Just DeW It

Ready to lead a team that grows stronger with every challenge?

This episode of the Just DeW It podcast brings back Cara Cherry, Spring 2023 cover story and Los Angeles regional president at Patterson, for a conversation that’s as insightful as it is inspiring. Anne explores Cara’s unique journey, from her horse-riding roots in Philadelphia to her current role leading high-performing teams, all while balancing life as a committed mom and passionate advocate for women’s advancement and sustainability.

We get a candid look at the lessons Cara learned early on—discipline, resilience, and investing wholeheartedly in whatever you do—and how she applies these values to build workplaces where people grow, stay motivated, and feel accountable. The conversation dives into practical strategies for creating strong teams, fostering a culture where progress matters more than perfection, and encouraging everyone to adapt to technology and create positive environmental change. With personal stories, actionable tips, and unfiltered advice on embracing failure as part of growth, this episode offers wisdom for professionals across dentistry and well beyond.

Tune in now to discover Cara Cherry’s personal playbook for leading with heart and taking bold actions with your career, your team, and your community!

(This episode originally aired on December 11, 2024)

You Can Learn More About Cara Cherry Here:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cara-cherry-912559a 

Cara's DeW Article: issuu.com/dentalentrepreneur/docs/dew_magazine_spring2023/s/24060593

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How can you tell if a new technology is truly worth adopting for your team?

In this episode of the Just DeW It podcast, Anne Duffy welcomes Kristie Kapp for her very first conversation as a DeW member, offering us a front-row seat to the supportive energy that defines DeW. As the community gears up for its 10th anniversary retreat, Anne and Kristie dive deep into how DeW empowers women to stay and grow through authentic networking, mentorship, and practical resources, all designed with your unique journey in mind.

Kristie unpacks her dynamic path in dentistry, from helping out in her father’s practice as a child to running four dental offices and ultimately launching a clinician-led financial services company with her daughter. She shares hard-earned lessons from turbulent practice acquisitions and the vital importance of clarity in business operations. Kristie explains how EBITDent transforms the financial foundations of practices, minimizing stress and amplifying profitability without sacrificing ethics. She also discusses how the thoughtful use of AI can free dental teams from burnout-inducing tasks, and lays out her “triple win” playbook for adopting new tech: any solution must benefit the patient, the team, and the practice’s bottom line. This episode embodies the DeW spirit, helping women in dentistry build lasting legacies while supporting each other every step of the way.

Start listening now to discover how meaningful connections and the right strategies can transform your journey in dentistry!

Learn More About Kristie Capp Here!

Website: https://ebitdent.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristie-kapp-31528397/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebitdent.co/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coachkristie

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Why do dental specialty practices struggle to grow despite receiving plenty of referrals?

In this episode of the Just DeW It podcast, Anne brings together Referral Lab’s Christy Carver and Jessica Magnatta to unpack how women-led support and smart technology are transforming specialty practices from the inside out. You’ll hear Christy’s story of discovering a genuine “no-brainer” solution while managing multiple perio offices, and how her belief in Referral Lab’s mission cemented her place on a team that now supports over 300 practices nationwide. Jessica, drawing on her longstanding connection to Referral Lab’s founders, shares how the tool is changing the game for busy providers by reducing “mental load,” bringing data to life, and allowing women in dental leadership to do what they do best: create meaningful relationships and foster growth without piling on extra tasks.

Together, they reveal how Referral Lab helps dental teams bridge the all-too-common gap between patient referrals and actual follow-through. You’ll learn how the platform pinpoints top referring practices and doctors, ranks referral sources with actionable metrics, and unlocks granular insights like treatment conversion rates and associate performance. Plus, discover why tracking ROI from marketing events and simplifying coordinator workflows are game-changers for any practice looking to scale, all while staying true to a people-centered vision.

Ready to grow your practice referrals without adding stress? Hit play to find out how!

Learn More About Christy Carver & Jessica Magnatta Here!

Website: https://referrallab.io/

Christy Email: [email protected]

Jessica Email: [email protected]

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Do you ever wonder what story your image tells before you even speak?

