Ep 194 - Navigating Doubt Days: Stefanie Fox’s Approach to Resilient Leadership in the Salon Industry

In Episode 194 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman welcomes Stefanie Fox, an influential leader in the salon industry who has made it her mission to empower salon owners and stylists to build fulfilling, sustainable careers. Stefanie’s insights extend far beyond the beauty industry. She offers lessons in self-awareness, resilience, and leadership that apply to entrepreneurs and leaders across all sectors. 

Stefanie is a coach, speaker, and visionary who has helped salon owners address the often-overlooked aspects of business: people management, retention, and culture. She’s a data enthusiast who understands the neuroscience behind emotional states and decision-making, making her approach both practical and scientifically grounded. Through her work, Stefanie addresses a unique yet universal challenge: how to lead authentically while managing moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. 

Embracing Vulnerability as a Path to Growth 

Stefanie candidly shares her struggles with what she calls “doubt days”—those moments when self-doubt, insecurity, or a challenging situation can cloud judgment and hinder progress. Rather than masking these moments, Stefanie’s approach involves acknowledging and embracing them. “I have a ton of doubt days,” she admits, “but I’ve learned that making decisions on those days actually limits my success.” 

For Stefanie, recognizing these days has been transformative, both in her personal life and as a business leader. She talks about the importance of emotional self-regulation, pointing out that many people expect leaders to always appear confident and certain. However, she challenges this notion by demonstrating that vulnerability, paired with intentional practices, can actually enhance leadership. “When I actually just recognize that this is not a decision-making kind of day, I can step back and give myself the space to realign,” Stefanie explains. 

Strategies for Resetting and Regaining Focus 

Stefanie’s journey has led her to cultivate a toolkit for navigating doubt days effectively. Drawing on her knowledge of neuroscience, she incorporates practices that engage both the body and mind, helping her shift from a place of doubt to one of clarity. Physical movement, connecting with supportive friends, and finding inspiration in quotes and journals are some of her go-to strategies. “Moving my body, whether it’s a walk or time in the gym, is preventative medicine for me,” she says. 

Stefanie also believes in building a strong support network, which she calls on during challenging moments. “There are five people in my life that I know love me unconditionally,” she shares. “When I feel overwhelmed, I’ll phone a friend and let them help me reframe my thoughts.” 

Her story is a reminder that resilience is not just about pushing through difficulties; it’s about knowing when to pause, recalibrate, and seek support. Stefanie’s perspective on resilience is particularly relevant in today’s high-stress entrepreneurial landscape, where leaders are expected to make quick decisions and maintain unwavering confidence. 

Key Takeaways and Action Steps for Leaders 

1. Don’t Make Decisions on Doubt Days 

Stefanie’s rule of thumb, “Don’t make decisions on doubt days,” is a powerful reminder that emotions can cloud judgment. “If I make decisions on those doubt days, I hinder my success because I’m not thinking clearly,” she explains. 

Take Action: When self-doubt arises, pause and give yourself the space to regain perspective. Instead of forcing a decision, reflect on your motivations and revisit the choice when you’re feeling more centered. As a leader, acknowledge these moments to your team, creating a culture of transparency. 

2. Move Your Body to Shift Your Mindset 

Physical activity is essential for Stefanie when it comes to managing stress and clearing her mind. “The likelihood that I’m going to have a better, more productive, less doubtful day is so much higher,” she shares. 

Take Action: Integrate physical movement into your daily routine, even if it’s just a walk. When faced with a stressful situation, consider a short burst of physical activity before returning to the task. Encourage your team to incorporate wellness practices to enhance productivity and mental well-being. 

3. Lean on Your Support Network 

Stefanie’s advice to “phone a friend” is not just about seeking support; it’s about having trusted people who can help you see things from a different perspective. “I have a few friends who love me unconditionally and know me well enough to give honest feedback,” she says. 

Take Action: Identify 2-3 trusted individuals in your network who can provide support and honest advice when you need it. Consider creating a group of advisors within your business to support one another in times of doubt, creating a safe space for open dialogue. 

4. Seek Inspiration in Words and Quotes 

As someone inspired by words, Stefanie turns to quotes and journals for grounding during difficult moments. “Sometimes just reading a few quotes is enough to re-inspire myself,” she shares. 

Take Action: Keep a journal of quotes or inspiring passages to turn to on challenging days. Make time for a weekly reflection session with your team, sharing an inspiring quote to kick off the discussion and foster motivation. 

5. Prioritize Rest and Mental Recharge 

For Stefanie, quality rest is vital for resetting her mind and energy. “Sometimes, sleep is the only thing that can truly reset my perspective,” she explains. Quality rest enables her to approach challenges with a fresh mindset. 

Take Action: Schedule time for rest and mental recharge just as you would for work tasks. Create a team culture that respects the need for downtime, encouraging breaks and days off to maintain high energy and mental resilience. 

Connect with Stefanie Fox 

To learn more about Stefanie Fox and her work, visit her website and follow her on social media: 

• Website: https://steffox.com 

• LinkedIn: Stefanie Fox on LinkedIn 

Stefanie’s journey serves as a powerful example of the strength in vulnerability and the importance of taking care of ourselves so that we can lead with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re a salon owner, an entrepreneur, or a leader in any field, her insights remind us that self-awareness and resilience are crucial tools for success.