Best Optometry Australia Podcasts (2026)

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2025 Holiday Episode: Eye Care Community Voice 17:04

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9h ago17:04

17:04

As we close out another year on The Focused View, we wanted to pause the usual format and do something truly special. In this special holiday episode, we bring together one standout piece of advice from some of our past guests. You'll also hear their personal messages to the eye care community, reflections, encouragement, and what they hope we carr…

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EP43: Beyond the Brochure: Raising Optical Standards Through Lens Knowledge with Grant Hannaford 1:19:32

14d ago1:19:32

1:19:32

What if the biggest breakthroughs in patient outcomes aren't found in new lens technologies…but in how deeply you understand the ones you already use? In this episode, we peel back the layers of lens design as Michael Nasser sits down with Dr Grant Hannaford, Doctor of Ophthalmic Science and co-founder of the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics (…

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Toyota Thinking for Knowledge Work: Don Kieffer on Dynamic Work Design 50:31

27d ago50:31

50:31

Don Kieffer has spent more than fifty years redesigning how real work gets done. In this episode, he explains why so many improvement efforts stall—and how Dynamic Work Design offers a clearer, more practical way forward. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Don traces his path from machinist to Vice President of Operational Excellence at …

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EP42: Beyond the Plateau: Modernising and Reigniting Your Practice for Growth with Erich Mattei - Part 2 1:03:09

27d ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Every practice reaches that moment when growth feels …stuck, and you can sense there's more potential, but you're not quite sure where to find it. The good news? There is a way to go beyond the plateau. In continuation of Michael's conversation with Erich Mattei of Akrinos, they discuss how eye care professionals can modernise, expand, and grow in …

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EP41: Lessons in Leadership and Ownership: Shaina Zheng's Guide for Emerging Independents 56:50

2M ago56:50

56:50

Everyone dreams of running their own practice until they realise that it's more than just caring for patients. In this episode, we are joined by Shaina Zheng, a clinical optometrist and practice owner, to unpack the unexpected chaos behind the consultation room. Shaina gets real and opens up about her culture shock on ownership, their biggest chall…

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Lean Leadership Routines That Sustain Results: Darren Walsh on Moving Beyond Firefighting 52:57

2M ago52:57

52:57

My guest for Episode #539 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Darren Walsh, author of Making Lean and Continuous Improvement Work: A Leader’s Guide to Increasing Consistency and Getting Significantly More Done in Less Time. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Darren is the Director and Leadership Coach at Making Lean Work Ltd and holds…

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EP40: The Leap Into Ownership: Strategies for Emerging Optometry Practice Owners with Erich Mattei - Part 1 34:50

2M ago34:50

34:50

You've finally decided, you want to own your own practice. But then comes the big question: where do I even start? Should you build one from scratch or take over an existing practice? It's exciting… but also a little overwhelming, right? In this episode, Erich Mattei of Akrinos is back to unpack what it really takes to step into practice ownership …

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Why Leaders Get Trapped in Firefighting — Nelson Repenning on Lean and Dynamic Work Design 56:10

2M ago56:10

56:10

My guest for Episode #538 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Nelson Repenning, Faculty Director of the MIT Leadership Center and co-creator of Dynamic Work Design. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Nelson describes himself as an "organizational engineer," helping leaders redesign the routines and decisions that determine how work re…

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Psychological Safety and Quality — C.J. Kaufman on the ASQ Cincinnati 2025 Conference 15:22

2M ago15:22

15:22

In this special bonus episode of Lean Blog Interviews, Mark Graban is joined by C.J. Kaufman, Education Chair for the ASQ Cincinnati Section, to preview the ASQ Southwest Ohio 2025 Conference, themed “Excellence Through Quality.” Episode page with transcript, video, and more Taking place Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Mason, Ohio, the event brings …

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EP39: Building a Patient-Centric Optical Flow: From Core Values to Practice Success with Joy Livingood Gibb 1:05:22

