After building a successful hospitality empire in London, including venues like Rum Kitchen and Island Poké, Alex Potter found himself feeling empty—despite external success. A profound spiritual awakening led him to leave his business empire and divorce, embarking on a path of self-discovery through breathwork, plant medicine, and coaching. Now, through his company Kaizn, he helps leaders reconnect with their authentic selves through innovative retreats and coaching programmes that blend ancien...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 29 min
Riaz Sharif shares his incredible journey from growing up in the foster care system to becoming a successful dental professional. He opens up about the challenges of his childhood as an orphan, his determination to pursue dentistry despite numerous setbacks, and his experiences studying abroad in Hungary and Slovakia. In This Episode 00:01:55 - Backstory 00:08:35 - Boxing 00:13:45 - Study 00:19:00 - Personal challenges 00:24:25 - Return to the UK 00:29:10 -Social media presence and marketing 00:...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 12 min
In this solo episode of the Dental Leaders podcast, Prav Solanki reflects on the past year and shares his plans for 2025, focusing on personal growth, public speaking, and health and wellness. He discusses the challenges faced by dental practices in marketing and competition, emphasizing the importance of a robust sales process and conversion strategies. Prav highlights niche marketing opportunities, particularly for nervous patients and children's orthodontics, and predicts a positive trend in ...
Jan 08, 2025•41 min
Dentist and legal expert Simon Thackeray discusses his route from NHS to private practice, his involvement in dental politics, and his role as a founder member of BAPD (British Association of Private Dentistry). He offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by private dentists during COVID-19 and shares candid thoughts about the profession's future direction. The discussion covers everything from practice management and patient care to broader societal issues affecting dentistry. In This...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 37 min
Dental students Lwai Almasri and Saif Mukadam discuss their journeys into dentistry, their experiences at King's College London, and their creation of the UK Dental Students network. The conversation covers Saif's unique path from professional football to dentistry, the challenges of dental school, and their ambitious plans for organising a "Top 50 Dental Students" event. They provide valuable insights into modern dental education, including the impact of online learning and the competitive natu...
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Rhona Eskander and Payman chat with Adeola Gboyega, a renowned makeup artist and beauty expert with over a decade of industry experience. The conversation delves deep into representation in the beauty industry, mental health challenges content creators face, and the evolution of social media's impact on business. Adeola shares her journey from traditional education to becoming a successful makeup artist and content creator while discussing important topics like the pay gap for black creators and...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Emerging dental leader Yewande Oduwole shares her inspiring journey from Nigeria to becoming an award-winning dentist in the UK. She opens up about her challenging childhood, faith-driven approach to life, and her mission to increase representation in dentistry through social media and the Black Dental Network. The conversation spans her innovative approach to dental practice, her social media influence, and her experiences with brand partnerships while touching on valuable clinical insights and...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Anushika Brogan, owner of Damira Dental Studios with 42 practices and over 200 dentists, shares her remarkable journey from a single practice owner to one of the UK's most successful dental entrepreneurs. She discusses her business philosophy, leadership approach, and personal experiences while offering valuable insights into managing a large dental organisation. The conversation touches on both professional challenges and personal growth, including her experiences with divorce, parenthood, and ...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 33 min
In this deeply personal episode of Mind Movers, hosts Rhona Eskander and Payman Langroudi speak with makeup artist Cinta Miller. The conversation explores Cinta's remarkable journey through profound personal losses, including the death of her mother and sister, a life-changing diagnosis at age 32, and her path to resilience. Despite facing significant challenges, Cinta shares how she maintained a positive outlook while building a successful career in the beauty and music industry. The discussion...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 21 min
Veteran dentist Mark Becker looks back on a 30+ year career in dentistry. Mark recounts following in his father's footsteps to establishing a chain practices across London—and the challenges of transitioning from NHS to private care along the way. He also discusses the evolution of dental technology and his approach to patient care and practice management while sharing candid reflections on the challenges and rewards of the profession. In This Episode 00:02:10 - Backstory 00:04:35 - Dental schoo...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 31 min
Hygienist Zara Shirvani discusses her unconventional journey from genetics via acting to dental hygiene. Zara geeks out on guided biofilm therapy and discusses her unique approach to patient care. She shares insights on the importance of dental teams working together, her experience across multiple practices, and her views on evolving hygiene techniques. The conversation also explores her Iranian heritage, future career aspirations, including facial aesthetics, and her perspectives on profession...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 30 min
Alex Hadley reflects on his journey from NHS dentistry to a thriving private practice, sharing insights on transitioning between roles, managing complex implant cases, and building patient trust through strong communication. He highlights the importance of mentorship, the challenges of balancing work across multiple practices, and the impact of entering private dentistry on professional growth. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:01:10 - Introduction and background 00:03:15 - Mentors and early experiences...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 266
