Guiding Leaders: Guiding women in dentistry into positions of empowerment and leadership

Stephenie Goddard, Glidewell CEO and visionary of the Guiding Leaders program, was eager to spark change after attending numerous meetings and observing very few women speaking as thought leaders. Her vision was to create a professional development program that would empower women in dentistry to advance to new levels of leadership and become voices of influence. 

In 2019, with Jim Glidewell’s blessing and a team behind her, she created Guiding Leaders. The program would guide female dentists in areas of practice management, self-development, and public speaking while providing the women with a unique opportunity to build new relationships with like-minded female dentists. Stephenie’s goal was to give the women new tools and knowledge that they may not have developed while in dental school, and because the number of women graduating dental school has increased to over 50%, the need for a program like this was even more apparent.

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Finding the inaugural participants

Once the curriculum was created and included presenters such as Jo Schaeffer and the Arbinger Group, Deborah Shames and David Booth from Eloqui, author Dr. Shawn Andrews, and more, the program opened for applications and the process for finding the inaugural participants began. After narrowing down the applicants based on their dental background, career achievements, and leadership potential, the first 14 female dentists were chosen. They met in person at Glidewell for courses that would expand their knowledge of practice management, self-development, and public speaking. These women came from all different states, and without previously knowing one another, they became a tight-knit group. They saw one another monthly when they immersed themselves in the coursework while enjoying Newport Beach, California. They cruised aboard Mr. Glidewell’s yacht, had group dinners, and enjoyed their beautiful surroundings in Southern California.

Reconnecting during the pandemic

The timing was unfortunate with the COVID-19 pandemic occurring just as the 2019 cohort was finishing their program, but the 14 ladies really leaned on one another to get through some of the weirdest and toughest times we’ve seen in dentistry. Offices had to close, and dentists were left with downtime, but this provided an opportunity for the women to reconnect. As a way to give back to the program, the 2019 Guiding Leaders cohort would be called upon to mentor the next group.

With the overwhelming positive responses from the inaugural group, Stephenie knew she was on to something, so after the two-year hiatus, she said it was time to bring the program back, and the planning began. They opened applications and started their search for the next group of amazing female dentists. The 2019 group had provided insightful feedback that was used to create the new curriculum to help make this program as relevant, practical, and useful as possible.

In March 2022, with the addition of finance, photography, and social media courses, they opened up applications and received over 100 in just over a month. Applications and videos were thoroughly reviewed in search of individuals who exuded passion to improve their skills as leaders, business owners, and mentors. The program was expanded from 14 to 25 female dentists, which was still a manageable number without compromising the quality of the experience.

2022 Guiding Leaders program

In April 2022, the Guiding Leaders program kicked off and continued to October. The women who were chosen are from all over the US and in many different phases of their careers. Some are practice owners, others are associates, some are early in their careers, and others are more seasoned dentists, but all brought different skills, ideas, and personalities. Every one of them took part in this journey to expand their knowledge and learn new perspectives, and had the desire to share their passion and skills.

The group met in person for the first time in May when connections and friendships formed almost instantly. They were accepting, excited, and absorbed everything that the facilitator, Jo Schaeffer, taught them about developing an outward mindset. This kickoff course concluded with a party at Mr. and Mrs. Glidewell’s home in Newport Beach, where they would also get to meet their personal coaches for the first time. Each participant is gifted with a personal coach for nine months whom they utilize in many areas of their lives.

“The Guiding Leaders program has been life-changing. The program is a well-thought-out curriculum that fills the gaps of our knowledge as leaders and business owners. The courses have helped me build confidence and changed how I approach the relationships in my life on a personal and professional level. The best part has been the life-long friendships getting stronger with each session together,” said 2022 Guiding Leader, Dr. Sophia Kalawi.

For the final in-person course of the 2022 program, the Glidewell family generously hosted the women aboard their yacht for a graduation celebration. The journey doesn’t end after the program concludes; there are topics planned for virtual meetings and check-ins, so the women can all stay connected.

Dr. Tina Garza says, “Guiding Leaders is a unique program unlike any other I have come across in my last 11 years as a dentist. If you are a practicing female dentist, I guarantee you will benefit greatly from Guiding Leaders in many facets of your life within and outside of dentistry. The enthusiasm, dedication, and thoughtfulness of the board of women responsible for coordinating the program are unbelievable. The speakers are the top in their fields—well-known and respected. The courses are jam-packed with high-yield, relevant information, and the small class size allows for engaging discussion. Best of all, the friendships that you will form with your fellow participants will be inspiring, supportive, and life-long. Don’t hesitate to apply for the Guiding Leaders program and to selfishly participate in a program focused on bettering yourself that could change your trajectory in dentistry and in life!”

Applications for 2023

Guiding Leaders will open up applications in January 2023. The only requirements of applicants are to be a female dentist with at least five years of clinical experience. Participants are required to attend all monthly in-person courses at our training facilities in Irvine/Newport Beach, California, and are given a personal coach along with two mentors from the previous cohort. The fun and camaraderie are like no other. We can’t wait to see what all of these amazing ladies do in their leadership journey. For additional information, visit Guiding Leaders.

Editor’s note: Glidewell is among Dental Economics’’ financial supporters. This article appeared in the November 2022 print edition of Dental Economics magazine. Dentists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.