This episode kicks off with Anne Duffy introducing her good friend, Kelly Duggan, an accomplished image consultant and coach who made the leap from three decades in dental hygiene to guiding others toward authentic confidence. Kelly shares personal stories, including the powerful influence of her grandmother’s journey, and reveals how early encounters with color analysis and transformation led her to a new career focused on helping others uncover their inner and outer beauty.

You will discover that image consulting goes far beyond wardrobe choices. Kelly defines this work as the art of “total presence”—appearance, behavior, communication, and digital footprint all contribute to how people perceive us in seconds. She unpacks why first impressions are critical, especially for dental professionals and industry leaders, and shares practical advice on aligning your personal brand across every aspect of your life. Whether you’re seeking speaking opportunities, want to craft a cohesive digital presence, or simply desire to show up more confidently every day, you’ll find actionable tips to help you stand out authentically!

Press play and discover the confidence-boosting strategies you need to truly own your presence!

Learn More About Kelly Duggan Here!

Social Media:

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You can feel the energy of a dental practice the moment you step inside. That's why a people-first approach is more important now than ever!

In this episode, Anne Duffy sits down with Linda Kane, a dental operations strategist with a passion for restoring the human touch in dentistry. Drawing on her upbringing on a horse ranch and decades in the dental field, Linda shares how horses’ intuitive sense of energy taught her that people (patients and teams alike) always sense a practice’s emotional climate, even if no words are spoken.

Linda reveals how technology can either deepen or damage those vital human connections in dental offices. She dives into the dangers of overlooking team input when adopting new systems, the hidden pitfalls that undermine patient trust, and why simple touches, like eye contact at the front desk, matter more than fancy gadgets. At the heart of her story is a moving call for servant leadership, drawn from a personal tragedy she witnessed, and her ongoing mission to rescue practices, teams, and families from avoidable pain. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a welcoming, resilient, and truly patient-centered dental office, Linda’s perspective will give you practical solutions and hope!

Tune in to discover how a people-first approach can transform your practice from the inside out!

Learn More About Linda Kane Here!

Website: https://www.dentalofficerescue.com/

Books:

Podcast: https://www.dentalofficerescue.com/podcast/dental-office-rescue

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In a world of artificial intelligence, what sets remarkable dental leaders apart isn’t tech... it’s their deep, authentic human connection!

In this episode, Anne Duffy welcomes Marni Blythe, a powerhouse fractional COO and leadership expert, for an inspiring and practical dive into “leading from within.” Their conversation unfolds with personal stories of camaraderie and support in the Dental Entrepreneur Woman (DeW) community, resonating with anyone who’s experienced the power of true servant leadership (especially when adversity strikes.)

Drawing from her latest keynote for healthcare leaders at the Ritz-Carlton, Marni reveals how emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and genuine presence form the backbone of the Lead From Within framework. She shares actionable strategies for developing self-awareness, curbing the mental “leaks” that drain leadership potential, and creating a vibrant practice culture. With insights from real dental practice transformations, Marni explains why patients sense your presence before your clinical skill, and how “values in the hall” mean more than slogans on the wall. When you focus on the inside job of leadership, profitability and retention follow naturally.

Take a 30-minute break to strengthen your leadership from the inside out! Press play and learn how the “human intelligence” edge will propel dentistry forward.

Learn More About Marni Blythe Here!

Join Dental Entrepreneur Woman for masterminds, education, exclusive events, and a supportive community designed to help you grow, lead, and leave your mark on the industry. Become a member at: https://dew.life/membership/

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Ready to shift from reactive to architect? Discover how one dentist rebuilt her career and her practice model from the inside out.

In this conversation, Dr. Sandra Calleros pulls back the curtain on her journey from high-volume clinics to designing a fee-for-service practice that feels more like a spa than a traditional dental office. Anne Duffy and Dr. Calleros dive deep into how Gallup StrengthsFinder reveals the unique ways we lead and grow: from “activator” energy that makes things happen fast, to the power and pitfalls of positivity, influence, and focus in shaping both business and team relationships.

You will hear firsthand how Dr. Calleros used her top strengths to transform her practice, moving away from insurance headaches toward true autonomy, even when the leap felt risky. She shares lessons on continuous learning (she’s still front row at major conferences!), the importance of mentorship and coaching, and building a culture where patients and your team feel at home. Whether you’re navigating early career uncertainties or plotting your next big leap, Dr. Calleros’ story will inspire you to leverage your strengths and never stop learning, no matter where you are on your professional journey.