Dooroo Ihm shares his journey from growing up in South Korea to practising dentistry across Europe and eventually settling in London. He discusses his unique career path, the value of listening to patients, and the importance of patient-first care. Dooroo also reflects on navigating different healthcare systems, the challenges of moving internationally, and his passion for both technical excellence and patient communication. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:00:05 - Patient communication & first imp...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 17 min
Steffen Decker shares his journey from adult orthodontics to a focus on paediatric and interceptive orthodontics, emphasising the importance of early intervention. He discusses the benefits of clear aligners for young children, how early treatment impacts overall health, and his belief in a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to airway health. Steffen also reflects on the changes in orthodontics, advocating for education, and the significance of functional occlusion. Enjoy! In This Episode...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 30 min
Polly Bhambra, co-owner of the Tri Dental group, shares her journey from dental nurse to overseeing ten dental practices in the West Midlands. She discusses the importance of empowering dental nurses, creating a respectful work environment, and the challenges and rewards of managing a large team. Polly also talks about her family’s entrepreneurial background and the balancing act of building a dental group while raising a family. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:00:05 - Introduction and background 00:0...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 33 min
James Morrison shares his journey from NHS dentistry to becoming a private cosmetic dentist in Bristol. He discusses the shift to cosmetic work during COVID-19, challenges in managing patient expectations, and insights on the evolving role of social media in dentistry. James opens up about his rare muscular condition and how it influenced his approach to work-life balance. He also shares valuable tips on patient communication and his streamlined consultation process. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:01...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Rhona and Payman chat with Angus Pringle, a specialist orthodontist with a deep interest in mental health and suicide prevention. Angus shares his personal experiences with losing his brother to suicide. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness in the dental profession, touching on the need for compassion, open dialogue, and better support systems within the dental community and beyond. In This Episode 00:02:35 - Cycling challenge 00:05:25 - Safe spaces 00:07:45 - Suicide, stigma, ...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Former BACD president Andrew Chandrapal discusses his journey in dentistry, from his early days balancing dental school with music aspirations to becoming a respected clinician and educator. He shares insights on the value of humility in dentistry, the impact of social media on patient expectations, and the significance of building trust with patients. He also reflects on his experiences with the BACD and his approach to teaching. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:02:55 - Early years 00:05:35 - Personal...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 29 min
Payman Langroudi sits down with Dr. Zohaib Ali, a specialist prosthodontist and leader in the bio-emulation movement in the UK. They discuss Dr. Ali's journey in dentistry, his experiences with various dental techniques and technologies, and his thoughts on education and patient care. The conversation covers everything from the challenges of NHS dentistry to the importance of clear communication with patients and the future of digital dentistry. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:02:35 - Bio-emulative de...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 58 min
Dr Devinia Lavan-Iswaran (known as Coco) shares her inspiring journey from surviving domestic abuse to rediscovering herself and thriving as a dentist and mentor. She discusses her multicultural upbringing, experiences in boarding school, and how she rebuilt her life and career after leaving an abusive marriage. Coco offers insights into resilience, the importance of self-worth, and her passion for helping others through dentistry and charitable work. In This Episode 00:05:00 - Backstory 00:13:3...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 44 min
Payman Langroudi meets Awaz Sharief, a young dentist with a special interest in minimally invasive endodontics. Awaz shares her journey, personal challenges, and innovative approach to minimally invasive endodontics treatments. The conversation covers clinical techniques, personal growth, faith, and the importance of emotional awareness. In This Episode 00:02:24 - Pulpotomy approach 00:05:35 - Back story 00:21:25 - Faith, belief, and finding meaning 00:24:35 - Personal growth 00:31:55 - Narcissi...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 11 min
In this insightful episode, Dru Shah, a specialist periodontist and founder of the Dentinal Tubules network, discusses the state of dental education, personal growth, and the challenges facing the dental profession. He shares his views on leadership, the importance of trust in dentistry, and the need for a more patient-centric approach. Dru also touches on broader societal issues, including multiculturalism and social integration. In This Episode 00:02:00 - Authenticity 00:04:35 - Reading and le...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 39 min
Rhona and Payman chat with Levi Levenfiche, co-founder of PerfectTed, Europe's first matcha-powered energy drink company. Levi shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges of starting a business with family members, the impact of appearing on Dragon's Den, and the rapid growth of PerfectTed. The conversation covers various aspects of running a start-up, from product development and marketing strategies to managing team dynamics and personal mental health. In This Episode 00:01:1...
