If you need some powerfully uplifting energy and joyful grit in your life right now, this is for you. I sit down with Dr. Purnima Kumar in Vienna for this conversation. She is the head of department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry.

She has built a wonderfully successful and accomplished career in research and academics, whilst also finding time for countless philanthropic pursuits and tangible initiatives to lift other women in dentistry.

We cover her career experience through tertiary institutions, her passionate advocacy of the "He for She" movement, and countless insights and wisdoms hard-earned from a colourful career in dentistry.

This is one not to be missed!

Chapters

00:03:00 Experience as Immigrant- India to USA

00:09:00 Importance of Adapting to Change

00:15:00 Middle East and Challenges in Academia

00:21:00 Family and Support Systems

00:27:00 Advocacy and Women in Leadership

00:33:00 Innovations and Contributions

00:39:00 Wholeheartedly Embracing the Present

This was a beautiful episode covering multiple facets of the lived experience of a woman in our profession. Dr Parul Bhatia's strength shines through as quiet fortitude and hope in the journey she shares with us.

We open with the bittersweet experience of selling the practice she build from scratch but ultimately looks towards all the different possibilities in her next chapter with great anticipation and excitement.

Parul shares her internal suffering from needing to re-sit her final year exams amidst difficult personal events, to the guilt of endometriosis pain and struggles of IVF, managing menopause, to the shame of almost failing in her business once but coming out stronger and more equipped. She had to find her own path to success and continues to do so.

Through it all she remains connected to what brings her joy and inspiration- her creativity. Parul is determined to bring more empathy and ease to our fellow colleagues. Enjoy the episode!

Chapters

• 00:01:00 Applying Business Skills to Dentistry
• 00:03:00 Selling the Practice and Finding Balance
• 00:05:00 Mental Health and Empathy in Dentistry
• 00:07:00 Challenges of Practice Ownership
• 00:09:00 The Impact of Perimenopause
• 00:11:00 Creative Outlets for Professionals
• 00:13:00 Building a Supportive Community
• 00:15:00 Leadership and Growth in Dentistry
  

Episode Summary

Ready to check in with yourself and come out feeling recharged?
In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Olan Hartley for a soul-nourishing conversation that’s equal parts grounding and uplifting.

We talk about redefining self-worth, recognising the quiet signs of burnout, setting boundaries with intention, and making gratitude more than just a passing thought.

Olan’s grace, clarity, and fierce commitment to growth are magnetic. She inspires us to hold ourselves to accountability with compassion. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to re-align with your purpose, this one’s for you.

Whether you're curious about mentorship, navigating burnout, or just craving space for honest self-reflection, Olan is that voice of calm you didn’t know you needed.

This is the first in a six-part bonus series where I’ll be bringing you into our Cusp Collective conference this year. These episodes are my personal reflections of each speaker's presentation, what I took from it, how I use it in my life and how it can be applied to your clinical practice. 

First up is Annelise McCarthy, founder of Her Speaking Coach and an expert in public speaking and powerful communication.

We talk confidence, presence, and assertive language; and how these skills take you from consult rooms to tough conversations. Communication shapes how we’re seen, how we lead, and how we thrive as clinicians.

I'll share the 3 most impactful insights that I have been practising all year, and how correcting a drinks order reminded me of an important life lesson.

This episode is for everyone who needs a strong nudge to start using their voice, as Annelise urges us all to do.

In this episode, Dr. Tiffany Chen and Dr. Suelen Cella explore the profound journey of resilience, the challenges and triumphs Suelen has experienced in her dental and personal journey.

Suelen shares her inspiring story of moving from a rural upbringing in Brazil to becoming a successful dentist in Australia, overcoming trauma, and navigating the complexities of family planning, IVF, and career aspirations.

Our conversation highlights the importance of education for women, support systems, and the pursuit of happiness in both personal and professional realms.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Dr. Sue Ellen Cella

02:54From Rural Brazil to Dentistry

05:19Overcoming Adversity and Pursuing Education

07:41Experiences of Violence and Its Impact

10:06Finding Peace and Strength in Adversity

12:40Transitioning to a New Life in Australia

14:57The Joy of Working in a Gourmet Food Shop

17:19Returning to Dentistry and Career Growth

19:56Recognition and Achievements in the Dental Field

22:57The Importance of Mental Health and Support

25:33Innovative Marketing Strategies in Dentistry

28:04Conclusion and Reflections on the Journey of Achievements

36:46Finding Peace After Success

39:03The Importance of Physical Health

41:33Preparing for Motherhood

42:05Navigating IVF Challenges

45:34Balancing Work and IVF

48:50The Emotional Toll of Motherhood

52:03Perspective on Parenthood

55:01The Power of Communication

57:36Embracing Aging and Change

01:00:13The Role of Information in Health

01:03:16The Journey of Self-Improvement

1:04:15The Importance of Community in Dentistry

After our annual conference, the buzzing energy stays with me as I take a break from prepping for the event and continue post-event admin. I created this platform at a time when I needed support like this but couldn't find it. It was also a time perhaps I couldn't have made it to every event.

