#299 The ICON — Kiran Shankla

Kiran Shankla's journey reveals the transformative power of persistence paired with strategic self-reflection. From a sports-loving teenager who initially resisted academic pressure to a multi-award-winning dentist specialising in minimally invasive techniques, her story demonstrates that success often comes through consistent effort rather than natural talent. Through setbacks in Australia, rigorous postgraduate training at the Eastman, and building expertise in ICON treatment, Kiran shows how embracing continuous learning and maintaining perspective can lead to both professional achievement and personal contentment. Her approach to balancing clinical excellence with work-life harmony offers valuable insights for dentists navigating their own career paths.In This Episode00:01:25 - Awards motivation and tactics 00:07:40 - Award application strategies 00:11:30 - Childhood ambition and sporting background 00:14:25 - Grammar school decisions and academic awakening00:16:35 - Career-defining phone call about dentistry 00:18:10 - University challenges and determination 00:21:45 - Foundation training in Slough 00:26:25 - Australia adventure and reality check 00:31:05 - Eastman Masters journey 00:38:10 - Patient communication and treatment planning 00:42:15 - Key opinion leader opportunities 00:50:40 - Continuing education philosophy 00:55:20 - ICON treatment expertise 01:07:00 - Blackbox thinking 01:16:35 - Fantasy dinner party 01:18:30 - Last days and legacyAbout Kiran ShanklaKiran Shankla is a multi-award-winning general dentist with a Masters in Restorative Dentistry from UCL Eastman. Based in Reading, she works across multiple practices focusing on minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She serves as a Key Opinion Leader for DMG and SDI, with a focus on ICON infiltration therapy and teaching dentists across the UK whilst maintaining a commitment to high-quality patient care.

Mahsa Balaie embodies the truth that sometimes life's biggest detours lead to its greatest destinations. From engineering to Spain, from associate to practice owner, her journey reveals the power of diving in completely when opportunities arise. Through personal struggles, professional challenges, and the complexities of balancing motherhood with business ownership, Mahsa demonstrates that success isn't about avoiding difficulties—it's about swimming through them with determination. Her story resonates with anyone juggling multiple life transitions whilst building something meaningful, proving that the most common stories in dentistry are often the most inspiring ones.In This Episode00:02:15 - Half marathon metaphor and life philosophy 00:04:30 - Fitness transformation journey00:08:20 - Health wake-up call and surgery 00:13:30 - All-in personality and engineering background 00:16:35 - Mental health struggles and Spain escape 00:19:35 - Learning Spanish and dental assisting 00:22:30 - Materials engineering experience 00:26:25 - University pathway and parental guidance 00:29:15 - Valencia dental school experience 00:34:45 - Spain versus UK dentistry comparison 00:38:10 - Clinical development and treatment philosophy 00:43:35 - Meeting husband and family planning 00:48:10 - Practice acquisition and patient communication 00:50:05 - Business ownership challenges 00:53:25 - Maternity leave difficulties and staff management 00:58:10 - Hiring and firing experiences 01:06:30 - Team building and staff incentives 01:13:45 - Blackbox thinking 01:24:25 - Fantasy dinner party01:26:45 - Last days and legacyAbout Mahsa BalaieMahsa Balaie is a general dentist and practice owner in Tunbridge Wells. After completing a dental materials engineering degree, she studied dentistry at the University of Valencia, working as a dental assistant whilst learning Spanish. Following five years as an associate in Portsmouth, she purchased her current practice, where she focuses on aesthetic dentistry whilst balancing the demands of motherhood and business ownership.

Doctor Solmaz Samae embodies the power of authenticity in dentistry—someone who speaks her truth with refreshing honesty. From building a successful business empire in Iran to studying dentistry in Latvia at 30, her unconventional journey reveals what happens when passion meets persistence. Now practising across multiple settings whilst building a thriving YouTube presence, Solmaz demonstrates that happiness in dentistry comes from genuinely caring about the patient experience. Her candid reflections on everything from charity work motivations to the challenges of mixed NHS-private practice offer valuable insights for dentists navigating their own paths to contentment and success.In This Episode00:01:40 - Current life satisfaction 00:02:40 - Six-pack goal and fitness routine 00:05:35 - Working across multiple practices 00:10:40 - Corporate versus independent experiences 00:16:05 - Communication versus clinical skills 00:20:15 - YouTube content creation journey 00:23:25 - Persian content and safety concerns 00:28:15 - Facial aesthetics expertise 00:31:05 - Hair loss treatments and personal experience 00:34:50 - Treatment philosophy and patient selection 00:40:45 - Blackbox thinking 00:46:35 - Turbulent journey to dentistry 00:53:50 - Business ventures in Iran 00:55:45 - Studying dentistry in Latvia 01:00:30 - Advantages and challenges of studying abroad 01:11:00 - Vision for dream practice 01:16:25 - Charity work in refugee camps 01:22:25 - Fantasy dinner party 01:24:30 - Last days and legacyAbout Solmaz SamaeDoctor Solmaz Samae is an aesthetic dentist and facial aesthetics practitioner working across multiple practices in London. After building successful businesses in Iran, she pursued dentistry at RSU in Latvia, graduating in 2018. She combines clinical practice with content creation through her Persian YouTube channel and runs a facial aesthetics clinic on Harley Street with her sisters.

