In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist, entrepreneur, leadership strategist, and founder of LeadOD, Dr. Ben Thayil, for a thoughtful and transformative conversation about leadership, purpose, authenticity, and the inner work required for meaningful growth.

What begins as a discussion about leadership development quickly evolves into a deeper exploration of personal transformation. Dr. Thayil shares the foundational belief behind his leadership philosophy: true leadership growth starts on the inside. Professional success, business growth, and external achievement can only expand to the level that a person has developed internally.

Throughout the conversation, Katie and Ben openly discuss therapy, emotional healing, childhood experiences, and the hidden struggles that often exist beneath outward success. Ben reflects on the realization that many of the barriers limiting his professional growth were not external obstacles, but unresolved personal challenges that required deeper self awareness and intentional work.

Katie shares her own journey toward greater authenticity and alignment, reflecting on the freedom that comes from embracing vulnerability and showing up as her true self rather than trying to meet external expectations.

Together, they explore topics including burnout, emotional intelligence, parenting, purpose driven work, identity, and the importance of seeing people as individuals rather than positions or titles. They also discuss how healthcare professionals often underestimate the profound impact they have on the lives of their patients.

One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is the idea that purpose transforms ordinary work into meaningful service. Whether answering phones, scheduling appointments, caring for patients, leading teams, or raising children, connecting daily actions to a deeper purpose creates greater engagement, fulfillment, and impact.

This episode is a powerful reminder that growth begins with self awareness, leadership starts within, and authentic human connection remains one of the greatest gifts we can offer others.

Leadership growth begins with personal growth Leadership development is ultimately personal development. As people grow internally, their ability to lead, influence, and create meaningful impact naturally expands.

Authenticity reduces burnout and creates alignment Maintaining multiple versions of ourselves can be exhausting. Greater authenticity creates clarity, purpose, and sustainable energy.

Purpose transforms ordinary work into meaningful service When daily tasks are connected to a larger mission, engagement, fulfillment, and impact increase dramatically.

“Leadership development is personal growth with a title.”

“We build better organizations by building better people.”

“When we find ourselves stuck externally, it's often because we're stuck internally.”

Dr. Ben Thayil is an optometrist, entrepreneur, and leadership strategist based in South Florida.

As the founder of Lifetime Vision & Eye Care and LeadOD, he works at the intersection of healthcare and leadership, helping professionals build organizations that not only perform well, but align with the life they want to live.

His work focuses on a challenge many high achievers quietly face: creating external success while feeling fragmented internally.

That insight forms the foundation of his upcoming book, Big E Energy, where he introduces an inside out framework for leadership and life. The book challenges traditional ideas about productivity and energy, reframing energy not as hustle or output, but as the strength that comes from alignment.

Through coaching, speaking, and leadership development, Dr. Thayil helps leaders move from feeling exhausted and disconnected to becoming focused, resilient, and fully engaged in both life and work.

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

Website: http://www.LeadOD.com

In this deeply personal and emotional episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with longtime friend and optometrist Dr. Jon Crum for a heartfelt conversation about healing, resilience, faith, personal growth, and the unexpected ways life can come full circle.

The episode begins with reflections on their shared history, including opening an optometry practice together in Chino Hills in the early 1990s and navigating the difficult realities of an abusive relationship that deeply impacted not only family life, but also the workplace, staff, and patients around them.

With honesty and vulnerability, Katie revisits the life changing events of November 1st, 2001, the moment both she and Jon made decisions that ultimately transformed the trajectory of their lives. Katie reflects on leaving an abusive marriage and expresses deep gratitude toward Jon for encouraging her to take the difficult but necessary steps to protect herself and her daughters.

From there, the conversation evolves into a thoughtful exploration of healing, identity, and personal growth over time. Both guests reflect on how experiences such as divorce, faith, parenthood, and aging reshape priorities and deepen perspective.

Jon shares his excitement about entering a new chapter of life, including finding love again later in life and preparing for a future engagement after enduring a difficult divorce. Katie reflects on redefining herself beyond past trauma, learning to trust her own voice, and embracing a more grounded and authentic approach to life.

