Amplifying Leadership Workplace Culture Challenges and Strategies with guest Erin Mills
10 snips
Jan 19, 2026 
Erin Mills, owner of Theory Salons and 16-year salon entrepreneur, shares hard-won lessons on building and defending workplace culture. She discusses closing a misaligned location, clarifying non-negotiable values, making values actionable with staff, and using transparent communication and one-on-ones to rebuild trust. Practical, candid stories on leading with values and restarting confidently.
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Closing A Location To Protect Culture
- Erin closed a salon location after staff repeatedly failed to bring required effort, integrity, and energy.
- She realized letting issues linger destroyed team cohesion and client experience, forcing the tough decision to close.
Refocus On Non-Negotiable Values
- Revisit non-negotiable values and your mission before scaling or hiring.
- Use those clarified values to recruit people who see the work's impact and fit the culture.
Translate Values Into Daily Actions
- Turn values into actionable descriptions by asking team members what each value looks like in practice.
- Involve staff in translating values so everyone shares a concrete understanding and purpose.