2M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

In this episode, we are joined by Joy Livingood Gibb, a veteran in the optical industry with nearly 40 years of experience. From independent optician work to mobile services and now practice management in Utah, Joy has seen it all, and she's still as passionate as ever. Throughout the conversation, Joy shares her journey from wearing glasses at six…

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Caroline Greenlee & Chris Butterworth on Caring Cultures, Psychological Safety, and Lean 51:05

3M ago51:05

51:05

My guests for Episode #537 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast are Caroline Greenlee and Chris Butterworth, two of the three co-authors (with Chris Warner) of the book Why Care: How Thriving Individuals Create Thriving Cultures of Continuous Improvement Within Organizations. Episode page with transcript and more In this conversation, we discuss the…

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Ask Us Anything! — Lean Coffee Talk with Mark Graban and Jamie Flinchbaugh 3:36

3M ago3:36

3:36

In this short bonus episode, I’m joined by my friend and Lean Coffee Talk co-host, Jamie Flinchbaugh. We’re inviting you — our listeners and fellow continuous-improvement thinkers — to help shape upcoming conversations. We’d love to hear your questions about Lean, leadership, culture, and problem-solving. The best discussions often start with the t…

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EP38: The Business of Wellbeing: Mindset, Focus, and Sustainable Success with Leanne Faulkner 1:00:20

3M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

By Opticare

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Carlos Scholz on Lean Healthcare Leadership and Psychological Safety 59:59

3M ago59:59

59:59

In Episode 536 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast, Mark Graban talks with Carlos Scholz, the new CEO of Episode page with video, transcript, and more In this episode, Carlos shares lessons from his Lean journey—starting with one-piece flow in apparel manufacturing and continuing through large-scale healthcare transformations. He explains why lasti…

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EP37: The Art and Heart Behind Elusive Miss Lou: Crafting Eyewear with Purpose with Louise and Teiger Sceats 56:14

3M ago56:14

56:14

By Opticare

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Previewing the LPPDE 2025 Conference with Geoff Neiley & Andrew Wagner 14:05

4M ago14:05

14:05

In this bonus episode of Lean Blog Interviews, host Mark Graban is joined by Geoff Neiley (chair) and Andrew Wagner (co-chair) of the Lean Product & Process Development Exchange (LPPDE). The 2025 North America Conference will be held October 27–30 in Milwaukee, bringing together Lean practitioners, leaders, and innovators to share insights on reduc…

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Profitable at Any Price: Lessons from Toyota, Daily Kaizen, and Safer Workplaces with Gregg Stocker 46:39

4M ago46:39

46:39

Episode blog post with video, transcript, and more My guest for Episode #535 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Gregg Stocker, a seasoned Lean practitioner, consultant, and author. Over the past 30+ years, Gregg has worked across industries, including oil and gas, energy services, manufacturing, and construction, guiding both independent operat…

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EP36: Specialising with Purpose: Building a Practice Around Behavioural Optometry and Beyond with Adrian Vecchio 49:52

4M ago49:52

49:52

For years, behavioural optometry has been labelled as controversial. But what if the results speak louder than the scepticism? In this episode, we are joined by Adrian Vecchio, optometrist and director of The Eye Collective, to explore the power of specialising with passion and purpose in optometry. From discovering behavioural optometry early in h…

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Dale Lucht on Leadership Habits That Sustain Lean Transformations 57:55

4M ago57:55

57:55

My guest for Episode #534 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Dale Lucht, co-author of the new book Don't Repeat Our Mistakes: Nine Lessons for Leaders Championing Cultural Transformations. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Dale has led Lean transformations in manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services, and he brings decades o…

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Episode 22: Rural and regional optometry practice 37:34

4M ago37:34

37:34

In this episode, optometrists Joyce Chan and Andrew Yue share their firsthand experiences of working in rural and regional practice. From the unique rewards to the unexpected challenges, they offer valuable insights and practical advice for anyone considering a career outside the city. Whether you’re an optometry student or simply curious about lif…

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Previewing the AME 2025 International Conference & Workshops with William Harvey 14:29

4M ago14:29

14:29

In this bonus episode of Lean Blog Interviews, Mark Graban is joined by William Harvey, AME 2025 Workshop Chair (and 2026 Conference Chair), to preview the AME Annual Conference coming up in St. Louis, October 6–9, 2025. Topics We Discuss ✅ Why AME is for all continuous improvement leaders—not just manufacturing ✅ The 2025 conference theme: Gateway…

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EP35: The Power of Young Optometrists: Supporting the Next Generation of Eye Care Professionals 47:27

4M ago47:27

47:27

What if you had a support network ready to answer your questions, guide you through your first grad role, and remind you why you chose optometry in the first place? That's exactly what Young Optometrists Network provides! In this episode, we are joined by Celine Zhang, Ann Tran, and Yeghia Gharibian from Young Optometrists (YO) Network, a volunteer…

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Building Independent, Empowered Teams Through 6 Transformational Leadership Habits, with Cheryl Jekiel 54:14

5M ago54:14

54:14

My guest for Episode #533 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Cheryl Jekiel, founder of the Lean Leadership Center and a longtime advocate for aligning continuous improvement with people-centered leadership. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Cheryl is the author of Lean Human Resources, and her latest book, Let Go to Lead: Six Habits…

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EP34: What We Can Learn from U.S. Optometry: A Cross-Market Conversation with Erich Mattei 57:54

5M ago57:54

57:54

Ever wonder how optometry practices in the US compare to those in Australia and what we can learn from each other? In this episode, we are joined by Erich Mattei, President + Chief Vision Officer of Akrinos, to explore the landscape of independent practice, the impact of private equity, the evolving scope of practice, and how technology & consumer …

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Coaching Relentless Problem Solvers and Building a Culture of Lean Thinking -- Anne Frewin's Leadership Approach 1:03:42

5M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

My guest for Episode #532 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Anne Frewin, a seasoned Lean leader with over 12 years of improvement experience in healthcare, laboratories, and manufacturing. Updated with the correct audio Episode page with video, transcript, and more Anne's background in finance and healthcare administration provided her with a …

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Patrick Adams Previews the 2025 Lean Solutions Summit in Detroit 20:26

5M ago20:26

20:26

In this bonus episode of Lean Blog Interviews, host Mark Graban welcomes back Patrick Adams, founder of the Lean Solutions team and author of Avoiding the Continuous Appearance Trap—a Shingo Publication Award-winning book. Patrick joins the show to preview the 2025 Lean Solutions Summit, taking place September 23–25 in Detroit, Michigan, at the Wes…

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Jared Thatcher on Growing the Global Lean Summit and Partnering with Toyota 10:39

5M ago10:39

10:39

In this bonus episode of Lean Blog Interviews, host Mark Graban talks with Jared Thatcher, founder of the Global Lean Summit, to preview the upcoming event taking place September 23–25, 2025 in Bloomington, Indiana. Jared shares the Summit’s origin story—from a virtual event launched during COVID lockdowns to a high-impact in-person gathering that …

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EP33: From Optometrist to Owner Building Confidence and Growing Independently with Amanda Duffy 47:36

5M ago47:36

47:36

What does it really take to go from being a new optometrist to owning two thriving independent practices before 30? In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Amanda Duffy, an optometrist and co‑owner of two practices, to talk about her journey as an eye care professional, her mindset, and the steps she took to confidently step into ownership. Fr…

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Melisa Buie on Lean Culture, Scientific Thinking, and Empowering Engineers 54:53

5M ago54:53

54:53

My guest for Episode #531 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Dr. Melisa Buie, a seasoned operations and engineering leader with decades of experience in high-tech manufacturing. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Melisa has held senior roles at companies like Lam Research, Applied Materials, and Coherent, where she led large-scale Le…

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Transforming Healthcare: Ken Segel on Lean, Shingo, and Operating Systems 48:52

6M ago48:52

48:52

My guest for Episode #530 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Ken Segel, Co-Founder and Chief Relationship Officer at Value Capture. Episode page with video and more With over two decades of experience in healthcare improvement, Ken has been instrumental in guiding Value Capture's mission: helping healthcare organizations pursue habitual excelle…

