S13E05: Reinforcing purpose and culture every single day, with Steve Bilt (CEO, Smile Brands)
June 22, 2023
"It's easy to drift from your purpose and get sucked into the problem of the day."
We're continuing our season on "Business as a force for good", and today Richard speaks with Steve Bilt, CEO of Smile Brands.
Steve has been recognized as EY Entrepreneur of the Year, the Wharton School Social Impact CEO of the Year, and in the ADSO Hall of Fame. Smile Brands also was recognized in the Real Leaders 2023 Impact Awards. Smile Brands represent currently ~700 practices and 7000+ providers & employees providing care for around 3 million people annually under a comprehensive vision of Smiles for Everyone!
0:00 Intro
02:44 Jumped in risky business, trusted self, succeeded.
07:29 Joint success in business with communication strategy.
12:11 Healthcare and profits require transparency for investors.
15:00 Prioritize payroll, don't worry, and work hard.
20:25 Good leaders do, not just say.
23:32 CEO struggles with prioritizing company vision.
27:14 Technical expertise doesn't define the CEO role.
30:47 "Embrace challenges, problems don't solve themselves."
34:29 Wrap up: Leader's humility, positive attitude, disruption.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
The mental model Steve used to defeat fear and build his business.
The power of win/win - and what it looks to REALLY put it into practice.
The daily ritual Steve performs to fully embody his purpose.
The best way to deal with fear amongst employees and other stakeholders.
The "scratchy throat" technique Steve uses reinforces the company culture in every single meeting.
Resources/sources mentioned:
Smile Brands (https://smilebrands.com/)
(https://www.linkedin.com/company/smilesforeveryonefoundation/)
The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast (https://xquadrant.com/podcast/)
For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/steve-bilt
0:00 Intro
02:44 Jumped in risky business, trusted self, succeeded.
07:29 Joint success in business with communication strategy.
12:11 Healthcare and profits require transparency for investors.
15:00 Prioritize payroll, don't worry, and work hard.
20:25 Good leaders do, not just say.
23:32 CEO struggles with prioritizing company vision.
27:14 Technical expertise doesn't define the CEO role.
30:47 "Embrace challenges, problems don't solve themselves."
34:29 Wrap up: Leader's humility, positive attitude, disruption.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
The mental model Steve used to defeat fear and build his business.
The power of win/win - and what it looks to REALLY put it into practice.
The daily ritual Steve performs to fully embody his purpose.
The best way to deal with fear amongst employees and other stakeholders.
The "scratchy throat" technique Steve uses reinforces the company culture in every single meeting.
Resources/sources mentioned:
Smile Brands (https://smilebrands.com/)
(https://www.linkedin.com/company/smilesforeveryonefoundation/)
The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast (https://xquadrant.com/podcast/)
For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/steve-bilt