This compelling episode features Lala, the anonymous voice behind "Lalalaletmeexplain" - a former social worker turned influential author who's helped thousands recognise red flags and find their worth. Rhona and Payman explore deeply personal territory as Lala shares her childhood trauma, decade-long career in child protection, and the systemic failures she witnessed firsthand. The conversation weaves through heavy topics, including misogyny, male influencers like Andrew Tate, and the recent concerning developments in UK abortion rights. What emerges is a raw, unflinching look at how childhood experiences shape our adult relationships, why anonymity can be liberating, and how society's treatment of vulnerable people - from social workers to women seeking healthcare - reveals our collective blind spots.In This Episode00:02:45 - The birth of anonymity 00:04:40 - Why hiding can mean truth-telling 00:09:10 - When dads abandon and mothers struggle 00:15:15 - Forgiving the unforgivable 00:24:15 - From personal pain to professional purpose 00:28:40 - When systems fail the vulnerable 00:42:35 - Blackbox thinking 00:59:55 - Misogyny as cultural DNA 01:11:55 - The Andrew Tate problem 01:15:00 - When women turn on women 01:32:05 - Justice on trial 01:38:45 - Tracking women's bodies 01:47:15 - Healing through words 01:52:35 - Moving trauma through movementAbout LalaLala is a former social worker who spent over a decade in safeguarding, witnessing firsthand the realities of domestic abuse and child protection. She's now a best-selling author and one of the most important voices online when it comes to love, abuse, power and patriarchy. Operating anonymously through her platform "Lalalaletmeexplain," she helps people recognise red flags, establish boundaries, and understand their worth through truth and lived experience.

Andrew El-Khanagry's journey from anxious young associate to confident practitioner reveals the transformative power of purpose-driven dentistry. Five years out from dental school, this Egyptian-born dentist has navigated the challenges of perfecting his craft while building Mobile Smiles, a charity bringing dental care to underserved communities worldwide. Through candid conversations about clinical mistakes, the value of communication over technique, and finding balance between profit and purpose, Andrew shares insights that resonate with dentists at every stage of their careers. His story demonstrates how early setbacks can become catalysts for growth and why the best education sometimes comes from unexpected sources.In This Episode00:01:45 - Podcast listening habits 00:03:10 - Early life in Egypt and England 00:04:25 - Language barriers and adaptation 00:06:25 - Career influences and family guidance 00:08:00 - Dental school at Birmingham 00:09:45 - Academic challenges and friendships 00:11:30 - First job and PhD experience 00:13:50 - Staying versus moving practices 00:15:15 - Clinical anxiety and perfectionism 00:18:25 - Transition to private practice 00:20:25 - Communication skills training 00:25:00 - Patient relationships and continuity 00:33:20 - Mobile Smiles charity foundation 00:36:20 - International dental missions 00:43:10 - Cost-effectiveness of charity work 00:48:45 - UK-based charity initiatives 00:53:15 - Purpose versus profit in dentistry 00:54:30 - Instagram as dental education 00:56:40 - Career direction and specialisation 01:04:30 - Blackbox thinking 01:11:05 - Best educational experiences 01:21:00 - Trust-building in private practice 01:33:30 - Fantasy dinner party 01:43:50 - Last days and legacyAbout Andrew El-KhanagryAndrew El-Khanagry is a general restorative dentist with a focus on prosthodontics, five years qualified from Birmingham Dental School. Born in Egypt and raised in Burton-on-Trent, he's the founder of Mobile Smiles, a UK-based charity providing dental care in underserved communities across Egypt, Namibia, Nigeria, and South America.

Sonia Rajput shares her journey from being a self-described introvert from Birmingham to becoming a dentist at two of London's most prestigious dental practices. Throughout the conversation, she reveals how she balanced ambition with prioritising work-life balance, leveraging social media to advance her career despite her natural introversion. Sonia offers valuable insights into building a private dentistry career, discussing everything from clinical techniques to patient communication, while being refreshingly candid about her struggles, successes, and her approach to finding fulfilment both professionally and personally.In This Episode00:01:45 - Early career and self-perception 00:03:15 - Childhood and family background 00:05:00 - Choosing dentistry over medicine 00:06:25 - University experience at Birmingham 00:09:35 - Dental school challenges 00:10:15 - Professional ambition development 00:12:15 - First professional experiences 00:13:45 - Working at Scott Arms practice 00:18:00 - Aligning, bleaching and bonding focus 00:21:35 - Communication in private practice 00:23:30 - Landing prestigious jobs 00:29:30 - Social media marketing strategies 00:35:35 - Content creation process 00:42:55 - Current practice environments 00:56:45 - Blackbox thinking 01:07:05 - Facial aesthetics 01:11:45 - Career satisfaction and future plans 01:21:20 - Fantasy dinner partyAbout Sonia RajputSonia Rajput is a 29-year-old dentist who comes from a medical family but chose dentistry over her family's profession of medicine. Currently working with Mark Hughes in Beaconsfield and at London Smile Clinic with Tim Bradstock-Smith, she has a special interest in aesthetic dentistry and facial aesthetics. Despite describing herself as naturally introverted, Sonia has built a significant social media presence that has helped her secure positions at prestigious practices and develop her career.

Stina Sanders, a former dating app co-founder turned therapist and mental health advocate, joins Rhona and Payman for a raw conversation about love, trauma, and the difference between chaos and genuine connection. From selling her relationship-focused business Huggle to studying therapy after her own healing journey, Stina unpacks why we mistake dysfunction for passion, how trauma bonds keep us stuck, and whether AI can replace human connection in healing. This episode challenges everything you think you know about modern dating, attachment patterns, and what healthy love actually looks like.In This Episode00:02:05 - From PR to dating apps: Building Huggle 00:04:30 - Psychology calling: The moment everything clicked 00:07:50 - Abusive relationships: When love becomes survival 00:11:00 - The great love debate: Chaos versus calm 00:16:30 - Time and truth: Why masks slip eventually 00:18:30 - Training to heal: Mirror work in therapy school 00:21:15 - Spotting narcissists: What predators actually look for 00:25:15 - Social media narcissists: The new hunting ground 00:28:10 - Dating app fatigue: Endless options, empty connections 00:32:00 - High standards trap: When perfection becomes isolation 00:39:50 - Trauma bonds: The addiction to emotional rollercoasters 00:43:05 - ChatGPT therapy: Digital healing or dangerous replacement?00:48:00 - Modelling toxicity: Beauty industry's brutal reality 00:52:00 - Hormonal truth: PMDD and the medical gender gap 00:56:00 - Relationship detective: Every couple's unique puzzleAbout Stina SandersStina Sanders is a qualified therapist, mental health advocate, and former co-founder of dating app Huggle. After experiencing her own journey through abusive relationships and subsequent healing, she transitioned from the tech world to study therapy and is currently pursuing her master's degree. Stina regularly shares insights on emotional wellbeing, relationship patterns, and social media transparency through her platforms and is preparing to launch her own therapy clinic in Soho.

In this captivating episode of Dental Leaders, Payman sits down with Dr Moj Dehghanpour, a dentist whose journey from immigrant child to practice owner embodies resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. From navigating tough comprehensive schools to founding the premium Your Dental Wellness practices, Moj shares how his background shaped his ability to connect with patients across social divides. Throughout the conversation, he offers refreshing insights into clinical mistakes, practice positioning, and the vital role of communication in dentistry, while emphasising the importance of creating positive patient experiences through attention to detail and genuine human connection.In This Episode00:01:45 - Immigrant beginnings: Moving from Iran to the UK 00:04:20 - School experiences and finding resilience 00:13:10 - The Westminster City comprehensive years 00:21:40 - Why dentistry? From medicine to dental career 00:31:25 - Dental school at Queen Mary's in Whitechapel 00:34:30 - Early career in Norfolk 00:43:45 - Learning implantology 01:04:00 - Blackbox thinking01:17:25 - Life in Qatar as a dentist 01:29:10 - Your Dental Wellness practice journey 01:35:35 - Team building: Hiring for personality 01:44:35 - Practice positioning in the market 01:57:50 - Fantasy dinner party 02:02:55 - Last days and legacyAbout Moj DehghanpourDr. Moj Dehghanpour is the co-founder of Your Dental Wellness practices and a passionate dentist with 18 years of clinical experience. Born in Iran and moving to the UK at age seven, Moj qualified from Queen Mary's in 2007 and has since worked across the UK and internationally in Qatar. His career spans NHS practice ownership in Norfolk, specialist work at the renowned Hospital Lane referral clinic, and now his premium private practices in Islington and Maida Vale.

