Let me start by saying this: some conversations stick with you long after they’re over. My chat with Dr. Nicole Wax was one of those conversations. You know, the kind—where you walk away inspired. Nicole has that effect on people.

She’s not just an orthodontist and a leader; she’s one of the most grounded and intentional people I’ve had the privilege of knowing.

Growing up as an underdog, with nothing handed to her. No family role models in dentistry, business, or leadership, she had to figure it all out on her own.

But her underdog status became her fuel. She didn’t just claw her way up for personal success; she’s made it her mission to help others reach their full potential, too. That’s her “why”—lifting others, whether they’re patients, team members, or peers.

If there’s one thing Nicole excels at, it’s leadership. But she’s the first to admit she didn’t always get it right. She has some innovative leadership strategies, including her successful "pow-wow" meeting approach that changed her team's engagement and problem-solving abilities. She shares practical techniques for empowering staff and creating a more collaborative practice environment.

Beyond practice management, Dr. Wax discusses the huge impact of therapy, coaching, and self-discovery on both professional success and personal fulfillment. Her candid insights about finding contentment while maintaining ambition provide a fresh perspective on work-life balance.

If you're looking to transform your leadership style while finding greater satisfaction in both your practice and personal life, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Dr. Wax's problem-solving approach (01:11)
Dr. Wax's career journey and early aspirations (04:57)
Building and growing practices (07:37)
The role of therapy and coaching (10:52)
Leadership and team dynamics (16:56)
Finding contentment and purpose (32:11)
The importance of gratitude and positive attitude (45:27)

Additional Resources

- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025: http://opsummit2025.com/

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs