NAIL IT

What if your biggest marketing problem isn’t your logo, your website, or your social media strategy - but the fact that you don’t truly know your own story? In this powerful episode, Anna Roberts, Director of My Smile Media, unpacks why “vanilla marketing” is quietly killing brands and why generic messaging simply won’t survive the next generational shift. We explore the psychology behind buying decisions, why emotion drives action far more than logic, and how confidence, aspiration and belonging are shaping the way modern consumers choose who to trust. This conversation goes far beyond marketing tactics. We dive into identity, purpose, storytelling, impostor syndrome, and the courage it takes to stand out in a sea of sameness. If you’ve ever felt invisible in a crowded market, unsure how to communicate your value, or stuck playing it safe - this episode will challenge you to stop blending in and start building a brand that actually reflects who you are.Anna Roberts has spent 17 years inside dental powerhouses like Henry Schein and Align Technology, and with an MBA, she has honed her expertise as a marketing performance expert with a special interest in brand and consumer psychology. She breaks marketing rules, rejects the vanilla, and leads a new era of bold, story - driven emotional marketing that truly connects with its audience. Believing this is the missing layer in dentistry, she’s on a mission to banish bland forever.Contact Anna: @annamismilemedia 07894 824302If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting nailitindentistry.com, or find out more about the system on nail-it.uk

In this episode of the NAIL-IT Podcast, Dr Rana Al-Falaki and Dr Bhavin Patel sit down with one of dentistry’s most respected portfolio leaders to unpack what really drives longevity, calm confidence, and sustainable success in a high-pressure profession. You’ll hear a refreshingly honest conversation about responding rather than reacting under stress, building a career by leaning into opportunity without needing perfection first, and why modern working culture (post-COVID, digital-first, always-on) is quietly eroding communication, confidence and resilience. If you’re navigating pressure, leadership responsibility, self-doubt, or the feeling that “life is happening at you”, this episode will leave you with practical mindset shifts and a new way to think about ambition, well-being, and showing up at your best, even on the hard days. If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT-then check out our events and programmes by visiting nailitindentistry.com⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠nail-it.uk

What if learning wasn’t about consuming more information but about creating experiences that actually change how you think, feel, and show up? In this solo-hosted episode, Dr Rana Al-Falaki is joined by Mehy Lo Presti, a high-energy creator and co-founder of the Global Dental Collective, for a powerful conversation on how learning truly sticks. Together, they explore self-doubt as the enemy of creativity, why experience beats instruction, and how curiosity, emotional safety, energy and community unlock deeper growth. This episode is about breaking rigid formats, trusting intuition, and designing environments where learning becomes memorable, embodied, and transformational. If you’re into personal growth, leadership, creativity and conscious evolution, this conversation will stay with you long after you press play. With over 10 years of private clinical experience,Dr Mehy Lo Presti is the founder of the Global Dental Collective and the creator of Dentown and Dentorama. These immersive formats blend theatre, technology, and clinical storytelling,engaging thousands of dental professionals and redefining how dentistry is taught and discussed. He has lectured at King’s College London and led multiple dental missions in Central America, combining academic insight with global outreach. Beyond speaking, Mehy works closely with event production teams to co curate content, design audience flow, and moderate live sessions. Connect with Mehy; @globaldentalcollectivewww.globaldentalcollective.com _______________________________________________________________If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT-then check out our events and programmes by visiting⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠ , or find out more about the system on⁠ nail-it.uk

What happens when an entire profession is quietly losing its talent-not because of lack of skill, but because of lack of support?In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Shandy Vijayan shares the story behind the rapid rise of the Dental Mums Network and why it’s become such a vital space for women navigating dentistry, motherhood, and identity. This episode shines a light on the hidden challenges many don’t talk about-from isolation and imposter syndrome to the realities of returning to work after maternity leave. But this isn’t just about dentistry-it’s about leadership, community, and the courage to do things differently. We explore what it really means to lead authentically, why collaboration is replacing competition, and how trusting your intuition can change the trajectory of your career. If you’ve ever felt alone in your journey, questioned your path, or wondered if you’re “falling behind,” this episode will remind you that you’re not-and that going further often means not going alone. Dr Shandy Vijayan is a private dentist, university lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, and Chief Operating Officer of the Dental Mums Network, a growing community supporting women across dentistry. Alongside her clinical work in aesthetic, restorative and periodontal dentistry, she is passionate about mentorship, education and creating spaces where women can build confidence, connection and meaningful careers.Instagram:@Dentalmumsnetwork

