break down.Whether you're just opening your doors or decades into ownership, this conversation is for you.
July 31 · 37 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Tom Kuhn and Candice Gliatto
This episode of Lightbulb Moments explores one of the hottest topics in the salon industry: stylist compensation. With conversation around uncapped commissions, 70% commission models, and bold claims about the future of pay, many salon owners have been looking for a balanced perspective. This episode brings data, experience, and context to the discussion.Drawing on experience through multiple compensation transitions, some highly successful and others that failed, as well as insights from three recent compensation studies by the Qnity Institute, this episode explores compensation, change management, and why the best decisions are rarely driven by headlines alone.Discover more information on the data at Qnity Institute.
July 8 · 40 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Larry Schooler
From Conflict to Collaboration: Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Dr. Larry SchoolerIn this episode, host Tom Kuhn sits down with Dr. Larry Schooler, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin and expert in conflict resolution, facilitation, and organizational leadership. Together they unpack the real-world challenges every leader faces from navigating difficult conversations and avoiding the pitfalls of triangulation, to the power of facilitative leadership in driving meaningful team input. Dr. Schooler shares how to create the right conditions for honest dialogue, why transparency is essential before any major change, and how involving your team in decisions builds the kind of trust that sticks. Whether you're managing a compensation conversation, navigating a team transition, or simply trying to get people into the same room productively, this episode delivers practical tools you can put to work immediately.
June 16 · 41 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Jared Sanders
In this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom Kuhn and CPA Jared Sanders of Lightheart, Sanders and Associates reveal key findings from the 2025 Salon P&L Study, analyzing financial data from 61 salon companies across 13 states. Together, they explore profitability trends, benchmark metrics, labor costs, revenue growth, and the factors that separate the industry's top-performing salons from the rest. Discover why revenue growth alone isn't enough, the biggest drivers of profitability, and actionable insights salon owners can use to make better decisions and build stronger, more profitable businesses. 💡 Better data. Better decisions. Better outcomes. #LightbulbMoments #SalonBusiness #Profitability #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #SalonOwner #BeautyIndustry #FinancialManagement #Qnity #PandLStudy
June 16 · 43 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Micah Nickens
In this powerful episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom Kuhn sits down with Micah Nickens for a deeply moving conversation about trauma, healing, presence, and what it truly means to connect with people. After surviving a near-fatal brain injury in 2020, Micah shares how his life, work, and perspective were completely transformed.From rebuilding his life after months in the hospital to discovering deeper meaning behind the chair, Micah opens up about sobriety, stillness, human connection, and why “being seen” matters more than ever in today’s distracted world.This episode is filled with honesty, humor, wisdom, and unforgettable moments that will leave you thinking long after it ends.
May 14 · 36 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Crystal Anderson
In this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom Kuhn sits down with Crystal Anderson of Babe Hair Extensions and Beauty Industry Group to explore the rapid growth of the hair extension category and the opportunities it is creating for salons, stylists, and cosmetology schools. Crystal shares how extensions have evolved from a luxury service into a mainstream solution for fullness, confidence, and recurring salon revenue. The conversation dives into the rise of express extension services, the importance of education in building stylist confidence, and how salons can use extensions to increase profitability and client retention. Crystal also discusses the growing role cosmetology schools are playing in preparing future professionals for modern salon services and shares insights on where the industry is headed next. From business growth to beauty education, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for salon owners, educators, and stylists alike.
April 30 · 41 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Sudheer Koneru
In this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom Kuhn talks with Sudheer Koneru, CEO of Zenoti, about key insights from the 2026 Beauty & Wellness Benchmark Report. They break down flat industry growth, declining new guest traffic, and why “calendar inflation” is hurting bookings. The conversation also explores how top performers are driving results through better utilization, memberships, and online booking—not just more marketing. Plus, a look at how AI is transforming salon operations, from scheduling to smarter decision-making.