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EP32: Training and Recruitment Challenges in the Optical Profession with James Gibbins 50:13

6M ago50:13

50:13

Everyone loses when thousands of optical assistants are untrained. It's not their fault; it's just that they're out there performing optical services that they haven't got any idea about. – James Gibbins In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by James Gibbins, Director of Education at ACOD and one of the legends in Australia's optical industry, …

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Designing a Culture of Respect: Scott Gauvin's Insights from the Respect for People Roadmap 1:10:10

6M ago1:10:10

1:10:10

My guest for Episode #529 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Scott Gauvin, CEO of Macresco and co-creator of the Respect for People Roadmap. Episode page with video, transcript, and more With 30 years of experience leading operational transformations across sectors including biotech, pharma, agriculture, and manufacturing, Scott brings both a s…

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EP31: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 8 - Tough Talks, Stronger Team: How to Lead with Language and Intent 54:29

7M ago54:29

54:29

What if the real price of avoiding difficult conversations at work is losing your best team members and holding back your business growth? How much longer can you afford to stay silent? In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined again by Opticare’s Commercial Manager, Joanne Scott-Dostine, to dive into one of the most avoided yet essential parts of …

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Mark Reich, Former Toyota Leader on Hoshin Kanri and 'Managing on Purpose' 1:02:00

7M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

My guest for Episode #528 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Mark Reich, a Senior Lean Coach with the Lean Enterprise Institute and former Toyota leader with over two decades of experience. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Mark spent six years working in Japan, including helping launch the Lexus brand and later leading Hoshin Kanri…

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EP30: Digital Health and Evolving Scope of Optometry with Nicola Mountford 44:03

7M ago44:03

44:03

What does Digital health really mean in the context of optometry beyond the buzzwords? Nicola Mountford unpacks one of the most relevant topics in optometry as technology continues to reshape the healthcare landscape. In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Nicola Mountford, Optometry Advancement Advisor at Optometry Australia, to explore the …

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EP29: Craftsmanship and Sustainability: The Future of Eyewear with Chris Savage 54:58

8M ago54:58

54:58

"Sustainability doesn't have to be special, it can just be a normal part of eyewear manufacturing process," - Chris Savage's take on championing small batch eyewear manufacturing, environmental responsibility, and timeless design aesthetics. In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Chris Savage, a renowned eyewear designer and founder of Objekt…

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Inside the Lean Healthcare Accelerator Experience: Japan Insights with Dave Fitzpatrick 26:59

8M ago26:59

26:59

My guest for Episode #527 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Dave Fitzpatrick, co-founder of Zenkai Improvement Partners and a 30-year resident of Japan. Dave brings a unique perspective as a Canadian Lean practitioner who has worked extensively in both manufacturing and healthcare, guiding international leaders on immersive study experiences t…

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EP28: Leadership, Staff Motivation & Social Media for Practice Growth with Kayla Ashlee - Part 3 50:42

8M ago50:42

50:42

If your team isn't showing up the way you want, it might be time to look at your leadership. Because the truth is, thriving optical practices aren’t built on sales alone. They’re built on strong leadership, intentional training, and a team that feels seen, supported, and inspired. In this part 3 episode, Michael Nasser is back again with Kayle Ashl…

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EP27: Soft Skills & Human Connection in Optometry with Kayla Ashlee - Part 2 18:48

9M ago18:48

18:48

Can you truly build a human connection with your patient in just one minute? In part two of our conversation, Kayla Ashlee returns to share how “adult pacifiers,” aka our phones, are quietly killing patient relationships. She reveals how soft skills, when used intentionally, can restore and create an unforgettable patient experience. Kayla shares s…

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Lean for Profitable Growth: CEO Bill Canady on Lean, 80/20, and Daily Management 56:49

9M ago56:49

56:49

My guest for Episode #526 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Bill Canady, a seasoned global business executive, U.S. Navy veteran, and current CEO of Arrowhead Engineered Products. Episode page with transcript, video, and more Bill has led over 30 operating companies and thousands of employees across the industrial and consumer products landsca…

