Steve Bilt on the Mindset That Builds Legacies

In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker welcomes Steve Bilt, CEO of Smile Brands - a pioneering organization in the dental business, supporting nearly 700 offices across the US, known for their delivery of excellence in service and employee satisfaction. Together, they deep dive into the making of the ‘Smiles for Everyone’ legacy, recognizing and playing one’s role to the best of their ability, the little behaviors that make a big impact and aligning organizational purpose with the dentists and patients, alike. Tune in for eye-opening insights on building a disruptive franchise and leaving your mark on the world of dentistry!

On the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Steve Bilt, CEO of Smile Brands - a pioneering organization in the world of dentistry, supporting nearly 700 offices across the US, known for their delivery of excellence in service and employee satisfaction. Together, they deep dive into the various facets of the building a legacy, including:

The right mental models that set teams and companies up for success, and how to apply them
Recognizing the need for change and executing it effectively
Understanding one’s role as a leader and the importance of setting the tone for change and progress
Crafting the right culture and making it a part of the organization’s DNA

If you’re looking for ways to leave a mark on your business, be your authentic self while doing it, and heart-warming insights on learning from personal failures, this is the episode for you!

Episode Highlights:

4:45 - 12:52 - The Right Mindset for Change and Progress

Steve Bilt underscores the importance of adopting the right mental models for success, applying them effectively and recognizing when things need to change, and changing them the right way.

12:53 - 26:22 - Lead by Example, Bring Culture to Life

Knowing your role and playing it well can make all the difference. Steve Bilt unpacks how to craft the perfect vision and mission and the ways in which effective leadership can help bring organizational culture to life.

30:16 - 39:42 - Setting People Up for Success

Reflecting on the mindsets he encourages in his children, Steve Bilt talks about the importance of setting teams and individuals up for success - making space for mistakes, socializing the “why” behind organizational priorities and more.

39:42 - 48:38 - Living with Purpose in Life and Business

The right questions can lead to the right mindsets in life and business. Steve Bilt emphasizes the importance of considering one’s purpose and bringing it to life.

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