In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with fellow optometrist and entrepreneur Dr. Chris Smiley for an inspiring conversation about leadership, gratitude, personal growth, and having the courage to bet on yourself.

Chris shares how an unexpected change in his career plans led him to purchase an optometry practice straight out of school, eventually growing it into a thriving business with six offices and 50 employees. Along the way, he learned that leadership sometimes requires making uncomfortable decisions, establishing healthy boundaries, and recognizing when it's time for change.

Katie and Chris also explore the importance of gratitude and finding joy in everyday moments. Katie shares a touching experience with a young patient who reminded her of the impact we can have on others, while Chris reflects on how focusing on positive experiences helps him stay connected to what truly matters.

The conversation becomes more personal as Katie discusses betting on herself by moving forward with her Journey of Discovery experience despite challenges securing sponsorships. Together, they explore the importance of reconnecting with your purpose, especially when the pressures of business and life begin to overshadow the passion that brought you there.

Ultimately, it's a conversation about trusting yourself, embracing uncertainty, and remembering that a fulfilling life is built on more than professional success. Sometimes the greatest opportunities come when you're willing to take a chance on yourself.

Good leadership sometimes requires uncomfortable decisions. Chris reflects on the challenges of making difficult staffing decisions and recognizing when change is necessary for a business and its people to grow.

Healthy boundaries strengthen relationships. Whether managing employees or navigating family relationships, Katie and Chris discuss how clear boundaries create healthier expectations and stronger connections.

Betting on yourself means moving forward without guarantees. From Chris's unexpected journey into practice ownership to Katie's Journey of Discovery experience, both share why meaningful growth often begins when you stop waiting for perfect circumstances.

“I think just as you share, it can be very, very helpful once you get through that hard part of this.”

“Practicing gratitude kind of like realigns me back to like what really matters.”

“We see each other professionally, but we don't always get to see each other personally.”

Dr. Chris Smiley is the owner of Vision Professionals, a multi-location private optometry practice serving Central Ohio. A 2001 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry, he entered practice ownership immediately after graduation and has since built a thriving organization specializing in patient-centered care and specialty contact lenses.

Dr. Smiley serves as a clinical preceptor for contact lens residents at Ohio State and as faculty advisor for the Private Practice Club. He also represents Ohio as a VSP State Ambassador.

Beyond his practice, Chris consults with industry partners, participates in clinical research, and mentors aspiring optometric entrepreneurs. He is passionate about leadership, business growth, and helping the next generation of optometrists succeed.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csmileyod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csmileyod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csmileyod

Vision Professionals: https://www.visionprofessionals.com/