Next Level Executive

To be effective, you have to improve your decision making skills. What happens when you get it wrong? Do you really understand the price you - and your team - are paying in terms of time, distraction and dollars? In today's show, I unpack three critical skills that every effective executive must learn and master: evaluating opportunity costs; avoiding the sunk cost fallacy; and recognizing further secondary costs. It took me years to learn the merits of all of these. Hopefully you'll be a faster study! Want to experience a "mini version" of the Next Level Executive program yourself? Join me in a 3-week sprint series. Details at: www.grouppractice.coach Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Being an Effective Executive of an emerging group practice is easy to talk about, but hard to accomplish. You're going to learn from two guys directly what it means. Dr. Nate Tilman and Dr. Dan Hostrander have each built incredible businesses. Both of them are in my Executive group, so I asked them to share some of their "lessons learned along the way" with you. Enjoy! Want to experience a "mini version" of the Next Level Executive program yourself? Join me in a 3-week sprint series. Details at: www.grouppractice.coach Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

If it's one thing I've learned in my journey as an entrepreneur, it's that "certainty yields comfort, but uncertainty yields opportunity." That being said, I only realized it when I audited my personal and professional journey over a longer period of time. Ceilings of complexity and inflections points are more predictive than you might think. Join me on this episode as I discuss intentional change of stages in our lives and share some advice on what to look for. Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Have I lost my mind?! Or is the business SO BAD that I have no possible outcomes for the year?! Not exactly... In this episode, I'll give you a LOT to think about in terms of "Being & Doing" goals that are much more subjective than objective in nature - and they're a great application for every entrepreneur! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

As we roll into 2026, I will be sharing some interviews with a few curated company relationships. These are companies I know and trust, and people whose opinions I value. My intention is to share these collaborations with my audience of subscribers in members in hopes that they are equally beneficial to each of you. My interview on today's spotlight is with the Founder and CEO of SMC National, Gary Bird. SMC is a full service, dentistry specific marketing agency. Gary is prolific in the space and I think you'll enjoy this conversation. You can reach him directly at: [email protected] Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Is your leadership approach one of being "hands off?" Do you like to "delegate and hold people accountable?" Do you want to know what's wrong with that approach? Tune in to find out! I give you handful of specific coaching questions to deploy when coaching your team. Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

My audience is filled with growth-oriented entrepreneurs, but no one's growth journey is linear. It's filled with peaks, valleys and bumps along the way. Last week, In the first of a two-part series, I unpacked the professional inflection points healthcare entrepreneurs confront in their growth journey, and I gave you the key decisions to consider along the way. In this week's "part 2" episode, I share the personal inflection points to go along with the professional ones I covered last week. Get your pad and pen ready! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

My Executive group and I just spent two full days with Dr. Andrew Matta diving deep into topics like: establishing your clinical philosophy; developing a coherent recruiting and development system; and establishing clinical standards to live by. I grabbed a member of our group, Dr. Jason Tanoory, to share his insights and experiences in the workshop as well as the program itself. This conversation will make you think about where you are and where you're going. Enjoy! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

My audience is filled with growth-oriented entrepreneurs, but no one's growth journey is linear. It's filled with peaks, valleys and bumps along the way. In the first of a two-part series, I unpack the professional inflection points healthcare entrepreneurs confront in their growth journey, and I give you the key decisions to consider along the way. In next week's episode, I'll share the personal inflection points to go along with the professional ones I cover in this episode. Get your pad and pen ready! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

We should all hope to build great businesses that compliment the lives we want to lead. Dr. Mike Carpenter and Dr. Max Meinerz are two friends who have done every bit of that. They share their journeys and a few of the lessons they've both learned along the way. You're going to love this conversation every bit as much as I did recording it! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Have you ever felt that uneasy feeling like you're unqualified for the leadership role you now have? Are you unsure of what the role actually is and how you should be judging success or failure? Do you ever feel like you're ultimately responsible for everything, but in control of nothing? You're going to love this episode. Tune in to hear me unpack the root causes of your anxiety. Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

As leaders, we deal with conflict on a constant basis and all too often all we want is to "make it go away." Only rarely does the situation demand true urgency. In this episode, I share my reflections from a coaching call with one of the longstanding members of my tribe. I'll share with you the insights I shared with him. My hope is that you start to see the gaps in your own leadership experience. None of us get better on our own. Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