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EP26: The Power of Structured Training in Independent Optometry with Kayla Ashlee - Part 1 26:00

9M ago26:00

26:00

You can have the best inventory and marketing plan for your independent practice, but if your team isn't trained to back it up, it does no good to you - Kayla Ashlee. In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Kayla Ashlee, CEO of Spexy, a US-based optical training resource that addresses the most critical struggles of independent practices. Kayl…

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EP25: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 7 - The Untapped Opportunity for Sunglasses in Australia’s Independent Practices 47:39

10M ago47:39

47:39

What if the advice we failed to give is the very reason our patients are now struggling with eye health issues? At what point will they come back to us, wondering why we never told them to wear sunglasses before it was too late? In this episode of the Elevate Your Practice series, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manag…

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From Noise to Knowledge: Embracing Data-Driven Leadership - Christopher R. Chapman 59:02

10M ago59:02

59:02

My guest for Episode #525 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Christopher R. Chapman. He's an experienced agile coach and consultant with a background in software development and agile transformation. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Since founding Derailleur Consulting in 2010, he has guided teams and leaders in adopting agile fram…

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John Willis on Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge in IT & DevOps 1:00:08

10M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

My guest for Episode #524 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is John Willis, an accomplished IT management expert with over 45 years of experience. His extensive body of work includes contributions to Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge and co-authoring The DevOps Handbook. See video, transcript, and more Hosts a podcast that I was recently on,…

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EP24: Kelly O' Brien on Managing an Independent Optical Practice in a Rural Setting: Challenges, Partnership, Growth, and Making a Difference in the Community 1:02:58

10M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

She drove patients to the hospital by herself three times because there was no other choice - here's what a rural independent practice co-owner does to go above and beyond patient care. Kelly O’Brien is the co-owner of Bridge Eye Care, a trusted independent practice in Murray Bridge. Her journey began with a cadet scholarship from OPSM, and she wor…

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EP23: Belinda Musitano on Strategic Growth, Patient Care & Running a Successful 42:00

10M ago42:00

42:00

What does it take to scale an independent practice successfully? In this episode, Michael Nasser talks with Belinda Musitano of Eyes@Optometry to explore how she has successfully built and expanded her independent practice to three thriving locations in Western Australia. Throughout the conversation, Belinda shared how she transitioned from being a…

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Innovating Patient Safety: Mike Eisenberg Discusses Healthcare Technology and Trust 48:26

11M ago48:26

48:26

My guest for Episode #523 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Mike Eisenberg. He's been a filmmaker since 2010 with his production company, Tall Tale Productions, after completing his B.A. in Journalism at Marietta College in Ohio. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Mike’s father, Dr. John Eisenberg, was a leader in national patient s…

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Bridging the Communication Gap in Lean: What We Can Learn from Journalism with Jacquie Maupin 44:30

11M ago44:30

44:30

Episode page with video, transcript, and more My guest for Episode #522 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Jacquie Maupin. She joins the podcast to discuss her upcoming workshop at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference (HSPI) hosted by the Society for Health Systems. She and her co-presenter, Lauren Todd from HCA Healthcare, wil…

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EP22: Assess Your Emotional Intelligence and Be a Better Leader with Dr. Bethany Fishbein [Part 2] 46:39

11M ago46:39

46:39

You might think to yourself, I'm a good leader! Okay, but does your self-awareness match how your team perceives you? In this episode, Michael Nasser and Dr. Bethany Fishbein dive deeper into emotional intelligence (EI) and its practical application in leadership development. Dr. Bethany shares the six key leadership competencies, how to evaluate a…

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EP21: The Essentials of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership with Dr. Bethany Fishbein [Part 1] 45:28

11M ago45:28

45:28

Great leaders don't just focus on goals and deadlines. They connect with emotions, too. Emotional intelligence is the secret ingredient that transforms leadership, strengthens optometry teams, and drives meaningful results. In this episode, Michael Nasser speaks with Dr. Bethany Fishbein, a New Jersey-based optometrist and Emotional Intelligence pr…