MBE 2023 WEEKENDER Presented by KAO Salon Alliance

What an absolute treat it was for CEO and founder of mocha group, Linda Woodhead and General Manager Jarred Stedman, to be invited to the welcome return of the MBE Weekender presented by KAO Salon Alliance (Goldwell Australia) for two incredible days of networking and inspiration at Sydney’s stunning Ivy Ballroom.

The weekend kicked off with a day of Keynote Speakers to elevate business strategy and personal development, followed by a day of creative inspiration and education led by the KAO talented Global and local Artists.

Hosted with humour was MC Nick Bartlett, firstly introducing General Manager of Kao Salon Australia and NZ, Rita Marcon welcoming the 250+ strong audience.

First cab off the speaker rank was AMANDA STEVENS. Renowned thought leader on customer experience, Amanda shared share her personal account of what it takes to build long-term resilience in business and in our personal lives, by stepping outside our comfort zone and practicing ‘Everyday Bravery’ a little each day.

Key takeaways here were to be mindful of the changes in the world and how agility has been forced upon us all. She spoke about the rise of the millennial, 42 year olds currently being the biggest spenders and how 70 is the new 55!

She emphasised how important it was to celebrate milestones of our clients having not been able to do this in the past few ‘Covid’ years and her love of the Japanese word and culture of OMOTANASHI –meaning giving exceptional service.

Next Up was SEAMUS EVANS, who, lives with non-swearing Tourette Syndrome, and has turned his adversity into a strength, which has been the driving force in his career. Seamus shared his journey overcoming the challenges associated with Tourette Syndrome to work in TV and pursue a career in the public eye. This was all about being solution focussed and looking at how confidence translates to being sure of your own abilities but not feeling superior. He has certainly mastered the art of turning your Flaw into A Superpower

Chris Hudson, Country manager at KAO Australia then led a panel of three insoiring women to talk about Wellness, Finance and Health.

IDA ALMASI, Co founder of the beautiful wellness retreat Soma in Byron Bay spoke about our Zones of incompetence, Competence and Excellence and how to rmain in what she referred to as our best Flow state.

JESSICA BRADY, money expert, financial adviser and professional speaker spoke candidly about why the subject of Money is taboo and how to overcome that, as well as keeping a bank account, talking about financial success more and made us all think about having more discussion around the subject.

CAITLYN QUIN, musical theatre performer and pilates instructor gave us some practical exercises and talked about the importance of even doing just a little of something every day to get our bodies moving. She stressed that the weak spots for hairdressers’ are the neck, shoulders and wrists and suggested that one way to start would be to change the habit of grabbing our phones in the morning and just do a 5 min stretch!

Finally, we heard from CRAIG HOLLYWOOD, who In 2015 whilst sitting in a barbershop came up with the idea of offering free haircuts to people in need. Calling it Short Back & Sidewalks, it’s now grown into a national organisation that has positively impacted the lives of over 10,000 people. He can’t cut hair, he’s a civil engineer. But knows the power of a fresh new cut, and more so, the power of a conversation. He was also named Australian of the Year in 2022 and spoke about ho hairdressers are the accidental counsellors of society, urging all to help where they could to create positive Connections with people in need. A powerful session.

That night is was time to celebrate with the MBE Weekender Party celebrating Goldwell’s 75 Year Diamond Anniversary, where guests were urged to to sparkle, shine, dazzle and delight... or embrace full bling as together we celebrated this incredible milestone at The Establishment Bar.

Day 2, an eager crowd arrived to a transformed Ivy Ballroom, with full stage and catwalk to be inspired by Global and Local Artistic Talent, presenting fresh techniques in styling and color work, sending models down the runway and unveiling exciting new launches for 2023.

Delegates enjoyed local talent:-

Shane Henning & Megan Evans: Celebrating 75 Years of Goldwell

Jason Fassbender, Kirby Lago & Amanda Magistro: Kerasilk Masterbrand

Alannah Read: Unveiling Goldwell Topchic Zero

Ali Holmes & Piet Pantano: KMS Styling for campaign shoots & fashion shows

And from overseas came:-

ADAM LIVERMORE - Renowned US Stylist, Colorist and Oribe International Educator. Currently working at Muze Salon in NYC, his work is seen on the runways of Paris, Milan and New York, on countless celebrities and across the pages of international magazines. Straight from NYFW, Adam showcased the trending fashion looks created for Oribe fashion partners.

And Finally:-

One of the world’s most celebrated hairstylists –ANGELO SEMINARA.

As both an Artistic Director and a working Stylist, Angelo’s creative vision and cutting- edge technique have blazed countless trails for fellow Stylists and Colorists. At MBE Weekender, Angelo showcased his journey with Goldwell, celebrating his ground breaking Nocturnal, Bolt, Glance and Hair every Wear collections.

It was certainly good to be back with a plethora of talent, inspiration and business tips.

BRAVO TO ALL THE FOLK AT KAO AUSTRALIA FOR A GEAT WEEKEND AND THANKS AGAIN FOR INVITING THE MOCHA TEAM TO SHARE THE EXPERIENCE.