Leading from the Heart

“Great leaders don’t set out to be leaders; they set out to make a difference.” Jeremy Bravo

So, you know you’re lucky when you get to show up for a job that’s a career and share the experience with the kind of people you’d adopt if you could.

And then, even after some 46 years, how awesome is it to be fortunate enough to have the chance to create a new business endeavor with someone you’ll never stop appreciating? It was probably the Universe taking a nap that forgave my clumsy un-Cool Hand Luke failure to communicate during Dani Williams' first visit to Temple City Dental Care.

Dani first stepped through the door for an interview 24 years ago. On that occasion I was too busy being busy to appreciate the opportunity; all I managed was a wave and a glance. My co-workers urged a return visit (and the threat of an organized walkout) and I’ve never spent re-scheduled quality interview time more wisely.

Team Leader Dani never really applied for the job title; her honesty, fairness, eloquence, initiative, and good heart pretty much rendered the selection process unnecessary and the result inevitable.

Dani was a quick study; she was self-motivated and instantly won the respect of her co-workers and patients alike. Within a few weeks, Dani had done an inventory of supplies on her own initiative and within a few years she’d led a community project that served Temple City schools while managing most of the local dentists in the process. A little while later, Dani was named National Dental Assistant of the Year by the prestigious Crown Council. And for 12 years, Dani was our Team Leader.

Although Dani has deservedly won honors as a Dental Assistant, they don’t come close to defining her as a person. Dani happens to share December birthdays with my Dad. And I know for sure there are at least two amazingly generous, empathetic good hearts in the Golden Rule Hall of Fame…both of whom started out on December 2^nd.

When I was accepted onto the Board of Directors of Pasadena’s Haven House (the first shelter for victims of domestic violence founded in the U. S.), Dani showed up with a carload of clothes the next day. Every year, we’d adopt a Haven House family for Christmas; and having selected and wrapped all the gifts with sister Denise (who later joined our dental practice and became our lead Treatment Coordinator, and is now a successful speaker/consultant/coach) Dani always took the first step as we met yet another courageous, grateful family trying their best to put a smile on one of life’s cruelest punches to the gut and heart.

Back in 2015, our office organized our first food drive, benefitting low-income families with children attending local schools. Don’t have to tell you who created, organized, and led the event…that generated over 1,000 pounds of Holiday donations for local families in need.

One Monday morning, a little while later, Dani (then, “not a morning person”) showed up at dawn excited and animated enough for an Olympics event, sharing what she’d done over the weekend. And I don’t know about you, but sometimes my Team Leader could make me feel like the most selfish loser in the world. While I was playing golf or agonizing over college football, Dani and four lady friends and relatives were planning, and deciding Sunday was a great day to make a difference…again.

Armed with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, juice, water, and cheese and crackers, Dani and company visited the areas around Olvera Street, Elysian Park, and LA County General Hospital and fed 120 homeless Angelenos. As Dani told me her Sunday story, I could see what fulfillment looked like; when she finished her report, we both mouthed the words “…but for the grace of God.” And then, “Dr. V, we’re gonna do it every month.”

So, I always knew there was a chance I wouldn’t provide dental care forever. When I started out in 1976, I thought I would put in 20 years and then move to the Amalfi coast. But then, I would’ve missed the last twenty-six years and the love and respect I have for someone I would’ve gladly adopted.

Today, Dani is also a mom. And Tatiana is the cutest 6-year-old independent thinker you might ever meet. You can have the Amalfi coast.

And guess what? We’re just a few months away from opening the Impact Assisting Academy, LLC. Dani and I are appreciative beyond belief for School Builder Plus, a father-daughter team that knows the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education two-step. Now, prospective Dental Assistants will have the chance to learn dental assisting from the best…and I’ll be around as well.

Love ya Dani, here we go!

Impact Assisting Academy will be launching a small Founding Class of 12 students in June. If you know patients, friends, or family who would benefit from this opportunity please let us know. Feel free to text me at 626/388-5857 and we'll keep you in the Impact Assisting Academy loop.