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The Power of Stillness & Team Support
In this heartfelt episode of University of Why, I sit down with the inspiring coaching duo behind The Mint Door, Dr. Karen Tindall and Dr. Laura Schwindt. We dive deep into how taking time for reflection and quiet can become the ultimate catalyst for personal and professional transformation. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or wondered if there’s more to life, keep reading—this one’s for you.
Why Reflection Became My Compass
Seven years ago, I was brainstorming a name for my educational program (now E-School), and “University of Why” popped into my mind. Why? Because understanding the why behind our actions is essential, not just in dentistry but in life. My tagline, “It’s a reflection of you,” symbolizes how critical self-reflection is to finding clarity and purpose.
During my own journey, I discovered my most important “classroom” wasn’t a lecture hall, it was my car. Yep, a used Mini Cooper convertible became my safe haven during burnout. Instead of escaping with reality TV, I started filling my commutes with nourishing podcasts and quiet reflection. This space became pivotal, helping me shift my mindset from overwhelm to empowerment.
Burnout Might Just Be the Invitation You Needed
Laura and Karen both deeply resonate with the idea of transformative burnout experiences. For Laura, it was her living room floor, waking up 15 minutes early (initially begrudgingly!) that became her space of growth. Karen, relocating from England to the U.S., discovered life coaching while navigating a career pause and quickly realized coaching wasn’t about advice—it was about deep listening and empowering people to find their own answers.
Laura shared how a coach profoundly changed her life with a simple challenge: stop chasing cortisol and start cultivating calm. This practice of intentional quiet opened doors she didn’t even realize were closed, fundamentally transforming her perspective on what achievement and success meant.
From Friendship to Purpose: Behind The Mint Door
Laura and Karen met serendipitously and quickly bonded over their passion for holistic well-being. From friendship to partnership, they co-founded The Mint Door, a metaphor for refreshing, welcoming entry into a space of wellness and connection. Their mission? Helping high-achievers like us discover deeper fulfillment, elevate our teams, and create healthier work cultures.
Creating Spaces for Connection
During our chat, Karen and Laura even coached me live, envisioning how my dental practice might incorporate a space for reflection and connection, complete with comfy purple chairs arranged in a circle and the calming glow of candlelight. This exercise reminded me how powerful intentional environments can be for fostering team unity and individual well-being. I left this conversation buzzing with ideas to recultivate connection within my team.
Coaching: The Powerful Gift of Being Heard
Karen and Laura emphasize one thing above all: the immense power of being truly listened to. Whether it’s an overwhelmed dentist struggling to lead, a star employee going through personal upheaval, or a team member resistant to change, the simple act of attentive listening can unlock transformative shifts. Coaching, they stress, isn’t about fixing—it’s about empowering.
One of my biggest takeaways? Coaching is for everyone. Even coaches have coaches. If you’re feeling stuck or know your team has more potential, investing in coaching is a game-changer. It allows you to uncover the “ping”, that quiet internal nudge telling you there’s more.
Taking Your First Step
Not sure where to start? Karen and Laura remind us: the first step doesn’t have to be big.
It just has to be intentional.
Start by acknowledging there’s room to grow. Then, take one small action. Schedule quiet time like you would a hair appointment (seriously!). Create intentional moments of rest. Prioritize connection.
Because when we pause and reflect, we don’t just find our why—we find our way forward.
This conversation sparked something big for me, and it might for you, too. Tune in and let it stir your own ideas.
Watch the Full Episode:
Show Notes with Timestamps:
00:00 — Intro: Why “University of Why”?
01:50 — My burnout story: how my car became my teacher
06:35 — Karen’s journey from England and discovering life coaching
08:44 — Laura’s transformative burnout breakthrough
12:08 — Origin of The Mint Door
17:46 — Scheduling quiet: it’s not optional
20:55 — Bringing intentional spaces into the workplace
27:22 — Live coaching: visualizing connection and well-being
34:16 — Empowering teams: finding the first step
41:53 — The transformative power of listening
50:30 — How to connect with Karen and Laura
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Have you found your “car” or quiet space? What has it taught you? Drop a comment or send me a DM. Your journey matters.
If this resonated, please share it with someone who needs the reminder: the path forward starts with slowing down.
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