Beyond The Salon Chair

From Michael Jackson's Bodyguard to Millionaire Entrepreneur with Matt Fiddes

In this special one-year anniversary episode, Natasha sits down with martial arts entrepreneur and global franchise owner, Matt Fiddes. Matt shares his incredible journey from a bullied teenager who left school with no qualifications to building the largest martial arts franchise in the world, starting with just a £100 bank loan. Along the way, he discusses the reality of scaling a business, dealing with devastating early failures, and his ten years working as the personal bodyguard to Michael Jackson.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Start small but dream big: Matt launched his first martial arts school as a teenager with a £100 loan from Barclays Bank, working as a lifeguard for £2.75 an hour to raise the funds.  Resilience in the face of failure is crucial: His very first planned martial arts class had zero attendees because it tragically coincided with the morning Princess Diana died. Despite this massive setback and losing his initial investment, he persevered, re-booked the hall, and eventually filled it with over 100 students. Focus on the right priorities: Matt emphasises a strict hierarchy for a successful life: health first, family second, and business or money third. He also stresses the importance of having three distinct plans for your health and fitness, personal finances, and business. Surround yourself with the right people: To achieve massive success, you must place yourself in rooms where you are the least successful person. Matt credits his network, including high-level mentors and his close connection to Michael Jackson, for elevating his mindset and business acumen at a young age. Franchising requires a proven model: If you want to franchise a business, like an aesthetic clinic or a hair salon, you must first have a profitable, proven model with at least one year of good financial accounts. BEST MOMENTS "When you're backs up against the wall and you got nothing else you can do and no qualifications, you don't have a lot of choice really, Natasha." "Great minds think about ideas, medium minds think about things, small minds talk about people, gossip. You need to be in the great minds." "I was always the poorest person in the room by about several billion, so I was part of the greatest mastermind at 19 years old." "Money's the byproduct of you being successful. You need to focus in the right order: health, family, money." "If you don't love what you do, it will become work and when it's work you don't love it." TO CONNECT WITH MATT  inktr.ee/mattfiddes01 [https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fmattfiddes01%3Futm_source%3Dig%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_content%3Dlink_in_bio%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnj0kepqiVmt18tuRGycZKELA62uFj200_FGjiIVVfehb3-TpAlLIqCDCNkIw_aem_MHCNAJM3Da0sNJ16OW1MTg&e=AT64efoovLVhUOoOgRlsU0jKbxP8hM3w1FexLeZxQ-s_ziWJ78B0MS0MSWYEt2DbDcPgTaQsUL6QWBidvIkj8fNdvZ1IL99dRQjShqoHmg] OUR LINKS ⁠www.exquisitesalon.co⁠ [http://www.exquisitesalon.co] ⁠https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/] HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ [https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/]

Authenticity and Integrity: The Cornerstones of Conscious Leadership

In this episode, Natasha welcomes leadership and wealth mentor Julie Hobbin, who shares her transformative journey from a career in accountancy to becoming a champion of conscious leadership. Julie discusses her early experiences with ineffective management and how they inspired her to pursue a path of better leadership practices. Julie emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, integrity, and the interconnectedness of personal and professional growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Self-Awareness is Crucial: Understanding oneself and recognizing habits is essential for personal growth and effective leadership. Self-awareness allows individuals to identify what aspects of their behavior serve them and which do not. * Authenticity and Integrity: Being authentic means being true to oneself, but it must be coupled with integrity. Authenticity without integrity can lead to negative behaviors, while integrity provides a moral compass for decision-making. * Embrace Change: Change can be challenging, but it is often necessary for growth. The mindset with which one approaches change—whether viewing it as hard or easy—can significantly influence the outcome. * The Importance of Reputation: Reputation is built on both personal actions and online presence. It is crucial to be aware of how one is perceived by others, as this can impact opportunities and relationships. * Coaching vs. Mentoring: Mentors have experience in the specific area you want to learn about, while coaches focus on unlocking your potential through questioning and reflection.  BEST MOMENTS "When leaders wake up to who they really are, they start consciously creating results, their organizations, and their wealth." "One comment, one statement, one word, can ruin everything. Once we've said something, you cannot take it back." "There are a lot of people out there that may be scared to... they're in that safety net and security and just think, 'Oh, I can't do that.'" "Our feelings are our choice. We make our choices from either a reaction to something or a response." "When we change, we are the one that becomes the alien to everybody around us who's always known us." OUR LINKS ⁠www.exquisitesalon.co⁠ [http://www.exquisitesalon.co] ⁠https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/] HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ [https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/]

Empowering Change: How AI Can Enhance Human Rights Advocacy with Dana Shdeed

In this episode, Natasha welcomes Dana Shdeed, an accomplished AI human rights researcher with over 20 years of experience in international development projects. Dana shares her inspiring journey from her early career in Lebanon, where she witnessed the impact of war on human rights, to her current focus on integrating AI with human rights objectives.  KEY TAKEAWAYS * Passion for Human Rights: Dana's journey into human rights began with her early experiences in Lebanon, where she witnessed the impact of conflict on society. This motivated her to advocate for human rights and sustainable development goals. * Integration of AI and Human Rights: Dana emphasizes the importance of aligning artificial intelligence with human rights objectives. She believes that AI can empower individuals and enhance the ethical use of technology in society. * Educational Journey: Dana's academic path includes a degree in computer engineering and ongoing PhD studies focused on AI for human rights. Her mother's encouragement to pursue higher education played a significant role in her commitment to lifelong learning. * Future Plans: Dana is developing the World Human Conscience Framework, which aims to promote conscience-based decision-making in various sectors, including business and NGOs. This initiative seeks to bridge personal values with universal principles to enhance social impact. * Consultancy and Training: Dana offers consultancy and training programs to help businesses measure their social impact. She provides initial free consultations to introduce her framework and assist organizations in understanding the value of their contributions to society. BEST MOMENTS "AI is now being used everywhere and we need to make sure that it works in alignment with the human rights objectives and that it continues to boost human rights." "You need to feel it to know it. You need to do it to know it. And I think that if it's something on your mind, try it." "Sometimes we have to live through things to really get the passion for it." "What is missing is conscience-based decision-making... It's that voice inside of you that tells you this is right and this is wrong." "I want to bring that into that space... to ensure that what we are providing is fit for purpose for as many as possible of the target audience we're working with." OUR LINKS ⁠www.exquisitesalon.co⁠ [http://www.exquisitesalon.co] ⁠https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/] HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ [https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/]

Finding Fulfilment: Vaida Stone's Journey from Financial Advisor to Empowering Speaker

In this episode, Natasha welcomes Vaida Stone, an international speaker, author, and founder of the Always Enough Method. With over 25 years of experience in education and finance, Vaida shares her journey of discovering the deep connection between mind, heart, and money. Vaida discusses the importance of financial literacy, particularly for women, and how childhood experiences shape our relationship with money.  KEY TAKEAWAYS * Connection Between Mind, Heart, and Money: The Always Enough Method emphasizes the importance of aligning one's emotions, mindset, and financial well-being to achieve true fulfillment and happiness. * Financial Literacy Gaps: Many educational systems fail to teach essential personal finance management skills, leaving individuals unprepared to handle their finances effectively in adulthood. * Childhood Influences on Financial Attitudes: Early experiences and family discussions about money significantly shape an individual's relationship with finances, impacting their confidence and financial decisions later in life. * Challenges and Resilience: Personal challenges, such as losing parents at a young age and navigating divorce, can serve as catalysts for growth and empowerment, motivating individuals to seek financial independence and inspire others. * Practical Guidance and Resources: The speaker offers practical tools and resources, including a workbook and a masterclass, to help individuals, particularly women, improve their financial literacy and foster healthier relationships with money. BEST MOMENTS "Sometimes it's not about how much money you're earning, but if your heart doesn't feel whole, you don't feel enough as a personality." "If you don't have a foundation, how can you understand how everything is working?" "There are a lot of people listening who actually may have financial fulfillment but might not still be happy." "Money is not math. We need to look deeper into our relationship with money." "You can be fulfilled and whole only if you connect your mind, heart, and money." TO PURCHASE VAIDA’S BOOK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Always-Enough-Achieve-Financial-Freedom/dp/B0C7T1V2NJ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Always-Enough-Achieve-Financial-Freedom/dp/B0C7T1V2NJ] OUR LINKS ⁠www.exquisitesalon.co⁠ [http://www.exquisitesalon.co] ⁠https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/] HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ [https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/]

The Power of Energy: Uplifting Clients Behind the Salon Chair

In this solo episode, Natasha delves into the crucial topic of the energy stylists bring to their work behind the chair. Natasha emphasizes the profound impact that a stylist's energy can have on clients, who often seek not just a haircut but an uplifting experience during their visit. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Energy Impact: The energy that stylists bring to their work is crucial, as it significantly affects the client's experience and overall mood during their visit. * Client Connection: Understanding the emotional state of clients is important; some may share their struggles while others may not, but all clients benefit from an uplifting atmosphere. * Self-Care for Stylists: Stylists must prioritize their own well-being and recharge to ensure they can provide positive energy to their clients. * Clientele Attraction: The energy of a stylist influences the type of clients they attract; high-energy stylists may draw in lively clients, while calm stylists may appeal to those seeking a more relaxed experience. * Salon Environment: The ambiance of a salon, including music and overall atmosphere, plays a significant role in shaping the energy and experience for both clients and stylists. BEST MOMENTS "The energy that you bring as a stylist behind the chair is so, so, so important." "It's not just about doing the hair... it's more to do with the feeling on how they're made to feel." "The energy that you attract behind the chair is so, so important for your business, for your communication, for attracting customers." "If you're a high impact type of person, you more than likely can relate and will attract somebody of the same energy as yours." "Be aware of the energy that you are bringing to the table, to the chair, to the salon, to the environment that you're in." OUR LINKS ⁠www.exquisitesalon.co⁠ [http://www.exquisitesalon.co] ⁠https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/] HOST BIO Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ [https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/]