Leadership Isn’t a Skill You’re Born With
But, It Is One You Can Learn
You’re in the right place if you want to learn how to lead with clarity, build a stronger team, and create a practice that thrives.
Most Practice Owners Are Thrown Into Leadership Without a Playbook
We’re here to change that…
…for good.
You’re a high-performing professional. But when it comes to leadership, team culture, and communication, it can feel like you’re making it up as you go.
And that’s not your fault.
At Pugh Leadership Academy, we know private practice leadership doesn’t come with a manual. You’re expected to manage a team, build systems, solve problems, and lead with confidence, without ever being taught how. That’s why we created practical, real-world training to help you bridge that gap.
Whether you’re struggling to retain team members or simply want to grow a more freedom-driven business, you don’t have to figure it out alone anymore.
We Teach Practice Owners the Leadership Skills They Were Never Taught in School
Our goal is simple: to help you lead your team with clarity and build a culture that fuels long-term success, not burnout. We believe great leadership is intentional, teachable, and the foundation for a thriving business and a fulfilling life.
We Keep It Practical
Our coaching and courses are designed for real-life practices with simple, actionable steps that can be implemented right away.
Practices Built for Freedom
Your practice should support your life, not consume it. Everything we teach helps you create systems, culture, and leadership habits that free you up, not burn you out.
We’ve Been Behind the Scenes
Pugh Leadership Academy was born from years of real experience inside a private dental practice. We understand the challenges and their solutions because we’ve lived through them.
From Behind the Scenes to Frontline Leadership Training
Pugh Leadership Academy was founded by Jody Pugh—a leadership coach, podcast host, and the husband of a private practice dentist.
With 16+ years of experience helping lead his wife’s practice and a background as an MBA-trained, corporate-certified trainer, Jody brings a rare blend of business strategy and people-first leadership to the dental world.
Today, Pugh Leadership Academy offers accessible, down-to-earth leadership education through courses, coaching, and content designed to help private practice owners lead with clarity, confidence, and joy.
The Pugh Leadership Academy Team
Jody Pugh
Founder & Leadership Coach
Jody has been an integral part of our practice since it first opened back in 2006. Coming into dentistry with a marketing background, Jody was jaded by the fact that most of today’s marketing is focused on separating people from their money as opposed to helping them solve their problems.
That’s why he is OBSESSED with really helping our patients and always being 100% honest and transparent. Before becoming our practice manager, Jody was a corporate trainer and was a certified facilitator for several programs, including 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Jody is proud of the practice they have built, but more proud to be Dr Pugh's husband and Ethan and Avery’s dad?
When he isn’t cheering on his son during his football and basketball games or his daughter during her track meets and mock trials, you’ll often find the family just relaxing together watching sports.
Dr. Melanie Pugh, DMD, PA
Private Practice Dentist & Leadership Advisor
MELANIE PUGH, DMD, PA is a practicing dentist and private practice owner in Bonita Springs, Florida. Together with her husband, Jody, they operate what Melanie calls ”my dream practice.” With over 30 years of dental experience, Dr. Pugh learned from experiences in public health, DSOs, and as a private practice owner. A mentor to associates and her staff, she became a dentist for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Barbara
Office Manager
Barb has worked in the dental field for over 40 years, has managed, been a corporate trainer for a national dental practice, built systems, managed people and mentored young doctors extraordinarily well. She has been one of the most important building blcoks of our dental practice success.
When Barbara isn’t kayaking, hiking, doing yoga, or dancing (her favorite), you’ll most likely find her spending time with her adorable grandsons, Mylas and Walker.