

Dental Leaders Podcast
Prav Solanki & Payman Langroudi
The Dental Leaders podcast takes you on a behind the scenes journey with emerging leaders in dentistry. Success leaves clues, and these conversations uncover the depth, detail, and backstory behind our guests.
The show is hosted by dental entrepreneurs Payman Langroudi & Prav Solanki. Let the conversation flow.
Find out more at https://www.dentalleaders.co.uk/
The show is hosted by dental entrepreneurs Payman Langroudi & Prav Solanki. Let the conversation flow.
Find out more at https://www.dentalleaders.co.uk/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 17, 2024 • 1h 34min
#248 The Outsider — Teki Sowdani
Payman chats with Instagram favourite Teki Sowdani, who shares his journey from his initial work experience to his time at Sheffield University.
He discusses growing up in Essex with Iraqi parents, and how this shaped his perspective.
Teki also discusses his meteoric career progression, and rise to prominence on social media, and his journey into practice ownership.
He candidly discusses the professional and personal challenges he faced, including a medical diagnosis that profoundly impacted his life and career outlook.
In This Episode
00:01:55 - Backstory
00:05:55 - Study
00:08:15 - Outsider mentality
00:11:35 - Early career
00:15:15 - Social media
00:21:10 - Cancer
00:31:25 - Clear aligners
00:45:20 - Darkest day
00:54:50 - Composite bonding
01:04:35 - Dental monitoring
01:20:45 - Practice ownership and management
01:24:50 - Teki's future plans and potential sale of his practice
01:30:40 - Final questions: fantasy dinner party guests and life advice
About Teki Sowdani
Teki Sowdani is the founder and owner of London-based Teeth by Tekki clinic and a prominent voice on Instagram under the @teeth_by_teki handle.

Jul 12, 2024 • 1h 13min
Mind Movers #32 — Hunter Michael Shepard
This episode of Mind Movers features Hunter Michael Shepard, a recovery advocate and content creator who shares his personal journey through addiction and recovery.
Hunter discusses his early experiences with drugs, starting at age 12 with Adderall, alcohol, and marijuana.
The conversation covers Hunter's rock-bottom moments and the impactful words that led to recovery. him to seek treatment seriously. Hunter describes his rehab experience and early recovery, including how he began creating content about his journey.
In This Episode
00:02:20 - Backstory
00:04:15 - ADHD and overmedication
00:06:00 - Drug use
00:12:10 - Hunter's experiences in juvenile prison
00:24:35 - Addiction and relationships
00:31:25 - Opioid crisis
00:37:35 - Reaching rock bottom
00:43:15 - Recovery
00:56:30 - Addiction intervention and management
01:03:35 - Breathwork and community
01:08:25 - Recovery advocacy
01:11:30 - Future plans
About Hunter Shepard
Hunter Michael Shepard is a recovery advocate and content creator who overcame a severe drug addiction that began at age 12. Hunter now works as an interventionist and case manager, helping others struggling with addiction. He's known for his social media presence, where he shares his recovery journey and provides support to those in need.

Jul 10, 2024 • 1h 55min
#247 The Four Seasons of Dentistry — Todd Williams
Prav chats with Todd Williams, an expert in customer service and leadership training.
Todd shares his unique journey from growing up around older adults to working in healthcare, then transitioning to the luxury hotel industry with Four Seasons, and finally applying his expertise to dentistry.
He shares strategies for breaking down barriers, authentically engaging with people, and bringing out the best in staff, customers, and patients.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:04:35 - Backstory
00:09:15 - School and social dynamics
00:15:40 - Study and work
00:31:25 - Four Seasons
00:39:35 - Customer and patient experiences
01:14:50 - Public speaking
01:46:15 - Last days and legacy
About Todd Williams
Todd Williams is a speaker and consultant specializing in culture development across healthcare, hospitality, and customer-facing industries. He spent 20+ years developing service delivery training for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. As VP of Culture Development at Centura Health, he focused on employee engagement and improving patient experiences.

Jul 5, 2024 • 1h 57min
Mind Movers #31 — Yusra Al-Mukhtar
Payman and Rhona chat with award-winning facial aesthetician and dentist Dr Yusra Al-Mukhtar.
Yusra touches on her experiences growing up in the UK as a Muslim woman and the impact of her father's return to Iraq after the war.
She also explains the rationale behind her move from dentistry to facial aesthetics and shares thoughts on consent and ethics in aesthetic procedures.
Yura also discusses balancing motherhood with a demanding career, the role of healthcare professionals in discussing humanitarian issues publicly, and the importance of speaking out against injustice.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:50 - Backstory
00:24:50 - Transition from dentistry to facial aesthetics
00:33:35 - Differences in aesthetic preferences between Liverpool and London
00:39:35 - Ethics and aesthetics
00:52:00 - Motherhood, career and family
01:01:45 - Fertility
01:08:15 - Healthcare and humanitarian issues
01:24:50 - Islam and Islamophobia
01:53:20 - Future plans and projects
01:54:10 - Advice for young dentists
01:55:25 - Awards and success
About Yusra Al-Mukhtar
Yusra Al-Mukhtar is a dental surgeon, medical aesthetician and founder and clinical director of Dr Yusra, providing medically-led aesthetic treatments in Liverpool and London.

