loader from loading.io

Dr. Aisha Akpabio, D.D.S: How to Blend Care, Culture & Community Revitalization

Healthy Wealthy & Smart

Release Date: 02/04/2026

Hema Hargus PT, & Dr. Simon Hargus: From One Clinic to Fifty: Lessons on Leadership and Long-Term Legacy show art Hema Hargus PT, & Dr. Simon Hargus: From One Clinic to Fifty: Lessons on Leadership and Long-Term Legacy

Healthy Wealthy & Smart

In this episode of Healthy Wealthy & Smart, join Dr. Karen Litzy, PT, DPT as she explores the inspiring journey of a family-led physical therapy business with guests Hema Hargus, PT, CHT, OCS, and Dr. Simon Hargus, PT, DPT, MBA. This episode emphasizes how legacy, leadership, and values shape growth and community impact. Discover actionable insights around scaling with integrity, fostering a people-first culture, and advocating for the profession—all rooted in decades of experience. Key Topics: ·       The origins of First Settlement Physical Therapy and...

info_outline
Dr. Sherry Zhang: The Hidden Power of Genetics in Shaping Long-Term Health show art Dr. Sherry Zhang: The Hidden Power of Genetics in Shaping Long-Term Health

Healthy Wealthy & Smart

In this episode, Dr. Karen Litzy hosts Dr. Sherry Zhang, an expert in obesity genomics, personalized nutrition, and longevity science. They explore how genetics and AI are transforming healthspan strategies, empowering practitioners to deliver more precise, actionable advice to their patients. Whether you're a healthcare provider or health-conscious individual, discover how to leverage DNA insights and technology to enhance longevity and quality of life. In this episode: ·       Dr. Sherry Zhang shares her journey from classical musician in China to leading...

info_outline
Chris Kille: The Modern CEO’s Secret Weapon show art Chris Kille: The Modern CEO’s Secret Weapon

Healthy Wealthy & Smart

In this episode, Dr. Karen Litzy welcomes Chris Kille, a seasoned entrepreneur who built, scaled, and sold four companies and experienced a life-changing cardiac event caused by burnout. They discuss how entrepreneurs can redefine success, efficiently use virtual assistants, and transition from operational to strategic roles—important lessons for practice owners overwhelmed by daily operational tasks. In this episode:   ·       Chris shares his personal health crisis and how it reshaped his understanding of success ·      ...

info_outline
Eric Miller: Your Practice: A Long-Term Investment, Not Just a Job show art Eric Miller: Your Practice: A Long-Term Investment, Not Just a Job

Healthy Wealthy & Smart

In this episode, Dr. Karen Litzy welcomes healthcare business expert Eric Miller, co-owner of Econologics Financial Advisors, to share invaluable insights on managing practice finances effectively. Whether you're a physical therapist, dentist, or other healthcare provider, discover how to align your personal and practice finances to build wealth, reduce stress, and ensure long-term success. In this episode:  How practice owners often treat their business as a job rather than a long-term investment and why this is costly The importance of adopting a business owner's mindset and...

info_outline
Stefan Feuerstein: Delegation is Leadership: How to Stop Bottlenecking Your Team show art Stefan Feuerstein: Delegation is Leadership: How to Stop Bottlenecking Your Team

Healthy Wealthy & Smart

In this episode, Dr. Karen Litzy welcomes leadership expert Stefan Feuerstein to explore how delegation is more than just task management; it is a fundamental leadership skill that promotes organizational health, growth, and sustainability. Stefan shares practical frameworks, such as the ABC delegation model, and discusses the important connection between delegation and preventing burnout, developing future leaders, and nurturing a supportive team culture.  In this episode: ·       The misconception that doing everything oneself is faster, and how...

info_outline
Dr. Yosi Amram: Unlocking Spiritual Intelligence for Better Leadership show art Dr. Yosi Amram: Unlocking Spiritual Intelligence for Better Leadership

Healthy Wealthy & Smart

In this episode of the Healthy, Wealthy and Smart podcast, Dr. Karen Litzy speaks with Dr. Yosi Amram about the often-overlooked power of spiritual intelligence in leadership. They explore how cultivating inner virtues like purpose, trust, and compassion can transform leadership styles, prevent burnout, and enhance organizational performance. Dr. Amram, a Harvard-educated engineer and spiritual leadership expert, shares a framework that combines scientific research with practical strategies, such as gratitude and purpose clarification, to foster resilience and authentic fulfillment in...

info_outline
Dr. Rachel Zoffness: Pain Isn't What You Think It Is show art Dr. Rachel Zoffness: Pain Isn't What You Think It Is

Healthy Wealthy & Smart

In this episode of Healthy Wealthy & Smart, Dr. Rachel Zoffness, MS, PhD, a leading pain scientist, discusses the complexities of pain, emphasizing that it is not merely a physical issue but a biopsychosocial phenomenon. She shares insights from her upcoming book, 'Tell Me Where It Hurts,' which aims to debunk myths surrounding pain and provide a comprehensive roadmap for healing. Dr. Zoffness highlights the importance of understanding the various factors that contribute to pain, including emotional and social aspects, and advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to pain management. The...

info_outline
Dr. Orit Hickman: When Pain Science Meets Real-World Practice show art Dr. Orit Hickman: When Pain Science Meets Real-World Practice

Healthy Wealthy & Smart

In this episode of the Healthy, Wealthy and Smart podcast, Dr. Karen Litzy speaks with Dr. Orit Hickman about the evolving understanding of persistent pain and the implications for physical therapy practice. They discuss personal journeys in understanding pain, the importance of modern pain science, and the need for a supportive therapeutic environment. The conversation also covers practical steps clinicians can take to better serve patients with persistent pain, the challenges posed by healthcare systems, and the transition towards a more patient-centered model of care.   Takeaways...

info_outline
Arielle Loupos: Breaking the Silence on Menstrual Care show art Arielle Loupos: Breaking the Silence on Menstrual Care

Healthy Wealthy & Smart

In this episode of the Healthy, Wealthy and Smart podcast, Dr. Karen Litzy speaks with Arielle Loupos, founder of Flower Girl, about the often-stigmatized topic of menstrual care and period products. They discuss harmful ingredients in traditional menstrual products, the importance of sustainable, non-toxic alternatives, and cycle syncing as a tool for self-awareness and empowerment. Arielle shares her journey creating Flower Girl and emphasizes the need for open conversations about menstruation to break the stigma and promote women's health. Takeaways  Menstrual care is often surrounded...

info_outline
Dr. Aisha Akpabio, D.D.S: How to  Blend Care, Culture & Community Revitalization show art Dr. Aisha Akpabio, D.D.S: How to Blend Care, Culture & Community Revitalization

Healthy Wealthy & Smart

In this episode of the Healthy, Wealthy and Smart podcast, Dr. Karen Litzy interviews Dr. Aisha Akpabio D.D.S., a Detroit-based dentist and entrepreneur. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a female healthcare provider while running a business. Dr. Akpabio shares her journey from employee to owner of her own dental practice, the importance of design in healthcare, and the significance of representation in the field. They also address the balance between delivering high-quality care and managing business aspects, as well as the importance of self-care for longevity in the...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

In this episode of the Healthy, Wealthy and Smart podcast, Dr. Karen Litzy interviews Dr. Aisha Akpabio D.D.S., a Detroit-based dentist and entrepreneur. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a female healthcare provider while running a business. Dr. Akpabio shares her journey from employee to owner of her own dental practice, the importance of design in healthcare, and the significance of representation in the field. They also address the balance between delivering high-quality care and managing business aspects, as well as the importance of self-care for longevity in the profession.

 

Takeaways

 

·      It takes courage to bring people together in healthcare.

·      Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur requires a mindset shift.

·      Business education in dental school is minimal.

·      Delivering exceptional care justifies pricing.

·      Patients appreciate a personal touch over corporate practices.

·      Design can significantly impact patient experience.

·      Representation in healthcare matters for community trust.

·      Self-care is essential for longevity in the profession.

·      Balancing work and personal life is crucial.

·      Living in the moment is important for personal growth.

 

Chapters

 

·      00:00 Introduction to Female Healthcare Entrepreneurship

·      02:58 Dr. Aisha Akpabio's Journey and Practice

·      05:51 Transitioning from Dentist to Entrepreneur

·      08:41 Navigating Healthcare Pricing and Value

·      12:05 Competing with Corporate Dental Practices

·      12:57 The Importance of Design in Healthcare

·      16:49 Legacy and Representation in Dentistry

·      20:02 Self-Care and Longevity in Dentistry

 

More About Dr. Akpabio:

 Dr. Aisha Akpabio D.D.S. is a Detroit-based dentist, entrepreneur, and community advocate dedicated to smiles and systems of care. As the founder of Diamond Smiles Dentistry, she is redefining what it means to build a thriving dental practice rooted in wellness, accessibility, and neighborhood revitalization. A graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program, she leads with vision and heart, creating opportunities for growth in underserved communities while mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Beyond dentistry, she is passionate about wellness, motherhood, and empowering others to build healthy, wealthy, and purpose-driven lives.

 

Resources from this Episode:

Diamond Smiles Dentistry Website

Instagram- Diamond Smiles Dentistry

Facebook - Diamond Smiles Dentistry

 

Jane Sponsorship Information:

Book a one-on-one demo here

Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month

 

Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media:

Karen’s Instagram

Karen’s LinkedIn

 

Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart:

YouTube

Website

Apple Podcast

Spotify

SoundCloud

Stitcher

iHeart Radio