Our team recently spent the day at Jones Bay Wharf with PHUEL. 

Not to learn a new haircut. 
Not to follow a trend. 

But to raise our standard. 

PHUEL offers expert facilitation, workshops, simulations, and conferences focused on leadership, team building, strategy, innovation, and culture. 

We explored what really builds trust. 
How emotional intelligence influences performance. 
Why tone can either elevate or damage a culture. 
And how feedback — when done properly — strengthens behaviour without attacking identity. 
 

Daniel said: 

“One concept that stood out for me was this: 

Leadership isn’t a position. 
It’s a behaviour. 

It shows up in small moments — how we respond when a guest feels unsure, how we handle a price conversation, how present we are in consultation, how we support each other on a busy day”.  

The team also spent time defining their personal brands and were asked deeper questions like; 

Who do you want to be known as? 
What energy do you bring into the room? 
What do people feel after interacting with you? 

Publicly committing to that in front of your peers is powerful. 

One of the biggest realisations from the day was this — regardless of age or experience, our team wants the same thing: to grow, to communicate better, and to create stronger connections with the people who sit in our chairs. 

We looked at first impressions — how quickly they’re formed, and how much they matter. 
We worked on how we read a client’s mood, manage our own energy, and communicate clearly without ego. 

And we challenged ourselves. 

To be more present. 
To listen better. 
To follow through. 
To raise the bar on what “great service” actually means. 

Over the next few weeks, you’ll notice changes inside DI IORIO. 

The way you’re welcomed. 
The way we hand over between stylists. 
The way we listen in consultations. 
The way we handle uncertainty, big changes, or tricky conversations. 

And this is only the start. 

We invest in education like this because technical skill alone isn’t enough. 
Communication, trust and emotional awareness are what elevates a salon from good to exceptional. 

Yesterday strengthened that foundation. 

And you’ll feel the difference.