In this captivating conversation, Payman welcomes Alan Clarke, the innovative founder of Paste Dental in Belfast and creator of Paste Presents. Alan shares his journey from growing up in Northern Ireland to developing a global mindset through international experiences. Throughout the episode, he discusses building a lifestyle dental brand, his groundbreaking international dental mastermind events, and his passion for community building within dentistry. Alan's entrepreneurial spirit, faith-driven purpose, and willingness to take calculated risks showcase a refreshing perspective on leadership that transcends geographical boundaries and traditional dental practice limitations.In This Episode00:02:10 - Tall poppy syndrome00:04:30 - Growing up as an only child with supportive parents 00:08:10 - Life-changing Washington Ireland Program experience00:14:35 - Behind the scenes of American politics 00:19:20 - Reflections on Northern Ireland and the Troubles 00:22:15 - Bloom where you're planted: returning to Belfast 00:25:25 - Cultural differences between UK, US and European business00:33:15 - Clinical education at Queen's University Belfast 00:43:40 - Buying and rebranding a dental practice during COVID 00:47:15 - Managing patient expectations during practice transition 00:51:55 - Creating a lifestyle brand in dentistry 00:54:55 - Providing exceptional patient experiences 01:00:05 - Empowering staff to create memorable moments 01:07:30 - Adding value through communication and technology 01:11:10 - Creating Paste Presents: a global dental mastermind 01:17:15 - Building relationships through shared experiences 01:23:50 - Free university events to support dental students 01:29:15 - Faith as a foundation for business and life 01:35:05 - Perspectives on AI in dentistry 01:42:45 - Fantasy dinner party 01:48:45 - Last days and legacyAbout Alan ClarkeAlan Clarke is a dentist, entrepreneur and visionary from Belfast, Northern Ireland. As the founder of Paste Dental, he has transformed a traditional practice into a modern lifestyle brand offering high-end dentistry with exceptional patient experiences. Alan is also the creator of Paste Presents, an exclusive international dental mastermind that brings together influential dentists from around the world for immersive learning experiences in exotic locations. A graduate of Queen's University Belfast with further education in medical law and ethics at Edinburgh, Alan balances his clinical work with entrepreneurial ventures and a passion for elevating the dental profession. His international connections, particularly in the US, have helped him develop a unique perspective that combines American entrepreneurial spirit with Northern Irish values.

Payman welcomes renowned restorative aesthetic dentist Richard Lee to the Dental Leaders podcast. Richard shares his journey from an unintentional entry into dentistry to becoming one of the UK's top cosmetic clinicians. With refreshing candour, he discusses the endless pursuit of excellence, his formative education under mentors like Chris Orr, and his approach to balancing artistry with practicality. Throughout the episode, Richard reflects on how his international experiences, including a recent stint in New Zealand, have shaped his perspective on dentistry and life.In This Episode00:02:10 - The endless pursuit of excellence and early inspirations 00:05:50 - Discovering dentistry and university experiences 00:12:10 - Early career burnout and taking a year off to dive 00:20:25 - The influence of American occlusion courses 00:26:35 - Returning to dentistry with a new perspective 00:31:30 - Working as Chris Orr's first associate 00:38:00 - Finding your confidence in clinical dentistry 00:41:35 - Injection moulding technique for composite 00:47:15 - Working with technicians and their importance 00:51:40 - Handling difficult cases and patient expectations 00:57:20 - Setting boundaries with patients seeking dramatic aesthetics 01:07:35 - Primary tooth anatomy in composite work 01:15:25 - The New Zealand experience 01:30:35 - Clinical errors and managing patient expectations 01:38:00 - Redoing porcelain veneers for patient satisfaction 01:44:00 - Finding fulfillment in dentistry 01:47:15 - Fantasy dinner party 01:47:45 - Last days and legacyAbout Richard LeeRichard Lee is one of the UK's leading restorative aesthetic dentists, renowned for his work in both composite and ceramic restorations. A graduate of Birmingham University, Richard's career journey took him from NHS dentistry to becoming the first associate at Chris Orr's London Bridge practice. He has extensive experience in high-end private practice and currently works with Bupa. Richard is also an educator who runs sought-after composite courses internationally, including freehand and injection moulding techniques. His career has included a period working in New Zealand before returning to the UK, where he now practises in London while commuting from Winchester.