Dr Sara Mahmood: then I also think a long time ago I learned that it's the challenge that grows you. So anytime. I see a challenge, I say yes. And now it's like that zone in my brain that's like, oh, that's gonna be hard. Don't do it. Like it's completely muted now, it's like, that's gonna be hard. I have to do it.
Anne: Hello, everyone is Anne Duffy and welcome to the Just DeW It podcast. I'm so happy that you're with me today and I have a new dear friend, with me on the podcast today that I met in Philadelphia at Nachos. And let me tell you a little bit about her before we get started.
Dr. Sarah Mahmood is the founder and CEO of multiple successful companies in. The Dallas Worth worth area. She's passionate about leading with integrity and building purpose-driven organizations. Fun facts. She met her husband at 17 and can't resist a good cookie. Love that. Love that. Hi Sarah. How are you?
Dr Sara Mahmood: Hi. Hi Anne. I'm so good. Thank you for having me.
Anne: I'm so glad that we have met, we met in Philly We had a do meetup that day and then Sarah was there. And then the first thing I know she turns around after we were talking to her a little bit about the DO community ladies and she.
Immediately joined, turned around and held up a sign. I just joined platinum membership and I was like, that is somebody that just says. Yes. When she feels right and you just did it. So thank you for doing that. Of course. That was wonderful.
Of
Dr Sara Mahmood: course, of course. And a lot of it had to do with all of the reverence people have for you. I mean, every time it had come on my radar over the past year, it was just like, this is an incredible organization and is amazing, so it's been in my periphery. And then when I got to meet you and do the mastermind, I'm like, I'm in like, what is there, there's nothing to lose in everything to gain from this. So it's been such a joy.
Anne: I'm so glad. And to tell everybody a little bit about the masterminds as we set this up last year at our retreat, so we just had our seventh annual retreat and next year is our 10th annual retreat.
So, cement that into your calendar, in November 12th through 14th. But we did some masterminds, so like our, board members and some of our mastermind leaders. Lead six to eight women in a group. And, we really solve all the problems. And celebrate all the wins, and we are continuing to do that again this year.
So welcome and thanks for being part of it.
Dr Sara Mahmood: Yeah, no, it's, one of those things where there's so much synergy, right? The organization benefits and then you benefit as someone who's participating and you get what you give. Right? We were just talking about that. So the more you pour in, I know the more that you get out of it.
Anne: Oh, and that is so true. You know, it's so funny how we based. Do, and this is when we started it. on Love and Strength Finders because Strength Finders helps you love yourself and love others.
And so when we were first starting, before we started recording, Sarah was like, I don't know if I like my strengths. And Sarah, that's about how everybody feels about their strengths.
Dr Sara Mahmood: Really.
Anne: Yeah, it's,
Dr Sara Mahmood: I was kind of mortified.
Anne: Yeah. I was too, woo was number one for me. And the woo was like, oh, you love everybody.
And then the balcony that is outgoing people oriented, networking connector, rapport builder. I love that. Well, the basement is, insincere, unconcerned with deep relationships. And I was like, oh my gosh. So there is that like, I like. That I am knowing more about myself, but it's also like, am I really that one? And yes, guess what I am a woo all through. Okay. Um, but I, call a little bit of bullshit. As I was telling you, you know, when you get into the basement, because as you grow older, you, get some sage education in life and you, stay away from those things, but you have Such strong strengths. Number one, competition, two, significance, three achiever, four arranger, and five individualization. And it's not unlike everybody that's ever had competition, number one. They're like, what? I don't know.
Dr Sara Mahmood: Well, I mean, I think do is full of so many girls, girl, you know, like they support each other and it's.
Like a high energy, very loving group. And I would hate to like come in with this a on my chest that says, I am competitive. And so I really think it's more of me versus me. that's what I've boiled it down to is I really don't see other people as my competition. So I think when I did that strengths finder, it just identified that I'm, competitive in nature and I've channeled that energy and harnessed it to be more internal.
Anne: And that is exactly right. And that's the balcony of competition. you compete with yourself. Mm-hmm. Which is just, so cool. And everybody that I know that has competition, in their top five strengths, just don't ever bet against them. Yeah. Don't ever bet against you for your goals. Don't ever bet against you are going to compete. well. You're driven, you're motivated. Number one, measurement oriented, Comparison oriented and a winner. You know, it's kind of like when you see others, you say, I can do that too. And you don't necessarily wanna be, um. Going into a situation where you're already at the top.
Dr Sara Mahmood: Mm-hmm.
Anne: You like sitting on the bench for a little bit of time. Mm-hmm. So that you have a way to go and you can see that path and you're just gonna get there. You're gonna be playing, you're gonna get your scholarship, you're gonna get all that because you compete with yourself and you always do your best, so.
the basement would be, you just hope everybody else loses. That's not who you are. Right. I don't, you don't
Dr Sara Mahmood: have the time in my life to think about that. You know, there's that really cross saying like. I don't think about you at all kind of thing. It's like I don't have time to think about people in a negative space and have that take up my brain.
That's why I was like, it cannot be that I'm competitive with others 'cause I'm not thinking about other people when I'm on this race. You know?
Anne: Yeah. It's, a strength. Yeah. And I think when you realize you wanna live in that strength. Atmosphere. Yeah. Uh, you'll always win. And significance is another one, Sarah, which, when you tell me about all the things you were doing, I remember I had a jaw drop, ladies listening to this, and men, when you told me what you were doing at a, very young age with kids and a husband and dah, dah, dah, you have accomplished so much and yet I feel like you're just getting started, just meeting you.
I'm like, this is just the beginning. You're kind of setting up. A platform. You're on the low dive right now.
I can't wait to see what happens when you're on the medium dive and then when you're on the high dive. Holy Commis.
Dr Sara Mahmood: know, I think my dad to thank for that, I think that I've gotten that directly from his genetics is the, desire to have significance.
And then I also think a long time ago I learned that it's the challenge that grows you. So anytime. I see a challenge, I say yes. And now it's like that zone in my brain that's like, oh, that's gonna be hard. Don't do it. Like it's completely muted now, it's like, that's gonna be hard. I have to do it.
I can't not do it. And so with that comes a lot of responsibility. And you say a lot of, you know, you commit, I'm getting better at expanding to meet the responsibilities that I have versus restricting and saying I can't do things. Mm-hmm. But it's, uh, definitely been a journey.
Anne: Yeah, well when you put that with significance and achiever, oh my gosh.
I mean those are all executing, those two, the significance in competition are influencing. Yeah. There's four domains and then you've got achiever and ranger are executing, and then individualization is a beautiful trait. 'cause you see people for who they really are. You see the difference in people.
And that's a gift.
Dr Sara Mahmood: Well, thank you.
Anne: I love that. And I think it's so cool how you've, been living them, but then you now can maybe embrace them a little bit more for what they really are and what they really mean
Dr Sara Mahmood: this conversation is doing that because I was avoiding them when I had to put them in the little podcast, you know, and get to, you know, fill out to prepare for this.
I was like, do I wanna talk about my. Strengths. I don't know if I should, but say thank you. This has been a complete pivot for me, so thank you.
Anne: And I love it. Like significance, the balcony of significance. Seek outstanding performance. A big thinker, does things of importance, independent and leaves a legacy.
I can't imagine anyone not wanting to have significance at a high level, because I think that especially in our community with women, there's so many of us that are achievers and, and to be able to. Naturally have that because the strength Sierra is something that comes very naturally and when you put experience and education and knowledge into that, it becomes a superpower for you.
So this is why don't turn your back on that. And I, I'm gonna send you the, genius and beauty of your strength. So you can like really cut and paste those top five, put 'em somewhere where you can see them and know that. That's what you're made for. and again, you just have to surround yourself with the right people.
And you, have so far in your career, in your, You're on your way, so I
Dr Sara Mahmood: appreciate that. Thank you.
Anne: Well, what's something you had to unlearn to become the kind of leader you are today?
Dr Sara Mahmood: I think one of the greatest gifts I gave myself was to allow other people to do tasks that I could have done better.
there's an author, his name is Dan Martel. He wrote a book called Buy Back Your Time, and he said 80% of what you can do is a hundred percent awesome when someone else takes over that task. And I think a lot of times we can be very nuanced about delegating because it's like, well, I could just get it done myself.
as you grow and scale. Your time becomes your most valuable asset. even just today, I have a whole social media team and I thought, I need to get a save the date out to my team. Let me see if I can make it. And I had to say, no. Leverage your social media team. Maybe they won't make it the exact way that you want it, but who cares?
80% done is a hundred percent awesome, right?
Anne: Yeah.
Dr Sara Mahmood: And so
for me, I think that is the only way that I can have all these balls in the air is by letting people. Play to their strengths, right? Mm-hmm. And do what, they do best, even if it's not at the standard that I would do it myself.
Anne: Yeah. And I think that's a, female trait as well.
more often than not, just easier for us to do it ourselves. And then you put that together with the perfectionism of the dental industry. Mm-hmm. And if it ain't perfect, it's not good enough. Right.
Dr Sara Mahmood: I
Anne: agree. Um, it is easy, but, within.
Individualization and you can see the strengths in others. I think that you probably are very good at picking team members and probably why you're successful with the multiple practices that you have. You have a keen eye for that or a keen heart for that, if you will. Of actually seeing something in somebody that they could take a little bit of your burden off and do it at least 80%, because I agree.
actually, it's funny 'cause individualization is my dead last,
Dr Sara Mahmood: really
Anne: dead last. I wasn't surprised because it's about being a good gift buyer also. And maybe you're a very good gift buyer.
Dr Sara Mahmood: I try to be,
Anne: Yes. And I am a lousy gift buyer. You just ask my kids every Christmas, it's like, really mom? So then I own it and it's not so bad anymore. So, I mean, it's kind of a joke in the family's, so tell me what you's want. 'cause I'm gonna pick something that, you know,
Dr Sara Mahmood: don't care.
Anne: Yeah, yeah. Don't, yeah, it goes right the trash,
Dr Sara Mahmood: you know?
And what's funny is, is like back in 2019, I had one practice and I was like, no, but I'm not gonna have one practice for very long. I'm gonna have a lot of practices. So I hired a director of operations for my company. We hadn't even broke a million dollars in revenue yet, and I paid her more than I pay myself.
back then, just because I knew I had a vision for growth. And so it's, one of those things that I always knew to have a team in place before I needed that team so that wow, you know, you could grow in and divvy up and give them tasks from your to-do list so that you can add more high impact things to your schedule.
Right. So it's been a trend where I always hire before I need. Or I try to, I mean, we all have fallacies. Yeah. You know, it's like one of those things where I try to hire before I need someone and offload tasks before it really even makes sense, and then have them grow into that so that I can create more space to do high impact things.
Anne: Wow. that really lends itself to. Individualization. And I mean, all of it. Just because you can't succeed. I hope that if you're listening to this, maybe you need to do that in your own business. when was the last time you questioned if you were doing enough?
Which, as an achiever? Yeah. And competition and significance. Probably a lot. Yeah. And what did you learn from that moment and how are you gonna carry that forward?
Dr Sara Mahmood: Well, I think anybody who's listening, who's a mom always kind of feels like we're not doing enough. Especially if you know you're in de and you're an entrepreneur and you're, you've got aspirations and dreams for yourself.
You sometimes have this feeling that you're doing it at the sacrifice of being a good mother to your children. And so I grapple with that. I'm human and that's something that I still kind of, every day I'm like. You know, just tomorrow my 7-year-old has a hot cocoa social at a school and I can't be there.
I'm gonna be in an office an hour away and it weighs on you. So I think from a motherhood perspective, that's always one of those things and I'm, not really sure how to reconcile that feeling other than just knowing that I'm setting a good example for them when they, grow up.
See other women do amazing things that it makes them proud that their mom also, you know, made those decisions. Mm-hmm. And so still kind of learning that one. And then I think, honestly, you would probably resonate with this. Before this past year, I knew I wanted to do big things and amazing things, but I didn't really have a lot of clarity on how I was gonna get there.
And so. Earlier this year, my husband and I did this program called Empower Journey, where it helps couples navigate their marriage, like they navigate a business. And so we were able to get together and realize, hey, we're rowing in different directions right now. and that's why there was so much tension, you know, because he had his own hopes and dreams and I had mine.
But then we found a way to meet in the middle. And now that we have that clarity and vision, I think going into 2026, we have such a stronger footing in our marriage and in our goals and, so I think it's gonna help make that feel. Like we're heading in the right direction.
Anne: that's being very humble to seek out, outside help to get you back on, track and, because you know, so often you, bury that sort of as sentiment.
Dr Sara Mahmood: Yeah.
Anne: But, you don't win that way. Right. And so, you're winning in your own mind and Yeah. In your own life.
Dr Sara Mahmood: what it was is, is I don't wanna be doing this forever. You know, I don't wanna wake up at. 60 or 70 and still be seeing patients. And the only way that I can get myself out of this is if I come up with a plan and I cannot execute on that plan if my husband also doesn't align with it.
Anne: You bet. you know, I've been a lot of side gigs and I think the women, that I know most of them in my teams were female centric. The ones that did not have the support from their. Husband, because we grow. We're not the same as we were when we were s you know, I met Tom at 19 and you were 17, so you, still don't really know where you're gonna go, what you're gonna do, how you're gonna get there, and.
If you don't have that support, would really like to say that each person in a marriage, if they each give 75%, 'cause sometimes you're, you know, you're on the 25% side and sometimes you're on the 70. But if you each give 75, you're gonna win going forward. But the ones that didn't have the support and actually even from a team member in the office, didn't have the support of the leader in the office.
They just were never gonna make it, a great career or a great marriage. All of those things we, you do need to have somebody have your back and your closest person to you. So good for you guys.
Dr Sara Mahmood: Oh,
Anne: I
Dr Sara Mahmood: couldn't agree more. I'm obsessed with my husband. I know You are too.
Anne: Yeah,
Dr Sara Mahmood: know, when you're having kids and starting a business, it's so lonely.
Mm-hmm. And I think that was part of the reason I wanted to join Dew too, is 'cause I'm finally in a place where, you know, I feel like I can have friends, you know? Yeah. But for the longest time it was just, yeah. My husband was my bestie, you know? And, so to have that kind of unconditional love, I pray that my boys will be a husband like he is, and that my daughter finds a husband like him.
Yeah. 'cause he's just that embodiment of support and unconditional love and, so it's just one of those things that's such a blessing. I never take it for granted.
Anne: it's such a gift when you guys can come together, you can support him.
He support you. You just know he's your bestie. He's always got your back. yeah. I feel like that is the luckiest they say that's the most important. decision you make in your life and, um, a
Dr Sara Mahmood: hundred thousand percent.
Anne: I know, I know. I look back on it. Well, Tom and I just celebrated 50 years.
The whole world knows that. Oh my God. I know.
Dr Sara Mahmood: Congratulations.
Anne: Thank you. I remember you
Dr Sara Mahmood: saying that.
Anne: Yeah.
Dr Sara Mahmood: That's so, so exciting.
Anne: It's so cool. And it is possible. We're like, we're still in love not only love each other, but we still, you know. we're in love and that possible if you've got two people Yeah.
That want the same thing. Yeah. Oh my gosh. Well, you know, what does success actually feel like? To you now compared to when you first started, because you have accomplished so much? But as I was saying earlier, this is just you on the low board of your life because who know, you know what?
You're going to achieve In the,
Dr Sara Mahmood: yeah. In
Anne: the long run.
Dr Sara Mahmood: Oh my gosh. There's so much naivety when you first get started, you don't realize how hard it's gonna be. Mm-hmm. And so when I first opened my practice when I was 26, I was really driven by the metrics, like, how long is it gonna take me to reach this revenue target, this many practices?
And that's what success was. And it was something that created a lot of. Discouragement because some things really are out of your control, you know? Mm-hmm. my first son was not planned. And so when you find out that you're pregnant and you're six months into your startup, you know, there are certain things that you know, you can't do at the pace or momentum that you wanted to do them at.
And so that was really. A struggle for me, but now mm-hmm. I really do think of success as just the time that I get with my family. And I don't mean to sound fru hallmark about that like I really am. Just when I think about where I am today and where I'm gonna be when I hit. Those, you know, financial targets that I have.
I'm still happily married to my husband. My kids are healthy and safe and thriving. I pray that my parents are still around, that my siblings are still like super close and those are the things that truly matter. And so I think getting that. Sense of groundedness, where it's like the best days are already here.
Yeah. The journey is the joy. I don't care if I have a Rolls-Royce in my garage. What matters is, is that I come home to my family. Right? Yeah. And so now what pushes me is that internal. Well, if this person can do it, I can definitely do it. Like if I set a goal for myself and other people have also achieved that goal, there's no reason that I realistically can't do it.
Mm-hmm. So I'm trying to just. Achieve these goals professionally because it would be a waste to not maximize on my potential. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. But it's not for some sort of arbitrary financial gain. It's just because when you set a challenge for yourself, you wanna achieve it. Right?
Anne: Yeah.
Dr Sara Mahmood: But I already feel like the best days are already here.
I always look at my kids and I'm just like, I can't believe you're my kids. Like, it's the best feeling ever. And same with my husband. So I hope I can keep that, you know, 'cause that gratitude is what makes it all. So much more enjoyable,
Anne: yeah. I mean, they say there's never been a U-Haul behind the hearse.
And it is just so important. But I, you know, also setting the example a lot of us are moms, and if we're not a mom, we're a daughter or a or you know, a dear friend that has to take care of somebody and we wear a lot of hats. But when you think about.
The real importance of what life means to you. if you keep that at the forefront, I think, the sky's the limit and happiness is the limit. you're choosing joy and you're choosing gratitude. And I think that'll rub off on the kids. I think our kids, when they look back on our lives, 'cause.
you probably don't know that know, working two days a week or a day a week. We moved 10 times, you know, and I was, really wasn't a breadwinner in the house at all. I didn't have those, goals back in the day. Honestly, Sarah, I didn't know I could have them to tell you the truth.
And then life gets in the way a little bit and I'm like, oh, geez, I gotta do something. And then I found things that I, could do, but the kids were glad that I did that because it showed them. That they need to work somewhere, in some capacity that they love and that they just gotta make a living and give to community and then build the family around it with love.
those are the important things. And yeah,
Dr Sara Mahmood: they're always watching, you know, and I think that's, the best way for them to have an example is not what you tell them to do, but what they see.
Anne: Yes, I know. I love that. And it, always reminds me of the four agreements, you know, do your best at all times and your words impeccable.
And, take nothing personally. You know, the four agreements take nothing personally and then make no assumptions you know, they're not easy to live by the middle two. But it always works out so well. So tell us what you're up to right now and what we can do to help you.
If you're listening, and why we wanna get in touch with you and how we get in touch with you.
Dr Sara Mahmood: So I just opened my fourth dental practice and I assumed the role of CEO of mine and my husband's company. So he is a chiropractor and he has four chiropractic locations. Wow. Together we had created a company called Brush 365 Dental injury, which caters to, Patients that have gotten hurt or trauma due to someone's negligence. So typically it's a car accident patient that's his bread and butter, and he was noticing that a lot of the patients coming into his office had dental injuries and they didn't have anywhere to go because dentists don't typically accept those cases.
So we built this thriving company and we decided that we should join forces and Plato our strength. And he's not the culture builder and the operations kind of guy. He's more of a business development guy. So he stepped in the Chief Business Development Officer. I stepped into CEO, which has been incredible.
I think one of the most amazing things that I've noticed about Dew is the diversity in what people offer. And so I am looking to connect with anyone who offers a service that could be beneficial to a multi-site healthcare group. You know, in particular, when it comes to marketing, social media, branding, I mean, those are all things that we, I think could use some extra help with.
And then also, I just kicked off a joint study club for us called the BZ Brush 365 Senate Study Club, and I'm looking for speakers for that too, to be able to remote in and educate my team. We've got a team of almost. 40 now. And so those would be, I think, the two avenues that I think would be great. And then also just genuine friendships, right?
I think that was one of the beautiful parts of Philadelphia, is meeting people like Valerie and Manal and Beverly and even talking to Amanda, you know, everyone was so kind and there was no agenda. It was just like, I wanna get to know you and I wanna, you be your friend.
And I think that's been a void in my life for a long time. Yeah. we don't have to necessarily exchange services, but I'd love to get to know you and see if, you know, we can drink some tea and learn about each other and, you know, just build a relationship that way. I'm on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. You can text me, you can message me, and I'm accessible.
Anne: I love it. And that'll all be in the show notes, everybody. I love how you say that because some of the intangibles that we get from do, and I always say call a do when you're in a spot might be when your kids are teenagers and you might have to call, you know, Grammy, Duffy over here.
And I could give you some sage advice on those things. 'cause sometimes you don't necessarily wanna call your own mother. You might wanna call your gentle mom. Yeah. And say, Hey, how would you handle this? That's sweet. You know, all those beautiful things come together within our community and you are a huge, asset to coming in and, being a wonderful member for us.
And I just thank you so much for your time today. I know you gotta get back to the office.
Dr Sara Mahmood: Yeah, no, thank you. It was an honor and anytime I get to spend with you, Ann, it's time well spent. So thank you.
Anne: Oh, thank you Sarah. I love you and I will see you soon. Are you gonna be in any of the meetings coming up?
Do you go to the Chicago mid winter and all that kind of stuff?
Dr Sara Mahmood: I might, I'm speaking next year, a bunch, so I'm sure our paths will cross at some point. I'll be back at the nachos event in April, speaking there. So maybe we'll connect, I'm sure we'll find a way to connect,
Anne: I'm sure, and then I'll see you at the retreat next year.
Mm-hmm. The most important thing for anybody, listening today, is to keep doing you. So Sarah, keep doing you. You're doing great, and I'll see you on the road. Alright darling.
Dr Sara Mahmood: Okay. Thank you.
Anne: Thank you honey. Alright, bye. Bye.
