8 RULES FOR SUCCESS FROM INDUSTRY LEADING TOP PERFORMERS

By Dr. Maria Sokolina

One of the main reasons I became a dentist was to run my own business, where I could make independent decisions about patient care based on my values. I came from Russia in the 90s, a time of rapid and unpredictable change, marked by the rise of capitalism, gangsters, and a lack of law and order.

After moving to the U.S., I had to repeat my dental education at NYU College of Dentistry, despite already having a medical degree from St. Petersburg. During school, I visited many of my attendings’ offices, curious about how they ran their practices. I was relatively new to the United States, and I had to learn how to live in a different reality and understand the definitions of simple terms like insurance, coding, taxes, and social security benefits. But the dream of one day having my own practice was always there.

I remember searching for a dental office to buy, even placing an ad in the NY Times. I only got one response. My son Matt was just two months old, and I thought owning a business would allow me more flexibility to spend time with him while slowly growing the practice. A man in his early 50s called, saying he had a practice in Clifton, NJ, but wanted to explore new paths. I carried my son, bundled in his winter suit, through the messy office he called his dental practice. Despite the chaos, I saw potential and an entrepreneurial challenge.

Over two decades of running my business, I experienced so much wisdom from the sweat on my back, tears of unfairness, and the cold in my stomach caused by unexpected troubles. I also believe in learning from others, as collective wisdom outweighs individual insight. To share and learn from others’ experiences, I created a

Facebook and YouTube channel where I interviewed great thinkers who have walked similar paths, wrote books, and made world-changing discoveries. These are the secrets I learned on my journey.

1. DEVELOP A CLEAR MISSION THROUGH SELF-AWARENESS

A practice reflects its leader, so your mission and vision must be genuine. Developing clarity takes time, but it starts with knowing your values and goals. Visiting colleagues, discussing practice-building with peers, and observing what resonates helps refine your vision. If something stands out, record it in your phone or diary, and reflect on it later. As Dan Brulé, author of the book “Just Breathe ” and guest on my channel says: “If you want change, breathe into it.”

2. UNDERSTAND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN LEADERSHIP

Leadership often varies by gender. While my predecessor prioritized numbers, I focused on aesthetics, cleanliness, and patient experience. Soft skills like empathy and nurturing can set women leaders apart in patient care. As Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, author of “My Stroke of Insight” and “Whole Brain Living,” said: “We have the power to choose, moment by moment, who and how we want to be in the world.” When staff left due to my leadership shift, I found new team members who aligned better with my vision.

3. ALIGNING YOUR TEAM WITH YOUR VISION IS A LONG GAME

Aligning your team with your vision takes time and consistent effort. When I inherited my team, I didn’t fully realize the importance of leadership alignment. My focus on aesthetics and detail, such as keeping scrubs ironed and the front desk tidy, clashed with their previous work habits. To build a successful team, you need to communicate your vision clearly and ensure your staff aligns with those values. I strive to reflect my values and vision in my daily behavior while also verbalizing them regularly. This occurs during morning huddles, bi-weekly management meetings with department heads, and bi-annual celebrations where I highlight individual and team achievements. I prepare speeches that emphasize our practice’s vision and celebrate team wins, such as positive reviews, referrals, and new initiatives like incorporating technology or starting new services. As the Japanese proverb says: “ Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.”

4. EMBRACE THE POWER OF TRUST AND DELEGATION

You can’t manage every detail of your practice. Trusting your team is key to growth. Dividing the practice into departments and letting team members take ownership fosters accountability and eases your workload. When I started, I tried doing everything myself, which led to burnout. Alisa Cohn, author of “ From Start-Up to GrownUp”, said it best: “Structure is sexy. You have to create a hierarchy.” Even in small practices, with just an assistant and a front desk employee, you have two departments: clinical and administrative. Clear responsibilities and accountabilities at all levels are vital for success.

5. CONSTANT LEARNING AND REDOING IS PART OF GROWTH

There have been times when I felt embarrassed or dissatisfied with my work. Redoing a case once felt like a failure, but I learned it’s part of growth. Each challenge offers insights that improve patient care and management. While starting over is uncomfortable, it allows for critical thinking and growth. As breathwork master Dan Brulé says, “Every breath is a new opportunity to let go and begin again.” This applies to both life and work—embracing discomfort is key to continuous improvement.

6. OVERCOME PERSONAL CHALLENGES WITH CONFIDENCE

As an immigrant with a strong accent, I initially faced skepticism, with patients often asking, “ Where are you from? Where did you go to school? ” I realized these questions weren’t meant to undermine my credibility but were part of the bridge-building process with my patients. Over time, I learned that success isn’t defined by accents, gender, or background—it’s driven by confidence, competence, and the ability to build trust through genuine care.

By giving dedicated attention and empathy, I formed strong relationships with my patients, who came to appreciate the sincerity of my efforts. In a diverse country like America, where accents can create barriers, showing interest in my patients’ lives improved trust and credibility.

Orthodontist Sandra Kahn, author of “Jaws and Gopex ”, once shared, “It takes a lot of discipline and focus for a woman to run her business. I used to set my alarm for 5 AM before my family woke up to devote quiet time to solving practice problems and writing my books.” This resonated with me—maintaining composure, empathy, and calmness, no matter the challenge, is crucial. It’s about solving problems while enjoying the journey.

7. STAY CURIOUS AND CONTINUE LEARNING

Reflecting on my journey, I wish I had pursued advanced courses more actively after dental school, especially before starting a family. I’ve thought about hiring a dental consultant for years and regret not doing it sooner. While a coach isn’t a magic solution, having someone provide a fresh perspective can be transformative, helping you grow as an entrepreneur. As executive coach Alisa Cohn, who has worked with companies like Google, Apple, and Uber, puts it in her rap, “If you’re going to step up, all the work is in you.”

8. EMBRACE CHANGE AS THE ONLY CONSTANT

The key to success is embracing change. Life and business are never permanent, so learning to tackle problems with a positive attitude makes a significant difference. Your response to challenges shapes your journey. Over time, you’ll discover more solutions to everyday problems, simplifying life. For me, adapting to change as an immigrant and female leader has been essential in building a resilient, thriving practice.

About Dr. Maria Sokolina

Dr. Maria Sokolina, founder of Harmony Dental Arts and Diplomat of the AADSM, specializes in Dental Sleep Medicine, using dental appliances, orthodontics, and myofunctional therapy to treat sleep apnea. She educates via her Facebook, YouTube channel, and “Sleep apnea; breathing, snoring help.” To learn more, visit drmariasokolina.com. You can also take a Self-Assessment on Myofunctional Therapy and Sleep Quality, which will help you determine your level of facial and sleep fitness and provide personalized exercises to improve your overall well-being.