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 9min
#246 Like and Subscribe — Faris Elsayad
Barely two years after graduating, Faris Elsayed already runs a successful startup and one of the profession’s most popular social channels.
He chats with Payman about his YouTube alter ego, Faris Dent, shares insights from life on the road as a sales rep with aligner brand 32Co, and discusses the highs and lows of entrepreneurialism.
Faris also talks about his faith, charity work, and personal drive to make a lasting impression on dentistry and the wider world.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:15 - Entering dentistry
00:04:35 - YouTube
00:08:35 - Motivation
00:10:30 - Dental school
00:12:45 - 32Co
00:25:40 - Early work
00:31:05 - All Eyes Sky
00:58:50 - Fantasy dinner party
01:00:00 - Faith and charity
About Faris Elsayad
Faris Elsayed is a general dentist practising in Milton Keynes. He is the founder of several startups, including All Eyes Sky, which connects jobseekers with interviews and training.

Jun 28, 2024 • 1h 18min
Mind Movers #30 — Dr Onkar
Dr Onkar, a TikTok dentist, discusses social media impact on dentistry, ADHD diagnosis, dental school experience, tattoos in healthcare, and mental health in a captivating episode.

Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 18min
#245 Model Implantologist — Sumair Khan
Implantologist and dental educator Sumair Khan shares his journey in implant dentistry, emphasizing mentoring and effective communication. Topics include restorative training, 3D thinking, medico-legal climate, work-life balance, leadership, and advice for young dentists.

Jun 21, 2024 • 1h 8min
Mind Movers #29 — Nilesh Parmar
This episode of Mind Movers features an intimate conversation with renowned dentist Nilesh Parmar. The discussion delves into Nilesh's personal life and professional journey, exploring themes of success, relationships, and mental health in the dental profession.
The conversation offers a candid look at the personal side of a successful professional, highlighting the importance of balancing career achievements with personal growth and meaningful relationships. It also touches on broader issues affecting the dental profession, including mental health, professional conduct, and the challenges of maintaining a public image.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:05 - Public Vs private life
00:13:35 - Landmark Forum
00:15:50 - Relationships and culture
00:21:25 - Formative experiences
00:32:25 - Male vulnerability
00:37:35 - Marriage
00:49:55 - Darkest moment
00:52:25 - Bullying and dentistry
01:00:45 - Political ambitions
01:03:25 - Karma and charity
About Nilesh Parmar
Nilesh Parmar is an implant and cosmetic dentist, author, mentor, and media personality.

Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 39min
#244 Flow — Michael Joseph
Clinical dental technician Michael Joseph recounts his journey from sales rep to clinical dental technician and lab owner.
Michael touches on the dentist-lab relationship and communication, keeping abreast of new tech, and the life-changing business and personal impacts of lab life under COVID restrictions.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:00 - Michael's journey to becoming a dental lab technician
00:06:25 - Marketing, growth and business models
00:16:10 - Dentist-lab relationships
00:23:40 - Veneers and aesthetics
00:26:00 - Running a lab
00:41:35 - Downsides and challenges
00:51:50 - Parental influence
00:56:20 - The COVID pandemic
01:03:00 - Working with dentists
01:13:55 - Social media and education
01:23:00 - Five-year plan
01:27:15 - The future of dental technology
01:31:00 - Fantasy dinner party
01:31:55 - Fitness and flow
01:36:40 - Last days and legacy
About Michael Joseph
Michael Joseph is a clinical dental technician and founder of London-based BiteRite Dental Laboratory providing nationwide restorative support.

Jun 14, 2024 • 1h 8min
Mind Movers #28 — Talitha Price
Rhona and Payman meet Talitha Price, the founder of the successful hair extension business Fox and Vamp.
Talitha shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her early days in the beauty industry working for Virgin Atlantic and major cosmetics brands to starting her own salon and product line.
The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a business, including the loneliness of being a sole founder, the importance of having a supportive partner, and the difficulties of juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship.
Talitha also opens up about her personal struggles, growth, and overcoming her lowest moments.
In This Episode
00:02:00 - Starting in business
00:09:20 - Entrepreneurial spirit and intuition
00:19:20 - New business challenges
00:27:25 - Transition from service to products
00:32:40 - Motherhood, family and business
00:44:00- Low points
00:49:45 - The Prince's Trust charity
00:51:30 - Vision and challenges
00:58:45 - Teamwork, support, and vulnerability
01:00:20 - Family health crisis
01:01:40 - Unhappy clients
01:06:55 - Provide a brief episode summary
About Talitha Price
Talitha Price is the founder of Chelsea’s Fox and Vamp hair salon and hair extension products.


