The Practice Leader Podcast

The Key to Not Doing Everything Yourself

Most practice leaders end up wearing too many hats—not because they want to, but because the system around them makes it unavoidable. In this episode, Paul and Zed sit down with ENT physician and CEO of Physicians Angels, Dr. Afser Shariff, who shares how to build smarter systems, delegate effectively, and use AI and external teams to free yourself from the daily grind. Learn what leadership can actually look like when you finally stop doing everything yourself. Physicians Angels: https://physiciansangels.com/ [https://physiciansangels.com/] Learn about ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/ [https://www.askascent.com/]

Why Patient Follow-Up Is Your Practice's Biggest Growth Lever

Most practices underestimate the power of follow-up. In this episode, Zed and Paul sit down with James Benson, founder of QM2 Solutions and a former ENT practice administrator, to uncover why consistent patient re-engagement isn't just good service — it's a major growth driver. James shares insights from 25 years in the ENT space, revealing how many practices unintentionally lose patients simply because they don't reach back out. If your practice is stuck chasing new patients while missing opportunities with the ones you've already helped, this episode will change how you think about follow-up — and the opportunity it represents. QM2 Solutions: https://www.qm2solutions.com/ [https://www.qm2solutions.com/] ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/ [https://www.askascent.com/]

Rethinking Audiology: How Remote Solutions Transform ENT Practices

Recruiting and retaining audiologists is one of the biggest challenges ENT practices face today—and the opportunity cost of being understaffed is steep. In this episode of the Practice Leader Podcast, Paul and Zed sit down with Drew Franklin of Albany ENT and Carlo Sanchez of the American Institute of Balance to discuss how their organizations are tackling this issue head-on. Tune in to learn how remote audiology is reshaping patient access, improving scheduling, and preventing lost revenue, while also easing the strain on existing staff. Connect with Drew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewfranklin123/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewfranklin123/] Connect with Carlo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlo-s-a1430251/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlo-s-a1430251/] Learn about ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/ [https://www.askascent.com/]

How Leaders Can Get the Best Out of Their Team

In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Zed and Paul sit down with Andrew DeMuth, founder of Leading Blue, to explore what it really takes to bring out the best in your people. Too often, physicians and administrators are promoted into leadership roles without the training or tools needed to succeed. From onboarding with excellence to multiplying team contributions, this conversation offers practice leaders practical insights into how to align staff, build trust, and unlock the full potential of their teams. Learn about Leading Blue: https://leadingblue.com/ [https://leadingblue.com/] Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter: https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/ [https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/] ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/ [https://www.askascent.com/]

How to Reclaim Lost Time and Revenue in Your Audiology Department

Audiologists are one of the most valuable — and most overburdened — roles in an ENT practice. In this episode, David Jastrzebski of Topple Diagnostics joins us at the ASCENT Conference to share how practices can stop wasting 90-minute blocks on low-value vestibular testing, reduce costly no-shows, and reallocate staff time toward higher-revenue services. You'll learn how smart outsourcing can help you reclaim lost time and unlock new revenue in your audiology department. Learn about Topple DX: https://www.toppledx.com/ [https://www.toppledx.com/] ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/ [https://www.askascent.com/]