Throughout the episode, themes of forgiveness, emotional safety, healthy relationships, faith, and second chances are woven together with warmth, humor, and deep mutual respect.

This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, growth can emerge from pain, and life can still surprise you with joy, purpose, and meaningful connection, even after the hardest seasons.

Healing often begins with difficult decisions Both Katie and Jon reflect on the painful but necessary choices required to leave unhealthy situations and create space for healthier futures.

Growth changes what we value most Life experience shifts perspective toward emotional safety, faith, authenticity, family, and meaningful connection over external appearances or expectations.

Second chances are possible at any stage of life Finding peace, love, and fulfillment is not limited by age or past experiences. Healing and joy can still emerge after life’s hardest chapters.

“I’m living my best life now.”

“There’s always that one person out there that you’re destined to be with.”

“The only way you move to the next level is to see what wisdom comes from the experience.”

Dr. Jon M. Crum is a principal of Crum Optometric Group, Inc. and a stakeholder in Total Vision Holdings, LLC, with more than three decades of experience in optometric leadership and business management.

Born in Fullerton, California, Jon attended University of California, Los Angeles, earning a degree in Psychobiology in 1986. He later received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry in 1990 and has practiced in the same Chino Hills location for more than 33 years.

Beyond optometry, Jon is deeply committed to genealogical research and American historical preservation. He is an active member of several lineage based organizations, including the Sons of the American Revolution, the Society of Colonial Wars, the Jamestowne Society, and The Order of the First Families of Maryland.

He is also involved with Wreaths Across America and collaborates with the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum on educational outreach efforts for the America 250 semiquincentennial initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Website https://drjoncrum.com/

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu welcomes back repeat guest Tony Sommer for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about authenticity, growth, fear, family, and the wisdom that comes through life experience.

Recorded once again in Atlanta, the episode reflects the comfort and familiarity that has developed since their first conversation months earlier. What begins with lighthearted discussions about pollen, travel, and Disney gradually unfolds into a meaningful exploration of identity, grounding, and what it truly means to live authentically.

Tony shares his deep connection to the field of myopia management, revealing how his own experience with progressive myopia prevented him from becoming a fighter pilot after attending the Air Force Academy. What initially felt like a personal loss ultimately became the driving force behind his passion for helping clinicians protect children’s vision and future opportunities.

The conversation also dives into vulnerability and fear. Tony openly shares his lifelong fear of heights despite serving in the military and becoming a parachutist in an effort to confront that fear directly. Katie reflects on her own journey toward authenticity, explaining how she has stopped trying to remove her conversational quirks and instead embraced simply being herself.

Together, they discuss the wisdom that comes from life’s trials, including parenting adult children, healing from childhood trauma, learning patience, and releasing the need to control every outcome. Katie speaks candidly about learning disabilities and the coping mechanisms she developed from childhood experiences, while Tony reflects on the growing importance of family, grounding, and multigenerational connection in his life.

Throughout the episode, both return to one central truth: growth does not come from avoiding challenges. It comes from remaining grounded, present, and authentic while moving through them.

This episode is a warm, vulnerable, and deeply human reminder that wisdom is not about having everything figured out. It is about continuing to learn, adapt, and show up honestly as yourself.

Authenticity creates freedom and connection Both Katie and Tony reflect on how embracing quirks, fears, and imperfections creates deeper connection and removes the exhaustion of constantly performing different versions of yourself.

Wisdom is built through life experience and reflection Parenting, trauma, career pivots, setbacks, and personal challenges all become opportunities for growth when approached with reflection and openness.

Fear does not have to stop action Despite a lifelong fear of heights, Tony became a military parachutist and continues pushing himself outside his comfort zone. Courage is action despite fear, not the absence of it.

“Authenticity is critical… you can’t be different people all the time.”

“I’m not late, I’m on time. I’m safe and I’m present.”

“The only way you can move to the next level is to see what wisdom comes from the experience.”

