#298 All-In — Mahsa Balaie

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 Episode

00:02:15 - Half marathon metaphor and life philosophy

00:04:30 - Fitness transformation journey

00:08:20 - 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 party

01:26:45 - Last days and legacy

About Mahsa Balaie

Mahsa 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.