What happens when context is missing? Gordon explores how context shapes meaning—and why misunderstandings often happen when pieces of the story are missing. In an industry built on communication, understanding context may be one of the most important skills we have." (tagline -if this is helpful: Understanding context may be the most underrated professional skill.)

word. with Gordon Miller. Each episode begins with a word — but it never ends there. Gordon explores the ideas, language, and narratives shaping the professional salon industry. Because, simply put, the words we choose… shape everything we do.

This week marks the end of one pod and the birth of another! Thanks to all who have listened in for 135 episodes of this title -and be sure to come back January 7th for Episode 1 of my all-new BUZZ by Gordon podcast. In the meantime, hit play for my year-end talk about data-driven insights and business trends relative to salons. Wishing all a wonderful holiday season and an amazing start to another new year!! -gordon :-)

A quick episode offering some context on the uncertain times we find ourselves in. Reading the consumer press, it's hard not to be concerned about the direction of our larger US economy. And although we are not (yet) officially in a recession, being aware so that we can best react (proactively, ideally) and plan is the best place for most of us to start.

*Note: this episode was published originally as #112

I'm excited to welcome back @growmysalonbusiness founder Antony Whitaker to discuss the state of the industry during what I consider to be 'fuzzy' economic times, the importance(and power)of investing in yourself to solve business and career challenges, and much more (all related to the business side of creating long-term success). Note: Be sure to check out one of my favorite industry podcasts: Grow My Salon Business, hosted by Antony Whitaker.

*Note: this episode was published originally as #109

As 2025 begins to quickly wind down, i take a look at texts i've sent myself over the last month or so - all connected to what i view as important ideas and trends that impact us all. Note to my regular listeners: 2026 is bringing changes to this podcast—a new name, direction, and focus. Stay tuned for more on that!

Debra Neill Baker is CEO of the Neill Education company, an iconic organization with an 80-year history of innovating in the categories of distribution, salons, schools, manufacturers, salon software & events. We talk about the power of curation when connected to vision and values - as part of a deep conversation about Serious Business 2026.

In the final episode of my series on salon tech, Paul Tate, a leading figure in pro salon tech, digs into the value of data to brands, salons, and pros. Paul shares a sampling of findings from the KIM report, an industrywide project spearheaded by Salon Interactive. The KIM report partners with POS, booking and payment processing platforms to aggregate data to provide meaningful “Key Industry Metrics” to help our larger industry understand the challenges and opportunities ahead of us all.