In this insightful podcast episode, Shawn Zajas engages in a candid conversation with Dr. Laura Brenner, a former dentist turned Career Coach. The dialogue revolves around Dr. Brenner's personal journey from dentistry to coaching and the pivotal moments that led her to this transformative career shift.
Dr. Brenner begins by recounting her initial foray into dentistry and the pride she took in being viewed a certain way in her community. However, she delves into the complexities of the profession, emphasizing that the clinical skill set of dentistry is highly specialized and doesn't easily transfer to other clinical settings. She acknowledges the sense of entrapment that can arise from these factors, compounded by the weight of student debt and societal expectations. Despite the work ethic and resilience required, a pervasive lack of confidence often plagues dentists, leaving them questioning their choices.
The conversation pivots towards the process of burnout, a significant theme in Dr. Brenner's journey. She astutely distinguishes between two types of burnout - one stemming from a dislike for the profession, and the other arising even when one loves what they do. The treatment plans for these two scenarios markedly differ, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach. Dr. Brenner advocates for a diagnosis of burnout to understand which category one falls into and proceed accordingly, either by reducing work hours or considering a complete career change.
The discussion then touches upon the pivotal moment when Dr. Brenner decided to step away from dentistry. This process was gradual, spanning seven years, during which she underwent a profound transformation, both personally and professionally. She candidly shares that her struggle with perfectionism and self-doubt played a significant role in this prolonged journey. Ultimately, Dr. Brenner's transition into coaching was spurred by her desire to bridge a gap in the dental community, providing support to others grappling with similar challenges.
Shawn Zajas praises Dr. Brenner's courage in leveraging her pain to create a meaningful career that helps dentists navigate their own transitions. He commends her for turning adversity into an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Dr. Brenner's coaching business, Lola Bees Career Coaching, is not just a name but a reflection of her journey. The bee, symbolizing community and resilience, encapsulates the essence of her approach in helping dentists redefine their career paths.
The podcast concludes with a reflection on the dentists Dr. Brenner serves. She emphasizes that her ideal clients are those who seek more from their careers, whether through finding fulfillment in dentistry or exploring alternative avenues. Her coaching ethos centers on empowering individuals to design their careers on their own terms, breaking free from conventional constraints.
In a closing question, Dr. Brenner is asked what message she would share with her 18-year-old self. She imparts two pieces of advice: to never give up on oneself and to trust in one's own journey, and to avoid overthinking and instead keep moving forward, confident that things will work out.
This episode offers a profound exploration of career transitions, burnout, and the resilience required to forge a new path. Dr. Brenner's story is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of self-belief and the potential for growth even in the face of adversity.
Connect with Dr. Laura Brenner:
IG: @drlolabees
Email: Laura@lolabees.me
Website: https://www.lolabeescareercoaching.com/
More about Dr. Laura Brenner: https://innovationindentistry.com/?post_type=innovator&p=2507