
Beauty Industry Leaders
Welcome to the no-BS podcast for beauty entrepreneurs who are here to lead.
This is for the ones raising the standards - not just in their own business, but for the entire industry.
Not for hobbyists or side hustlers. This is for those who are all in.
Each episode brings together raw, unfiltered conversations with beauty business owners - from service providers and product creators to educators and consultants, plus guest experts who are leading in their field. You’ll hear the real stories behind their success, the mistakes they’ve made, and the lessons that helped them evolve.
Hosted by Sammy Kennedy, a 7-figure entrepreneur, business strategist, and multi-industry disrupter - the Beauty Industry Leaders podcast, a show where legacy and leadership collide to spark industry evolution. With 17 years of hands-on experience in small business (across 8 family-run ventures and 3 of her own), Sammy delivers a fresh, strategic lens on what it actually takes to grow a profitable, scalable, and values-driven business in today’s competitive landscape.
In each weekly episode, you’ll hear real, raw conversations with small business owners, CEOs and guest experts covering everything from:
🔥 Mindset, Imposter Syndrome and your CEO Identity
🔥 Profitable Pricing & Cashflow Clarity
🔥 Leadership, Culture and Team Performance
🔥 Brand Positioning & Social Impact
🔥 Marketing Strategy That Converts
🔥 Sales & Client Conversion
🔥 Client Experience & Retention Strategies
🔥 Smart Systems & Business Efficiency
We shine a light on the silent achievers behind the scenes, the rising stars who are building with purpose, and the leaders at the top redefining what success looks like in the ever-changing beauty industry.
It’s a space to celebrate those doing incredible work behind the scenes, spotlight those who are shaping the future of our industry, and share practical, powerful insights that move us all forward.
Whether you’re leading the way or just finding your stride, you’ll feel at home here.
This podcast pays it forward - for the betterment of you, your business, and the beauty industry as a whole.
Subscribe to the podcast now so you don’t miss a moment and get ahead of the rest of the pack in this competitive industry.
Connect with Sammy and Join the Beauty Industry Leaders movement
https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/
Beauty Industry Leaders
When It’s Just Not Working - How To Handle Probation, Red Flags and Letting Someone Go
Ever had that sinking feeling that a new hire just isn’t working out - but you’re not sure what to do next?
In this episode, we are getting real about one of the hardest parts of leadership: navigating probation periods, spotting red flags, and knowing when (and how) to let someone go.
Elli shares a personal update about her journey into motherhood and what that’s taught her about boundaries, leadership, and grace. Sammy opens up about a recent experience with hiring a manager that didn’t go to plan, and what she learned the hard way about culture misalignment and communication.
In this episode, we cover:
✨ How to use probation periods properly - and why they matter more than you think
✨ Real talk on handling difficult team situations with confidence and clarity
✨ Why clear expectations, regular check-ins, and feedback are non-negotiables
✨ What to do when someone just isn’t the right fit, and how to handle exits with empathy
✨ The leadership growth that comes from tough (but necessary) decisions
Whether you're hiring your first team member or managing a growing crew, this episode will help you build a strong, values-driven team from the ground up.
💬 Hit play to learn how to handle those “it’s not working” moments like a true leader, without losing your mind.
I want to empower women in the beauty industry to create an impact, build an empire, and leave their legacy!
Ready to become an industry powerhouse?
Get more clients, more income, and your time back without burning out. Be among the first to access exclusive scripts, strategies, and systems to get booked, banked, and in demand.
https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/booked-banked-and-in-demand
Business retreat in Vietnam
https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/business-retreat-vietnam-feb-2026
If you have any questions about the episode, or have a burning question you’d like me to answer on the show, or if you’d like to join our movement of ambitious beauty leaders, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/