April 3 · 44 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring: Ameet Kallarackal
In this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom Kuhn sits down with Ameet Kallarackal co-founder and CEO of Glammatic, to explore how the salon industry is evolving and what it takes to stay competitive. Ameet shares insights from working with hundreds of premium salons, breaking down how search behavior is shifting and what that means for attracting new clients. From changes in web traffic to the growing challenge of getting guests to return for a second visit, this conversation highlights the trends shaping growth right now. They also discuss why your website remains the “mothership” for new client acquisition and simple ways salons can adapt in a rapidly changing digital landscape. The episode closes with a personal reflection from Ameet on growth and gratitude, proving that some of the most impactful lightbulb moments happen beyond business.
March 19 · 49 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Ronan Perceval
This episode of Lightbulb Moments takes a practical look at how AI is showing up inside the salon business, beyond the hype.Host Tom Kuhn sits down with Ronan Perceval, founder and CEO of Phorest Software, for a real-world conversation on technology, growth, and the future of work in the beauty industry.They break down three powerful AI tools transforming salon operations:Front Desk AI to reduce friction and improve client communicationCheat Sheet to instantly prepare stylists with client insightsReporting AI to turn data into clear, actionable answersBeyond the tools, the conversation explores how AI fits alongside people and systems—and why human connection remains at the core of great salons. They also unpack the real story behind tech layoffs and what AI actually means for salon teams.Plus, Tom connects it all to Qnity’s upcoming 17% Growth Challenge, showing how these tools can drive real results in revenue and performance
March 6 · 13 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Tom Kuhn
In this special mini-episode, Tom Kuhn takes a moment to connect with the audience live from Austin, Texas, and share updates on some exciting happenings in the beauty and salon industry. While our guest Micah Nickens is temporarily unavailable due to jury duty, Tom gives listeners a sneak peek of the incredible story to come—a New Orleans barber whose life was forever changed by a serious brain injury, inspiring resilience, mentorship, and personal growth.In addition to previewing Micah’s story, Tom covers:Updates on The FiLL Conference (May 18–20) and this year’s theme “AND”: combining people + profit, tech + touch, head + heart.Details about the 17% National Growth Challenge, helping service providers increase sales and elevate their business strategies. Early insights from the latest P&L study, highlighting trends in profit, labor costs, and top performers’ strategies. Recommendations for industry-focused content, including Wynn Claybaugh’s episode with Mike Rowe on Hairdressers Rule the World, showcasing the value and opportunities in cosmetology and trades.
March 6 · 44 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Thanh Pham
In this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom Kuhn sits down with Austin-based AI operator Thanh Pham for a fast-paced, eye-opening conversation about how AI is already transforming salons, from marketing and retail to bookings, retention, and beyond.Thanh shares practical, real-world examples salon owners can use immediately, including:Turning messy before-and-after photos into polished, post-ready images in secondsConverting a single photo into high-engagement video contentUsing AI to drive more five-star reviews (hint: it starts with the stylist)Deploying AI “agents” to answer phones, confirm appointments, manage cancellations, and capture missed revenue 24/7Improving inventory management, retail recommendations, and personalized follow-upBoosting client retention through smarter, automated communicationThe conversation also dives into the bigger questions:Will AI replace people — or elevate them?How do we balance efficiency with humanity?And where’s the ethical line between helpful and hollow?If you’re curious, cautious, or completely overwhelmed by AI, this episode will stretch your thinking and give you tangible ideas you can test right away. The future of salons isn’t either human or technology, it’s human and technology.
March 6 · 36 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Jodi Ohama
In this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom sits down with leadership coach and Circle facilitator Jodi Ohama for a candid conversation about what’s really happening inside leadership teams today.Drawing from insights in Qnity’s Circle groups and recent workplace research, they unpack the decline in manager engagement, especially among younger leaders and women — and what it means for performance, culture, and retention.They explore:Role overload and ambiguityThe shift from holding people accountable to holding them capableWhy coaching beats tellingThe importance of role clarity and KPI alignmentHow habits like triangulation erode trustIf you’re leading people in today’s fast-moving environment, this episode offers practical insight on building stronger, more engaged teams.
January 22 · 45 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Alain Audet
“Data’s Like a Bag of Chips: Insights from the Kim Report” Ever wonder what’s really driving salon revenue, services, and staffing trends? Tom Kuhn sits down with Alain Audet of the Kim Report to reveal the latest anonymized data from thousands of U.S. salons. From revenue growth driven by price increases to why adding staff doesn’t always mean more profit, this episode shows why in the beauty industry, “data is like a bag of chips—you can’t just stop at one number.” Tune in for real insights, lightbulb moments, and the numbers that are shaping the industry.
January 8 · 22 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Tom Kuhn, Qnity Founder
Kick off 2026 with clarity, focus, and a fresh game plan. In this solo episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom sets the tone for the year ahead with a powerful reset on intention, focus, and action. He shares Qnity’s word of the year Focus and explains why “not more, but better” is the mindset salons, spas, and med spas need right now.From there, Tom dives into two bold, community-driven challenges designed to tackle the industry’s biggest pressures head-on:The +1 Profit Challenge: a first-of-its-kind cohort helping companies uncover just one extra percentage point of profitability proving that small, focused moves can unlock massive impact.The National 17% Growth Challenge: a proven, team-based approach to sustainable revenue growth that’s already generated millions in new sales and helped practitioners reset their “normal” for good.Packed with real data, practical frameworks, and an energizing call to action, this episode is equal parts strategy session and pep talk. If you’re ready to refine your business, rally your team, and make 2026 a year of momentum, not just motion this one’s a must-watch.
Dec 18, 2025 · 31 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Debra Neill Baker
Beauty industry visionary. Inspired leader. Impassioned teacher. Debra Neill Baker serves as Chairman of Neill Corporation with a leadership philosophy rooted in possibility, creativity, and human potential. Known affectionately as the company’s “Chief Energy Officer,” Debra champions a culture where people are encouraged to think bigger, dream bolder, and bring their fullest selves to the work they do every day.Her calling is to inspire deeper, more curious thinking—sparking curiosity, expanding perspectives, and surrounding teams with fresh ideas, new inspiration, and innovative voices. Debra believes that leadership isn’t about directing; it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive, grow, and discover their own brilliance.
Dec 18, 2025 · 36 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Chris Wittich
In this episode, Tom talks with Chris, head of the tax department at Boyum & Barenscheer, about what salon owners need to know for 2025 taxes. Having guided hundreds of beauty businesses through PPP, ERC, and ongoing tax planning, he breaks down the new rules and how to avoid costly mistakes. Chris shares clear, actionable tips on the tip credit, deductions, and smart strategies for growing or multi-location salons. Whether you handle taxes in-house or work with a CPA, this episode gives you practical guidance to keep your salon profitable and compliant.
Dec 2, 2025 · 38 min
Lightbulb Moments | Featuring Kacy Smith and Tina Ruiz
This week, Tom chats with Kacy Smith, General Manager of James Griffith Salon, and Tina Ruiz, Operations Director and Managing Partner of Ruiz Salon Group. Kacy, who has spent the past 11 years growing within James Griffith Salon, shares how a front-desk role transformed into a calling rooted in teamwork, healthy challenge, and genuine connection, fueling her passion for creating a culture where both teams and clients feel cared for.Tina brings a contrasting yet complementary perspective, drawing on her Marine background to bring discipline, strategic clarity, and operational excellence to Ruiz Salon, while also exemplifying commitment through achievements like completing an Ironman. Together, they offer insights into leadership, culture, and continuous improvement — grounded in Kacy’s heart-centered approach and Tina’s systems-driven expertise.
Nov 6, 2025 · 40 min
Lightbulb Moments Featuring Erin Kuhn Bhansali, President and Partner of Qnity for Schools
In this episode of Lightbulb Moments, Tom sits down with Erin Kuhn Bhansali, President and Partner of Qnity for Schools, to explore the exciting launch of MONEY EDU 3.0, an elevated approach to financial literacy for beauty and wellness schools. Erin shares fresh insights on Gen Z's financial habits, reveals eye-opening survey results from students, and explains how this program is empowering the next generation of salon, spa, and med spa talent with the financial skills they need to excel in their careers post graduation. Discover how schools and employers can tap into this opportunity, connecting with Qnity Schools facilitating the MONEY EDU program to build a financially savvy workforce and fuel economic empowerment across the industry.

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