Dental Leaders Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.