More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter

Leading employees can feel like walking through a minefield. One wrong step and morale, productivity, or trust can explode. But great leaders are not born with the ability to navigate tough personalities. They learn the strategies, communication skills, and mindset shifts that turn conflict into constructive growth.

My friends Ashley Bond and Lorie Streeter joined me to talk about leadership challenges new managers face every day. We tackled it all: resistant employees, navigating office politics, and owners who may not always have your back. We offer help with conflict resolution, accountability, emotional intelligence, setting and boundaries. And importantly, we focus on protecting your mental health in high-pressure roles. This discussion will help emerging leaders communicate more clearly to build trust, even when employee dynamics get complicated.

This was a follow up to "What I Wish I Knew: Administrative Wisdom," a webinar hosted by…you guessed it.. Wisdom! We had so many questions that we needed to tackle them in a separate session. You can access the original session here:

https://www.withwisdom.com/resources/what-i-wish-i-knew-administrative-wisdom

Connect with Ashley Bond

Website: https://www.withwisdom.com/

Connect with Lorie Streeter:

Website: https://getmaxassist.com/book-a-demo-lorie/

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Beyond the Operatory Career Workshop: Have you ever wondered what career opportunities in dentistry exist beyond clinical care? Whether you're a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or manager, this full-day, in-person workshop is your chance to explore new paths in speaking, coaching, consulting, and more.

Join Teresa and Angela on March 6th, 2026 in Northern Virginia. Limited to just 20 attendees.
Registration is open. Secure your spot today:

🔗 https://www.beyondtheoperatory.com/

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

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My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter

Your practice might look efficient, but what if unnoticed expenses are quietly draining thousands from your bottom line each year?

My friend Adam Smith talked with me about the hidden costs that most dental offices overlook and how small changes can make a big difference. Everyday expenses like merchant fees, internet contracts, and bundled tech services can quietly add up. Negotiating and reviewing your fees can bring real savings without cutting team members or quality. We dig into what indirect costs really mean, why checking your numbers matters more than you think, and how tightening up your spending can open room for raises, upgrades, or a better cushion for your practice. It's an honest, practical chat about spending smarter and keeping more of what you earn.

Connect with Adam Smith

Email: Adam.Smith@SchooleyMitchell.com

Contact number: 415 572 0948

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schooleymitchellasmith

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schooleymitchell_bay_area/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdsmith/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdamSmith-SchooleyMitchell

Website: https://www.schooleymitchell.com/office/asmith/dental-savings/?contact#resources

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Beyond the Operatory Career Workshop: Have you ever wondered what career opportunities in dentistry exist beyond clinical care? Whether you're a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or manager, this full-day, in-person workshop is your chance to explore new paths in speaking, coaching, consulting, and more.

Join Teresa and Angela on March 6th, 2026 in Northern Virginia. Limited to just 20 attendees.
Registration is open. Secure your spot today:

🔗 https://www.beyondtheoperatory.com/

-------------

I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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Medical Billing Made Easy! Dental Classroom Online: https://www.dentalclassroomonline.com/

Use ODYSSEY for a 10% courtesy

-------------

Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

-------------

My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter

Dental school prepares you to save teeth but not for the life that comes with it. The truth is, most dentists are blindsided by what happens once the drills are down: confusing insurance contracts, shrinking reimbursements, rising debt, and the daily challenges of managing people. In this conversation with my friend Dr. Amrita Patel, we unpacked the realities of practice ownership and associate life. Did you know that you'll need to know how to prevent accounts receivable nightmares? Or how to lead a team without burning out? Oh - plus handle patients!

We dig into false perfections shown on social media, the misinformation new grads are buying into, and the hard truth that many seasoned dentists still lack the foundational business skills. This is the real world of dentistry - the part no one told you about.

Connect with Amrita Patel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramritapatel/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedramri/

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Beyond the Operatory Career Workshop: Have you ever wondered what career opportunities in dentistry exist beyond clinical care? Whether you're a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or manager, this full-day, in-person workshop is your chance to explore new paths in speaking, coaching, consulting, and more.

Join Teresa and Angela on March 6th, 2026 in Northern Virginia. Limited to just 20 attendees.
Registration is open. Secure your spot today:

🔗 https://www.beyondtheoperatory.com/

-------------

I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

-------------

Medical Billing Made Easy! Dental Classroom Online: https://www.dentalclassroomonline.com/

Use ODYSSEY for a 10% courtesy

-------------

Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

-------------

My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt