NAIL IT

Dr Rana Al-Falaki

Want to lead better, live fully, and laugh more? The NAIL IT Podcast brings the award-winning NAIL-IT system to life—hosted by Dr Rana Al-Falaki and Dr Bhavin Patel. In each episode, we explore what optimal performance really means—through powerful conversations, practical strategies, and key takeaways from professionals in the dental industry and beyond. From those who’ve nailed it to those still on the journey, we uncover what it takes to thrive and turn yourself into your own regenerative battery source! Real talk. Real leadership. Real results.

  1. 6H AGO

    How to Build Real Support with Shandy Vijayan

    What happens when an entire profession is quietly losing its talent-not because of lack of skill, but because of lack of support? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Shandy Vijayan shares the story behind the rapid rise of the Dental Mums Network and why it’s become such a vital space for women navigating dentistry, motherhood, and identity. This episode shines a light on the hidden challenges many don’t talk about-from isolation and imposter syndrome to the realities of returning to work after maternity leave. But this isn’t just about dentistry-it’s about leadership, community, and the courage to do things differently. We explore what it really means to lead authentically, why collaboration is replacing competition, and how trusting your intuition can change the trajectory of your career. If you’ve ever felt alone in your journey, questioned your path, or wondered if you’re “falling behind,” this episode will remind you that you’re not-and that going further often means not going alone. Dr Shandy Vijayan is a private dentist, university lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, and Chief Operating Officer of the Dental Mums Network, a growing community supporting women across dentistry. Alongside her clinical work in aesthetic, restorative and periodontal dentistry, she is passionate about mentorship, education and creating spaces where women can build confidence, connection and meaningful careers. Instagram:@Dentalmumsnetwork

    41 min
  2. How to Succeed through adversity with Nishma Sharma

    MAR 21

    How to Succeed through adversity with Nishma Sharma

    Nishma Sharma (Clinical Policy Adviser at NHS England and founder of the Diversity in Dentistry Action Group) joins us on The NAIL-IT Podcast for a high-energy, deeply honest conversation about success, sacrifice, and what burnout really looks likebehind the accolades. Nishma shares how dentistry wasn’t her original path, the impostor syndrome and depression she experienced early on, and how COVID pushed her into emotional overload—before she rebuilt her life around presence, connection,and redefining what “enough” means. We explore purpose as a justice-driven“fairness” lens, the power of mentorship, why dentists have far more transferable skills than they realise, and the NAIL-IT pillar that resonates most with her. Nishma Sharma is a clinician, leader and speaker with over two decades of experience across healthcare, policy and regulation. Alongside her clinical work, she is widely recognised for her leadership in equality, wellbeing and professional standards, and is the founder of the Diversity in Dentistry Action Group, created to address bias and health inequalities across healthcare. Nishma advises national organisations, contributes to professional publications, and speaks internationally on leadership, mental health, inclusion and sustainable success. Her work is driven by a strong sense of fairness and a commitment to helping people thrive—professionally and personally—through challenge and change. If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT-then check out our events and programmes by visiting⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠, or find out more about thesystem on⁠nail-it.uk

    44 min
  3. How To Change The Story with Lucie Simic

    MAR 7

    How To Change The Story with Lucie Simic

    This is a must-listen episode if you’re leading a dental team (or trying to stay sane whilst doing it). Dr Rana Al-Falaki and Dr Bhavin Patel are joined by dental business consultant Lucie Simic (LCS Healthcare Consultancy) for an energising, practical conversation on mindset, leadership and culture - and how the stories we tell ourselves quietly shape our confidence, our performance, and even what we believe we’re “allowed” to do. From Lucie’s powerful quote “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right” to her journey of breaking old beliefs through Hyrox training, you’ll leave feeling fired up to challenge your own limits. Lucie also shares real-world leadership gold for practice managers and principals: how to stop being the “island in the middle”, why boundaries and process protect your time and reduce burnout, and how empowering your team (instead of rescuing them) actually improves motivation, retention and growth. Expect laughs, honest reflections, and actionable takeaways you can use immediately plus a fresh reminder that the best leaders don’t carry everything… they create other leaders.Lucie Simic is a dental business consultant, educator and keynote speaker specialising in leadership, organisational culture and patient experience. With over 14 years’ experience in dentistry and a 10-year background in journalism, Lucie brings a clear, evidence-informed and communication-led approach to leadership development. She works with practice owners, managers and clinical teams across the UK and Ireland, delivering structured training that supports strategic thinking, behaviour change and sustainable performance improvement. Lucie is the author of The Culture Advantage and is a regular speaker at national and international dental conferences and professional events. Her teaching equips delegates with practical frameworks to enhance team performance, patient engagement and treatment uptake in modern dental practices. Connect with Lucie; luciesimic@gmail.com www.luciesimic.co.uk _________________________________________________ If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠nail-it.uk

    42 min
  4. How to Shift Your Energy and Shape Your Future

    12/25/2025

    How to Shift Your Energy and Shape Your Future

    Get ready to smile, laugh, and deeply breathe out as Dr Rana and Bav bring you a festive episode packed with feel-good energy, self-reflection, and plenty of Christmas sparkle. In this special, they unwrap their biggest personal and professional highlights of the year -  from transformational awards and wellbeing breakthroughs to TV appearances, proud parenting moments, and the launch of major national initiatives. They dive into the heart of leadership, wellbeing, purpose, and joy, sharing their favourite quotes, their annual traditions, and the mindset shifts that carried them (and thousands in dentistry) through 2025.If you want a dose of inspiration wrapped in humour, storytelling, vulnerability, and pure festive warmth… this episode is your Christmas gift. But it’s not just a celebration -  it’s a powerful reset. Rana and Bav explore how to create your future with intention, reflect meaningfully on the past year, manifest higher energy, and step into 2026 with clarity and confidence. Expect uplifting insights on happiness, balance, intuition, leadership, boundaries, goal-setting, and living fully. And of course, they share exciting news: the upcoming NAIL IT Roadshow, the book launch, the diploma, new memberships, and more. Tune in for an episode that will leave you smiling, nodding, and feeling like you’ve just had a mulled-wine-infused pep talk with two people who genuinely want you to thrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------ If you would like to feature as a guest, or are ready to NAIL-IT - then check out our events and programmes by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nailitindentistry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or find out more about the system on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nail-it.uk

    53 min

About

Want to lead better, live fully, and laugh more? The NAIL IT Podcast brings the award-winning NAIL-IT system to life—hosted by Dr Rana Al-Falaki and Dr Bhavin Patel. In each episode, we explore what optimal performance really means—through powerful conversations, practical strategies, and key takeaways from professionals in the dental industry and beyond. From those who’ve nailed it to those still on the journey, we uncover what it takes to thrive and turn yourself into your own regenerative battery source! Real talk. Real leadership. Real results.

You Might Also Like