Hit play and discover how to lead boldly, learn endlessly, and build the dental career you truly want!

Learn More About Dr. Sandra Calleros Here!

Join Dental Entrepreneur Woman for masterminds, education, exclusive events, and a supportive community designed to help you grow, lead, and leave your mark on the industry. Become a member at: https://dew.life/membership/

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Struggling to find and keep the right dental team members? The game has changed, and so should your approach.

In this episode, dental recruiter and entrepreneur Wendy Aldhamen sits down with Anne Duffy to reveal what truly creates lasting matches between dental offices and team members. From swapping stories about baking the best chocolate chip cookies (spoiler: cookies bring people together!) to sharing how her unique strengths shape her approach, Wendy opens up about the power of personalized recruiting, keen intuition, and optimism, even when hiring feels impossible.

Wendy dives deep into what sets standout dental offices apart: open-mindedness, genuine communication, and a focus on people over lengthy must-have lists on resumes. She explains why great onboarding and structured training are the most important things new hires need, pointing out that poor preparation drives half of all new-hire departures in their first 90 days. Listen in as she details real-world advice for offices to rethink job ads, strengthen online presence, leverage employee referrals, and embrace leadership that listens and adapts. Whether you’re hiring or job-hunting, these insights will help your next move!

Press play now to discover how a people-first hiring approach can reshape your dental practice!

Learn More About Wendy Aldhamen Here!

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Did you know that a healthy mouth might be the missing link to full-body vitality?

This episode of Just DeW It introduces Dr. Jessica Lederhausen—a Swedish dentist, pioneering public health advocate, seasoned golfer, habit coach, and grandmother of 11. Anne Duffy sits down with Jessica to explore her remarkable journey from European athletics to shaping global health perspectives. We hear how a chance introduction led Jessica to the DeW community, and how her athletic background laid the foundation for her philosophy of passion, process, and progress—three principles that not only fueled her golf game but also shaped her holistic approach to health, prevention, and healing.

Jessica shares eye-opening stories about the critical mouth-body connection, weaving in her personal revelations navigating between medicine and dentistry. She discusses the origin of The Lagom Method, the habits she wished she’d embraced earlier, and a pivotal moment that inspired her book "Oral," written for both everyday readers and clinicians. Together with Anne, she underscores the importance of breaking down medical silos, practicing self-advocacy, and building foundational habits for better health. Listen in to uncover practical tools, science-backed strategies, and memorable metaphors that will change the way you look at oral and systemic wellness.

Hit play now to discover life-changing insights on habit-building, health advocacy, and the surprising power of the mouth-body connection!

Learn More About Dr. Jessica Lederhausen Here!

Join Other Amazing Women in Dentistry and Grow Together at: https://dew.life/membership/

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Ever feel like your biggest ideas get stuck in limbo because you’re not sure how to move them forward?

In this episode, Anne Duffy sits down with operations strategist and fractional leader Sara Ritchie to reveal how powerful systems, strong planning, and clear expectations turn even the busiest dreams into organized, impactful experiences. As the mastermind behind the seamless execution of the upcoming 10th anniversary DeW Retreat, Sara shares how translating visionary ideas into practical action steps has shaped both her career and the success of fast-paced events and dental practices alike.

Anne and Sara dive deep into the “operator and visionary” partnership, showing how their complementary strengths blend big-picture thinking with disciplined execution. Sara shares lessons from her days as a dental office manager and now as DeW’s planning director, highlighting why leaders must stop assuming teams know what success looks like and instead, define clear outcomes, focus only on needle-moving priorities, and delegate with trust. Together, they unpack why burnout is often a systems and clarity issue, not a people problem, and how you can break free by leveraging daily routines, empowering your team, and building a culture that actually “gets things done.” Whether you’re organizing an event or taking up the leadership role in dentistry, this episode offers real-world tips to help you do less, stress less, and achieve more!

Hit play now and start turning your office chaos into streamlined systems for growth!

Learn More About Sara Ritchie Here!

Join Other Amazing Women in Dentistry and Grow Together at: https://dew.life/membership/

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