2025 Was an incredible year for me and I learned a lot during those 12 months. My own insights might create insights of your own. This episode is taken from my Freshly Brewed monthly essay in January. Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Everybody loves to talk about exits and multiples as some sort of brass ring, but those who fall into this way of thinking overlook one key point of success in life: personal freedom. Freedom of time, money relationship and purpose. Freedom to choose what you want to do and who you want to become. Dr. Ed Hood and Dr. Milton Cook are both equal parts financial success and personal humility. They're winning the game of entrepreneurship. Bill Ladd is co-founder of the dental-specific accounting firm, Duckett Ladd, and has experienced their success "up close and personal" over the last few decades. These three guys are each wonderful examples of what so many aspire to create and to become. You're going to enjoy every second of this conversation. Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Is your business a point of constant stress that makes you suffer from "the fear of missing out?" Or is it a vehicle that compliments what you want out of life? Being an entrepreneur means that you get to decide - and there are is a lot of freedom that comes from choosing wisely! In today's episode, I share some firsthand revelations that have changed my own trajectory over the last few years. Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

As we roll into 2026, I will be sharing some interviews with a few curated company relationships. These are companies I know and trust, and people whose opinions I value. My intention is to share these collaborations with my audience of subscribers and members in hopes that they are equally beneficial to each of you. My interview on today's spotlight is with Jon Fidler, Founder of Fidler & Associates, an executive recruiting firm specializing in the group practice space. You can reach Jon directly at: [email protected] And you can learn more about what all they do at: https://www.fidlerandassociates.com/ Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Are you chasing your dream? Or someone else's? Successful entrepreneurs don't suffer from "FOMO" because they're building a business that's congruent with their life. I'm living proof of that and I share some valuable insights I've learned over the last decade in hopes that you do, too. Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Everyone loves setting new goals every year. We also love assigning deliverables and holding people accountable. That being said, do you ever wonder if you're truly focused on the correct variables? "Lead measures" are the critical components of a business operation that directly impact the outcomes we desire to achieve. I'll unpack several for you in this episode. Get ready to revise your "rocks" for the quarter! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Reinventing yourself in front of your own team is arguably the most difficult part of any leadership journey. That being said, it's critical to your success. In this episode, I unpack several key aspects of becoming a better leader and taking your team to greater heights. Those content with experiencing "Groundhog Day" need not listen... Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Did you spend a lot of time over the Holidays planning out your goals, objectives and "rocks" for 2026? I bet you did...and I bet you overlooked the one key component that influences all of them. Tune in to find out the most often overlooked "rock" you should be focused on! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

As we roll into 2026, I will be sharing some interviews with a few curated company relationships. These are companies I know and trust, and people whose opinions I value. My intention is to share these collaborations with my audience of subscribers in members in hopes that they are equally beneficial to each of you. My interview on today's spotlight is with Don Watson and Scott Haberman of the Eide Bailly accounting firm. Eide Bailly has a huge presence in the healthcare space. We dive into a wide variety of the "non-traditional" services that the firm offers as well as the benefits that many of you haven't considered. And, of course, we share our prognostications about the future of the industry! Connect with Scott and Don directly at: Don Watson: [email protected] Scott Haberman: [email protected] Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

WOW...has the Next Level Executive program evolved quickly over the last 12 months! What began as a four-quarter curriculum now has an entire second tract of "Entrepreneurial Leadership" as well as TWO live Working Group sessions. I've gotten a ton of interest in the growth of the program with a common question: "Is this the right next step for me?" Your answer is in this episode... Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

For the first episode of 2026, this one is a sledgehammer! You're going to love this conversation I have with Dr. Andrew Matta. We talk through several coordinated topics that all point back to one common theme: creating greater results through your leadership of your clinical team. 2026 is upon us, so if the lift in your business is going to come from your leadership of your clinical team, then consider enrolling in the Next Level Executive program and joining me and Andrew in Atlanta for the Chief Clinical Officer Working Group session March 12-14. You can reach Andrew Matta directly at: [email protected] Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

This was "Year One" of the new business...and what a year it has been. I recently took some time to reflect on all of it, so I figured there might be a few "teaching moments" in there that could benefit you as well. I hope you enjoy listening to my journey as much as I have enjoyed living it. And I'm grateful to all of you for being part of it! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

This episode is taken from the Freshly Brewed essay I recently wrote on that very topic. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please be sure to subscribe to Freshly Brewed at: https://thenextlevelexecutive.com/blog/ Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

This episode is taken from the Freshly Brewed essay I recently wrote on that very topic. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please be sure to subscribe to Freshly Brewed at: https://thenextlevelexecutive.com/blog/ Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