This is why the podcast exists, to bring the much needed conversations and connections to you. In support of that, this bonus episode brings the conference experience to you and kicks off a short series where I share my reflections and the key ideas I took away from each speaker's presentation.

My aim with our in person event is to ensure women in dentistry feel seen and heard, that you come away feeling energised, having formed meaningful connections with fellow colleagues, and inspired to make changes that will serve you better. If even just one new idea changes the way you show up in your work and life, that’s the biggest win for me.

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes and subscribe on our website to be the first to know when early bird sales are open for our 2026 conference.

Episode Summary

And we're back! It was a longer break than anticipated but it was much needed. And no better episode to return to than thissoul nourishing conversation with Dr. Sara Lonergan.

We talk about the peace she finds in her menagerie ofanimals, the sanctuary she’s created outside of clinical life, and the intentional way she’s built one of the most welcoming clinics I’ve ever stepped into. From the moment I stepped into her clinic reception, I felt my muscles relax. It was truly the most welcoming clinical space I have been in. Sara’s thoughtful approach goes beyond aesthetics or state-of-the-art dental equipment into the approach she takes in patient care and the systems in place with her business and staff. It is a remarkable creation to witness. And of course, I had to ask how all the cogs turn whilst raising 5 children.

Sara shares her refreshingly grounded take on success, her antidote to imposter syndrome, and some media recs for those whose minds are always on the move. This is a conversation about expectations of ourselves, cultivating ease, and choosing stillness in a world that romanticizes hustle.

In this episode, we talk about all the things we carry as women in this profession. Dr. Annalene Weston shares her insights andwisdom from decades in dentistry. We explore her experiences of moral injury as a young dentist in the NHS, how she addressed burnout and pivoted her career. We dive into her role as head of advisory at DPL and encounters withgender bias, as well as challenges of being a working mom.

Annalene is a passionate advocate for open discussions and adequate support for the mental and emotional wellbeing of our fellow colleagues.

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Mental Health in Dentistry

01:40 Impact of Gender Bias in Healthcare

07:35 Personal Journeys and Influences in Dentistry

15:24 Moral Injury and Aligning Values in Dentistry

20:57 Finding Fulfillment in Dental Practice

32:12 Navigating Career and Motherhood

38:59 The Challenges of Being a Working Mother

46:19 Overcoming Gender Bias in the Workplace

51:07 Leadership and Personal Growth

56:22 Legacy and Impact in the Dental Profession

01:03:12 Reflections and Advice for the Younger Self

01:06:15 The Importance of Community in Dentistry

In this conversation, Dr. Leonora Langstaff shares her journey as a dentist transitioning from the UK to Australia, her passion for teaching and mentoring new graduates, and the challenges she faced in various workplaces in her early career. She emphasizes the value of mentorship and support in the dental field. Dr. Langstaff also recounts unique experiences, including working at a detention center, and offers advice for those navigating challenging work environments. She is living proof that you can and should stand by your values and what you require to thrive in your workplace. After all, we spend large chunks of our days there!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Leonora Langstaff

00:38 Influence of Family and Personal Growth

04:52 Journey into Dentistry

07:40 Mentor & Mentee in Dentistry

09:23 Challenges Faced in Early Career

14:17 Navigating Difficult Work Environments

18:00 Support Systems and Coping Mechanisms

21:23 Moving on from Toxic Experiences

23:31 Adventures in Mobile Dentistry

27:54 Career Development and Learning

32:08 Finding Your Fit - the Right Work Environment

36:29 The Value of Networking

Episode Summary

In this episode, I’m joined by the deeply thoughtful and grounded Dr. Thao.

We explore what really matters in dentistry beyond your clinical skills. Dr. Thao reminds us that who you are as a person-your emotional intelligence and how you treat others- has a greater impact than any technical ability.

We dive into professional courtesy, navigating clinical difficulties without shame, redefining failure, and the importance of open communication in a field that can sometimes feel isolating.

Dr. Thao reflects on her experiences with public speaking, and shares how the role mentorship and great teaching have played in shaping her, and how rock climbing has become both a stress release and a metaphor for how she approaches life.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered how to hold compassion, courage, and competence all at once.

Let’s get into it!

Chapters

00:00 Personal Journey: Immigrant Experience and Identity

06:33 Professionalism and Personal Boundaries as a Woman

10:35 Collaboration and Supprt Make Us Better Clinicians

15:04 Overcoming Gender Bias in the Dental Field

18:24 Owning Our Mistakes: Transparency Builds Trust

25:07 The Power of Repetition and Positive Reinforcement

28:07 Navigating Criticism Without Crumbling and Building Resilience

31:29 What a Supportive Learning Environment Really Looks Like

35:06 Rock Climbing and Dentistry: How Problem Solving Builds Strength

41:14 Authenticity at Work: Integrating Personal and Professional Selves

44:06 Trusting the Process and Embracing Opportunities