Celebrating a Decade: Reflections on Ten Years of Innovation and Community at Phorest

Susan interviews Alex Belisle Springer, the global content creator for Phorest Salon Software and co-host of the Phorest FM podcast. Alex shares his unique journey from a sound recording background to becoming a key figure in the beauty industry, highlighting his experiences at the recent Phorest Summit, which saw record attendance. The conversation delves into the evolution of the podcast, the importance of human connection, and the impact of storytelling in the industry. Alex reflects on his personal growth over the past decade with Phorest, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the exciting future of the podcast as it aims to amplify community voices and foster connections across the globe. KEY TAKEAWAYS Personal Growth Through Adversity: The journey shared highlights how personal loss can lead to significant life changes, prompting individuals to reassess their career paths and seek new experiences, such as traveling and exploring new opportunities. Importance of Community and Connection: The podcast emphasizes the value of human connection within the beauty industry, showcasing how sharing stories and experiences can foster relationships and support among professionals. Evolution of Content Creation: The transition from a traditional marketing role to a focus on podcasting and educational content illustrates the adaptability required in the industry. The podcast has evolved to include diverse voices and stories, enhancing its relevance and reach. Commitment to Education: The development of the Phorest Academy and various masterclasses reflects a dedication to providing valuable educational resources for salon owners and professionals, blending practical business insights with industry-specific knowledge. BEST MOMENTS "What I love is that the company has never lost that connection... it’s going to be a really special second episode that we do." - Susan "In 2015, I got a call from my half sister... she said they were in a car accident and they didn’t make it." - Alex I think podcasting would be a really good channel to add... it’s easy to just pop headphones in and multitask." - Alex "I can just imagine you telling Ronan all of this and he'd just be like, yeah, he's just like... he just takes it all in his stride." - Susan HOST BIO Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognised among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1, 2 and 3. She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide. USEFUL LINKS https://susanroutledge.com https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/ https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters SPONSOR https://www.phorest.com/ https://share.hsforms.com/1Z3Q1VRM8TNqfn11f4cZyPA1c4ta This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/