For many general dentistry practices and emerging groups, the Hygiene Department is typically an area of untapped potential. It's also a department where a little focus and some moderate change management can yield outsized returns. Rachel Wall, Founder of Inspired Hygiene, is someone I've known for over 25 years and I've been fortunate to see her work up close and personal. And now I'm thrilled to have Inspired Hygiene as a business partner going into 2026. This episode is just a taste of what's to come for the members in the Next Level Executive program. Enjoy! To learn more about Inspired Hygiene: https://inspiredhygiene.com/ And to connect with Rachel directly: [email protected] Enrollment is OPEN for the Q1 session of the program! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

I've had quite a few "one-on-one sessions" with the members of the Executive program and I'm hearing a familiar refrain: "WOW, these are great businesses to own." Yes, they are! And these businesses can be a massive compliment to what we aspire to become as entrepreneurs. Curious? Tune in to hear a few pieces of advice that you should be considering as you round into 2026. Enrollment for Q1 is OPEN! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

We've all been living in an echo chamber of "DSO Conference of the Month" sessions lately. I recently attended the Freedom Founders "Real Wealth Conference" in Dallas and it was beyond enlightening. Dr. David Phelps joins me behind the mic today to dive deep into things like: his personal journey; what "freedom" really means; concepts like counter-party risk; what a full economic cycle is; and different aspects of the conference itself. Buckle up because there's a TON in this one! If you want to learn more about Freedom Founders: https://www.freedomfounders.com/ If you want to book an exploratory call with David: https://www.freedomfounders.com/discovery-call-schedule/ And if you want to connect with David personally: [email protected] Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

As we roll into the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, I wanted to take a few minutes and reflect on things I'm grateful for and, more importantly, people to whom I'm grateful. This has been an epic first year for my new business, and there are so many who have made it possible far more than I could've done on my own.

Dr. Tarun Agarwal is probably a known name to many of you - and for good reason. He has literally done it all in the world of dentistry. He's also a good friend of mine, so he was gracious enough to grab a microphone and dive deep with me into some very important topics. You're going to love this episode. To learn more about Dr. Agarwal: Follow his "Dentistry Made Simple" podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dentistry-made-simple-with-dr-tarun-tbone-agarwal/id1084246936 Learn about his "3D Dentist Mastermind" program: https://3d-dentists.com/ Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

When someone asks me why they should join the Next Level Executive program, I frequently tell them that "I already know the top 10 to 12 mistakes you're going to make, so why would you want to start at number one?!" Well, what exactly are those "top 10 to 12" mistakes people make? Upon reflection, there are a LOT more than 10 to 12. I stopped my list at 20 that I see with alarming regularity, so I figured I'd share them in a podcast - or two! Get your pad and pen ready!

As we roll into 2026, I will be sharing some interviews with a few curated company relationships. These are companies I know and trust, and people whose opinions I value. My intention is to share these collaborations with my audience of subscribers in members in hopes that they are equally beneficial to each of you. My interview on today's spotlight is with Ali Oromchian, Esq., CEO & Founder of HR for Health. You can learn more about Ali at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alioromchian/ And you can learn more about HR for Health at https://hrforhealth.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=The_Next_Level_Executive&partner_source=The%20Next%20Level%20Executive AND you can register for their 2026 Leadership Summit at : https://dentalleadershipsummit.com/?utm_campaign=10053391-Dental%20Leadership%20Summit%202025&utm_content=352532492&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-68581738#/

When someone asks me why they should join the Next Level Executive program, I frequently tell them that "I already know the top 10 to 12 mistakes you're going to make, so why would you want to start at number one?!" Well, what exactly are those "top 10 to 12" mistakes people make? Upon reflection, there are a LOT more than 10 to 12. I stopped my list at 20 that I see with alarming regularity, so I figured I'd share them in a podcast - or two! Get your pad and pen ready! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Many of you will be considering bringing in a partner at some point. I find that too many tend to focus on the mechanics of the structure when they should be more focused on the alignment of the candidate. In this episode, I give you six major points to consider as well as one more to contemplate on your own. If 2026 is going to be the year you bring in a partner, listen to this episode well in advance of that event! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Josh Scott is an industry colleague and CEO of of the marketing firm, Studio 88. They don't just make websites; they make art. And their artistry tells your story. This was a fun, engaging interview for me to do with someone I admire. If you want to learn more about Josh and the magic that he and his team create, check out: www.S8E8.com Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

