A Dublin Retreat

Over the weekend I met for the third consecutive year with:

James Hamill - Quoris3D

Chris Barrowman - Infinityblu Dental Care & Implant Clinic

For our New Year retreat - some down-time to discuss our plans for the next 12 months.

For each of us, a chance to have two "thoughtful critics" evaluate our 2025 business plan in an atmosphere of mutual trust, friendship and confidentiality.

Venue this time - the lovely St Helens Radisson Hotel in Booterstown, south Dublin - and a chance to walk 18 km along the sea-front from Blackrock to Dún Laoghaire Harbour.

Saturday was about each of us sharing a SWOT on our businesses and inviting feedback - so not really looking at the wider market, more self-analysis.

All three of us have businesses that are growing and we are excited about 2025, but very wary of client/customer/patient confidence as the year unfolds.

We all agree that the effect of Labour hitting Employers is yet to be felt. That it could be tough and that only the strongest and most agile will be safe.

James is optimistic about how digital workflow, 3D printing and guided dentistry will not only create a better experience for patients, team and clinicians, but also address the issue of rising operating costs in dentistry, by reversing that trend.

Chris Barrowman is optimistic about creating an independently-owned (and funded) micro-corporate in which both team and clinicians are recruited, trained, coached and mentored to realise their full potential.

Me? - I'm excited and feeling very blessed that The Extreme Business 100 is as busy as ever, and that we will continue navigating through stormy waters with the power of community as well as coaching.

I'm also very committed to investing time, money and people into the development of The Extreme Business Academy© (our e-learning platform) to reach out to and assist more people in dentistry - plans will follow as the year evolves.

It was a SWOT, and we were all very realistic about the challenges we face and the inherent weaknesses in each of our businesses - but all three of us have come away from the sessions with a renewed sense of commitment to success.

My message to the boys on Sunday afternoon:

"Just a quick note to say a huge “thank you” for your company over the last 24 hours - yet again, a chance to gain perspective, honest feedback, tough love and clarity - and that’s me talking about me! Plus the craic. Priceless and here’s to Pitlochry 2026. Safe travels both."