Healthy Hairdresser Advisory Council: Paul Suttles

With thanks to our 2017 sponsors for all of their support, Healthy Hairdresser is compiling the wisdom from the Healthy Hairdresser Advisory Council members. Paul Suttles, senior director, education implementation, North America, at Pivot Point International, Inc., offered much worth noting.

On heart health:
Pivot Point International believes in promoting heart health overall. Since ergonomic studies have shown that sitting too much can increase heart failure, Pivot Point employees at our Chicago headquarters can choose a desk that rises, so they can stand rather than sit the whole workday. Salons could also incorporate a standing desk for their receptionist and guest service providers. Not only is it a health benefit, it also helps the guest service representative make direct eye contact with the client.

On one quick change you can make to improve your health:
Snack on nuts—pack a little bag of raw almonds or mixed nuts for protein that will keep you moving through your “nutty” day!

On protecting your bones and joints:
Standing with your arms actively moving about creating the perfect blowout, hunching over while you achieve that perfect detail around the face, working that foil-comb as you create the finest weave for the subtlest highlight—sounds exciting, doesn’t it? But it’s important to be mindful of your body as you are working. Don’t forget to stretch those wrists and raise the chair to avoid stooping over. Bad habits are hard to break, which is why Pivot Point encourages schools to start teaching best practices within the first two weeks of school.

On the importance of community service for salon teams:
“From Pivot Point’s extensive research on beauty learners, we know young professionals prefer to be part of a salon team that also works for something with a higher purpose. Getting involved in charitable programs provides a win/win/win—for the salon business, for each team member and, of course, for the cause that benefits from the efforts.”

On books and other resources for salon pros:
One of my favorite books, The Experience Economy by B. Joseph Pine and James H. Gilmore, has given me my favorite quote and motto for life: “Work Is Theater and Every Business a Stage.” For salon professionals, a salon or your chair is the stage—it must be set up appropriately for the performance—and you are the actor playing a leading role in this performance. It’s important to be well-rehearsed! Pivot Point’s SalonAbility programs offer a great support. For example, the Client Considerations in SalonAbility Cut & Color provides in-depth training on how to identify the appropriate shapes, color, and texture for each client. When you’re prepared with these skills, it's easier to ad-lib and deliver a unique performance that’s sure to wow any audience (your clients) and create raving fans!

On following your heart throughout your career:
It can be very rewarding to use your talent to give back to the community, creating an emotional connection to those less fortunate. When you volunteer your time and service, it naturally reminds you of how blessed you are, which is motivation in itself.

On gratitude:
This year I can’t help but think about the lack of compassion and love in the world. With that, it also makes me realize how lucky we are to work in an industry that not only embraces diversity, but encourages and appreciates it. Why is that? Is it because we are more in touch with the emotional connection of people? That we understand a smile on the face of a satisfied client looks and feels the same? No matter the reason, I’m grateful to be a part of it. On behalf of Pivot Point International, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of you who continue to make the world a more beautiful place—inside and out. We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season!

Thank you for your valuable contributions to the Healthy Hairdresser Council, Paul!