305: Beyond the HIFU Hype: The Science Behind the Skin Lifting Trend Sweeping the Industry with Heather Vounnou from The Global Beauty Group

What should clinic owners look for in a partnership that will create lasting value, rather than drain time, money and attention? In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re joined by Nancy Abdou, Founder and Director of The Australian Dermal & Laser Institute. Nancy brings together clinical, educational and business experience to explore how clinics can make clearer, more confident partnership decisions. Together, we explore: The early signs that a partnership is likely to deliver long-term value. The difference between a genuine partner and a polished sales pitch. How to help a new treatment or device become part of everyday clinic practice.

What does it really take to build an independent aesthetics practice that can grow without consuming every hour of your week? In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re joined by Max Hayward, co-founder of Aesthetic Nurse Software, to explore the business responsibilities that come with going independent — from consent and clinical records to client retention, stock and cash flow. Max shares how his mum Jo’s experience of starting her own aesthetics practice inspired a family solution that became a growing business, and what that journey taught him about supporting independent practitioners. Together, we explore: The practical challenges of moving from practitioner to business owner. Managing paperwork, clinical photography, treatment records and follow-up. The role of customer service and community in business growth. The business numbers independent practitioners need to understand. Three priorities for starting out, three for the next stage of growth, and practical steps established owners can take now. Whether you’re preparing to go independent or already running your own practice, this conversation offers practical insights into building a business that supports both your clients and your working life. This episode is proudly brought to you by Aesthetic Nurse Software.

What if the future of results-driven skin is not about doing more—but knowing when to pause?

The client journey no longer begins when someone walks through your clinic door. It begins the moment they search, message, call, read a review—or wait for a response. In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, Ramey Shehata from Podium Software joins us to explore why faster communication, AI and trust have become business-critical for clinics, salons, spas and medical aesthetic businesses. Together, we unpack: Why slow responses can erode trust before the relationship begins

Acne is often treated as a stubborn skin problem—but could stubborn thinking be part of the problem? In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re joined by Kris Astroff for Circadia Australia to explore acne through the lens of circadian rhythm, inflammation, barrier recovery, sleep, stress, sebum and treatment timing. Together, we challenge some of the simplified and outdated narratives that continue to shape professional acne care. We examine why aggressive treatment can sometimes work against the skin, how its functions and needs change between day and night, and what therapists should consider when assessing skin readiness, treatment response and client lifestyle. We also discuss the pressure practitioners face to keep pace with evolving evidence, the importance of questioning supplier education and marketing claims, and how clinic owners can build a stronger culture of ongoing learning and evidence-aware practice. This clinically responsible conversation is for clinic owners, skin therapists, dermal clinicians, beauty therapists and educators who want to think more critically about acne and create more informed consultation and treatment practices. This episode is brought to you by Circadia Australia, ABIC Foundation Partner.