Published
15th Sep 2023
by Charlotte Grant-West
HJ spoke exclusively to Sophia Hilton ahead of her Salon Masterclass, Leadership for a New Life, where she will provide mentorship and strategies on how to deal with your business challenges. Click here to book tickets for the masterclass taking place at Salon International on Monday 16 October.
What are people going to learn about themselves in your masterclass?
Sometimes, even though we may think we are great bosses, there are blind spots that we just can’t see. I am there to help people find the blind spots. If we notice ourselves going through the same cycles with the same problems again and again, we have to think in a new way and that starts with us. Sometimes, that’s a hard pill to swallow.
What are people going to learn about their business?
They will learn how to balance their work and personal life better so that they are a better version of themselves. They will learn when they need to drive harder and when to push the brakes. Right now, salon owners are exhausted and they need a solid strategy.
I know you’ve spoken on inter-generational teams before but, in a nutshell, how can team members of different generations work harmoniously together?
If you’re stressed because you struggle to manage the kids of today, this is a great course for you. My education will help you understand them so that you get to enjoy the way that they operate, not get frustrated by it. You get older every year but they still come into the industry at the same age each year. So, if you don’t stay connected to them, you will not survive.
What do you love about being a boss?
Honestly, I love making people's dreams come true. I feel like I worked my whole career to be able to give people the gift of opportunity.
What are your least favourite parts about being a boss?
The emotional side of leadership. That’s why I teach the emotional management business - because nobody seems to talk about the amount of tears you cry and how hard it is to put on a brave face though the pressure.
What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?
Whilst you're busy growing others, don’t forget to grow yourself. We get so caught up in developing our teams that we forget to invest in ourselves. The better we are, the better we are for them.
