Kao Salon Division Host MBE Leadership Retreat 2023

Kao Salon Division hosted the 2023 MBE Leadership Retreat at the 5-star Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay from August 13 to 17, in the platform’s return to international locations. The retreat congregated over 90 salon owners and business managers to connect and be inspired to elevate their businesses.

“It’s so special to be able to bring together our Kao Salon Partners in this way, inviting them to invest in themselves and connect with the wider Kao Salon network. We are proud to deliver an inspiring blend of practical business learnings and personal development, to drive positive change across our businesses and ourselves. What a privilege to spend this time together,” said Rita Marcon, General Manager, Kao Salon Division ANZ.

The two-day conference took place over a four-night retreat at the luxury waterfront resort, presenting three keynote speakers and a dynamic social program to deliver both education and fun, helping salon leaders to prioritise shared experiences outside the salon. The retreat was ushered in with delegates serenaded on arrival with live Fijian music and enjoying a Welcome Reception at the resort’s open air Lagoon Lounge.

The first day of the conference began with award-winning financial advisor Keynote Speaker Jessica Brady. Jessica has over 17 years of experience in the finance world and is the co-founder of prolific practices Fox & Hare and Ladies Talk Money, which is a free online resource for women to learn and tackle issues around financial inequality. Jessica presented the topic ‘A Wealthy Life: Building Financial Freedom’, which gave advice on growing wealth and avoiding financial mistakes in business through a seminar and workshop.

The nighttime event was an alfresco Fijian Feast held at the famous North Point, in the tropical surrounds of Momi Bay. Delegates wore custom-made MBE sarongs, fashioning them into dresses, halters, wraps and skirts. Surprise guest entertainers Gee’d Up returned after their successful stint at the MBE Weekender event in March to turn the evening into a real party.

Dale Beaumont, an award-winning tech entrepreneur and author of 19 best-selling books, kicked off the second day of the conference, educating on ‘14 Amazing Tech Tools to Supercharge your Business Performance and Profits’. Dale built a multi-million-dollar enterprise from a business he started at the age of 19, and used this experience to help delegates build a five-page business plan.

Peak Performance and Wellbeing Coach Nam Baldwin also presented, showcasing the ‘Mastering Performance Under Pressure’ session. Nam has over 28 years of experience in the health, fitness and wellbeing industries and is an expert in emotional and physiological intelligence and peak performance, as sought after by business leaders, athletes and teams. He demonstrated his techniques live on stage with an attendee and a heart monitor.

The iconic MBE White Party closed out the second day at the resort’s acclaimed Fish Bar, with clifftop views of Momi Bay. The event included a traditional Fijian fire lighting experience, a delicious dinner and dancing.

The next day was the final day of the retreat, where attendees set sail by catamaran to Malamala Beach Club, the world’s first beach club located on its own island. They enjoyed swimming, kayaking and relaxing at the club’s infinity pool, with the full island to themselves. Sunset cocktails and another luxury dinner became the ideal end to the agenda.

Beyond the festivities and education, Kao Salon Division produced most of the conference materials and the MBE sarongs in Fiji to give back to the local community, with delegates also bringing school supplies such as pencils, pencil cases, pens, chalk, glue and coloured paper to donate to Fiji Kids. Fiji Kids is a local organisation run by MBE Member Otto Matousek providing disadvantaged kids with support in their education, passions and developing their potential.