Steve Bilt, CEO of Smile Brands, Episode 123
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Steve Bilt is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Smile Brands, supporting approximately 700 dental offices throughout the United States with over 7,500 providers and employees. The company has been recognized as the top multi-site healthcare employer in the US for the last three years by Glassdoor and as a Top 10 Large US Employer for Diversity by Comparably in the previous two years. Additionally, Steve is the founder and chair of the Smiles for Everyone Foundation, which has established international outposts serving six countries in South America, Asia, and Africa and conducts ongoing events throughout the United States.
Steve joins me on the show this week to discuss how Smile Brand found their vision and mission, why it’s only three words long, and how Steve keeps the team focused on achieving their mission in every step that they take. We discuss how Steve created and maintained a positive company culture by getting into a routine, sticking with it, and only incorporating additional elements occasionally. Steve also shares what ‘Celebrate. Everyday. Miracles’ means to him personally and to Smile Brand and how they came up with the mantra that inspires them and moves them forward.
“It's trite to say life’s all about the journey, but life’s all about the journey!” - Steve Bilt
“Oftentimes, the most important part of leadership is just being there, trying to listen, trying to understand — you don't have to have the answers.” - Steve Bilt
“Life is this beautiful mosaic. Now I hope 75% of those tiles are wonderful things and the 25% or, you know, the ones you struggle with a bit. But if the 25% fell off, it's not a beautiful mosaic anymore..” - Steve Bilt
This Week on The Wow Factor:
How understanding that everyone learns differently has impacted Steve’s career
Why Steve believes that you need challenge and adversity to truly thrive
What Smile Brands does, and what prompted Steve to start a dental business that put the patient at the center of their experience
How Steve coped when he was facing bankruptcy
Steve’s interest in mental models and where that enthusiasm took him
Why we should let go of the fear of failure
The importance of being honest about our struggles and sharing candidly how difficult the tough times really can be without glorifying your journey
How Steve shared the business’ struggles with the rest of the team and what he heard when he listened to their concerns
How Smile Brand helps dental professionals progress their career and continue their professional development
Why Steve loves three-word mission statements and how it defines what Smile Brand is working towards
How the Smiles for Everyone Foundation was born and the moment that Steve realized that they needed to help as many people as they could across the globe
Steve Bilt’s Words of Wisdom:
Start with gratitude; take a minute and start by seeing the positive in your life. Look for opportunities in life, listen and genuinely see what's around you.
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