Beauty Changes Lives Hosts Transformative 2025 Industry Leader Roundtable

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Beauty Changes Lives Hosts Transformative 2025 Industry Leader Roundtable Featuring Internet Pioneer Vint Cerf

Orlando, FL – May 31, 2025 — Beauty Changes Lives successfully hosted its third annual Industry Leader Roundtable at the Hilton Orlando during Premiere Orlando, bringing together 90 top executives and thought leaders from across the beauty, barbering, nails, and wellness sectors.

Held the same day as the annual Beauty Changes Lives GALA, the Roundtable serves as a platform for cross-sector collaboration, candid dialogue, and actionable insights on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

This exclusive, invitation-only event explored the timely theme: Technology 3.0: Technology and the Future of the Beauty, Barber, and Wellness Industry.

Our program was moderated by Edwin Neill, President and CEO of Neill Corporation and Beauty Changes Lives Board Member.

The afternoon opened with a powerful conversation between Dr. Vint Cerf, one of the “Fathers of the Internet” and Google’s Chief Internet Evangelist, and Charles Brown, Founder & CEO of CLICS and Beauty Changes Lives Board Member. Dr. Cerf shared insights on artificial intelligence, trust, lifelong learning, responsible innovation, and a glimpse into emerging technologies.

“Technology is not just a tool,” said Dr. Cerf. “It’s a catalyst for reimagining how we connect, create, and serve.”

Following the keynote, participants broke into facilitated working groups to examine how technology is impacting the professional beauty industry. Topics included:

  • Preserving the Human Connection in a Tech-Driven Industry

  • Making Smarter Technology Choices: Partners, Priorities, and ROI

  • Driving Internal Buy-In and Adoption

  • Technology and Industry Associations

Key findings from the working groups included:

  • Technology should enhance—not replace—the human connection. Tools that reduce inefficiencies free up time for more meaningful, personalized service.

  • Smarter tech decisions start with strategy. Leaders emphasized the need for shared evaluation frameworks, centralized industry data, and greater collaboration.

  • Leadership drives adoption. Clear communication, defined benefits, and strategic timelines are essential for successful implementation.

  • AI can accelerate education and career growth. Tools like AR/VR, ChatGPT, and automation are reshaping how professionals learn, work, and grow.

The Roundtable also provided valuable networking opportunities, giving industry leaders the chance to strengthen existing relationships and form new ones. The program concluded with updates from Beauty Changes Lives and the Unite As One coalition of industry associations.

“This Roundtable was designed to challenge assumptions, expand thinking, and spark ideas that can be applied across the industry,” said Lisa Roeberg, Executive Director of Beauty Changes Lives. “Dr. Cerf’s insights—and the depth of discussion in every group—helped us see how the beauty industry can embrace innovation without losing its heart.”

Participants found the event timely and valuable.

“Fascinating format—loved every moment. The conversation with Dr. Cerf was outstanding, as was the roundtable brainstorming!”


“Especially enjoyed the interactivity and dialogue sparked by the table discussions.”


“Dr. Cerf’s talk was incredibly insightful—what a treat! An excellent networking opportunity with so many peers.”

As follow-up to the event, a white paper featuring Dr. Cerf’s full conversation, detailed group takeaways, audience polling insights, event photos, a participant list, and participant comments and feedback will be released soon.

Special Thanks to our Roundtable Committee:

Charles Brown, CLICS colors

Phil Horvath, Peachy Studios

Edwin Neill, Neill Corporation

Steve Reiss, Pivot Point International

Karen Short, Universal Companies

Networking Break Sponsored by L’Oréal Professional Products Division. Event Powered by Pivot Point, Featuring Charles Brown of CLICS and Edwin Neill of Neill Corp.

For more information about the Industry Leader Roundtable and to learn how to get involved with Beauty Changes Lives, please visit beautychangeslives.org/roundtable.

View photos from the Roundtable

Beauty Changes Lives is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to making careers in beauty and wellness a first choice. Through its scholarship, mentorship, awareness and advanced education programs, Beauty Changes Lives is empowering the next generation of professionals and elevating the Industry. To get involved or make a donation, please visit https://beautychangeslives.org