Dr. Laura Schwindt, a former dentist turned life coach, is interviewed by Shawn Zajas in this podcast episode. The conversation revolves around Laura's transformation from being a dentist to pursuing a coaching career and the mindset shifts she had to make along the way.
Shawn commends Laura's passion, curiosity, and intentionality in her coaching, affirming that she is following her true calling. They discuss how Laura's journey as a coach is rooted in her ability to create a safe space for others to feel 100% themselves. Laura recalls a friend from high school who told her that she always felt completely authentic when she was with Laura. This comment had a lasting impact on her, fueling her desire to help people embrace their uniqueness and feel comfortable in their own skin.
Laura shares her belief in the power of individual coaching sessions and the ability to unlock one's true potential through deep listening and thought-provoking questions. She emphasizes the importance of dedicated time without distractions to have authentic conversations and explore one's challenges, dreams, and personal growth. Laura highlights the significance of uncovering personal stories and the power of defining one's own success.
The conversation then delves into the challenges faced during the transition from dentistry to coaching. Laura opens up about shedding her identity as a dentist and the fear of disappointing her father, who had followed in the same profession. However, her father's unwavering support and encouragement to pursue happiness rather than external validation played a crucial role in her journey. She realized that success is an inner job and started focusing on cultivating her own definition of success and fulfillment.
Shawn and Laura discuss the fears and insecurities that come with making a career change and embracing one's unique gifts. They acknowledge the lack of guarantees in pursuing a passion and the need to step out of one's comfort zone to interact with the marketplace. Laura emphasizes the importance of balancing fear-based thinking and the entrepreneurial spirit to foster innovation and authenticity.
The conversation shifts to the topic of burnout and the need for well-being in dentistry. Laura shares her experiences with burnout and the well-being practices she discovered to prevent it. She mentions her virtual well-being awareness program for dental teams, designed to help individuals prioritize their mental and emotional well-being, leading to greater productivity and fulfillment.
Looking towards the future, Laura expresses her plans to write a book and create bridges to bring people together, particularly within the dental community. She aims to help individuals tap into their unique gifts and encourages them to shine those gifts into the world. Shawn applauds Laura's vibrancy, curiosity, and zest for life, which are evident in her coaching and personal journey.
In conclusion, Dr. Laura Schwindt's story exemplifies the power of embracing one's true calling and the transformational impact of coaching. Her journey from dentist to life coach showcases the importance of authenticity, deep listening, and self-discovery. With her passion for helping others and her commitment to personal growth, Laura is making a positive impact in the dental community and beyond.
More about Laura: https://innovationindentistry.com/innovator/laura-schwindt