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/

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with fellow optometrist, educator, and entrepreneur Dr. Kriti Bhagat for an honest conversation about resilience, vulnerability, finding your voice, and embracing life's unexpected changes.

Kriti shares how an exciting career opportunity turned into a devastating setback when she relocated to Rhode Island, only to discover that her new position was no longer available. What initially brought uncertainty and self-doubt eventually opened doors to new experiences, professional growth, and the confidence to build her own optometry practice.

The conversation becomes deeply personal as Katie reflects on her breast cancer journey and the moment she realized that being strong didn't mean hiding her emotions. She and Kriti explore the expectations women often face to remain composed, put others first, and stay quiet, even when finding their own voice is exactly what they need.

They also discuss difficult relationship decisions, overcoming the fear of starting something new, and learning that asking for help is a strength rather than a weakness. Kriti shares how building her practice taught her that she didn't need to have every answer before taking the first step.

Ultimately, it's a conversation about discovering that strength doesn't always look the way we expect. Sometimes it means allowing yourself to be vulnerable, trusting your instincts, and finding the courage to move forward even when the path ahead is uncertain.

Strength doesn't always mean holding everything together. Katie and Kriti reflect on how vulnerability, uncertainty, and allowing yourself to experience difficult emotions can be important parts of resilience and healing.

Setbacks can create unexpected opportunities. What initially felt like a devastating career setback ultimately helped Kriti discover new possibilities and build the confidence to create something of her own.

You don't need to have everything figured out. Starting something new can feel overwhelming, but curiosity, determination, and a willingness to ask for help can take you further than waiting until you feel completely ready.

“At that time, I did not think there were any good reasons for this.”

“It is okay to be showing vulnerability.”

“You don't have to have all those answers.”

Dr. Kriti Bhagat, OD, FAAO, is an accomplished optometrist, educator, and entrepreneur. She is the founder and owner of Eyediology Vision in Providence, Rhode Island, where she specializes in corneal health and specialty contact lenses.

A Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, Dr. Bhagat has built a career spanning clinical practice, education, research, and leadership. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at Salus University, has published numerous professional articles, and regularly speaks at industry conferences. Her contributions to education earned her the Pennsylvania College of Optometry's Professor of the Year award.

Beyond her practice, Kriti serves on the boards of the Rhode Island Optometric Association and Junior Achievement of Rhode Island. She is passionate about mentoring others, advancing eye care, and helping the next generation of professionals succeed.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kriti-bhagat-9a40b9218/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brew.reading

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with longtime friend, fellow optometrist, and entrepreneur Dr. Osama Said for an honest conversation about success, family, perfectionism, personal growth, and learning when it's time to let go.

Osama shares his journey from electrical engineering into optometry, eventually building a successful group of practices before selling to private equity. Along the way, he discovered that growing a business meant learning to delegate, trusting others, and accepting that perfection isn't always necessary for success.

The conversation becomes more personal as Katie and Osama reflect on raising daughters and the challenges of watching them become independent adults. Osama admits that letting go has been harder than expected, while Katie shares how becoming an empty nester has opened the door to rediscovering herself, writing books, and pursuing new passions.

They also explore the expectations we carry throughout life, from the desire to please our parents to the pressure to keep achieving more. Katie opens up about finding the courage to leave an abusive marriage and why she now feels ready to share more of her story.

Ultimately, it's a conversation about recognizing that success doesn't always mean doing more. Sometimes the greatest growth comes from accepting what you've accomplished, releasing what you can no longer control, and giving yourself permission to enjoy the next chapter.

Letting go can be one of the hardest parts of success. Whether it's delegating responsibilities in business or allowing your children to become independent, growth sometimes means stepping back and trusting others to find their own way.

Perfection isn't the goal. Osama learned that allowing others to take responsibility, even when they approach things differently, creates opportunities for everyone to grow.

Every new chapter brings new possibilities. Katie and Osama reflect on redefining success, questioning old expectations, and discovering that personal growth doesn't stop when you've achieved your goals.

“It's hard for me to let go of them, although they are ready to fly.”

“Perfection really isn't attainable.”

“I'm actually having the best time of my life right now.”

Dr. Osama Said is an experienced optometrist and entrepreneur based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Throughout his career, he has built and managed multiple optometry practices, developing extensive experience in business growth, leadership, and patient care.

Specializing in comprehensive eye examinations, vision correction, and eye health, Dr. Said is committed to providing personalized care while helping patients maintain healthy vision.

His journey from engineering to optometry and entrepreneurship reflects his passion for learning, building businesses, and embracing new opportunities.

MyEyeDr: https://www.myeyedr.com/