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Payman Langroudi chats with Giovanni Martino, a young Italian dentist practising in the UK. Giovanni shares his journey from studying dentistry in Italy to working in the NHS and private practice in the UK. Giovanni discusses the importance of continuing education, challenges and opportunities in dentistry and how his musical background has influenced his approach to dentistry. In This Episode 00:03:55 - Background with the Delta Academy 00:05:50 - Teaching and learning 00:08:45 - Work and the U...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 48 min
Payman Langroudi chats with May Firoozmand, a young dentist who recently qualified from Bulgaria. May shares her journey into dentistry, her experiences studying abroad, and her perspective on life and service shaped by her Baha'i faith. The conversation covers topics ranging from her dental education in Bulgaria to her charitable work and future aspirations in dentistry. In This Episode 00:02:35 - Faith 00:07:35 - Family influence 00:14:50 - Study 00:19:20 - Oral surgery 00:23:25 - Bulgaria 00:...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Dr Tara recounts her journey from a conservative upbringing to becoming a leading voice in sexual education and empowerment. The professor and sex expert shares her personal experiences with marriage, divorce, and finding a fulfilling relationship, while also delving into topics such as sexual mindfulness, the impact of cultural norms on relationships, and the complexities of infidelity. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:02:00 - Background 00:04:35 - Religion, culture and sexuality 00:08:35 - Body neutr...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 28 min
Payman meets Kunal Thakker, the founder of Tooth Club, a rapidly growing dental practice group in the UK. Kunal shares his journey from a career in banking to disrupting the dental industry, discussing his approach to creating a patient-centric experience, scaling a dental business, and the challenges of maintaining quality while expanding. He offers insights into his marketing strategies, recruitment practices, and the importance of company culture in building a successful dental group. In This...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 33 min
Payman Langroudi chats with Mark Allan, General Manager of Bupa Dental Care. Mark shares insights into leading one of the UK’s largest private healthcare organisations, discusses current challenges and opportunities in the dental industry, and offers valuable leadership advice. The conversation touches on corporate dentistry, talent acquisition, the importance of listening to frontline staff, and how tech is shaping the industry’s future. In This Episode 00:00:55 - Dentistry—first impressions 00...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 16 min
Manrina Rhode recounts her journey from practice fresh from dental school in high-end London clinics to owner and CEO of the upscale DRMR practice and medical skincare line. She discusses her experiences in cosmetic dentistry, teaching, product development, and practice management. Dr. Rhode also opens up about personal challenges, including divorce and loss, and how these experiences have shaped her both personally and professionally. In This Episode 00:01:15 - Evolution of Veneers 00:04:35 - B...
Aug 14, 2024•2 hr
This week, we take a walk into the archives with a look back at an early conversation with a true dental leader. Andy Moore discusses balancing his stellar career with a healthy, happy home life, reveals the story behind his architecturally stunning practice, and gives a peek into hanging out with Richard Branson and Larry Page. Enjoy! In This Episode 02:12 – The perfect environment for practice 13: 07 – The power of delegating 15:03 – Hiring process – an oft-overlooked trait 18:43 – Achieving w...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 9 min
