025: Through a Daughter’s Eyes: The Hidden Cost of Mom Building a Dental Practice | Olivia Woo

In this deeply moving and refreshingly honest episode of The Real Talk of Dental, I sit down with Olivia Woo, a 20-year-old entrepreneurship student and the daughter of Dr. Valerie Woo (guest of Episode 19), to explore what it’s really like growing up as the child of a high-achieving dentist and entrepreneur.Olivia was literally along for the ride—her mom was pregnant with her while opening her first dental practice straight out of dental school. In this conversation, Olivia offers a rare and powerful perspective: the child’s view of ambition, sacrifice, absence, resilience, and love.She opens up about the grief she felt as a child when her mom wasn’t always available, the gratitude she holds today, and how those experiences shaped her own entrepreneurial drive. Olivia reflects on becoming “the oldest of four,” maturing early, learning through observation, and how kids absorb far more than parents realize—especially around money, stress, and self-talk.This episode is a must-listen for dentist parents, women leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to build a meaningful life alongside a demanding career. It’s tender, insightful, and packed with wisdom well beyond Olivia’s years.If you’ve ever wondered:How your ambition impacts your kidsWhat children of entrepreneurs really experienceOr how to build success without losing connectionThis conversation will stay with you.You’ll learn:What it’s like growing up with a dentist parent building a practice from scratchHow children experience absence, stress, and ambition at homeWhy “kids are always listening” (even when you think they aren’t)The emotional cost—and unexpected gifts—of being the oldest childHow Olivia turned childhood grief into gratitude and purposeWhy non-negotiable family routines matterHow Olivia and her mom now bond through entrepreneurshipAdvice every working parent needs to hear from a child’s perspective🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:https://www.therealtalkofdental.com🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:https://leadhershipexperience.com/We talk about:00:00 Introduction to Olivia Woo02:00 Growing up alongside a dental practice05:00 Childhood grief and missing moments08:00 Reframing sacrifice with gratitude11:00 Choosing entrepreneurship over dentistry14:00 Creating space for children of entrepreneurs18:00 Learning through observation — “kids are always listening”21:00 Being the oldest of four and maturing early25:00 The role of Olivia’s dad and family dynamics28:00 What Olivia would do differently as a future parent31:00 Advice to dentist parents building businesses34:00 How Olivia and her mom work together today37:00 Final reflections and future visionConnect with OliviaLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-woo-737328333/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livw18/Connect with meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/https://courageandjoyatwork.com/https://leadhershipexperience.com/Phone: 616-682-6222