The guys behind Simplify Dentistry (Dr. Rick Offutt, Dr. Murtuza Shah-Khan and Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan) are neighbors of mine, and they're building a great following around, well...simplifying dentistry! I was honored to be on their podcast recently. We covered a ton of ground, so I figured it was worth sharing. Learn more about the impact they're making at: www.simplifydds.com Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

A few weeks ago, I shared a presentation at the Patterson DSO Summit in L.A. Inevitably there were a few questions from the audience as well as some conversations in between sessions that centered around acquisitions and growth strategy. I decided to take some of that "raw material" and craft it into a podcast episode. Here are 4 ways you should approach "preparing for growth" and 4 ways to think about "sizing up the risks" involved. Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they’re not the same. As a Business Executive, your success depends on your ability to lead through key Inflection Points in the life of your business. As an Entrepreneurial Leader, you must also know how to draw on the hard-won wisdom of Advisors to break through Ceilings of Complexity. In this episode, I unpack the differences between the two and explore why mastering both is essential for long-term growth. Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

I recently hosted the Executives for a "Working Group Session" in Los Angeles, and it dramatically exceeded any expectations I had going into it. I think all of the material Mick Janness (CEO of Oakpoint) and I shared was timely, relevant, applicable, and actionable. Want to hear the highlights? Tune in! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

This episode is taken from the Freshly Brewed essay I recently wrote on that very topic. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please be sure to subscribe to Freshly Brewed at: https://thenextlevelexecutive.com/blog/ Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

This episode is taken from the Freshly Brewed essay I recently wrote on that very topic. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please be sure to subscribe to Freshly Brewed at: https://thenextlevelexecutive.com/blog/ Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

I have quite a lot of industry professionals who ask me to review their service offerings and business plans, but they all seem to have trouble communicating one thing clearly. I also have first-hand experience in working with clients where our expectations we're aligned. This episode is dedicated to those creating service offerings and those seeking service offerings. Oh...it's also incredibly useful for those in leadership roles developing new talent underneath them! If 2026 is the year you start adding additional locations, then make Q4 your learning opportunity on how to avoid all of the mistakes that plague too many others! Join us for the "Business Development & Growth Strategy" session of the Next Level Executive program! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Consider this to be "Part 2" from the prior episode about selling your business. Here are five critical questions that you need to ask yourself (and answer) long before you decide to go to market. I would hope that your Sell-Side Advisor would've taken you through a similar line of questioning prior to any engagement. If you're more interested in building your own group, then consider joining us in the Q4 start of the Next Level Executive program where we'll dive deep into "Business Development & Growth Strategy." Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

We're rolling into Q4 when M&A activity typically picks up, so if you're currently in process to transact or have aspirations to in 2026, here are a few things I'd like to know from the potential acquirer if I were in your shoes. And if you're more focused on building your own group, then these are probably questions you should be ready to answer from a prospective seller you're courting. The upcoming Q4 of the Next Level Executive program focuses on all aspects of Growth Strategy and Business Development, so you're contemplating adding locations, then consider joining us in October! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Chris Yonker is a Corporate America escapee and an Executive Coach much like I am. Add to that his specialty around family businesses and my background growing up in one, and you get a wide-ranging conversation that was both fun and enlightening! To find out more about Chris: https://www.chrisyonker.com/ Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

I'm no resident historian of the history of dentistry, but Gary Bird and I got into a fascinating conversation around our perspectives of the evolution of the profession. How'd we get to where we are? And where are we all going next? Tune in to find out! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Let's get tactical! I've been talking a lot lately about your growth as an entrepreneur, so this one is devoted to all of you business leaders who are looking to become a more effective executive. If you're looking to grow your business, here are the four components you need to solve for moving forward. Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

This episode is a reading of the Freshly Brewed essay I wrote that dives deeper into guiding philosophies, strategies and tactics to consider in navigating your own journey. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please be sure to subscribe to Freshly Brewed at: https://thenextlevelexecutive.com/blog/ Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com

Whether you're at one location, a dozen locations, or anywhere in between, you're going to LOVE this conversation with Dr. Jason Tanoory, Founder of Finger Lakes Dental Group. Jason is a longtime friend who I have seen grow and evolve through the years. For someone so accomplished, he's both humble and transparent. Listen for yourself! Got questions? I've got answers! You can reach me directly at: [email protected] You can find out more about me and the Next Level Executive program at: www.TheNextLevelExecutive.com