About Bob
From the Heart
I've spent more than three decades in healthcare--from the bedside in rural hospitals to executive leadership in some of the largest academic health systems in the country. I've served as a nurse, Long-Term Care Administrator, Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and academic dean. I've helped lead organizations to ANCC Magnet® and Pathway to Excellence® recognition, and I've had the privilege of serving as President of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.
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But behind the titles and accolades is a deeper story--one shaped by my own journey through adversity, purpose, and healing.
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I've walked through the valleys of mental health struggles, burnout, and personal loss. These experiences didn't break me--they refined me. they gave me the insight and empathy I now bring to every coaching session, keynote, and consulting engagement. I know what it's like to carry the weight of leadership while silently wrestling with the burden of perfectionism and self-doubt.
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That is why I launched DBD Coaching and Consulting--to empower healthcare executives, nurse leaders, and emerging professionals to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage to obtain the outcomes they desire in their professional careers along with improved operational outcomes. I provide personalized transformative coaching, workplace culture consulting and global throught leadership--so you can lead from a place of strength, not survival.
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Whether you're navigating complexity, managing change, or simply trying to find your way back to purpose--I'm here to walk with you. For more of my story, click here.
Mission
To empower leaders, enhance workplace culture, and drive sustainable performance improvements.
Vision
To spark a global movement of purpose-driven healthcare leadership that rehumanize care and transforms the future of well-being.
Core Values
Lead with Purpose, Live with Meaning
At the heart of everything I do is a calling—to help others align who they are with how they lead. Leadership is sacred work, and it begins by knowing your “why” and living it fully.
Well-Being Is Sacred
I believe true leadership starts with caring for the whole person—body, mind, heart, and spirit. I create space for leaders to heal, grow, and lead from a place of wholeness, so they can help others do the same.
Real Over Perfect
I believe in showing up as I am—with humility, courage, and vulnerability. Authentic leadership builds trust and connection, especially in the hard and holy moments.
Excellence Rooted in Compassion
Greatness doesn’t come from ego—it comes from empathy. I strive for excellence by honoring people, creating belonging, and leading with a deep belief in what’s possible.
Legacy Through Service
I lead to lift others. My impact is measured in the lives I touch, the cultures I shape, and the hope I leave behind. This is more than work—it’s a legacy of love, leadership, and faith.
My Pillars
Awards & Recognition
Dr. Bob Dent’s leadership journey has been marked by national, state, and organizational honors that reflect his impact on nursing practice, healthcare transformation, and compassionate leadership.
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2023 | AMSN “The Tony Award” Recipient
Honored by the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses for extraordinary contributions to nursing practice and healthcare transformation. Presented at the AMSN Annual Conference in Las Vegas. -
2020 | Georgia March of Dimes Nurse of the Year – Nursing Administration
Recognized for outstanding achievement in leadership and administration during the 2021 awards ceremony. -
2020 | DAISY Nurse Leader Award
Presented during Nurses Week for exemplary leadership and compassionate response during the COVID-19 crisis. -
2016 | Richard Hader Visionary Leader Award – Nursing Management
Celebrated at the Nursing Management Congress for promoting the art and science of nursing and advancing the human connection in care. -
2014 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Distinguished Alumni Award
Honored for significant contributions to the professional practice of nursing, presented at the School of Nursing Commencement in Lubbock, TX. -
2014 | Texas Organization of Nurse Executives (TONE) Excellence in Leadership Award
Awarded for state-level impact on nursing practice, presented at both the Texas Hospital Association and TONE Leadership Conferences. -
2010 | Healthcare Leadership Award – Clairvia
Recognized at the Clairvia Client Conference in Orlando for pioneering innovative practices in nursing leadership and operations. -
2006 | Modern Healthcare “Up & Comer of the Year”
Named one of 12 national honorees under age 40 making significant contributions to healthcare leadership, management, and policy. -
2004 | Vision Award – Operational Excellence – Banner Desert Medical Center
Honored for advancing high-performance outcomes and team success in hospital operations.