Tony Sommer brings more than two decades of leadership experience in specialty vision care and medical technology, combining commercial strategy with a deeply purpose driven approach to innovation.

Most recently, Tony served as General Manager, Americas, for CooperVision Specialty EyeCare, where he led growth across the United States, Canada, and Latin America while advancing specialty lens adoption and myopia management initiatives.

Prior to CooperVision, he served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Visioneering Technologies, helping launch and scale the NaturalVue portfolio and build the company’s U.S. commercial infrastructure from the ground up.

Earlier in his career, Tony led the U.S. Vision Care Sales organization at Bausch + Lomb, guiding teams through major periods of market transformation and growth.

Before entering the eye care industry, Tony served as a U.S. Air Force officer and combat veteran, deploying in support of Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. His military experience shaped the leadership philosophy he carries today: mission driven, team focused, and centered on meaningful outcomes.

Tony lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and their three children. He continues to advocate globally for access to vision care and for developing the next generation of leaders who serve both patients and purpose.

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

Latest Project | Treehouse Eyes: https://www.treehouseeyes.com/

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with executive coach, leadership advisor, minister, and author Torrian Scott for a powerful and deeply faith centered conversation about purpose, identity, leadership, and trusting God through life’s unexpected transitions.

Torrian shares his journey from growing up in Houston, Texas, raised by a devoted family despite early hardships, to becoming a leader who has coached CEOs, entrepreneurs, NBA coaches, and business owners around the world. At the center of his story is a lifelong passion for helping people recognize their purpose, develop their potential, and lead with intention.

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Torrian reflects on one of the biggest shifts of his life, closing the church he pastored for nearly a decade after sensing God redirecting him into a new season. He opens up about wrestling with identity after spending more than 20 years primarily known as “Pastor Torrian,” and learning that titles and positions do not define who he is.

Katie shares her own parallel journey, realizing that her optometry practice, podcast, and storytelling work are all forms of ministry beyond the walls of a church. Together, they explore how faith shows up not only in traditional ministry, but also in leadership, business, kindness, healthcare, coaching, and everyday human connection.

Throughout the episode, themes of courage, action, and trust are woven into every story. Torrian speaks passionately about the danger of allowing fear, people pleasing, or self doubt to prevent someone from becoming who they were created to be. Both he and Katie reflect on learning to quiet outside noise and fully trust God’s direction, even when the next step feels uncertain.

This episode is a powerful reminder that faith is not passive. It requires movement, courage, and the willingness to step boldly into the purpose God has prepared for you.

Titles and roles do not define identity Stepping away from familiar roles can reveal that identity is rooted in who God says we are, not in titles, positions, or seasons of life.

Faith requires action, not just belief Faith is not passive hope. It is moving forward despite uncertainty and trusting God through every step of the process.

Purpose is fulfilled through serving others Whether through ministry, business, healthcare, coaching, or storytelling, purpose ultimately comes down to helping people and bringing light into their lives.

“The greatest tragedy is meeting the person you should have been.”

“Faith is action. It’s not wishing and hoping.”

“Roles don’t define me. Titles don’t define me. God defines me.”

Torrian Scott is an executive leadership advisor, speaker, entrepreneur, and faith driven leader with more than 20 years of experience helping leaders and organizations unlock their full potential.

As the founder of Mastery Advisory Group and Masters in the Marketplace, Torrian equips executives, entrepreneurs, and high performing leaders to discover purpose, develop their potential, and create meaningful impact through leadership.

His work spans corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors, where he coaches decision makers to lead with clarity, conviction, and strategic execution.

Torrian is passionate about helping people move beyond fear, embrace purpose, and lead from a place of authenticity, courage, and faith.

Website: https://www.torrianscott.com

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

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

Instagram | Men’s Leadership: https://www.instagram.com/lionsleadinglions

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist and practice owner Dr. Ryan Corte for an engaging and reflective conversation that blends storytelling with meaningful self exploration.

