The Dental Head Start Podcast The Unseen Curriculum series #2: How to Lead When You Don’t Feel “Loud Enough” with Dr Zoe Watson
Hosted by Michael Shambira
Ever wondered if you’re “too quiet” to be an effective leader? Dr. Zoe Watson reveals how her gentle approach to leadership created more impact than the loudest voices in the room.
In this conversation, you’ll discover:
- How being a good listener can be your greatest leadership superpower
- Why asking questions instead of making statements creates better outcomes
- The unique challenges women face in dentistry leadership positions
- Practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome as a new graduate
Dr Watson shares her journey from shy student to respected dental leader, proving that leadership isn’t about volume—it’s about creating safety for others to thrive. She reveals how meeting people where they are and remembering your own struggles creates authentic connections that inspire trust.
Whether you’re a current student, new graduate, or experienced dentist looking to grow your leadership skills, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on making an impact through empathy and understanding.
Ready to discover the unseen curriculum? Listen now and join the conversation by sharing your own dental school experiences in the comments below!
Key moments
00:00:00 – Introduction and Leadership Focus
00:02:30 – Meeting Dr. Zoe Watson
00:05:45 – Defining Leadership Styles
00:09:15 – Early Leadership Experiences
00:13:20 – Transitioning to Dental School Leadership
00:17:40 – Handling Difficult Conversations
00:22:30 – Delegation Challenges and Growth
00:27:15 – Dental Advice Network Sponsor Segment
00:29:45 – Imposter Syndrome in Leadership
00:34:10 – Building Self-Confidence as a Leader
00:38:30 – Dental Protection Limited Sponsor Segment
00:40:45 – Women in Dentistry Leadership
00:45:20 – Balancing Expectations and Authenticity
00:49:35 – Creating Safe Learning Environments
00:53:10 – Vision for Future Leadership
00:57:30 – Advice for Aspiring Quiet Leaders
01:01:15 – Key Leadership Frameworks Summary
01:04:00 – Closing Thoughts on Servant Leadership
Dr Zoe Watson
Dr Zoe Watson is a dentist two years out of university who has quickly built a career that spans both public and private practice. As a student, she served as the Orange SDA President, where she discovered the value of leading with empathy, accountability, and vision. Today, she balances her clinical work with tutoring in the university’s simulation clinics, investing in the next generation of dental students. Zoe brings a grounded, servant-leadership approach to everything she does, combining clinical excellence with her passion for teaching and community health.
Thank you to our sponsors
Dental Protection Limited
Dental Protection have proudly been supporting the Dental Head Start podcast since day one! The Dental Protection team understands the ever-changing challenges faced by dental professionals and we take our responsibility to members seriously. Our professional protection package helps you practise with confidence, safe in the knowledge that we are always by your side if things go wrong. With over 40 years protecting Australian dental professionals, we have the global stability and financial resilience to be by you
Dental Advice Network
This episode of the Dental Head Start Podcast is proudly supported by Dental Advice Network.
Whether you’re one year out or forty, we all have clinical questions—and it’s OK not to have all the answers. That’s exactly why the Dental Advice Network exists. With leading experts like Dr Omar Ikram (Endodontist), Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen (Oral Medicine Specialist), Dr Steven Parker (Dental Sedationist), Dr Manu Ayer (Specialist Anaesthetist), Professor Ian Myers (Restorative expert), Dr Kar Mun Chan (Specialist Paediatric Dentist) and Associate Professor Geraldine Moses (Dental Therapeutics and Pharmacology expert), it’s your go-to place for clinical advice, case support, and evidence-based insights.
From medication queries to red flags in oral pathology—or even just a second opinion—Dental Advice Network connects you to trusted voices in dentistry and medicine, including an in-house medical doctor. You’ll also get access to clinical webinars, CPD content, and curated updates to stay ahead in your practice.
It’s peace of mind, peer support, and education—all in one place.
And for Dental Head Start listeners, we’ve teamed up with Dental Advice Network to bring you an exclusive 10% discount when you subscribe. Just use the code HEADSTART10 at checkout. Plus—if you’re a first-year graduate, you already get a massive 50% off.
Check them out at dentaladvicenetwork.com.au, and thank you to Dental Advice Network for supporting the next generation of dental professionals and the Dental Head Start podcast.
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