When Edwin Neill II and Debra Neill Baker founded Serious Business 25 years ago, it was with the intent to expose, evoke and evolve the thinking of salon owners and managers.

Twenty-five years later, that mission remains.

“We always stay true to this vision and intention,” says Neill Baker. “And we communicate it every year in a new way that’s compelling and current.”

Inspired by Carol Sanford’s book, The Indirect Work, this year’s conference will challenge attendees to do their own indirect work to discover how their inner development is the most powerful way to address outward challenges.

“I was so inspired when I read The Indirect Work,” Neill Baker says. “It proposes we make fundamental changes in ourselves to become effective agents for change.”

Re-Evaluating Your Personal Development

The past few years have been filled with personal and professional turmoil, challenging business owners in ways they never imagined. At Serious Business in New Orleans, January 15-16, salon professionals will be able to kick off the new year with a fresh look at the decisions they make and how they impact their businesses and team members.

Mainstage speakers and breakout sessions will push attendees to change their thinking and do the indirect work needed to achieve personal growth.

“Through indirect work on our thinking and feeling, our direct work is affected. We align to our values, and that manifests in the work the world sees.”

This year’s line-up of Serious Business speakers all complement the “Indirect Work” theme, each bringing their own unique perspective.

The 2023 Lineup—Live and Virtual

As always, Serious Business is featuring a unique variety of compelling, thought-provoking speakers. This year, all speakers will be on stage and/or in breakout rooms at the Roosevelt Hotel and online in a virtual format. Whether you attend in person or virtually, everything will be available on the Serious Business app for 30 days post-event in case you missed someone.

“We’re excited to be offering Serious Business as a hybrid in-person/virtual conference again,” says Carol Augusto, Serious Business Executive Producer.

Below are a few of the speakers who will be at Serious Business in January. Click here for the complete list.

Ryan Holiday: A marketing and strategy guru, Holiday began his marketing career at age 21 as American Apparel’s Director of Marketing. In 2012, he was the first to uncover the enormous revenue-generating possibilities in the global media system, with his book, Trust Me, I’m Lying.

“He’s pretty brilliant,” Neill Baker says. “He’s only 33, which goes to show you, wisdom doesn’t have to come with age.”

Ozan Varol: An actual rocket scientist, Varol is also an award-winning professor, a bestselling author and one of the world’s foremost experts in creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. He helps industry-leading organizations reimagine the status quo with moonshot thinking. Get to know Varol before the conference by signing up for his weekly newsletter here.

Source: Ozan Varol

Ryan Leak: Author, speaker, executive coach, and podcaster, Leak is well known for his work in EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity). He also speaks about self-leadership and believes the best thing you can do for yourself is to work on leading yourself. His newest book is Chasing Failure. Check it out here.

Source: Ryan Leak

Erica Cuni: A licensed family and marriage therapist and certified integrative mental health professional, Cuni focuses on cultivating the best relationship with yourself and avoiding burnout.

Source: Erica Cuni

Get Your Tickets Today

There are lots of options for attending Serious Business this year. You can bring your team, watch virtually, head to New Orleans for the live event, or do a combo of both virtual and in-person attendance. Purchase tickets and learn more about the conference and the events around it (special hair show by @elevatehair, welcoming reception and more), here.

“Join us for a weekend of change,” says Neill Baker. “Indirect work requires us to attune to the flow rather than controlling it. Tune in, and you’ll understand what the universe wants you to do.”

Augusto adds, “My goal is that everyone leaves Serious Business thinking, ‘I can do this too.’”