The ABIC Podcast

Has resilience become a lost art? When life or business changes unexpectedly, how do we find the confidence to take the next step?

In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re joined by Sue Sparrow, Founder and Director of Sparrow Insurance, to explore what resilience means for the people behind our clinics, salons and spas.

With more than 30 years connected to the beauty and aesthetics industry, Sue brings insight into the moments that test business owners most. From client claims and equipment damage to illness and business interruption, we discuss how preparation, clear decisions and the right support can help owners navigate uncertainty.

Together, we consider whether the pressure to keep going leaves us less prepared to adapt, ask for help or change direction. We also explore the risks owners overlook, the conversations they postpone and what deserves attention in the first 24 to 72 hours after a serious incident.

For anyone carrying responsibility for clients, teams and livelihoods, this conversation explores how to build resilience before it is tested and find a way forward when things change.

This episode is proudly brought to you by Sparrow Insurance.

Enjoying the ABIC Podcast? Subscribe on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, follow us on ⁠Spotify ⁠and leave a review. Stay connected with us on Instagram at ⁠@aestheticbeautycouncil.

What should clinic owners look for in a partnership that will create lasting value, rather than drain time, money and attention?

In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re joined by Nancy Abdou, Founder and Director of The Australian Dermal & Laser Institute. Nancy brings together clinical, educational and business experience to explore how clinics can make clearer, more confident partnership decisions.

Together, we explore:

• The early signs that a partnership is likely to deliver long-term value.

• The difference between a genuine partner and a polished sales pitch.

• How to help a new treatment or device become part of everyday clinic practice.

Whether you’re considering a new supplier, device or business partnership, this conversation offers practical ways to look beyond the sales pitch and make decisions that support your clients, team and clinic.

This episode is proudly brought to you by The Australian Dermal & Laser Institute

Enjoying the ABIC Podcast? Subscribe on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, follow us on ⁠Spotify ⁠and leave a review. Stay connected with us on Instagram at ⁠@aestheticbeautycouncil.

What does it really take to build an independent aesthetics practice that can grow without consuming every hour of your week?

In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re joined by Max Hayward, co-founder of Aesthetic Nurse Software, to explore the business responsibilities that come with going independent — from consent and clinical records to client retention, stock and cash flow.

Max shares how his mum Jo’s experience of starting her own aesthetics practice inspired a family solution that became a growing business, and what that journey taught him about supporting independent practitioners.

Together, we explore:

• The practical challenges of moving from practitioner to business owner.
• Managing paperwork, clinical photography, treatment records and follow-up.
• The role of customer service and community in business growth.
• The business numbers independent practitioners need to understand.
• Three priorities for starting out, three for the next stage of growth, and practical steps established owners can take now.

Whether you’re preparing to go independent or already running your own practice, this conversation offers practical insights into building a business that supports both your clients and your working life.

This episode is proudly brought to you by Aesthetic Nurse Software.

Enjoying the ABIC Podcast? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, follow us on Spotifyand leave a review. Stay connected with us on Instagram at @aestheticbeautycouncil.

What if the future of results-driven skin is not about doing more—but knowing when to pause?

In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we're joined by Sam from The Skin Bar for OmniDerm and Dr. Spiller Biomimetic Skincare, to explore why barrier health must sit at the centre of sustainable skin outcomes.

Together, we unpack:

•

Why the industry has become conditioned to equate intensity with results

•

How compromised and over-treated skin presents in clinical practice

•

Why clients can mistake peeling, heat and visible reactions for progress

•

The difference between hydrating the skin and supporting its hydro-lipidic barrier

•

How to recognise when skin is ready for correction—and when it needs protection, replenishment or restraint

•

The role of consultation, homecare and client education in barrier recovery

•

How a barrier-intelligent approach can strengthen trust, retention and long-term treatment outcomes

This episode challenges the idea that results must come from constantly pushing the skin. The future of advanced skin practice may not be about doing less—it may be about making smarter decisions based on what the skin can tolerate, repair and sustain.

This episode is proudly brought to you by OmniDerm, the Australian distributor of Dr. Spiller Biomimetic Skincare.

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠** or ‘follow’ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, **and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us ⁠⁠⁠⁠@aestheticbeautycouncil

The client journey no longer begins when someone walks through your clinic door. It begins the moment they search, message, call, read a review—or wait for a response.

In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, Ramey Shehata from Podium Software joins us to explore why faster communication, AI and trust have become business-critical for clinics, salons, spas and medical aesthetic businesses.

Together, we unpack:

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Why slow responses can erode trust before the relationship begins

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Where businesses may be losing enquiries, bookings and loyalty without realising it

•

How missed calls and inconsistent follow-up affect the entire client journey

•

Why reviews have become part of the client’s decision-making process

•

How AI and automation can support better service without replacing human care

•

What should never be automated in a high-trust business

•

The communication systems modern clinics should review and strengthen

This is an insightful conversation about the client journey before the treatment room—and how becoming easier to contact, trust and return to can support stronger conversion, retention and long-term growth.

This episode is proudly brought to you by Podium Software

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠** or ‘follow’ on ⁠Spotify⁠, **and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us ⁠@aestheticbeautycouncil

Acne is often treated as a stubborn skin problem—but could stubborn thinking be part of the problem?

In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re joined by Kris Astroff for Circadia Australia to explore acne through the lens of circadian rhythm, inflammation, barrier recovery, sleep, stress, sebum and treatment timing.

Together, we challenge some of the simplified and outdated narratives that continue to shape professional acne care. We examine why aggressive treatment can sometimes work against the skin, how its functions and needs change between day and night, and what therapists should consider when assessing skin readiness, treatment response and client lifestyle.

We also discuss the pressure practitioners face to keep pace with evolving evidence, the importance of questioning supplier education and marketing claims, and how clinic owners can build a stronger culture of ongoing learning and evidence-aware practice.

This clinically responsible conversation is for clinic owners, skin therapists, dermal clinicians, beauty therapists and educators who want to think more critically about acne and create more informed consultation and treatment practices.

This episode is brought to you by Circadia Australia, ABIC Foundation Partner.

Learn more at https://circadia.com.au/

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

Why do so many talented people in beauty and aesthetics still end up on the wrong path?

In this episode, Megan Rees unpacks the hidden career mistakes that hold students and practitionersback, from choosing the wrong qualification too early to misunderstanding where beauty, dermal, and nursing truly diverge.

This is a conversation about career clarity, credibility, long-term opportunity, and what it really takes to build a future in this industry with substance.

This episode is brought to you by Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal ScienceThe ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

Today’s episode is a rare opportunity to step inside the mind of someone who has shaped the Australian beauty and aesthetics landscape more than most people realise.

For over four decades, Maria Cocciolone, Founder and CEO of INSKIN Cosmedics, has been a driving force behind some of the most respected brands, philosophies, and education frameworks in modern skin health. But this conversation isn’t about products, protocols, or business milestones. It’s about the psychology, values and quiet discipline behind a lifetime of impact.

We explore the defining moments that forged her leadership style, the mindset she leans on when navigating uncertainty, and the habits that fuel her ability to innovate without compromise. Maria’s reflections offer uncommon clarity for clinic owners, practitioners, and entrepreneurs who want to build something meaningful, sustainable, and future-focused in an industry that reinvents itself every few years.

From decision-making patterns and creative tension, to scaling with purpose and leading with heart—this is a conversation about what truly drives excellence, and why mindset is the real differentiator between businesses that plateau and those that evolve.

Let’s dive into this deeply insightful and intimate discussion with the incredible Maria Cocciolone.

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

In this episode, we’re joined by Marketta Gray, Education Manager at Holmesglen Institute, one of Australia’s most respected education providers, for an important discussion on the evolving identity of beauty therapy as a skilled, clinical and highly human profession.

Coming into the department from outside the traditional beauty pathway, Marketta offers a fresh perspective on how the beauty industry is perceived — and why that perception often fails to reflect the depth of skill required in modern practice.

Together, we explore why beauty is often labelled a “soft trade,” the technical and clinical capabilities expected of today’s practitioners, the connection between beauty therapy and allied health principles, and the vital role emotional intelligence plays in client care, confidence and wellbeing.

The conversation also examines resilience in practitioners, ethical responsibility in shaping beauty standards, the importance of normalising diverse skin conditions, and how education must continue to evolve to better bridge the gap between training and real-world industry expectations.

This is a thoughtful conversation about professional identity, respect, responsibility, and the future of beauty education 🎧

This episode is brought to you by Holmesglen Institute.

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

Today we’re joined by Nancy Abdou, Founder and Director of The Australian Dermal & Laser Institute, one of Australia’s most respected dermal educators and an authority in evidence-based treatment planning.

With a unique blend of clinical experience, advanced skin expertise, and years spent training therapists across the country, Nancy understands the real-world challenges practitioners face when combining multiple modalities.

