Your Performance Problem Isn’t What You Think with Denise Carman, Founder of Carman Consulting

In this episode of Behind the Thread, host Carrie Habel sits down with Denise Carman to uncover the real reason many businesses struggle—and it’s not what most leaders think.

With a background in luxury spa and wellness leadership, Denise shares how her experience on the frontlines led her to become a trusted advisor helping high-performing leaders solve complex people and culture challenges. From employee retention to client experience and overall business performance, this conversation reveals what’s really happening behind the scenes when things start to break down.

Together, Carrie and Denise dive into the hidden issues that often go unnoticed—culture drift, communication breakdowns, and leadership inconsistency—and why they are so difficult for leaders to identify early on. Denise explains the subtle warning signs to watch for and how small misalignments can quickly impact team performance and business growth.

They also challenge the common belief that business struggles are rooted in strategy or services, highlighting instead the critical role of people systems. Denise shares what an A+ culture actually looks like in practice and how leaders can create clarity, accountability, and alignment within their teams.

If you are a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader looking to improve team performance, strengthen company culture, and scale with intention, this episode delivers practical insights and real-world perspective you can apply immediately.

About the Guest: 

Denise Carman Founder, Carman Consulting | Leadership & Culture Consultant for
Luxury Spas, Med Spas & Wellness Brands Denise Carman of Carman Consulting is a luxury spa consultant and leadership
strategist dedicated to redefining how modern teams operate. With a background in high-level spa leadership and proven revenue impact, she helps organizations move beyond outdated, top-down management into cultures rooted in clarity, accountability, and servant leadership.
At the core of her work is a singular focus: closing the leadership gap that leads to
disengaged teams, operational inefficiencies, and lost revenue. Denise partners with spa owners and executives to build aligned, high-performing teams designed for today’s more complex and dynamic workforce.

Carrie Habel, host of Behind the Thread, is a dynamic leader operating at the intersection of retail, leadership, and wellness. As the owner of multiple ventures—including Thread Advisory Group and the Scottsdale chapter of Collective Women’s Leadership—she brings deep expertise in operational transformation, change management, and business growth. With a career that started on the frontlines of retail and expanded into consulting for major brands like Estée Lauder, Nordstrom, and T-Mobile, Carrie is known for helping organizations bridge the gap between strategy and execution.

DISCLAIMER:
The information shared on this podcast is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or other professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Behind the Thread, Thread Advisory Group, or Collective Women’s Leadership. This podcast is not a substitute for professional guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening does not establish any professional, client, or advisory relationship. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have related to your health, wellness, business, or other specialized matters.