In this issue:
Interview with Stephenie Goddard: An Inside Look at the Guiding Leaders Summit 2020
Interview by
Interview with
Glidewell Executive Vice President Stephenie Goddard being interviewed by Chairside® magazine writer Aleesha Chaney about the Guiding Leaders Summit taking place in April.
This spring, Glidewell will present the inaugural Guiding Leaders Summit, a two-day conference designed to empower women in dentistry. This dynamic event will take place April 24–25 at the Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, California. The visionary behind the Guiding Leaders Summit is Stephenie Goddard, executive vice president of Glidewell. Over the past several months, she has been working diligently with her team to create a phenomenal event that will provide women a well-rounded experience and offer tools and training in three key areas: clinical dentistry, leadership development and interpersonal wellness.
CHAIRSIDE® MAGAZINE: What inspired you to create the Guiding Leaders Summit?
STEPHENIE GODDARD: In talking with women in dentistry, I discovered that when they are in dental school, they receive extensive clinical training. However, that training typically does not include courses on how to successfully operate a dental practice. And even after they graduate, there still are not many continuing education opportunities related to leadership development or managing a business. It is important to have training in these other areas if clinicians are going to be successful in dentistry. I believe the Guiding Leaders Summit is one way Glidewell can help equip women to become well-rounded business owners.
CM: What types of courses will be offered during the summit?
SG: We will have a variety of courses, including one that provides the latest tips and techniques for enhancing the quality of crown & bridge restorations. There will be a course that helps clinicians choose the right cutting-edge technology to grow their practice. We want to show them how to successfully incorporate digital technology into their office workflow. We will also have a course on how to reduce stress by unlocking the power of mindfulness. Life and work can be stressful regardless of what field you work in, so we want to equip attendees with tools that help them effectively manage stress. In addition, there will be courses related to developing interpersonal skills and managing people. We want to empower women to become more effective communicators and cultivate their leadership skills.
In April 2019, Goddard launched the Guiding Leaders program, which is a yearlong training opportunity for women in dentistry. Pictured above, the inaugural class of Guiding Leaders participated in a course taught by bestselling author Dr. Shawn Andrews about understanding the power of perception and leadership.
CM: One great aspect about the summit is that it is designed for all women in dentistry, including hygienists and office staff. If a dentist wants to send her or his entire female team to the event, what do you have planned that can benefit them?
SG: In addition to classes on clinical dentistry, we will have a course on social media. As a busy clinician, you may not have time to treat patients while simultaneously managing your social media platforms, so this is an area where support staff can be trained to help you expand your practice. We will also have a course taught by a registered dental assistant. It is important to leverage your whole team in order to maximize growth within your practice. And we will have other courses covering topics such as generating positive cash flow, which not only is related to managing business finances but also deals with personal finances. This is practical information that anyone can benefit from, regardless of their role within the practice.
Goddard has worked hard to create an exceptional conference for women that is unlike other events in dentistry. Her vision for the summit is to provide women a chance to explore cutting-edge dental procedures, enhance their leadership skills and build a strong network with female colleagues.
CM: I know that women can earn up to nine hours of continuing education credits by attending both days, and they can attend eight courses. They do not have to preregister for courses either, right?
SG: Yes, we want to give everyone some flexibility because sometimes at conferences you wish you could select a different course. If someone arrives at the summit and notices another course they’d rather take, then they have the option to attend that session instead. Or if someone wants only clinical training, they can select those courses. If they prefer a combination of courses, they will have that option as well because all courses will be offered at least twice.
CM: Dr. Rella Christensen, a renowned author, researcher and lecturer, will be the keynote speaker. What can women expect to hear from her that will empower them in their daily practice?
SG: Dr. Christensen will discuss the latest developments related to material science. As the cofounder of the Clinicians Report (CR) Foundation®, an educational research and clinical validation institute, Dr. Christensen has conducted extensive research that gives dentists confidence in the materials they select to restore their patients’ smiles. Additionally, Dr. Christensen will share her journey in dentistry. So many women admire her, and they probably have not heard her story. This will be a chance for them to hear something new and to be inspired by a woman who is considered an icon in dentistry.
At the Guiding Leaders Summit, the 14 women dentists who participated in the yearlong Guiding Leaders program will be recognized during a graduation ceremony and cocktail reception. (From left to right in the back row: Drs. Joy Poskozim, Sat Kartar Khalsa, Stacy Spizuoco, Susan McMahon, Taylor Manalili, Mary Shields, Danielle Dey and Jill Frazier; from left to right in the middle row: Drs. Ensy Atarod, Lan Chi Le, Shefali Shah and Nidhi Taneja; front row: Drs. Keyla Springe and Larissa Figari-Goller.)
CM: Over the past year, as you have worked with Guiding Leaders, I’ve heard you mention how important it is for women in dentistry to have a good support system. That is another benefit to attending the summit. Can you talk to me a little about that?
SG: Yes, one of the purposes of the Guiding Leaders Summit is to help women build a strong network. It is very important to have a good network of other women who have been through what you are going through — women who can coach you by sharing their advice and providing insight on how to navigate different decisions. You can best achieve all of what you want in your career if you have great mentors and networks around you, so we wanted to create an opportunity for women to connect with professionals in the same field and to establish this type of support system.
CM: The summit sounds like a great opportunity for women in this profession. Is there anything else you have planned during the event?
SG: There will be a panel discussion where women can ask questions and get answers from HR and legal experts about how to manage their practice. If they have questions such as how to handle pay raises or determine annual bonuses, this is a chance to get answers from experienced professionals. We will also have a marketplace where women can visit exhibitor booths and update their professional headshots free of charge. And each morning, yoga or tai chi will be offered on the beach for anyone who wants to participate.
CM: What a great way to start the day!
SG: Yes, the summit is going to be two full days, and yoga is an excellent way to clear your mind and focus on learning.
Registration for the Guiding Leaders Summit includes a two-night stay at the luxurious Paséa Hotel & Spa, an oceanfront resort in Huntington Beach, California. The venue is conveniently located steps away from the beach, and it has plenty of amenities for conference attendees, including shops and eateries.
CM: I know you selected the Paséa Hotel & Spa because one of the goals of the summit is to create an environment where women can be refreshed and rejuvenated as well.
SG: Yes, we wanted to choose an environment that is conducive to learning, which the Paséa definitely offers. It is a spectacular oceanfront destination that is a great location for continuing education. Also, it is a peaceful resort for unwinding. We want women to come ready to learn and then return to their practice refreshed so they are ready to make a bigger impact in dentistry.
CM: The inaugural summit is still a couple of months away, but have you started thinking about the future? What’s in store for Guiding Leaders?
SG: We plan to start accepting applications for the next Guiding Leaders program in April. Also, our goal is to continue expanding the summit in terms of size and the scope of content that is offered. We want to build Guiding Leaders into an ongoing community of women who can support each other and become influencers in dentistry. We are eager to kick off this event and to receive feedback so we can tailor it to best meet the needs of the women it is designed to support.
CM: This sounds like a phenomenal experience. Where can women get more information?
SG: They can get more information and register to attend by visiting guidingleaders.com.
CM: Thank you for your time. We look forward to seeing you at the Guiding Leaders Summit in April.
SG: Thank you for having me.
