Inside Aesthetics

Episode 143 hosts Kian Moini (Owner and operator of a newly launched aesthetic clinic called 'Q-Tox' based in Sydney, Australia) We discuss the ups, downs and in-betweens of conceptualising and creating a new aesthetic clinic in a very competitive market - covering everything from the design and fit-out, signature scents, financing and recruitment. As a new entrepreneur in the space, Kian walks us through his journey from the initial concept to his imminent opening in October 2021 - creating an ultra-modern, injectables-only clinic that aims to stand out from the crowd. 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Launching a New Clinic After Lockdown 04:55 Identifying a Gap in the Mid Tier Market 10:59 Why Chain Clinics Are Losing Competitive Edge 18:27 Choosing the Right Location and Business Model 26:25 Customer Acquisition and Marketing Strategy 33:29 Designing a Premium Patient Experience 41:37 Importance of Branding, Environment and First Impressions 48:53 Building Systems, Processes and Technology Infrastructure 52:09 Recruiting the Right Injectors and Creating Partnerships 61:45 Pricing Strategy and Competing on Value Not Discounts 68:49 Step by Step Process of Planning and Building a Clinic 76:38 Common Challenges When Opening a New Practice 80:09 Retaining Staff and Creating Career Progression 86:34 Long Term Vision and Sustainable Business Growth ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 142 hosts Dr Dana Berkowitz (Associate Professor of sociology, women and gender studies at the University of Louisiana, USA) In 2007, Dr Berkowitz published the book, 'Botox Nation: Changing The Face of America' which was an in-depth look at how injectables have become a cultural phenomenon. As a non-medical professional and having been an injectables patient herself, she interviewed hundreds of Americans to understand their motivations and reasons for seeking out treatments. 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Meet Dana Berkowitz 04:55 Growing Up Around Cosmetic Surgery Culture 10:59 How Botox Became Popular in the Early 2000s 18:27 The Rise of Preventative Treatment Messaging 26:25 Why Beauty Is Expected to Look Effortless 33:29 Stigma Around Injectables Compared to Beauty Treatments 41:37 Medicalization of Aesthetics and Growth of Medical Spas 48:53 Accessibility, Cost and Social Inequality in Treatments 52:09 Social Media, Filters and Changing Beauty Standards 61:45 When Treatments Become Routine Consumer Habits 68:49 Addiction to the Look and Fear of Aging 76:38 Gender Differences and Growth of Male Aesthetic Treatments 80:09 Future Trends in Anti Aging and Longevity Medicine 86:34 Final Reflections on Society, Aging and Self Image ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 141 showcases Dr Jake Sloane & David Segal As half of Australia emerges from a 15 weeks severe lockdown, Dr Jake & David give a personal account of their own experiences, challenges and thoughts on what comes next. 2021 was the year that COVID truly hit Australia and it's been a difficult, concerning and stressful time for everyone. Whilst we've touched on this theme with all of our previous guests living through COVID, Dr Jake & David share their own challenges and inner feelings. 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Life During Extended COVID Lockdown 04:55 Impact on Clinics, Staff and Daily Routine 10:59 Managing Uncertainty and Moving Goalposts 18:27 Mental Health, Motivation and Work Life Balance 26:25 Patient Communication and Rebooking Challenges 33:29 Staffing Shortages and Industry Workforce Changes 41:37 Financial Pressure on Small Business and Rent Costs 48:53 Predictions for Patient Demand After Reopening 52:09 Why Aesthetic Treatments Remain High Priority 61:45 How Lockdown Affected Podcast Production and Content 68:49 Listener Feedback and Refining Podcast Direction 76:38 Plans for New Series and Injector Focused Topics 80:09 Future of Aesthetics, Wellness and Anti Aging Trends 86:34 Final Reflections and Preparing to Reopen Clinics ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 140 hosts Lizzy Boots (Founder of 'Boots & All Consulting' and a leader in recruitment and human resources (HR) based in Sydney, Australia) Lizzy's company assists beauty, wellness, aesthetic and healthcare business owners with the full spectrum of human resource requirements, particularly when it comes to finding the right staff for the right role. During this episode we first define what HR encompasses and assess how the pandemic has affected the Australian aesthetic industry. We then delve into: - What the 'new normal' is for the industry - People leaving the industry for more stability and if there will be enough staff left to service the demand? - How we might navigate the issue of mandatory vaccinations in-clinic from an HR perspective - Finding the right staff and keeping them happy - How to identify the best CV's/resumes - Speaking to referees and references - How to conduct a staff interview - Establishing a probation period for new employees - How long is 'normal' for staff to stay in a role - How to action a termination of a staff member 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Meet Lizzy Boots 04:55 What HR Actually Means for Clinics 10:59 Recruiting Injectors and Finding the Right Fit 18:27 The Challenge of Hiring the Ideal Team Member 26:25 Trends in Nurse and Injector Career Pathways 33:29 COVID Impact on Staffing and Workforce Availability 41:37 Work Life Balance and Changing Employee Expectations 48:53 Vaccination Policies and Workplace Communication 52:09 Where Clinics Should Recruit Staff Today 61:45 Reviewing CVs and Screening Candidates Effectively 68:49 Interview Mistakes and Getting to Know the Real Person 76:38 Motivating Staff and Managing Career Expectations 80:09 Leadership Style and Building Positive Workplace Culture 86:34 Termination Conversations and Ending Employment Well ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 139 hosts Maria Enna-Cocciolone (Founder of INSKIN COSMEDICS and one of Australia's most reputable beauty industry gurus based in Sydney, Australia) Maria shares her inspiring journey with us and we get a glimpse into just how much the beauty & aesthetics industry has evolved over the past 35 years. We begin by explaining why this weeks podcast was delayed before getting to know our guest. From humble beginnings, Maria has become one of Australia's most successful beauty entrepreneurs and is the founder of several brands including INSKIN COSMEDICS, O COSMEDICS & Ginger & Me. This podcast takes the form of a free-flowing conversation to learn about Maria's approach to business. We get some incredible insights into how her personal touch and philosophies have made her so successful. As we emerge from the lockdown and think of opening again, we learn how some of Maria's core principles can be adopted by injectors and other practitioners to stand out from the crowd. 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Personal Catch Up and Industry Challenges During COVID 04:55 Meet Maria Enna-Cocciolone 10:59 Discovering Passion for the Beauty Industry 18:27 Transition From Therapist to Business and Education Roles 26:25 Launching a Distribution Company From the Ground Up 33:29 Creating a Skincare Brand and Identifying Market Gaps 41:37 Importance of Product Quality, Trust and Professional Partnerships 48:53 Protecting Clinics From Online Discounting and Brand Dilution 52:09 Pivoting Business Models During COVID Lockdowns 61:45 Supply Chain Disruptions and Operational Challenges 68:49 Industry Recovery Expectations After Lockdown 76:38 Starting a Business and Defining Your Point of Difference 80:09 Building a Brand Through Values, Consistency and Relationships 86:34 Lessons From Mistakes and Long Term Business Mindset ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 138 hosts Dr Nik Davies (GP & Medical Advisor for SILK Laser Clinics) and Dr Andreas Fox (Plastic Surgeon & Medical Director for Artisan Aesthetic Clinics) Since June of this year, the largest states of Australia (New South Wales & Victoria) have been in harsh lockdowns and no injectable treatments have been allowed. But as vaccination rates slowly rise, preparations are underway for re-opening - but what will that look like exactly? Injectors, clinic owners and practitioners may well be faced with some difficult decisions that have both financial and reputational implications. A minority of clinics have controversially decided to go it alone and open despite the lockdown restrictions whereas the majority are awaiting for clear guidance from the government. 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Meet Dr Nik Davies & Dr Andreas Fox 04:55 How COVID Changed Clinic Operations and Workflows 10:59 Managing Lockdowns Across Multiple States 18:27 Safety Protocols and Preparing Clinics to Reopen 26:25 Training and Education During Downtime 33:29 Patient Demand and The Expected Post Lockdown Surge 41:37 Vaccine Timing With Fillers and Treatment Planning 48:53 Managing Patient Expectations After Treatment Gaps 52:09 Staffing, Scheduling and Extended Clinic Hours 61:45 Communication Challenges With Uncertain Reopening Dates 68:49 Vaccination Policies for Staff and Patients 76:38 Rapid Antigen Testing and Future Clinic Safety Measures 80:09 Industry Growth, New Patient Demand and Recruitment Needs 86:34 Final Thoughts on Safety, Standards and Industry Recovery ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 137 hosts Dr Marcus Mehta, Dr Tristan Mehta, and Dr Tapan Patel (Cosmetic doctors and part of the team behind Comma, a new social media app for the aesthetics industry based in the UK) Comma stands for 'Community for Medical Aesthetics' and allows professionals to share knowledge and discuss topics related to aesthetic medicine within a secure, private and dedicated community. Comma was developed with state-of-the-art technology to be a user-friendly and intuitive process. 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Meet the Founders Behind the Comma Platform: Dr Marcus Mehta, Dr Tristan Mehta & Dr Tapan Patel 04:55 Why Training and Community Gaps Exist in Aesthetics 10:59 From Education Programs to Building a Global Network 18:27 What Comma Is and How It Differs From Social Media 26:25 Creating a Safe Professional Space for Clinical Discussion 33:29 Key Features Including Topics, Events and Case Sharing 41:37 How the Platform Supports Education and Collaboration 48:53 Building an App and Lessons From the Development Process 52:09 Challenges of Launching a Digital Platform in Healthcare 61:45 Importance of Paid Education and Investing in Skills 68:49 Inside the Premium Learning Library and Training Content 76:38 Future Plans for Business, Devices and Clinical Education 80:09 Expanding the Global Community and Industry Standards 86:34 Final Thoughts on Collaboration and Professional Growth https://www.joincomma.com/share/GS40Wxbbf8Ka-n1N ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 136 hosts Professor David Veale (Consultant Psychiatrist based in South London, UK) He is an internationally-renowned thought leader and researcher in the field of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Professor Veale leads a highly specialised service for patients with severe anxiety disorders including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), emetophobia (the fear of vomiting), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as BDD. Having first explored BDD way back in episode 7, we re-visit the topic and discuss: - how virtual working and the 'Zoom Boom' has affected our perception of ourselves - What exactly BDD is and how this differs from patients who are just very picky or 'difficult' - what can be done in the cosmetic consultation to explore the topic of BDD - the patient perspective in suffering with BDD - the treatment modalities commonly used - novel approaches to treating the condition including nutritional psychiatry & psychedelic medications 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Meet Professor David Veale 04:55 Why Mental Health Matters in Cosmetic Practice 10:59 Impact of COVID and Virtual Consultations on Patients 18:27 Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder Explained 26:25 Common Triggers Including Bullying and Social Comparison 33:29 Role of Social Media and the Zoom Effect on Self Image 41:37 Key Red Flags During Aesthetic Consultations 48:53 How to Assess Patient Motivation and Expectations 52:09 When Cosmetic Treatment May Not Be in the Patient's Best Interest 61:45 Communicating Concerns and Referring Patients Safely 68:49 Difference Between Difficult Patients and True BDD 76:38 Treatment Options Including Therapy and Medication 80:09 Emerging Research Including Gut Health and Psychedelic Therapy 86:34 Final Advice on Ethics, Patient Safety and Professional Responsibility ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 135 hosts GrazinaFechner (Communication expert based in Sydney, Australia) Griz regularly features on 7 Network's 'The Morning Show' to explain human interaction and behaviour. (Previously on episodes 50 and 79) In this episode we explore the psyche of those currently living through and coping with the lockdowns across Australia. We discuss how and why this lockdown is probably being perceived differently to last year and share some personal insights into how it's affected us personally. 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Catching Up During Lockdown 04:55 Emotional Impact of Ongoing Restrictions 10:59 Adapting Business Models and Moving Online 18:27 Personal Health Crisis and Major Surgery Recovery 26:25 Staying Positive During Uncertainty and Stress 33:29 Difference Between Positivity and Toxic Positivity 41:37 Finding Stability Through Routine and Daily Habits 48:53 The 52-17 Focus Rule for Productivity 52:09 Managing Negative Thoughts and Building Resilience 61:45 Why We Gravitate Toward Negative Thinking 68:49 Dealing With Information Overload and Uncertainty 76:38 Preparing for Unpredictability With a Growth Mindset 80:09 The Power of Gratitude and Small Daily Wins 86:34 Final Advice on Resilience, Mindset and Moving Forward ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Episode 134 hosts Richard Crawford-Small & Rick O'Neill (Co-founders of 'Aesthetic Entrepreneurs' and are based in the UK) Richard has been in the industry for over 15 years and specialises in sales and marketing. His main passion lies in fusing healthcare and technology together. Rick's expertise is in digital marketing and has over 20 years experience in the field. He consults and advises on the digital marketing needs for numerous aesthetics businesses globally. Richard and Rick combined their skill sets together to provide a full range of complete business support services for aesthetic practices and injectors - known as 'Aesthetic Entrepreneurs'. 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Catching Up on Lockdowns and Global Differences 04:55 Why Some Clinics Recovered Faster Than Expected 10:59 Mindset and Communication During Business Shutdowns 18:27 Digital Transformation and Online Growth Strategies 26:25 Common Mistakes New Clinic Owners Make 33:29 Overcoming Overwhelm and Building a Clear Plan 41:37 The Shift Toward Virtual Consults and E Commerce 48:53 Understanding the Patient Journey From First Contact to Retention 52:09 Why Patient Experience Now Matters More Than Treatment Alone 61:45 Building Community and Automating Follow Up Systems 68:49 Creating a Strong Personal Brand and Standing Out 76:38 Social Media Engagement Versus Follower Numbers 80:09 Authentic Marketing and the Decline of Influencer Hype 86:34 Final Advice on Growth, Differentiation and Long Term Success ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION