Fiona Beamish on Leading the Future of Hairdressing, Parenting Teens, and Doing What Matters
By Emily Ciardiello | The Dressing Gown CEO Podcast
Why this conversation matters
When I sat down with Fiona Beamish, interim CEO of the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC), for my podcast show, The Dressing Gown CEO, I expected leadership gems. What I didn’t expect was a deep, moving conversation about growth — not just in business, but in parenting, mindset, and what success really looks like in today’s hair industry.
Fiona’s journey — from apprentice to salon owner, mentor to CEO — is packed with insight for anyone navigating the highs and lows of creative business ownership.
The training reform every salon owner should care about
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode? The AHC is finally rewriting the national training package for hairdressers and barbers — something that hasn’t been touched in eight years.
This means salon owners, educators, and even apprentices now have the chance to shape the future of hairdressing education in Australia.
Fiona explains how salon owners can get involved, why it matters, and how a more relevant, practical training model will lift the entire industry.
Mindset, boundaries, and doing what matters
Fiona spoke openly about how her leadership success comes down to mindset — and who you choose to surround yourself with.
“Don’t focus on doing more. Focus on doing more of what matters.”
Whether you’re feeling stretched too thin, comparing yourself on social media, or wondering how to keep up with constant change — this reminder hits hard. Especially in an industry where it’s easy to feel like more is always better.
Parenting in a filtered world
As two mums to teenagers, Fiona and I couldn’t help but dive into parenting in the age of social media. From body image to communication breakdowns, we shared our real experiences — and some of the tools we’re trying to pass on to our kids.
“You are enough” might sound cliché, but it’s a phrase we both now whisper to our children — and to ourselves.
If you’ve ever struggled with the pressure of being everything to everyone, this part of the episode will speak to you.
The future of salons and Generation Alpha
With Gen Alpha entering the workforce in the coming years, Fiona reminds us that the client and employee experience is evolving fast.
Text, DM, WhatsApp — younger generations want different things from their salon experience. The salons that succeed will be those that adapt their systems, language, and leadership styles to meet these needs.
The AHC’s Leadership Summit and Industry Day are both designed to help salon owners prepare for this shift — with speakers like futurist Mark McCrindle, live panel discussions, and real-time feedback on training reforms.
Real leadership in real time
This episode is more than just a chat — it’s a reminder that connection, community, and clarity matter more than ever. Whether you're managing a team, mentoring the next generation, or just trying to find balance between business and life, Fiona’s grounded approach will inspire you.
Listen to the full episode
If you're a salon owner, educator, parent, or simply a human trying to do life with intention — this conversation is for you.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your shows by searching The Dressing Gown CEO.
Key takeaways:
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Be part of shaping the new training package — the AHC wants your voice
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Mindset and boundaries are your biggest leadership tools
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Parenting teens today requires more grace and communication than ever
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Gen Alpha will change how we do business — are you ready?
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Don’t do more — do more of what matters
Upcoming AHC Events:
Industry Day
Date: Friday 14 June 2025
Location: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Focus: Training reform, education panels, government and RTO input
Audience: Salon owners, apprentices, RTOs, educators
Leadership Summit
Date: Saturday 15 June 2025
Location: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Focus: Generational change, future forecasting, AI, keynote with Mark McCrindle
Audience: Leaders, managers, creatives, industry visionaries
Schmooze Fest
Date: Evening of Saturday 15 June 2025
Location: Immediately following the Leadership Summit
Focus: Connection, community, networking over cocktails
Audience: Open to all attendees of the Leadership Summit (included in ticket)
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