Advertise on podcast: Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke

In part two of Michael Douglas' conversation with Michael Van Clarke, the discussion moves beyond hairdressing into the people, experiences and mindset that have shaped Michael's career. From working with celebrity clients including Davina McCall, Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Bush, to life behind the scenes in television, fashion and film, Michael shares the stories that defined his journey and why he never followed the traditional salon owner path.  The conversation also explores creativity, confidence and personal growth, as Michael reflects on the lessons he's learned through success, failure and self-discovery. He discusses the power of asking better questions, overcoming self-doubt, finding purpose and why helping people feel good about themselves has become the driving force behind everything he does. Along the way, he shares memorable stories from fashion weeks, celebrity styling, working alongside industry legends and why the most rewarding part of his career has always been the human connection.  Blending humour, philosophy and decades of industry experience, this episode offers an honest and thought-provoking conversation about hairdressing, creativity, celebrity culture and building a life that's guided by purpose rather than prestige.  Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke  Follow Michael Douglas: @mdlondon  CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

In the final part of Michael Van Clarke's conversation with award-winning salon owner and entrepreneur Ken Picton, the focus shifts from hairdressing to business innovation and building a brand that extends far beyond the salon. Ken shares how a passion for food, wine and hospitality inspired him to transform his business with the addition of an award-worthy restaurant, delicatessen and bar, creating a unique customer experience unlike anything else in the industry. He explains why some of his biggest business decisions have come during periods of uncertainty, including launching new ventures during recessions and after Covid, and why investing when others hold back has helped his business continue to grow. Ken also discusses the importance of creating memorable experiences, building a lifestyle brand, and the thinking behind his newest venture, Mr Picton, a dedicated men's grooming concept designed to redefine male hairdressing and grooming. The conversation explores branding, leadership, customer experience and long-term business strategy, as Ken reflects on succession planning, evolving a personal brand and creating businesses built around genuine passion rather than chasing trends. Packed with entrepreneurial insight and practical lessons, this episode is an inspiring listen for salon owners, business leaders and anyone looking to build a brand with longevity. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Michael Douglas: @kenpicton CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

From winning a UK breakdancing championship to becoming one of Britain's best known TV hairdressers, entrepreneur and educator, Michael Douglas has built a career that's anything but ordinary. In this episode of Heads Together, he joins Michael Van Clarke to share the stories, decisions and setbacks that shaped his journey through the hair industry. Michael reflects on his early days in hairdressing, how teaching led him into television, and why he believed hair deserved the same mainstream attention as cooking and interior design. He also shares the story behind launching his own haircare brand, the reality of raising investment, navigating business partnerships, surviving Covid, and the mindset needed to build a successful company. The conversation explores creativity, entrepreneurship, content creation, social media, branding, business resilience and why the best businesses solve real customer problems. Michael also explains why he believes hairdressing is about far more than hair, discussing confidence, self image and the role hair professionals play in helping people feel their best. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Michael Douglas: @mdlondon CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

Award-winning hairdresser, educator and salon owner Ken Picton joins Michael Van Clarke to share the remarkable story behind building one of the UK's most respected salon businesses. From discovering hairdressing as a teenager after a life-changing first haircut, to opening his own salon at just 21 using an unconventional funding strategy, Ken reflects on the ambition, determination and calculated risks that shaped his career. He opens up about the realities of growing a business through recession, overcoming financial pressure, managing rapid expansion, leading large teams and navigating unexpected challenges, including staffing shortages, maternity leave, Covid and the ever-changing landscape of the hairdressing industry. Along the way, he shares the lessons he learned through international education, award-winning work, leadership and innovation, while discussing why investing in people remains at the heart of long-term success. This inspiring conversation explores entrepreneurship, resilience, creativity and the future of professional hairdressing, making it an essential listen for salon owners, aspiring hairdressers and anyone building a business with a long-term vision. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Michael Douglas: @kenpicton CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke welcomes back salon entrepreneur Sean Hanna for an honest conversation about building a hairdressing business over five decades. Sean shares how he went from aspiring airline pilot to salon owner, the risks he took opening his first salon, and the lessons learned from growing a successful multi salon group. He also reveals the story behind Skyler London, his ambitious attempt to reinvent the salon experience, why it ultimately didn't succeed, and what losing one and a half million pounds taught him about innovation, leadership and resilience. Together, they discuss salon growth, financial management, taking calculated risks, navigating setbacks, and what success really means after 50 years in the industry. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Sean Hanna: @seanhannasalons CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke welcomes back long time colleague and friend Simon Bryer for a candid conversation about longevity, mentorship and what it takes to build a successful career in hairdressing. After more than 35 years working together, Simon reflects on the importance of client relationships, developing the next generation of stylists, and why great hairdressing is about far more than technical skill alone. The conversation explores salon culture, education, personal growth, industry changes, television appearances, awards, unforgettable salon disasters and how client expectations have evolved over the decades. From hilarious stories involving blue highlights, QVC mishaps and smoking salons, to thoughtful advice for young hairdressers entering the profession, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour and real insight into a life spent behind the chair. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Simon Bryer: @mvc_hairbysimonbryer CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke sits down with salon entrepreneur and industry leader Sean Hanna to explore 50 years of change in the hairdressing industry. From starting out during the aftermath of the Sassoon revolution to building a successful multi salon business, Sean shares the lessons, mistakes and turning points that shaped his career. Together, they discuss salon growth, leadership, wealth creation, financial management, business expansion, property investment and the realities of running a profitable salon business. This candid conversation challenges common assumptions about success, revealing why many salon owners focus on income instead of long term wealth, the importance of understanding your numbers, and the business decisions that can make or break a company. A must listen for salon owners, hairdressers, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in business growth, leadership and building lasting success in the hair industry. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Sean Hanna: @seanhannasalons CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke sits down with veteran hairdresser Simon Bryer to explore a career that has spanned nearly five decades in the hair industry. Simon shares how he rebelled against expectations to become a hairdresser in the late 1970s, the reality behind the industry's glamorous reputation, and his journey from apprentice in the North of England to international educator, creative director and global ambassador. Together they reflect on the golden era of hairdressing, travelling the world for stage shows and education, working with major brands, and the dramatic changes the industry has seen over the years. From unforgettable stories in Beirut and Japan to salon life when clients smoked in the chair, this episode offers a fascinating look at a very different era of hairdressing. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Simon Bryer: @mvc_hairbysimonbryer CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

In this episode of Heads Together, host Michael Van Clarke welcomes back Toby Dicker, co founder of Chapel Salons and founder of the Save Our Salons campaign. Toby returns for a candid conversation about leadership, salon growth, industry advocacy and the realities of running a modern salon business. From developing future leaders and building strong teams to challenging government policy and fighting for a fairer future for salon owners, Toby shares the lessons he's learned from nearly three decades in the industry. The conversation also explores the origins of the Save Our Salons movement, the challenges facing employers, the importance of apprenticeships, and why Toby believes hairdressing offers far greater opportunities than many people realise. Alongside the business discussion, Toby opens up about personal growth, family life, health, and the mindset shifts that have shaped both his career and his outlook on life. An honest and thought provoking episode about resilience, leadership, purpose and the future of British hairdressing. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Toby Dicker: @tobyjasperdicker CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

In this episode of Heads Together, hosted by Michael Van Clarke, we welcome back Jayne Lewis Orr for a fascinating conversation about her extraordinary career in hairdressing. From her early days in beauty publishing to becoming the driving force behind the British Hairdressing Awards for nearly three decades, Jayne shares the stories, challenges and unforgettable moments that helped shape one of the industry's most celebrated events. Together, Michael and Jayne discuss the people working behind the scenes who keep the hairdressing industry moving forward, the balance between creativity and business, and why passion remains the key ingredient for long term success. Whether you're a salon owner, stylist or simply passionate about the industry, this episode offers a unique perspective from one of hairdressing's most respected figures. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Jayne Lewis Orr: @jaynelewisoor CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

In this episode of Heads Together, host Michael Van Clarke sits down with Toby Dicker, co founder of Chapel Salons and one of the hair industry's most outspoken advocates. From building a five salon business over nearly three decades to leading national conversations around taxation, apprenticeships and the future of the high street, Toby shares his candid views on the challenges facing salon owners today. Together, Michael and Toby explore why hairdressers remain undervalued, the impact of government policy on the industry, the realities of growing a successful salon business, and what the perfect salon of the future could look like. This is a thought provoking conversation about leadership, business, community and why human connection remains the greatest asset hairdressing has to offer. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Toby Dicker: @tobyjasperdicker CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

Welcome to Season Two of Heads Together. Hosted by renowned hairdresser, entrepreneur and industry pioneer Michael Van Clarke. In episode one, Jane Lewis Orr shares her journey through the hairdressing industry, the excitement and challenges of organising the British Hairdressing Awards, and her personal life balancing family, passion, and new beginnings. Jane Lewis Orr shares her journey from editing a beauty magazine to leading the iconic British Hairdressing Awards. It’s a story filled with passion, challenges, and unforgettable moments that shaped the industry. Running events for over 28 years, Jane reflects on the wild energy of 1700+ hairdressers celebrating their craft. The stories are legendary, from unexpected mishaps to heartfelt connections. As she steps back, she reminds us: if you love what you do, keep going. The hairdressing world needs that passion. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Jayne Lewis Orr: @jaynelewisoor CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

In this episode, Nicky Clarke and Michael Van Clarke swap stories of leather trousers, Harleys, Savile Row suits, and why Nicky once introduced Dress Up Friday in his salon. From Penélope Cruz answering the door in a towel to a mistaken invitation for Michael to dance at Sadler’s Wells, the brothers trace how style, image, and identity shaped their careers both inside and outside the salon. They also share the story behind Michael adopting “Van” into his name, reflect on their family’s Greek heritage, and laugh about the moments when fashion, personality, and hairdressing collided in unexpected ways. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkepersonal CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

In this episode, Nicky Clarke and Michael Van Clarke take a trip back to the salon floor of the 70s and 80s, when hairdressing was brimming with glamour, creativity, and spontaneity. From John Frieda’s Mayfair townhouse buzzing with celebrities to test shoots that ended up as front covers, they recall a time when saying yes opened doors to extraordinary opportunities. The pair also explore how the salon has always been more than just a place to cut hair, it’s theatre, it’s community, and it’s about how clients feel as much as how they look. They share why personality matters as much as technical skill, how ambiance can transform a visit into an event, and why salons that embrace warmth, performance, and a sense of occasion keep clients coming back for decades. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkepersonal CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

In this episode, Michael Van Clarke welcomes back Mitchell Scott to explore the unique LLP partnership model that underpins the salon’s success. They discuss why hairdressing should be treated like other professions — law, medicine, architecture, and how the LLP structure gives stylists a genuine sense of ownership without the risks of traditional business models. From sharing profits and responsibilities, to building a culture where every client feels like everyone’s client, the system has created stability, loyalty, and a family-like team that stands apart from the industry norm. The conversation also touches on the challenges of apprenticeships, the undervaluing of hairdressing compared to other skilled professions, and why clients are willing to pay more — if they receive true expertise and service. It’s a candid look at how partnership, professionalism, and long-term thinking can transform a salon and the industry at large. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke Follow Mitchell Scott: @mvc_mitchelltscott CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios