MELISSA KALAN NEW CEO OF THE AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSING COUNCIL

By Louise May

Melissa Kalan’s career has been shaped by a strong foundation in business efficiency, business growth, education and advocacy, and she comes from strong customer service brands. She also began her career under a traineeship, which gave her a wonderful start and platform to grow her career, and she further honed her business skills during her six years as a sole trader while she had her family.

Melissa’s former roles allowed her to develop a keen eye for monitoring consumer trends, shifts in booking and purchase behaviour, and setting pricing strategies based on customer needs and wants. This experience has instilled in her a passion for helping businesses thrive by leveraging additional revenue streams, improving efficiency, and advocating for better outcomes. During that time, Melissa had the privilege of assisting many small business operators, which gave her a deep appreciation for the vital role that small businesses play in our economy. With 2.5 million small businesses in Australia, they are truly the heart of the nation, and hairdressing salons are an essential and important part of local communities too.

What drew you to put yourself forward for the CEO role with the AHC, and what excites you most about this new role?

The hairdressing industry is a complex landscape with a rich, deep history and countless success stories. It provides multiple career pathways, making it an attractive sector for those looking to join, and it’s bursting with creativity and innovation. What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to bring my experience in advocacy and association leadership to an industry that is not only vital to the economy but is made up of a diverse section of business operators and people.

I enjoy delivering and driving value for all members to help them succeed and building thriving communities. I was drawn to the role because I believe my skills in business efficiency, growth, and consumer analysis can also help the industry navigate its challenges whilst showcasing and capitalising on its strengths.

How has your past career prepared you for leading the AHC, and what unique perspectives do you bring?

My past career, and particularly in my role as the CEO of the Australian Revenue Management Association, has equipped me with a strong foundation in association leadership and advocacy focused on driving better outcomes for people. I have a proven track record of helping businesses adapt to changing market conditions by monitoring consumer trends and developing pricing strategies that align with customer needs. My experience as a sole trader also allows me to bring a unique perspective to the table, as I understand the day-to-day challenges small business operators face because I’ve lived them.

I have deep experience with education and training, having received accreditation for a nationally recognised VET course and developing and facilitating a postgraduate qualification. Additionally, as a customer of the hairdressing industry, I bring an independent lens that allows me to see opportunities for improvement that might not be immediately apparent to those entrenched in the daily grind. Further, I have experience in event management and stakeholder relations and always seek to understand the objectives of all and the many moving parts to ensure the best outcomes for members and the industry.

How do you plan to continue and expand upon the work done by your predecessor, Sandy Chong?

The Board, Sandy and the team have done a wonderful job leading the AHC and advocating for the industry, especially through the pandemic. My first primary goal is connecting with members and key stakeholders and listening to them to understand their challenges, needs and wants to ensure the AHC can continue building on the foundation established, while also exploring new avenues for growth and innovation.

I bring an independent perspective and aim to focus on strategies that address the current challenges faced by small business operators. This includes a focus on enhancing business efficiency, education and training, and exploring new revenue streams whilst supporting innovative ways of doing business, to ensure the industry is attractive to join and has a strong talent pipeline.

I also aim to strengthen the AHC’s advocacy efforts, ensuring that the needs and concerns of our members are heard at every level of government.

What are some challenges you anticipate in your new role, and how do you plan to address them?

One of the main challenges I anticipate is helping small businesses navigate the current economic climate and plan to focus on providing members with the tools and resources they need to help them adapt and pivot. There are many forces and pressures on business operators, coupled with at times irrational and non-consultative policy decisions, along with the ongoing post-pandemic ripple effect on many businesses, including the impact on mental health along with skills shortages. Additionally, I’ll be working to ensure that the AHC remains a strong advocate for the industry, particularly in areas where policy and regulation impact our members. However, as time is of the essence, improving business productivity and doing smarter business is also essential to explore.

How do you like to spend your free time? Do you have any hobbies or interests that might surprise our readers?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and play the piano for relaxation and distraction from the day to day. I’m also passionate about continuous learning and do a lot of reading for both personal and professional development. In my younger years I was a competitive dancer and enjoy watching all forms of dance and attending the theatre any chance I get. I also love a good scary movie!

What do you believe are the key qualities of a successful leader, especially when entering a new industry?

A successful leader needs to be adaptable, curious, and open to new ideas. When entering a new industry, it’s important to listen, learn, and understand the unique dynamics at play. I believe that my ability to analyse situations, spot trends, and translate that information into actionable strategies will be key in helping me lead the AHC effectively. Additionally, I think it’s crucial to have empathy and a genuine passion for the industry you’re leading. I treat everyone how I would like to be treated and am consistent, clear and transparent in my dealings with people. This also helps build trust and credibility, which are essential for any leader.

What message do you have for the people in the hair industry of Australia as you begin your journey with the AHC?

My message to the hair industry is one of optimism and opportunity. While we face challenges, I believe that by working together and embracing innovation, we can not only overcome these challenges but also thrive. I’m here to listen, to learn, and to advocate on your behalf. I’m excited to be part of an industry that is so rich in creativity and business success stories, and I look forward to working with all of you to build a stronger, more resilient future for the Australian hairdressing community.

What projects or initiatives are you currently focused on at the AHC, and what impact do you hope they will have on the industry?

Currently, I am excited about our collaboration with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) in a new pilot project aimed at driving interest in careers within the hairdressing and barbering industry. This initiative is all about shining a light on the incredible opportunities available in our sector and connecting passionate job seekers with employers who are ready to nurture new talent. I am thrilled that one of our AHC member’s young apprentices is competing on the world stage in Lyon, France as part of the WorldSkills Australian team, which is a wonderful news story for the apprentice, our member and the industry.

I am also really looking forward to working with SaCSA, our Jobs and Skills Council, as part of a working group who over the next 6-12 months will begin addressing the most critical workforce challenges identified by the Personal Services sector! SaCSA were guests at our recent AHC Industry Day, where this subject was widely discussed.