Smile Brands CEO Steve Bilt Discusses the use of Mental Models and Everyday Miracles in Business

An essential point of leadership is understanding and that means being present and listening. Steve Bilt (MBA ‘01, PKE 106), CEO of Smile Brands recently sat down with the podcast The Wow Factor to discuss leadership, fear, and the celebration of everyday miracles in business and life. “Rather than be intimidated by a problem, face it head-on like a doctor in an emergency room,” says Bilt. “Process how something works to connect the relationship with the perception of executed acts in the form of mental models.” This method of thinking was pioneered by Pepperdine Graziadio's Dr. Wayne Strom, whom Steve Bilt remembers fondly.

Bilt uses Dr. Strom's mental models to even the odds stacked against many in business and life. "Embrace the time, opportunity, and adventure. Don't just survive on your stories, thrive off your stories," Bilt said. “Life is all about the journey.”

You can listen to more about Steve’s journey on The WOW Factor podcast.