Recorded in Tampa during a professional training event, this episode follows the podcast’s signature “soft shoes and hard shoes” format, guiding both guests through questions that uncover identity, growth, purpose, and defining life moments.

Dr. Corte shares his journey from growing up in the Midwest to building a multi location practice in North Carolina. He reflects on the leap of faith it took to leave what was familiar and step into something uncertain, as well as the early experiences that shaped his leadership mindset. One pivotal moment came during optometry school, where losing a leadership role challenged his assumptions and pushed him to embrace preparation, humility, and personal accountability.

Katie shares her own deeply personal reflections, particularly around her evolving sense of purpose later in life. She speaks openly about navigating uncertainty, redefining what her next chapter looks like, and building a purpose driven ecosystem that extends beyond patient care into storytelling, faith, and creative impact.

Together, they explore how life’s challenges shape identity, from career decisions to personal struggles. The conversation highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with positive energy, embracing vulnerability, and recognizing that growth often comes from moments of discomfort, humility, and risk.

At its core, this episode is about becoming intentional, choosing growth over comfort, and trusting that even uncertain steps can lead exactly where you are meant to be.

Growth often begins with humility and self awareness Early challenges can reveal blind spots and create the opportunity to develop discipline, preparation, and a stronger leadership mindset.

Purpose evolves and requires intentional action Finding meaning is not a one time decision. It is an ongoing process that often requires stepping into new roles and redefining impact over time.

Taking risks leads to growth Whether it is moving, investing in a business, or starting something new, the moments that feel uncertain often become the most defining.

“I can’t keep going on just expecting things… I need to put in the work.”

“I realized I needed to figure out what my purpose in life is.”

“Sometimes it’s a leap of faith… and you trust that it’s leading you where you’re meant to be.”

Dr. Ryan Corte is the owner of Reflect Vision Care, a multi location optometry practice serving Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina.

He is known for integrating the latest contact lens technology and delivering high quality care to patients of all ages. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Corte actively supports other eye care professionals in growing and strengthening their practices through education, training, and mentorship.

He is a speaker and educator within the optometric industry, contributing to training programs, podcasts, product launches, and doctor led sessions focused on innovation, practice growth, and patient care.

As the founder of Ryan Reflects, he is passionate about both doctor and consumer education, helping people better understand eye health and the business of optometry.

Outside of work, Dr. Corte enjoys working out and spending time with his wife, children, family, and friends

Website https://www.ryancorte.com/

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

Instagram https://instagram.com/RyanReflects/

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with two of her closest colleagues and friends, Dr. Dana Salgado and Dr. Dawn M. Tuminello, for a deeply personal conversation that goes far beyond optometry.

Recorded during a training event in Tampa, this episode blends laughter, honesty, and vulnerability as the three reflect on their journeys through career, personal growth, and the evolving nature of confidence.

What begins as a lighthearted discussion quickly deepens into meaningful reflections on life decisions, self doubt, and the courage required to grow. Dr. Salgado shares a powerful story about choosing to keep her practice open despite financial advice to close it, guided by her commitment to a loyal patient community. Dr. Tuminello speaks openly about reinventing herself later in life and embracing new opportunities without fear.

A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the gap between how confident we appear on the outside and what we feel internally. Together, they explore imposter syndrome, vulnerability, and the importance of sharing struggles openly as a form of strength rather than weakness.

One of the most powerful aspects of this episode is the emphasis on friendship and connection. Despite living in different parts of the country and only seeing each other occasionally, their bond provides support, perspective, and a reminder that no one has to navigate growth alone.

The episode closes with reflections on what makes people feel safe and understood, highlighting the importance of authenticity, compassion, and being truly seen.

This conversation is a reminder that growth is not linear, confidence is built over time, and having the right people in your corner can make all the difference.

Confidence and vulnerability can coexist Even highly accomplished professionals experience self doubt. True confidence often grows when we allow ourselves to be open, honest, and human.

Growth requires trusting yourself, even when others disagree Whether it is keeping a business open or stepping into something new, trusting your intuition is a key part of personal and professional evolution.

Connection creates resilience Having people who genuinely listen, support, and uplift you can transform how you move through challenges and growth.

“I don’t know what we would do if you weren’t here.”

“I really don’t care what anybody thinks about the decisions that I make.”

“I am shy… I’m not as confident as I appear.”

Dr. Dana Salgado is a private practice optometrist with two locations in upstate New York, one in Albany and one in Chatham.

Her career includes experience in retail optometry and ophthalmology, with a specialty in postoperative care and glaucoma co management. She is affiliated with Vision Source, ADO, and HEA groups.

Dr. Salgado currently serves as Chair of the New York State Board of Optometry, completing her second five year term, and also serves on Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO). She has represented New York at national meetings and continues to play an active role in shaping the profession.

She is also Treasurer of the Albany Executives Association and serves as a mentor for women who are small business owners. Her work has been featured in Modern Optometry.

Dr. Dawn M. Tuminello is a Doctor of Optometry and founder of Eye Was Framed Eyecare, a private practice she established in 2006 with a focus on personalized, patient centered care.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry.

Known affectionately as “Dr. Dawn,” she has built her career around truly listening to patients and helping them find the best solutions for their vision and overall eye health. She is also a respected lecturer, sharing her expertise with fellow optometrists on topics ranging from retinal disease to advanced contact lens care.

Outside of her practice, Dr. Dawn enjoys creating artwork, exploring bookstores and galleries, and traveling with her husband, always seeking meaningful and inspiring experiences.

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with veteran optometrist Dr. David I. Geffen for a reflective and wide ranging conversation about longevity, leadership, and the moments that reshape how we see life.

With more than 40 years in practice, Dr. Geffen shares both the professional lessons and deeply personal experiences that have defined his journey. One of the most profound moments came just a year prior, when he underwent open heart surgery, an experience that forced him to confront mortality and reevaluate what truly matters.

The conversation explores how life changing events can act as a reset, bringing clarity around health, family, and perspective. Dr. Geffen reflects on what it means to continue living with intention after being given a second chance.

Leadership is another key theme. Early in his career, he believed he needed to control every detail of his practice. Over time, he realized that true growth came from letting go, trusting his team, and empowering others to step into their roles.

Beyond career, the episode highlights the richness of life through family, particularly the joy he finds in spending time with his grandchildren, and the simple daily routines, like music and learning something new, that bring lasting fulfillment.

Katie adds her own perspective, sharing her journey of finding her voice, managing stress, and embracing personal storytelling through her podcast and writing.

Together, they explore what it means to outgrow old versions of ourselves, stay curious, and continue evolving, no matter how long you have been in your profession.

This episode is a powerful reminder that success is not just about longevity. It is about growth, perspective, and continuing to find meaning in both the big moments and the everyday ones.

Life changing moments redefine priorities Major health events can create a pause that brings clarity to what truly matters, including health, family, and how we choose to spend our time.

Great leadership requires letting go of control Trying to manage everything yourself can limit growth. Trusting and empowering your team allows both the business and the leader to evolve.

Lifelong learning keeps life and work meaningful Curiosity, learning new skills, and staying engaged are what keep both career and life fulfilling, even after decades of experience.

“When you go into an OR… you think, I might not wake up.”

“I thought I had to control everything… and that’s what was holding my practice back.”

“If I stop learning, that’s when it’s time to stop.”

Dr. David I. Geffen is a board certified optometrist and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry with more than 40 years of experience in clinical care, research, and education.

He serves as Director of Optometric and Refractive Services at the Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla, California, where he specializes in refractive and cataract surgery co management, specialty contact lenses, and advanced anterior segment care.

A nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Geffen has delivered over 500 presentations and authored more than 100 publications in leading industry journals. He has also led more than 50 clinical trials with some of the world’s top ophthalmic and contact lens companies.

Known for advancing collaborative care between optometry and ophthalmology, he continues to shape the future of eye care through innovation, education, and mentorship.

Website https://www.gwsvision.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lasiksandiego?ref=ts

Instagram https://instagram.com/gwsvision/