NAIL IT Podcast With Dr Rana Al-Falaki

▶️ Ep #21: How to Thrive in AI: Aalok Shukla on Scaling Human Potential with Technology

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How to Thrive in AI
What happens when a dentist pivots into AI and starts building digital workers for businesses around the world? In this future-focused episode, Dr Aalok Shukla, co-founder of Implement AI, joins us to unpack the real story behind artificial intelligence — beyond the headlines and the fear. We explore how AI is transforming industries, why traditional career paths are shifting, and what skills will actually matter in the years ahead. Aalok shares his journey from clinical practice to tech entrepreneurship, and why communication, systems thinking and curiosity will become the ultimate competitive advantages.

But this conversation goes deeper than business. We dive into how parents can guide children through an AI-dominated world, the importance of critical thinking in the age of automation, and how spirituality and self-awareness play a role in navigating rapid technological change. If you’re curious about AI but unsure where you stand, this episode will give you clarity, confidence and a practical perspective on how to engage with technology without losing your humanity.

Dr Aalok Y. Shukla is a healthtech innovator and co-founder of Implement AI, where he helps organisations deploy AI-powered digital workers to scale operations and performance. His work focuses on turning AI from theory into practical implementation, enabling businesses to grow capability without growing payroll. Aalok is an international keynote speaker and podcast host, sharing real-world insights on the future of work and responsible AI adoption.

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If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk⁠

▶️ Ep #20: How To Stop Blending In: Anna Roberts on How To Avoid Vanilla Marketing

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How to Stop Blending In
What if your biggest marketing problem isn’t your logo, your website, or your social media strategy - but the fact that you don’t truly know your own story? In this powerful episode, Anna Roberts, Director of My Smile Media, unpacks why “vanilla marketing” is quietly killing brands and why generic messaging simply won’t survive the next generational shift. We explore the psychology behind buying decisions, why emotion drives action far more than logic, and how confidence, aspiration and belonging are shaping the way modern consumers choose who to trust.

This conversation goes far beyond marketing tactics. We dive into identity, purpose, storytelling, imposter syndrome, and the courage it takes to stand out in a sea of sameness. If you’ve ever felt invisible in a crowded market, unsure how to communicate your value, or stuck playing it safe - this episode will challenge you to stop blending in and start building a brand that actually reflects who you are.

Anna Roberts has spent 17 years inside dental powerhouses like Henry Schein and Align Technology, and with an MBA, she has honed her expertise as a marketing performance expert with a special interest in brand and consumer psychology. She breaks marketing rules, rejects the vanilla, and leads a new era of bold, story-driven emotional marketing that truly connects with its audience. Believing this is the missing layer in dentistry, she’s on a mission to banish bland forever.

Contact Anna: @annamismilemedia 07894 824302

If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk⁠

▶️ Ep #19: How to Succeed with Integrity: Len D’Cruz on Staying Capable Under Pressure

▶️ Ep #18: How to Make Learning Stick: Mehy Lo Presti on How To Be the Disrupter and Witness Change Happen

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How to Make Learning Stick

What if learning wasn’t about consuming more information — but about creating experiences that actually change how you think, feel, and show up? In this solo-hosted episode, Dr Rana Al-Falaki is joined by Mehy Lo Presti, a high-energy creator and co-founder of the Global Dental Collective, for a powerful conversation on how learning truly sticks.

Together, they explore self-doubt as the enemy of creativity, why experience beats instruction, and how curiosity, emotional safety, energy and community unlock deeper growth. This episode is about breaking rigid formats, trusting intuition, and designing environments where learning becomes memorable, embodied, and transformational. If you’re into personal growth, leadership, creativity and conscious evolution — this conversation will stay with you long after you press play.

With over 10 years of private clinical experience, Dr Mehy Lo Presti is the founder of the Global Dental Collective and the creator of Dentown and Dentorama. These immersive formats blend theatre, technology, and clinical storytelling, engaging thousands of dental professionals and redefining how dentistry is taught and discussed. He has lectured at King’s College London and led multiple dental missions in Central America, combining academic insight with global outreach. Beyond speaking, Mehy works closely with event production teams to co curate content, design audience flow, and moderate live sessions.

Connect with Mehy;

@globaldentalcollective

www.globaldentalcollective.com

If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk⁠

▶️ Ep #17: How to Build Real Support: Shandy Vijayan on Community Building

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How to Build Real Support

What happens when an entire profession is quietly losing its talent - not because of lack of skill, but because of lack of support? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Shandy Vijayan shares the story behind the rapid rise of the Dental Mums Network and why it’s become such a vital space for women navigating dentistry, motherhood, and identity. This episode shines a light on the hidden challenges many don’t talk about - from isolation and imposter syndrome to the realities of returning to work after maternity leave.

But this isn’t just about dentistry - it’s about leadership, community, and the courage to do things differently. We explore what it really means to lead authentically, why collaboration is replacing competition, and how trusting your intuition can change the trajectory of your career. If you’ve ever felt alone in your journey, questioned your path, or wondered if you’re “falling behind,” this episode will remind you that you’re not - and that going further often means not going alone.

Dr Shandy Vijayan is a private dentist, university lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, and Chief Operating Officer of the Dental Mums Network, a growing community supporting women across dentistry. Alongside her clinical work in aesthetic, restorative and periodontal dentistry, she is passionate about mentorship, education and creating spaces where women can build confidence, connection and meaningful careers.

Instagram:
@Dentalmumsnetwork

If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk⁠

▶️ Ep #16: How To Succeed Through Adversity: Nishma Sharma on moving from Imposter Syndrome to Impact

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How To Succeed Through Adversity

Nishma Sharma (Clinical Policy Adviser at NHS England and founder of the Diversity in Dentistry Action Group) joins us on The NAIL-IT Podcast for a high-energy, deeply honest conversation about success, sacrifice, and what burnout really looks like behind the accolades. Nishma shares how dentistry wasn’t her original path, the imposter syndrome and depression she experienced early on, and how COVID pushed her into emotional overload — before she rebuilt her life around presence, connection, and redefining what “enough” means. We explore purpose as a justice-driven “fairness” lens, the power of mentorship, why dentists have far more transferable skills than they realise, and the NAIL-IT pillar that resonates most with her.

Nishma Sharma is a clinician, leader and speaker with over two decades of experience across healthcare, policy and regulation. Alongside her clinical work, she is widely recognised for her leadership in equality, wellbeing and professional standards, and is the founder of the Diversity in Dentistry Action Group, created to address bias and health inequalities across healthcare. Nishma advises national organisations, contributes to professional publications, and speaks internationally on leadership, mental health, inclusion and sustainable success. Her work is driven by a strong sense of fairness and a commitment to helping people thrive - professionally and personally - through challenge and change.

If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk⁠

▶️ Ep #15: How to Change the Story: Lucie Simic on choosing beliefs that break through limits

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This is a must-listen episode if you’re leading a dental team (or trying to stay sane whilst doing it). Dr Rana Al-Falaki and Dr Bhavin Patel are joined by dental business consultant Lucie Simic (LCS Healthcare Consultancy) for an energising, practical conversation on mindset, leadership and culture — and how the stories we tell ourselves quietly shape our confidence, our performance, and even what we believe we’re “allowed” to do. From Lucie’s powerful quote — “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right” — to her journey of breaking old beliefs through Hyrox training, you’ll leave feeling fired up to challenge your own limits.

Lucie also shares real-world leadership gold for practice managers and principals: how to stop being the “island in the middle”, why boundaries and process protect your time and reduce burnout, and how empowering your team (instead of rescuing them) actually improves motivation, retention and growth. Expect laughs, honest reflections, and actionable takeaways you can use immediately — plus a fresh reminder that the best leaders don’t carry everything… they create other leaders.

Lucie Simic is a dental business consultant, educator and keynote speaker specialising in leadership, organisational culture and patient experience. With over 14 years’ experience in dentistry and a 10-year background in journalism, Lucie brings a clear, evidence-informed and communication-led approach to leadership development. She works with practice owners, managers and clinical teams across the UK and Ireland, delivering structured training that supports strategic thinking, behaviour change and sustainable performance improvement. Lucie is the author of The Culture Advantage and is a regular speaker at national and international dental conferences and professional events. Her teaching equips delegates with practical frameworks to enhance team performance, patient engagement and treatment uptake in modern dental practices.

Connect with Lucie;

[email protected]

www.luciesimic.co.uk

If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠nail-it.uk

▶️ Ep #14: How to Go From Good To World Class: Payman Langroudi on Achieving Excellence

▶️ Ep #13: How to Turn Mistakes into Real Impact: Shaz Memon on Mission and Marketing

▶️ Ep #12:How to Go After What You Want: Kunal Thakker on Not Looking Back

▶️ Ep #11:How to Unlock Your Creativity: George Ceuca on Standing Out in a Noisy World of Social Media

▶️ Ep #10: How to Shift Your Energy and Shape Your Future- Christmas Special with Dr Rana Al-Falaki & Dr Bhavin Patel

▶️ Ep #9:How To Grow And Develop: Sumair Khan on Turning Your Hardest Lessons into Your Greatest Wins

▶️ Ep #8:How to Beat the 9-Year Itch: Andy Acton on Finding Joy in Your Work Again

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Is the 9-year itch hitting hard? In this energising conversation, Rana and Bav are joined by dental business strategist Andy Acton to explore why so many clinicians lose their spark — and how to fall back in love with your career again. From owner fatigue and identity shifts to mindset, values and planning your future, Andy breaks down the inner and outer work that keeps you aligned, energised and excited about dentistry. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time to stay, grow or go… this episode will give you clarity, confidence and a fresh sense of possibility.

In this high-energy episode, Dr Rana and Bav sit down with dental broker, podcaster and all-round legend Andy Acton to talk about a topic most principals quietly struggle with but rarely admit out loud: owner fatigue.If you’ve ever felt like one more question about TP brushes might tip you over the edge, this one’s for you.

Andy kicks things off with his favourite Henry Ford quote – “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right” – and together we dive into mindset, self-talk and the difference between “true” and “truth”. From there, the conversation flies into joy, beds and business (yes, really). Rana shares her “bed theory” – why it’s worth investing in where you spend a third of your life – and links it beautifully to investing in yourself, your growth and your practice.

We then get into the reality behind the glossy “practice owner” label.Andy breaks down the journey from ignition and expansion to optimisation and, eventually, owner fatigue – with its five tell-tale signs: emotional load, lifestyle misalignment, decision fatigue, role creep and exit anxiety.Rana opens up about her own burnout moment as a specialist practice owner, and how coaching, planning and an intentional exit helped her redefine what leadership looked like for her.

If you’ve ever wondered when and how to plan your exit, Andy gets wonderfully practical. He explains why the ideal time horizon is 3–5years, how small tweaks in profit can add six figures to your sale value, and why planning your exit doesn’t mean you have to sell any time soon – it just gives you options and headspace. Think of it like writing a will: good sense, not doom and gloom.

We also explore the rise of the “practice within a practice” associate, social media-driven patient lists, and new models where clinicians simply rent clinical space. Andy shares how principals and associates can have grown-up conversations about who owns patients, how revenue is shared, and how everyone can win when expectations and contracts are clear.

If you’re a practice owner, aspiring principal, ambitious associate or just someone who wants to build a business and a life you actually enjoy, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported and seriously better equipped.

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Andy Acton is a serial entrepreneur developing the FTA group of companies, a full range of business services for the dental profession. Andy has been involved in the business of dentistry for over 25 years and is the director and co-owner of Frank Taylor & Associates, FTA Media, FTA Finance, FTA Financial & Wealth Management and in 2023 exited FTA Law. He also co-hosts the Dentology podcast. Andy is a sought after public speaker covering topics including leadership, management, marketing and the future value of dental practices.

www.ft-associates.com

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If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk⁠

▶️ Ep #7: How To Eat For Resilience: Nina Farmer on nutrition, stress, hormones and powering up

▶️ Ep #6: How To Truly Matter: Neil Carmichael on team culture, the future of dentistry, and the need to stand up for what you believe in

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Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair of the Association Dental Groups, just one accolade to his name, shares with us how to truly matter.

Whatever your status, position, or educational level - you matter, and he explains exactly why.

We talk about team culture, about the future of dentistry, the true meaning of being in a dental group and its power and what true leadership really is - everything in NAIL-IT Of course!

A brilliant high energy and very motivational and inspiring episode that will make you proud to be part of this profession!

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Neil Carmichael is Executive Chair of the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) and Chief Executive Officer of UK China Education Cooperation (UCEC). He is an Honorary Professor, University College London, with a focus on education through the Institute of Education and the Global Business School for Healthcare. Neil is also Honorary Professor for Education Policy, University of Nottingham (School of Education).

Neil is a Trustee of the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation and currently leads the Trust’s Edward Heath University Lecture Series.

Neil was Member of Parliament for Stroud (2010-17), serving on the Education Select Committee and the Environment Audit Committee, and elected chair of the Education Select Committee in 2015. He set up the All-Parliamentary Party Group on School Leadership and Governance and took the Antarctic Act 2013 through Parliament. Neil was a member of the Royal Society’s Science Policy Expert Advisory Committee for six years from 2019.

He served as Chair of the Conservative Group for Europe, spent two years advising and supporting parliamentarians in Myanmar, served as a governor of several schools and colleges, and chaired the Pearson UK Commission on Sustainable Learning for Work, Life, and a Changing Economy.

In his spare time, Neil farms in Northumberland with a special focus on protecting and promoting the local milieu.

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If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk⁠

▶️ Ep #5: How To Keep Going With Purpose: Cat Edney on Drive, Purpose, and executing your mission

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This inspiring episode hosts the amazing and multi-award winning Cat Edney. As someone who has pioneered the way for dental therapy against all odds, her perseverance, resilience and determination are to be truly admired. She shares her favourite quote, how she maintained focus despite nay-sayers, and of course tells us what her favourite element of NAIL-IT is!

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Multi award winning Dental Therapist Cat Edney has over fifteen years experience working in specialist and private practice in the UK. In this time she has developed a passion for multidisciplinary team working in the Dental Setting - with a focus on maximising the use of the full dental team to ensure profitability alongside patient care and engagement. Cat lectures internationally as a clinical educator and speaker and has developed hands on dental courses under her training brand ‘The Modern Therapist’ which aims to educate the dental profession about the role and integration of Dental Therapy, alongside focusing on providing gold standard hands on training and ongoing support to dental teams. Cat is on the faculty of the largest dental academy in the UK – The Smile Dental Academy, lectures for top dental manufactures such as DMG, LM, NSK,B and Align Technology and also pens a regular column for Dentistry.co.uk. She is now an awards Judge for the Private Dentistry awards and was also named in the UK’s Dentistry’s Top 50 most influential dental professionals.

⁠https://www.the-modern-therapist.co.uk⁠ IG: @cat_londontherapist -----------------------------------------------------------

If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk⁠

Lead Better. Live Fully. Laugh More.

🎧 Listen or Watch the Latest Episodes

▶️ Ep #21: How to Thrive in AI: Aalok Shukla on Scaling Human Potential with Technology

▶️ Ep #20: How To Stop Blending In: Anna Roberts on How To Avoid Vanilla Marketing

▶️ Ep #19: How to Succeed with Integrity: Len D’Cruz on Staying Capable Under Pressure

▶️ Ep #18: How to Make Learning Stick: Mehy Lo Presti on How To Be the Disrupter and Witness Change Happen

▶️ Ep #17: How to Build Real Support: Shandy Vijayan on Community Building

▶️ Ep #16: How To Succeed Through Adversity: Nishma Sharma on moving from Imposter Syndrome to Impact

▶️ Ep #15: How to Change the Story: Lucie Simic on choosing beliefs that break through limits

▶️ Ep #14: How to Go From Good To World Class: Payman Langroudi on Achieving Excellence

▶️ Ep #13: How to Turn Mistakes into Real Impact: Shaz Memon on Mission and Marketing

▶️ Ep #12:How to Go After What You Want: Kunal Thakker on Not Looking Back

▶️ Ep #11:How to Unlock Your Creativity: George Ceuca on Standing Out in a Noisy World of Social Media

▶️ Ep #10: How to Shift Your Energy and Shape Your Future- Christmas Special with Dr Rana Al-Falaki & Dr Bhavin Patel

🎄 NAIL IT PODCAST: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL🎄

▶️ Ep #9:How To Grow And Develop: Sumair Khan on Turning Your Hardest Lessons into Your Greatest Wins

▶️ Ep #8:How to Beat the 9-Year Itch: Andy Acton on Finding Joy in Your Work Again

▶️ Ep #7: How To Eat For Resilience: Nina Farmer on nutrition, stress, hormones and powering up

▶️ Ep #6: How To Truly Matter: Neil Carmichael on team culture, the future of dentistry, and the need to stand up for what you believe in

▶️ Ep #5: How To Keep Going With Purpose: Cat Edney on Drive, Purpose, and executing your mission

▶️ Ep #4: How To Love What You Do: James Goolnik on The #1 thing you have to practice

▶️ Ep #3: How To Achieve Your Dreams: Just Do It - Manrina Rhode on Ambition, Aesthetics, and Action

▶️ Ep #2: How To Succeed Beyond Dentistry: Ash Parmar on the Real Transformation Dentists Needs

▶️ Ep #1: How to Really NAIL IT: Optimal Performance At Its Best with Dr Rana Al-Falaki & Dr Bhavin Patel

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