Tyler Peters oversees both the global education for iS CLINICAL and the content and outreach through iS UNIVERSITY. Coming from outside the industry gave Peters a unique outlook on learning as much as possible from different perspectives within the industry and throughout the company. Without the preconceived notions that can be formed as an industry insider, his approach helped to break the molds of industry education and outreach, gaining the praise of industry professionals globally.
Why aesthetics?
Fate! I spent most of my early life with my goals and efforts focused on professional athletics. However, following an injury, I found myself looking for a new career path. Wanting to move back to Los Angeles, I interviewed and accepted a job with iS CLINICAL. I expected this to be a short-term experience. Now, after being here eight years, I cannot imagine switching industries. Beginning with the people we can help, making their lives better than they would be otherwise, and extending to those we are fortunate to work with, the aesthetic industry is remarkable.
Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life?
My father. Kids are so impressionable and having a strong leader as a parent meant the world to me. Many of my early memories are of my father taking the time to understand me and, then, lead me in a direction consistent with my personality. My father’s patience – with me and his employees – is something I aspire to develop. He also owned and operated a local business and would bring us into work with him. To see how he managed his team and led by example was very influential to me at that time in my life.
What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
With hopes of ultimately becoming a professional hockey player, I decided to leave home while still in high school to become a part of a national team.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
I believe the word leader is often associated with a position, but there are incredible leaders in all levels of companies. I am fascinated with learning from others; I dedicate time each day to reading books and listening to podcasts from all types of leaders. These are of a wide variety and include company or industry founders, those who lead in their communities, science nerds, sports figures, and motivational leaders. My work allows me opportunities to interact and learn from the management styles and technical knowledge of others. Another part of growing as a leader is spending time getting to know people; each person is unique and learning how to support and motivate people is an important part of leadership.
What motivates you each day?
The truth is I love what I do and this is my prime motivation. I am very fortunate in all aspects of my life and I truly love everything I do. I love both my personal and professional life and the qualities each of those brings me.
I believe that my personal life experiences have allowed me to live with gratitude. I believe in always looking forward and learning from past experiences. I hope that keeping my perspective this way will enable me to assist someone in overcoming similar experiences and difficulties.
How do you approach change/the unknown?
Change and the unknown bring any individual a multitude of feelings – from discomfort to the excitement of a new challenge. I look at change and the unknown as an opportunity to experience something new. It can be easier to enjoy the feeling of what is comfortable, but the truth is that we are at our best when we are uncomfortable and stretching our abilities towards higher ground.
How do you keep yourself grounded?
It is imperative for me to feel good physically. Daily cardio and exercise are important. I am also a sports fanatic, so, when I can, spending a Sunday watching golf or a weekday watching one of my favorite sports team is a nice way for me to unwind.
What is your favorite spa treatment?
I appreciate many spa treatments, but a deep tissue massage is my favorite.
If you could go back in time to when you first were starting out, what advice would you give yourself?
Be patient. Ask a lot of questions and do not be afraid to fail. Often we impair our ability to learn and succeed by the fear of failure. If our intentions are in the right place and we remove this fear, we are bound to be successful.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
I would advise my 18-year-old self to diversify my knowledge and experiences. A lot of my contributions personally and professionally originate from experiences (positive and negative) that taught me lessons. As I reflect on my teenage years, I was one-track minded and a more diverse approach might have been helpful.
What’s your most irrational fear?
I have had an extreme fear of rollercoasters since I was very young. My wife and son are thrill seekers, so I have been forced on a few rides over the past year. I certainly closed my eyes during the duration of the ride.
What’s something you wish you’d written?
Tools of Titans by Tim Ferris.
How do you stand for what you believe in?
Standing for what you believe in is important, although it is certainly not always easy. I try to live my beliefs with each day’s challenges.
What do you love most about your job?
I get to work with many unique and specialized people that I learn from, including the founders of our company and the physicians, experts, and industry professionals I work with daily. Our industry has great diversity in people and knowledge. If you take the time to understand and learn from those around you, it is truly incredible.
If you could ask another leader any question, what would it be?
What is one developed skill you feel has proven invaluable for your success?
How do you measure success?
I measure my success by the goals I have set for myself with a clear understanding of my capabilities. I think it is important to set goals, but it is equally important to set them with an understanding of your abilities. A common fault is measuring our success against others with different abilities or against those on social platforms. This is a quick way to feel defeated.
Early bird or night owl?
I am a believer in the proverb “The early bird catches the worm.” I get up by 5:00 am every day to work out and get ahead of the day. Not only does this allow me to jumpstart my day, it also allows me the time I need to better myself so I can adequately give to my kids and others later in the day.
Sweet or salty?
I have a salt problem; I add salt to everything.
Laundry or dishes?
Laundry – it is the easiest way to locate my lost items.
Camping or glamping?
Glamping – I love the outdoors for activities, but when it is time for sleep, I am all for a shower and comfortable bed.
What is your proudest accomplishment in the industry?
I have been fortunate to work closely with the founders of iS CLINICAL. Their belief in education has enabled our company to provide education to tens of thousands of people. Through our development of iS UNIVERSITY and the iS CLINICAL advanced seminars, we are committed to providing unbiased, ongoing education to aesthetic professionals globally.
What’s the biggest myth in the industry?
The aesthetic industry can sometimes be looked at as shallow and superficial. Coming into the industry as an outsider, I was uneducated about its role. After eight years of industry experience, I understand the true purpose and importance of our industry.
What hurdles have you had to overcome?
Coming into a new industry without prior knowledge was certainly a hurdle.
Where is the brand headed over the next 5 years?
On a continued upward trajectory!
Where is the entire industry headed?
The industry continues to evolve each year. With support from science and technology, the industry will continue to advance and meet the needs of our very savvy consumers. Consumers – in increasingly larger numbers – are researching and educating themselves on products and treatment offerings. Their growing sophistication will require the entire industry to meet and exceed consumer expectations.
What distinguishes your company from others in the industry?
We are privately held, so quality never needs to be compromised in the interest of profit. We have a commitment to education and elevating industry standards.
What are your current goals?
To develop my leadership and public speaking skills. Both skills require study and practice, however, these skills will benefit both me and our organization.
How would you define your company’s culture?
iS CLINICAL is a very special place to work. Because of our tremendous and rapid growth, it seems the culture is always changing. We are an international company. There is an unerring commitment to quality. Right now we are further expanding staff and responsibilities to bring even greater depth and breadth to the company.
What has been the hardest lesson learned in business?
That a company is composed of many different types of people and not all goals, aspirations, talents, and motivations are the same.
How do you motivate your employees/team?
I emphasize the importance of teamwork – that we all depend on each other to bring a project to a successful conclusion.
Gut instinct versus expertise: which is more important and why?
Both are important. But, in an industry becoming increasingly technical and diverse, expertise is essential.
How do you encourage creative thinking within your organization?
I listen to new ideas from those on my team and encourage them to continue to contribute.
Where do the great ideas come from in your organization?
From everywhere! And, there is great direction from the founders.
What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your organization?
Which projects to emphasize and help grow and which projects to prioritize less.
How do you stay relevant/current?
I stay involved in all aspects of the industry. I work extensively within the company environment but also in the field. Being involved with continuing education helps me stay current and exposes me to new concepts from industry leaders.
What is the hardest thing about being a leader?
Time management.