Back in 10

“I’ll just do it myself.” We’ve all said it… and it might be the exact reason you feel overwhelmed. In this episode of Back in 10, we’re talking about delegation, time, and the trap so many leaders fall into when they try to do everything on their own. Because the problem usually isn’t your workload. It’s how you’re leading it. We break down: • Why “I’ll just do it myself” is actually hurting your...

Leader or manager? The truth is… you don’t get to pick just one. In this episode of Back in 10, we’re breaking down the real difference between leading and managing — and why the most effective dental leaders know how to do both. Because managing keeps the practice running. But leadership is what keeps your team engaged, growing, and staying. We talk about: • The difference between focusing on tas...

This episode is a little different… and it matters. Ralf Tomandl of HR for Health joins us as we talk about the HR conversations that go beyond policies and procedures, the ones that require awareness, attention, and leadership. Because sometimes, what you notice (or don’t) matters more than you think. In recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the importance of paying atten...

Stop waiting to feel ready. Here’s how to decide anyway. In this episode, we’re answering a listener question: What decision-making framework helps leaders make confident choices under pressure? And here’s the truth… Most leaders don’t struggle to make decisions. They struggle to trust themselves enough to make one. So instead of overcomplicating it, we break down a simple way to think through dec...

What does it actually look like to lead other leaders in a dental practice? Especially when you don’t own the business… and you don’t sign the paychecks… but you’re still responsible for execution, alignment, and results. In this episode, we’re getting into one of the most delicate dynamics in leadership: leading up and leading alongside other leaders. We talk about: • Why alignment with your doct...

Have you ever led while doubting yourself? Like… really doubting yourself. In this episode, we’re talking about the kind of leadership no one posts about. The moments where you look confident on the outside, but inside you’re questioning everything. Your decisions. Your tone. Whether you even deserve the seat you’re in. We get into what self-doubt actually looks like in real life. Over-preparing....

Can leaders be friends with their team? It’s a question that makes a lot of leaders uncomfortable, especially in small businesses and dental practices where teams are tight-knit and relationships run deep. In this episode of Back in 10, Jen and Savanah unpack the blurred lines between leadership and friendship. They talk about the challenges of moving from peer to leader, why wanting to be liked c...

Unlimited sick time and PTO sounds great in theory. But does it actually work in a dental practice? In this episode of Back in 10, Jen and Savanah unpack one of the most debated workplace policies in modern leadership: unlimited time off. From state laws and HR considerations to team culture and leadership modeling, they explore what happens when practices try to implement flexible time-off polici...

Sometimes the best conversations are the ones that were never planned. In this episode of Back in 10, Jen and Savanah talk about finding your people in dentistry and in life. What starts as a Valentine’s Day conversation about connection turns into stories about LinkedIn cold messages, peer groups, introducing your favorite humans, and yes, a very unexpected side quest involving Chelsea Clinton’s...

Leadership decisions do not happen in a vacuum. They impact teams, relationships, and trust. In this episode of Back in 10, Jen and Savanah have an honest conversation about loyalty, integrity, and what happens when major changes are announced publicly...when it shouldn't have been. They unpack the emotional side of transitions, the ripple effect on teams, and the importance of grace when change f...

Hiring dental assistants is one of the biggest challenges facing practices right now. Keeping them is even harder. In this extended episode of Back in 10, Jen and Savanah sit down with Stacey Singleton CDA, EFDA, DAADOM to have a real, unfiltered conversation about what is happening in assistant hiring and retention. From bait and switch job ads to onboarding failures, culture breakdowns, pay tran...

Interviewing well is a leadership skill, and it is one that most teams are never taught. In this episode of Back in 10, Jen Steadman, owner of the hiring company JenSOS, leads the conversation on how to interview with confidence, clarity, and intention. Drawing from her real-world hiring experience, Jen breaks down why interviews often fail, how unclear processes lead to poor hires, and what leade...

If you are struggling to find the right candidates, the problem may not be the market. It may be your job ad. In this episode, Jen and Savanah kick off a hiring series by breaking down why job ads are the foundation of every successful hiring strategy. They talk about how language, clarity, and culture show up before a candidate ever applies and why hiring should be intentional, not reactive. This...

This episode was recorded live at Unlock the C.O.D.E. dental event in Pennsylvania and we are bringing it back for anyone who could not attend in person. In this live conversation, Jen and Savanah talk about the real power of networking and why making the first move matters more than waiting for the perfect moment. From hallway conversations to LinkedIn messages, this episode breaks down how authe...

If you feel busy all day but still behind, this episode is for you. In just ten minutes, Jen and Savanah share practical time management tips for leaders who are juggling too much. They break down where time actually goes, how to identify leaks in your day, and why better systems matter more than longer hours. This episode covers delegation, protecting focus time, and shifting away from the idea t...

As we close out the year and look ahead, the question comes up again and again. What does success actually mean? In this episode, Jen, Savanah, and Chris take a deeply honest look at how their definitions of success have changed. They talk about money, freedom, health, gratitude, grit, kindness, and relationships, and why success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. This conversation is less about...

Growth does not happen by accident. It happens when leaders know what to track and how to use the data to make better decisions. In this episode, Jen and Savanah break down 10 benchmarks that directly impact dental practice growth and stability. They focus on the numbers that actually move the needle, not vanity metrics. You will hear real talk on benchmarks like: • Hygiene reappointment rate • Pa...

Accounts receivable isn’t about bad patients or unlucky timing.  It’s about systems, expectations, and leadership. In this episode, Jen and Savanah dig into the real reasons AR continues to climb in dental practices and why avoiding money conversations creates more problems than it solves. They break down how weak handoffs, unclear financial policies, and “we’ll deal with it later” thinking quietl...

Insurance verification isn’t glamorous, but it’s critical. In this episode, Jen and Savanah break down the real challenges behind verification - from outdated processes to team training gaps- and why treating it like busy work is one of the most expensive mistakes a dental office can make. They discuss confidence in treatment planning, the importance of thorough documentation, the myth of “patient...

This Thanksgiving, Jen and Savanah are reflecting on a year filled with change, growth, challenges, and the friendships that made all the difference. They talk about the people who supported them, the communities that lifted them, and the moments that shaped who they’ve become. It’s raw, real, heartfelt, and very Back in 10. If you’ve had a year that made you rediscover what really matters, you’ll...

A predictable hygiene schedule is the heartbeat of every successful dental practice. In this episode, Jen and Savanah dig into the art and strategy of recall system refinement, from improving patient connections to setting team expectations and creating scheduling systems that prevent costly downtime. They explore controversial approaches, the power of consistency, and why recall must be treated a...

Efficient turnover isn’t busy work, it’s the backbone of a well-run practice. In this episode, Jen and Savanah dive into what it really takes to create smooth operatory flow without cutting corners. They cover infection control, setup strategy, team communication, and the not-so-glamorous side of leadership that keeps the day on track. Whether you’re a hygienist, assistant, or leader, this one’s a...

From omelet disasters to sticky-note chaos, Savanah and Jen tackle one of the least glamorous topics in dentistry - inventory management - with their trademark honesty and humor. They share how to reduce waste, create accountability, and keep your ordering systems simple and sustainable. Whether it’s using scanners and barcodes or setting clear inventory responsibilities, this episode proves that...

What’s scarier than a failed bone graft? Try fraud, micromanagers, or being literally put in the freezer. In this Halloween edition of Back in 10, Jen and Savanah read true listener-submitted “leadership nightmares." Those real stories of chaos, conflict, and lessons learned the hard way. From spooky team drama to chilling HR nightmares, they unpack what went wrong, what could have gone better, an...

Brandi Williams didn’t plan on a career in dentistry - she stumbled into it, stayed for 31 years, and now leads 46 practices as Chief Growth Officer. In this Break Room Session, Jen and Savanah talk with Brandi about her journey from dental assistant to award-winning leader, how emotional intelligence changed her approach, and what it means to grow people, not just practices. She also opens up abo...