Nishma Sharma (Clinical Policy Adviser at NHS England and founder of the Diversity in Dentistry Action Group) joins us on The NAIL-IT Podcast for a high-energy, deeply honest conversation about success, sacrifice, and what burnout really looks likebehind the accolades. Nishma shares how dentistry wasn’t her original path, the impostor syndrome and depression she experienced early on, and how COVID pushed her into emotional overload—before she rebuilt her life around presence, connection,and redefining what “enough” means. We explore purpose as a justice-driven“fairness” lens, the power of mentorship, why dentists have far more transferable skills than they realise, and the NAIL-IT pillar that resonates most with her. Nishma Sharma is a clinician, leader and speaker with over two decades of experience across healthcare, policy and regulation. Alongside her clinical work, she is widely recognised for her leadership in equality, wellbeing and professional standards, and is the founder of the Diversity in Dentistry Action Group, created to address bias and health inequalities across healthcare. Nishma advises national organisations, contributes to professional publications, and speaks internationally on leadership, mental health, inclusion and sustainable success. Her work is driven by a strong sense of fairness and a commitment to helping people thrive—professionally and personally—through challenge and change. If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT-then check out our events and programmes by visiting⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠, or find out more about thesystem on⁠nail-it.uk

This is a must-listen episode if you’re leading a dental team (or trying to stay sane whilst doing it). Dr Rana Al-Falaki and Dr Bhavin Patel are joined by dental business consultant Lucie Simic (LCS Healthcare Consultancy) for an energising, practical conversation on mindset, leadership and culture - and how the stories we tell ourselves quietly shape our confidence, our performance, and even what we believe we’re “allowed” to do. From Lucie’s powerful quote “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right” to her journey of breaking old beliefs through Hyrox training, you’ll leave feeling fired up to challenge your own limits. Lucie also shares real-world leadership gold for practice managers and principals: how to stop being the “island in the middle”, why boundaries and process protect your time and reduce burnout, and how empowering your team (instead of rescuing them) actually improves motivation, retention and growth. Expect laughs, honest reflections, and actionable takeaways you can use immediately plus a fresh reminder that the best leaders don’t carry everything… they create other leaders.Lucie Simic is a dental business consultant, educator and keynote speaker specialising in leadership, organisational culture and patient experience. With over 14 years’ experience in dentistry and a 10-year background in journalism, Lucie brings a clear, evidence-informed and communication-led approach to leadership development. She works with practice owners, managers and clinical teams across the UK and Ireland, delivering structured training that supports strategic thinking, behaviour change and sustainable performance improvement. Lucie is the author of The Culture Advantage and is a regular speaker at national and international dental conferences and professional events. Her teaching equips delegates with practical frameworks to enhance team performance, patient engagement and treatment uptake in modern dental practices. Connect with Lucie; [email protected] www.luciesimic.co.uk _________________________________________________If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠nail-it.uk

Payman Langroudi (Dental Leaders Podcast host and Clinical Director at Enlighten) joins us on The NAIL-IT Podcast for a no-filter conversation about what it really takes to be the best - and what it costs. We unpack why focus and incremental obsession with detail create world-class results, the uncomfortable trade-offs of excellence (you can’t be best and cheapest and tick every box at once), and how identity, perfectionism, and intuition shape leadership and performance in dentistry and beyond.Payman is Clinical Director at Enlighten, Course Director atMini Smile Makeover and host of the Dental Leaders Podcast  www.enlightensmiles.com______________________________________________________________If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about thesystem on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk⁠

Rana and Bav sit down with Digimax Dental founder and Wells on Wheels charity creator Shaz Memon to explore integrity, purpose, Instagram for Dentists, and how “darkness and pressure” can grow a life, and business, of real impact.Connect with Shaz:📸 Instagram: @shaz.memon🌐 Website: shaz.co.uk______________________If you would like to feature as a guest,or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk⁠

What does it take to build 18 practices in five years — and stay grounded while doing it? In this uplifting episode, Rana and Bav sit down with Kunal Thakker, founder of Tooth Club, to explore intuition, humility and the highs and lows of rapid growth. From navigating pressure and self-doubt to creating human-centred dentistry and trusting the universe through every twist, Kunal shares the mindset and meaning behind his extraordinary journey.If you’re ready to lead with heart, follow what you believe in and build something that truly matters, this episode will light you up._______________________________________________________If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk⁠

Feeling stuck, inconsistent or invisible online? In this episode, Rana and Bav are joined by creative director and brand strategist George Ceuca to unpack how to crush self-doubt,unlock your creativity, and build a brand people actually feel. From the first 3 seconds of your video to the emotions your patients walk away with, George shares practical, no-fluff tips on content, consistency and turning your ideas into action – so you can finally start showing up with confidence and nail it on social and beyondIf you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk⁠

Get ready to smile, laugh, and deeply breathe out as Dr Rana and Bav bring you a festive episode packed with feel-good energy, self-reflection, and plenty of Christmas sparkle. In this special, they unwrap their biggest personal and professional highlights of the year -  from transformational awards and wellbeing breakthroughs to TV appearances, proud parenting moments, and the launch of major national initiatives. They dive into the heart of leadership, wellbeing, purpose, and joy, sharing their favourite quotes, their annual traditions, and the mindset shifts that carried them (and thousands in dentistry) through 2025.If you want a dose of inspiration wrapped in humour, storytelling, vulnerability, and pure festive warmth… this episode is your Christmas gift.But it’s not just a celebration -  it’s a powerful reset. Rana and Bav explore how to create your future with intention, reflect meaningfully on the past year, manifest higher energy, and step into 2026 with clarity and confidence. Expect uplifting insights on happiness, balance, intuition, leadership, boundaries, goal-setting, and living fully. And of course, they share exciting news: the upcoming NAIL IT Roadshow, the book launch, the diploma, new memberships, and more. Tune in for an episode that will leave you smiling, nodding, and feeling like you’ve just had a mulled-wine-infused pep talk with two people who genuinely want you to thrive.------------------------------------------------------------------If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk

What if your hardest lessons became the key to your greatest success? Inthis powerful episode, Rana and Bav sit down with mentor and implant dentist DrSumair Khan to explore how setbacks, toxic environments,complaints and confidence knocks can transform you into a stronger, wiser andmore emotionally intelligent clinician. From GDC fears to leadership growth tofinding joy in your work again, Sumair shares the real journey behind thescenes — and how to turn every experience into fuel for the career you trulywant. A must-listen for anyone ready to grow, lead and love dentistry on theirown terms.--------------------------------------About our guestDr Sumair Khan is a general dental practitioner whose practice is now limited to oralsurgery, advanced restorative care and implant dentistry. He’s a TrainingProgramme Director for Oxfordshire, clinical lead for the Smile DentalAcademy’s implant diploma, partner in multiple practices, a GDC expertwitness, honorary lecturer, husband, father of three and loyal Arsenalseason ticket holder.He’s mentored countless dentists who’ve gone on to become some of themost recognisable names in UK dentistry – and they still refer to him as the“godfather” of their careers.------------------------------------------------------------If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk

Is the 9-year itch hitting hard? In this energising conversation, Rana and Bav are joined by dental business strategist Andy Acton to explore why so many clinicians lose their spark — and how to fall back in love with your career again. From owner fatigue and identity shifts to mindset, values and planning your future, Andy breaks down the inner and outer work that keeps you aligned, energised and excited about dentistry. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time to stay, grow or go… this episode will give you clarity, confidence and a fresh sense of possibility. In this high-energy episode, Dr Rana and Bav sit down with dental broker, podcaster and all-round legend Andy Acton to talk about a topic most principals quietly struggle with but rarely admit out loud: owner fatigue.If you’ve ever felt like one more question about TP brushes might tip you overthe edge, this one’s for you.Andy kicks things off with his favourite Henry Ford quote – “Whether yout hink you can or you think you can’t, you’re right” – and together we dive into mindset, self-talk and the difference between “true” and “truth”. From there, the conversation flies into joy, beds and business (yes, really). Rana shares her “bed theory” – why it’s worth investing in where you spend a third of your life – and links it beautifully to investing in yourself, your growth and your practice.We then get into the reality behind the glossy “practice owner” label.Andy breaks down the journey from ignition and expansion to optimisation and, eventually, owner fatigue – with its five tell-tale signs: emotional load, lifestyle misalignment, decision fatigue, role creep and exit anxiety.Rana opens up about her own burnout moment as a specialist practice owner, and how coaching, planning and an intentional exit helped her redefine what leadership looked like for her.If you’ve ever wondered when and how to plan your exit,Andy gets wonderfully practical. He explains why the ideal time horizon is 3–5years, how small tweaks in profit can add six figures to your sale value, and why planning your exit doesn’t mean you have to sell any time soon – it just gives you options and headspace. Think of it like writing a will: good sense, not doom and gloom.We also explore the rise of the “practice within a practice” associate, social media-driven patient lists, and new models where clinicians simply rent clinical space. Andy shares how principals and associates can have grown-up conversations about who owns patients, how revenue is shared, and how everyone can win when expectations and contracts are clear.If you’re a practice owner, aspiring principal, ambitious associate or just someone who wants to build a business and a life you actually enjoy, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported and seriously better equipped.----------------------------------------------------------------------Andy Acton is a serial entrepreneur developing the FTA group of companies, a full range of business services for the dental profession.  Andy has been involved in the business of dentistry for over 25 years and is the director and co-owner of Frank Taylor & Associates, FTA Media, FTA Finance, FTA Financial & Wealth Management and in 2023 exited FTA Law. He also co-hosts the Dentology podcast. Andy is a sought after public speaker covering topics including leadership, management, marketing and the future value of dental practices. www.ft-associates.com-------------------------------------------------------------------If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk

Did you now what you eat can reduce your stress and build your resilience? Nutritional and dental therapise, Nina Farmer, shares her expertise with top tips to understand what you are putting into your body and what you should be doing instead. An insightful fascinating episode packed full of tips on how to boost your resilience and power through a busy day!----------------------------If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk

Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair of the Association Dental Groups, just one accolade to his name, shares with us how to truly matter. Whatever your status, position, or educational level - you matter, and he explains exactly why.We talk about team culture, about the future of dentistry, the true meaning of being in a dental group and its power and what true leadership really is - everything in NAIL-IT Of course!A brilliant high energy and very motivational and inspiring episode that will make you proud to be part of this profession!------------------------------------------------------------------Neil Carmichael is Executive Chair of the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) and Chief Executive Officer of UK China Education Cooperation (UCEC). He is an Honorary Professor, University College London, with a focus on education through the Institute of Education and the Global Business School for Healthcare. Neil is also Honorary Professor for Education Policy, University of Nottingham (School of Education).Neil is a Trustee of the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation and currently leads the Trust’s Edward Heath University Lecture Series. Neil was Member of Parliament for Stroud (2010-17), serving on the Education Select Committee and the Environment Audit Committee, and elected chair of the Education Select Committee in 2015. He set up the All-Parliamentary Party Group on School Leadership and Governance and took the Antarctic Act 2013 through Parliament. Neil was a member of the Royal Society’s Science Policy Expert Advisory Committee for six years from 2019.He served as Chair of the Conservative Group for Europe, spent two years advising and supporting parliamentarians in Myanmar, served as a governor of several schools and colleges, and chaired the Pearson UK Commission on Sustainable Learning for Work, Life, and a Changing Economy. In his spare time, Neil farms in Northumberland with a special focus on protecting and promoting the local milieu.  -----------------------------------------------------------If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠nail-it.uk

This inspiring episode hosts the amazing and multi-award winning Cat Edney. As someone who has pioneered the way for dental therapy against all odds, her perseverance, resilience and determination are to be truly admired. She shares her favourite quote, how she maintained focus despite nay-sayers, and of course tells us what her favourite element of NAIL-IT is!---------------------------------------------------------------Multi award winning Dental TherapistCat Edney has over fifteen years experience working in specialist and privatepractice in the UK. In this time she has developed a passion formultidisciplinary team working in the Dental Setting - with a focus onmaximising the use of the full dental team to ensure profitability alongsidepatient care and engagement.   Cat lectures internationally as aclinical educator and speaker and has developed hands on dental courses underher training brand ‘The Modern Therapist’  which aims to educate thedental profession about the role and integration of Dental Therapy, alongsidefocusing on providing gold standard hands on training and ongoing support todental teams.  Cat is on the faculty of the largest dental academy in theUK – The Smile Dental Academy, lectures for top dental manufactures such asDMG, LM, NSK,B and Align Technology and also pens a regular column forDentistry.co.uk.  She is now an awards Judge for the Private Dentistryawards and was also named in the UK’s Dentistry’s Top 50 most influentialdental professionals.https://www.the-modern-therapist.co.ukIG: @cat_londontherapist-----------------------------------------------------------If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠nail-it.uk

James Goolnik—one of dentistry’s Top 50 and founder of the Optimal Dental Health Clinic—joins us to reveal why the key to success isn’t just what you do, but how you do it. We dive into holistic patient care, the power of communication, and his views on fluoride, nutrition, and lifestyle. He shares the one thing every dentist should be doing in every consultation to build trust, improve health outcomes, and elevate your practice from good to exceptional.--------------------------James Goolnik BDS MSc has been a dentist for over 30 years! James was previously President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is chairman of the judges for the Private Dentistry Awards. He lectures worldwide on the mouth-body connection. Last two years has been voted one of the 50 most influential people in Dentistry. He produced a cookbook called ‘Kick Sugar’ helping people to reduce the sugar in their diets. He is an accredited member of The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and is fully SMART certified. He has trained with Dr Dome Nischwitz and is certified by the Institute of Biological Dentistry. Married with three children. He is the founder of Optimal Dental Health a holistic dental practice in London. www.optimaldental.co.ukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/james-goolnik/https://www.instagram.com/jamesgoolnik/------------------------------------If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠nail-it.uk

Multi-award-winning cosmetic dentist Dr Manrina Rhode shares how she landed one of the most prestigious jobs in dentistry at a young age—and why she believes success comes down to taking bold action. From launching DRMR clinic in Knightsbridge to mentoring others in cosmetic dentistry and social media, Manrina opens up about confidence, creativity, and her “just do it” approach to thriving in both business and life.-----------------------------------------Dr Manrina Rhode is a renowned aesthetic dental surgeon and founder of the award winning DRMR Clinic and Academy in Knightsbridge, London. A graduate of Guy’s Hospital (2002) with further mastery in advanced aesthetic dentistry, she has completed over 14,000 porcelain veneer treatments and was named Dentist of the Year. Her practice offers comprehensive dental, facial aesthetic, skincare, and body-wellness services, all rooted in her “Be Your Best You” philosophy. A consistent presence in Dentistry’s Top 50, she also lectures internationally, mentors dentists through her Mentorship Programme and “Designing Smiles” veneer course, and sits on the Board of Directors of the British Association of Private Dentistry.Website: www.DRMR.co.ukIG page: @DrManrinaRhode------------------------If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠nail-it.uk

Ash Parmar has reached levels of success many dream of—celebrity dentist, multiple practice owner, award-winning clinician. But what happens when even that’s not enough? In this powerful episode, Ash reveals the truth about success, the personal journey that changed everything, and why his latest mission goes far beyond dentistry. This is your invitation to think bigger, live deeper, and lead with purpose. Find out about the transformative event he is hosting very soon!Contact Ash: Mobile or WhatsApp: 07971 291180Email: [email protected]: @ashparmardentistwww.theacademybyash.co.uk-----------------------------------------------------------------If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠nail-it.uk

In this launch episode, Dr Rana Al-Falaki and Dr Bhavin Patel introduce the NAIL-IT system. We unpack what it really means to “nail it” in life and leadership, share our favourite quotes, and explore which parts of this ground-breaking optimal performance system resonate most with us. Expect practical takeaways, golden nuggets, and the start of a journey that will help you Lead Better, Live Fully, and Laugh More.If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting nailitindentistry.com, or find out more about the system on nail-it.uk