What does it really mean to be an entrepreneur? And how do we build a business that works, not just a job that pays?

In this episode, Jesse Green is joined by Alan Manly OAM, a distinguished entrepreneur, innovator, director, and author whose unconventional journey from the computer industry to educational leadership offers a masterclass in business building. Alan founded Group Colleges Australia (GCA), which includes Universal Business School Sydney (UBSS), one of the early pioneers of online education in Australia.

Alan shares lessons from decades of entrepreneurial successes and failures, chatting about mindset, systems, and real-world challenges of building a business from the ground up. From defining what it really means to be an entrepreneur, to understanding why queues are a business killer and why every team needs structure and process, this conversation is packed with insights for any business owner ready to level up.

Alan is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Institute of Management, and was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contributions to tertiary education and community service.

In this episode:

1. [00:00] Why “entrepreneur” used to be a slur and what it really means today
2. [02:00] Alan’s early life, entrepreneurial spark, and escape from poverty
3. [04:50] Lessons from the PC boom and a corporate-to-startup leap
4. [06:40] Is it really about the money? What drives true entrepreneurs
5. [10:15] The power of cash flow and why it trumps everything
6. [13:00] How a queue changed Alan’s approach to business and customer service
7. [18:40] Why dentists (and other professionals) are often “condemned to wages”
8. [20:45] The real barriers to scaling: delegation, systems, and procedures
9. [24:00] Understanding team performance
10. [30:00] How knowing your stakeholders can protect and grow your business
11. [34:00] Why dentistry is both science and art and deserves to be celebrated
12. [38:00] Business as the ultimate personal development journey.

Resources and Links:

1. Alan Manly's website
2. Alan’s book: The Unlikely Entrepreneur
3. Connect with Alan Manly OAM on LinkedIn

• Join the free Savvy Dentist Facebook Group
• Follow Dr Jesse Green on LinkedIn
• Visit Savvy Dentist website

Mentioned in this episode:

Savvy Dentist Team Training Bundle

If your practice can’t run without you, it’s time for systems - not more theory.

That’s why we created the Savvy Dentist Team Training Bundle - five powerful, system-driven programs including Front Desk All Stars, the Million Dollar Dentist, Practice Manager Masterclass, Advanced Treatment Coordinator Training, and High-Performance Hygiene.

Each course delivers practical, step-by-step systems your team can use every day to build accountability and create a self-managing practice.

Save $2,000 for a limited time — visit savvydentist.com/team-training.

Team Training Bundle 2025