She works closely with clinics to strengthen consultation skills, refine clinical judgement, and build structured treatment pathways that prioritise safety, barrier integrity, and long-term results.

At the ABIC Electrology Symposium, Nancy will be unpacking one of the most complex—but essential—skills in modern practice: safe sequencing. Today, she’s here to give us a deeper look at the frameworks, pitfalls, and mindset shifts that help transform reactive troubleshooting into confident, proactive planning.

This episode is brought to you by The Australian Dermal & Laser Institute

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re joined by Joanie Gonella, Certified Professional Electrologist, educator, and co-founder of the Electrology Education Coalition, to explore the role education plays in shaping competent, ethical and confident electrology practitioners.

With over two decades of clinical and teaching experience, Joanie shares why strong foundational training is critical, how gaps in early education can surface later in practice, and why ongoing learning — including the willingness to unlearn outdated methods — is essential as technology and client expectations evolve.

This conversation examines education not as a one-time qualification, but as a long-term commitment that directly impacts treatment outcomes, professional judgement and career sustainability.

This episode is brought to you by Electrology Education Coalition

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

Today, we’re diving into a topic that affects every clinic, salon, and skincare professional: skin misinformation — and how education can rebuild trust between the public and our industry.

Joining us are two passionate educators who are helping Australians cut through the noise with clear, science-based skin guidance: Tracey Mead, Founder of Skin & Health Solutions Education, and Bianca Robertson, Dermal Therapist and Clinical Educator.

Together, they’ve made it their mission to make skin knowledge accessible not only to professionals, but also to everyday Australians — parents, teens, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by mixed messages online.

If you’re a clinic owner, dermal therapist, beauty therapist, or skincare professional — this is your reminder that education is one of the most powerful tools you have.

To learn more, visit https://www.skinandhealtheducation.com.au/or connect with Tracey and Bianca.

This episode is brought to you by the Aesthetic & Beauty Industry Council (ABIC)

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

What if the future of skin rejuvenation isn’t more heat, more trauma, or more downtime, but a return to nature’s own regenerative blueprint?

In this groundbreaking episode of the ABIC podcast, host Stefanie Milla is joined by Kamil Szymanski, a globally respected educator and Aesthetic Practitioner from Ireland to explore Spongilla spicules—a bio-intelligent skin remodelling treatment that’s changing how we think about treating the skin.

Together, they unpack the science behind this ancient aquatic ingredient and its advanced clinical application in modern aesthetics. But this conversation goes far beyond one treatment. We explore the overuse of ablative and heat-based technologies, particularly for ageing, menopausal and barrier-compromised skin. We explore the biological impact of aggressive treatments, the hormonal realities of mature skin, and the need to expand our treatment toolbox with innovations that work with the skin, not against it.

Discover how SQT’s natural spicules stimulate advanced dermal rejuvenation without heat, excessive trauma or downtime, and how this shift signals a broader industry movement toward holistic, sustainable skin health.

If you’re a clinic, salon, or spa owner ready to innovate your treatment menu, elevate your results, and meet the evolving needs of today’s skin-savvy clients, this episode will reshape your perspective, and your protocols.

This episode is brought to you by SQT Bio-Microneedling Australia

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

We’re told to focus on client experience, but the world’s top brands are focusing on client psychology.

In this elevated and thought provoking episode, our host ABIC CEO, Stef Milla sits down with Emma Winen and Chloe Wilson from Shortcuts Australia to explore a radical shift: what if your software isn’t just a tool, it’s part of your brand?

In an era where luxury is redefined by ease, intelligence, and emotional resonance, the most successful clinics aren’t run like clinics at all, they’re run like consumer brands.

You’ll uncover how behavioural science, neuro-marketing, and intuitive technology are reshaping the client journey, and how your tech stack is silently influencing trust, prestige, loyalty, and even perceived clinical outcomes.

Expect insights, science-backed strategy, and disruptive thinking that will leave you questioning everything from your online booking system to your post-treatment follow-up.

If you’re ready to shift from being a service provider to becoming an unforgettable brand, this is the episode for you.

This episode is brought to you by Shortcuts Australia

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

Welcome to the ABIC Podcast, where we bring you the conversations that shape the future of our industry. Today’s episode is all about voice, your voice and the authentic human voice and why it’s the most powerful tool you have in an era where artificial intelligence is everywhere.

Here’s the truth: AI can write faster, but it can’t write you. It can’t capture the quirks, the soul, the lived perspective that makes words move people. And while every brand has a voice, not every brand knows how to use it. That’s where a professional copywriter comes in, someone who can shape the authentic human voice of your brand into words that build trust, spark emotion, and make you unforgettable.

