We sat down with a simple question:

What used to feel like success… that no longer does?

What started as an icebreaker turned into a real conversation about ego, leadership, humility, and what actually defines success.

Because at some point, success stops being about the car, the title, or the applause…
and starts being about legacy, culture, and how you show up for the people around you.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why chasing the newest thing doesn’t equal success
• The difference between confidence and ego
• How ego quietly damages team culture
• Why feedback is the fastest ego test
• Separating who you are from what you do
• Why humility builds lasting legacy

Ego can create short-term wins.
Humility builds long-term impact.

If you lead a team, own a business, or care about culture — this one’s for you.

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, growth, and building something that actually lasts.

🔗 Resources & Links

📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:
https://www.therefinenetwork.com/grow...

🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:
https://www.therefinenetwork.com/arti...

📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):
https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale

📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):
Search “The Refine Network” in your app store

📸 Follow us on Instagram:
@therefinenetwork

Chapters:
00:00 — What Used to Feel Like Success
04:08 — Ego in the Salon Industry
05:50 — How We Keep Our Ego in Check
07:16 — “You Don’t Have 20 Years of Experience…”
09:46 — The Best in the World (Without Saying It)
10:28 — The Smaller the Ego, The Bigger the Legacy
11:29 — Humility vs Pride
13:38 — Why Ego Hates Feedback
15:38 — It’s Okay to Mess Up
17:16 — When Ego Damages Culture
19:10 — Separate Who You Are from What You Do
20:26 — Why Being Your Own Boss Isn’t Always the Win
24:06 — Hang Around Humble People

We sit down with Cynthia and Olga to talk about what actually keeps a leadership team together — not in theory, but in real life.

After working side by side for over 16 years, they share what’s made their partnership last: trust, autonomy, and being willing to have the hard conversations most leaders avoid.

We get into how their roles evolved, how respect and clear lanes reduce friction, and why separating feelings from facts is essential when you’re leading creative people. From money conversations and performance expectations to retention, communication systems, and navigating uncomfortable moments with clarity instead of ego — this conversation is honest, grounded, and deeply practical.

If you’ve ever wondered why some teams stay solid while others fall apart, this episode offers a real look at what leadership actually requires.

🔗 Resources & Links

📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:
https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching

🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:
https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy

📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):
https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale

📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):
Search “The Refine Network” in your app store

📸 Follow us on Instagram:
@therefinenetwork

00:00 — Intro & Setting the Tone
01:14 — How the Salon Started
02:48 — Support Roles & Longevity
04:18 — Communication & Team Engagement
05:36 — Trust, Respect & Clear Roles
07:19 — Autonomy, Feedback & Growth
08:07 — Retention & Leadership Responsibility
10:10 — Preparing for Hard Conversations
11:27 — Leading with Facts, Not Feelings
12:30 — Money, Numbers & Creative Teams
14:22 — Normalizing Financial Conversations
15:56 — Commission vs. Booth Rent
16:54 — Why Better Together Still Matters
17:35 — Final Takeaways & Invitation

In this episode, we sit down with Crystal Mercer for an honest conversation about identity, integrity, and what it really means to lead in the salon industry.

Crystal shares her perspective on staying true to who you are as a leader, why trying to perform or shape-shift for others leads to burnout, and how clarity builds trust with both teams and clients. We talk about her journey from teenage motherhood to salon ownership, the role coaching has played in her growth, and why systems matter—not just for profit, but for protecting people and creating longevity.

This conversation explores leadership as a responsibility, not a title, and challenges salon owners to build businesses that reflect their values, support their teams, and can survive beyond them.

If you’re navigating leadership, growth, or the pressure to be everything to everyone, this episode offers grounded perspective and real-world insight.

🔗 Resources & Links

📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:
https://www.therefinenetwork.com/grow...

🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:
https://www.therefinenetwork.com/arti...

📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):
https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale

📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):
Search “The Refine Network” in your app store

📸 Follow us on Instagram:
@therefinenetwork

00:00 — Intro & Icebreaker
02:31 — Leading as Yourself
04:36 — Salon Ownership
06:36 — Systems & Color Management
10:02 — Hiring & Growth
11:33 — Leading Young Stylists
13:45 — Coaching & Intention
15:53 — Working with Cosmo Schools
16:27 — The Broom Story
17:14 — Final Thoughts