In elite athletics, peak performance is often less about sheer talent and more about the ability to recover, reset, and sustain energy over the long haul. Dentistry, a profession that demands both technical precision and emotional resilience, is no different. Yet, too often, the industry has ignored the very real demands placed on providers, leading to burnout, high attrition rates, and a struggle to attract and retain talent. In a recent conversation with Dr. Erinne Kennedy, Assistant Dean for Curriculum and Integrated Learning at Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine, we explored how dentists can apply lessons from high-performance…
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Today’s society seems fixated on the next big thing. I wrote about this a few years ago and referenced the book, Spectacle, which I highly recommend you read if you want to become a master at marketing and selling. If everyone else is fascinated by what’s new, it’s insightful and important for you to consider things that remain constant. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, once highlighted this perspective, stating, “I almost never get the question: ‘What’s not going to change in the next 10 years?’ And I submit to you that that second question is actually the more important of…
The dental industry is currently facing significant workforce challenges, with many practices experiencing difficulties in retaining staff for more than a year. This trend is influenced by several factors, including generational differences, workplace dynamics, and broader labor market conditions. Recent industry reports highlight the following insights: The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that staffing issues are a major concern for dental practices, with many experiencing difficulties in hiring and retaining qualified dental assistants and hygienists. Studies published in the Journal of the American Dental Association emphasize that a lack of leadership training among dental professionals can lead to challenges in…
Hiring the right people for your orthodontic practice has always been a cornerstone of growth. But as we look toward 2025, the challenges of inflation, rising interest rates, and workforce uncertainty are redefining how practices approach the hiring process. It’s no longer about just finding “good” employees—it’s about hiring for excellence with systems that deliver predictable results. Recent data from the labor market highlights both opportunities and risks. While inflation has moderated slightly, interest rates remain high, creating a cautious economic climate. This puts pressure on wages and forces small businesses, including dental and orthodontic practices, to be laser-focused on…
I’m neck-deep finishing some work for a large international client and their marketing department. What the CMO likes to call “the hero’s journey” I phrase as a question for the entire marketing team: If we don’t know where they are, how can we help them get where they want to be? Most products and services are not marketed and advertised with this question in mind, but they should be if they want to be successful. From Broadway to Hollywood and Washington D.C. the story has been told a thousand times from “small town USA” and “rags to riches” the narrative…
The Monty Hall paradox is a famous probability puzzle that continues to stump many people, highlighting the ways in which our intuitions about chance can lead us astray. The puzzle is based on the classic game show Let’s Make a Deal, where the host, Monty Hall, presents a contestant with three doors. Behind one door is a car (the prize), and behind the other two are goats. The contestant picks a door, after which Monty—who knows what’s behind each door—opens one of the other two doors, intentionally revealing a goat. Monty then offers the contestant the chance to switch to…
Orthodontic treatment is more than just straightening teeth; it’s about transforming lives through the power of a smile. In my recent feature on Orthotown, A Smile Transformed, I discuss the incredible impact a smile can have on an individual’s confidence, health, and overall well-being. At the core of orthodontic care is the ability to provide patients with more than just aesthetic benefits. A person’s smile is often one of the first things others notice. For patients with misaligned teeth, the effect on self-esteem can be profound. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or aligners, help restore confidence by giving patients a…
Broken Windows, Broken Business by Michael Levine is a book we use frequently in my businesses, on stage at seminars, and in the practices of our members at Burleson Seminars. It’s based on a simple but powerful premise brought forward by criminologists James Q. Wilson and George Kelling. This theory posits that visible signs of disorder—like broken windows—can lead to more serious crime and antisocial behavior. Levine adapts this concept to the business world, arguing that seemingly minor issues, when left unaddressed, can spiral into significant problems that damage your company’s reputation, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, your bottom line. Why It…
In an interview with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, the unconventional yet effective management style that has contributed to NVIDIA’s success was highlighted. Huang’s approach, characterized by having 60 direct reports, challenges traditional best practices in corporate management. Stripe founder Patrick Collison noted that such a structure is atypical, prompting an exploration of Huang’s reasoning. Breaking Down Barriers Huang’s philosophy centers on the democratization of information within the company. He eschews the conventional practice of one-on-one meetings, favoring a more inclusive approach: “I don’t do 1-on-1s, and almost everything I say, I say to everybody all the time. I don’t really…
The Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup this year. The story of their coach, Paul Maurice, as captured by Jason Gay in the Wall Street Journal, is a poignant reminder of the power of patience and perseverance in building a successful career. Maurice’s journey through the ranks of professional hockey, culminating in his ultimate triumph at age 57, serves as an inspiring example of how success is often a long game, requiring years—if not decades—of dedicated effort. Maurice’s career began with the now-defunct Hartford Whalers and saw him traverse a variety of teams and leagues, including stints with the Carolina…
