The Unfolding Thought Podcast
The Unfolding Thought Podcast
Podcast Description
The Unfolding Thought Podcast asks a provocative question: Why do we—and the groups we form—think and act the way we do? Although we may feel we understand ourselves and others, much of what drives our thoughts, choices, and behaviors remains hidden or overlooked. Through candid discussions and multi-disciplinary explorations, we reveal those unseen forces—biases, contexts, and patterns—and show how they influence individual and collective dynamics.If you’re a leader or an intellectually curious mind looking for deep, high-value conversations, join us. We’ll challenge common assumptions, illuminate new perspectives, and spark meaningful change—helping you navigate relationships with greater clarity, innovate with confidence, and connect more authentically with those around you.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes of leadership, decision-making, and personal development, featuring episodes that delve into biases, social dynamics, and innovative strategies. For instance, discussions include topics like the significance of mindfulness in decision-making and the application of tools such as Root Cause Analysis and Scenario Planning to overcome complex challenges.
The Unfolding Thought Podcast asks a provocative question: Why do we—and the groups we form—think and act the way we do? Although we may feel we understand ourselves and others, much of what drives our thoughts, choices, and behaviors remains hidden or overlooked. Through candid discussions and multi-disciplinary explorations, we reveal those unseen forces—biases, contexts, and patterns—and show how they influence individual and collective dynamics.
If you’re a leader or an intellectually curious mind looking for deep, high-value conversations, join us. We’ll challenge common assumptions, illuminate new perspectives, and spark meaningful change—helping you navigate relationships with greater clarity, innovate with confidence, and connect more authentically with those around you.
In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, host Eric Pratum welcomes Simplifying Beauty founder Kimberly Beckley, a lash artist, salon owner, and soon-to-be academy director with 20 years of beauty industry experience. Kimberly isn’t your typical beauty professional: she’s driven by the idea that real success comes from running a human-focused, sustainable business—not just chasing trends or hustling 24/7. Kimberly opens up about:
- Her own journey from corporate environments to entrepreneurship, seeking a healthy work-life balance for herself and her staff.
- The hard truth about the 37% annual attrition rate in cosmetology, fueled by beauty schools that fail to teach real business fundamentals.
- Why she believes enhancing someone’s natural beauty is about far more than aesthetics; it’s a confidence boost that can ripple through every area of a client’s life.
- The parallels between beauty-school promises and the broader higher-ed “sell”—and how a lack of practical training can leave people saddled with debt or a failing business.
- How her new academy will offer not just technical skill-building but also the strategies you need for running a profitable business while maintaining boundaries and sanity.
If you’ve ever been curious about how a heart-driven entrepreneur can rewrite the script for future generations—this conversation is for you.
Topics Explored:
- From Corporate Burnout to Lash Artist – How Kimberly transitioned from a stifling 9-to-5 life into cosmetology—and why she wanted more autonomy for family and self-fulfillment.
- Why Beauty Schools Fail Aspiring Entrepreneurs – The reality behind beauty programs: great at teaching state-board skills, terrible at teaching business fundamentals.
- Building Confidence vs. Selling Trends – Kimberly explains why she’s big on “there she is again” moments—helping women recognize their authentic selves.
- Cutting Through the Hustle-and-Grind Myth – Strategies Kimberly uses (like 90-day reset periods) to avoid burnout, stay profitable, and set boundaries, proving you can love your work without sacrificing your life.
- Parallels to Broader Education – How the “bill of goods” about limitless earnings in beauty school mirrors the promises some traditional universities make—without giving students the “blueprint” for actual success.
Links:
- Simplifying Beauty (Salon Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/simplifyingbeauty_salon/
- Email Kimberly: [email protected]
- Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-beckley/
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz:https://amzn.to/42qGemI
- Traction by Gino Wickman: https://amzn.to/426FxzX
For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com
Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]
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