To explore this, I’m joined by Rachel Medlock, a professional copywriter in the beauty and aesthetic industry whose work is instantly recognisable for its sass, originality and substance. Together we’ll unpack why the authentic human voice, crafted by a professional, is the future, how you can protect and amplify it, and the science behind why humans still crave words written by humans.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your brand stand out in the age of AI, this conversation will show you why your voice, and your authentic human voice in the hands of a skilled copywriter, is your greatest competitive edge.

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

In today’s episode, we’re lifting the lid on one of the most misunderstood and underrepresented modalities in our industry, electrolysis.

While laser and IPL dominate headlines and clinic menus, electrolysis remains the only truly permanent hair removal method. So why has it been left behind?

We're joined by Kelly Dermody from Dermaskin Training, a passionate educator, practitioner and compliance expert with over 30 years of experience across clinical aesthetics, dermal therapies, and advanced skin education.

Kelly’s also a national beauty trainer, clinic owner, and the founder of Mine Minerals, a cosmeceutical skincare and mineral makeup line developed directly from her work with real client skin.

We explore how Australia’s education and regulatory systems are failing therapists when it comes to advanced modalities, why electrolysis matters now more than ever, and how Kelly is helping to bridge the gap between training, compliance and ethical, evidence-based care.

If you’ve ever felt confused, underprepared, or overwhelmed by qualifications, standards or pathways for advanced treatments — this one is for you.

This episode is brought to you by Dermaskin Training

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

Today we’re exploring one of the most overlooked yet powerful forces behind facial ageing - the silent architects that shape how we look as the years go by: our bones, fat pads and hormones.

Joining us is Dr. David Kosenko, Head of Medical and Clinical Training for Dermocosmètica and President of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia.

Together, we’ll unpack how menopause accelerates change, why bone and fat matter as much as skin, and how new regenerative treatments such as Profhilo Classic, Profhilo Structura, and Emepelle are reshaping the way we think about prevention and long-term care.

If you’re a practitioner who wants to elevate your understanding of ageing, recognise the earliest signs of structural depletion, and discover how to move beyond filling space to restoring the environment, this conversation will give you fresh insights and practical strategies you can take straight back into clinic.

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

What if the secret to success isn’t just hard work—but rewiring your brain to think differently?

Today, we dive deep into the science of resilience, high performance, and self-belief with Nicola Le Lievre—an award-winning clinic owner, PR powerhouse, and co-author of Back Yourself.”

We’re about to break down the neuroscience of self-doubt, how to train your mind for success, and the psychological strategies used by elite performers. This episode isn’t just inspiration—it’s science-backed transformation.

This episode is brought to you by Circadia Australia

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

Time. Purpose. Performance.

In an industry that never stops moving, how do we slow down enough to lead with clarity, work with intention, and build success that actually feels sustainable?

In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re exploring how aesthetic professionals can reclaim their time, redefine what success really means, and lead from a place of purpose—not pressure. We’ll unpack evidence-based strategies, emotional intelligence, and systems that support human-centred growth—for yourself, your team, and your business.

Joining us is the powerhouse Sherri Ponisi—a passionate industry leader with over 20 years in hair and beauty, wellness, education, and tech. From behind the chair to the frontlines of innovation, Sherri knows what it takes to streamline the chaos and reconnect with what matters most.

We’re also taking a look at how Timely isn’t just software—it’s a smart, silent business partner that helps you make space for the things that move the needle: clarity, creativity, and meaningful connection.

If you're ready to shift from hustle to harmony, this one’s for you.

This episode is brought to you by Timely

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

In a results-driven industry, what happens when we pause and ask: why are we really doing this?

In this episode of the ABIC podcast, Stefanie Milla is joined by Renée Altakrity distributor and educator behind SQT Spongilla Therapy, to explore how a purpose-led approach can create powerful transformation, not only for clients, but for teams, businesses, and brands.

Together they unpack how intentionality, integrity, and inclusivity can become the foundation of a clinic’s culture, treatment design, and commercial success. This conversation is for any clinic or salon owner, skin therapist, or brand leader ready to reconnect with their deeper mission, and use it as a powerful advantage in a noisy market.

Whether you’re rebuilding after burnout or simply ready to redefine what success means to you, this episode offers reflection, inspiration, and tangible steps to create a business that matters.

This episode is brought to you by SQT Bio-Microneedling Australia

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil