Best Ringmaster Conversational Marketing Podcasts (2025)

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Why Care Is the Ultimate Business Strategy - Viola Kanevsky - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 066 34:40

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5d ago34:40

34:40

What happens when you build your practice on care for patients, your team, and your community? This week on Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Viola Kanevsky, founder of Acuity NYC, a leading optometric practice on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Through stories of resilience, leadership, and genuine care, she reveals how em…

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The Modern GTM Engine - Sajag Chikarsal - Shift & Thrive - Go-To-Market Mini-Series - Ep # 70 44:59

6d ago44:59

44:59

How can marketing leaders build go-to-market engines that evolve with today’s fast-changing buyer behaviors, while using AI intentionally, not accidentally, to drive meaningful transformation? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie sits down with Sajag Chikarsal, GTM Leader, advisor, and ex-Celona, Google, and Zscaler. His career spans every st…

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Scaling with Heart - Melissa Tada - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 065 41:20

1d ago41:20

41:20

How do you grow your practice without losing your culture, or your mind, in the process? Dr. Melissa Tada, optometrist, co-owner of Mountain View Vision, and Director of Professional Development for Vision Source, joins Ankit to share her path from warm-start practice owner to multi-doctor leader. She opens up about building a culture rooted in res…

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The Customer: The Real Key to GTM Success - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 069 29:08

13d ago29:08

29:08

What does it take to build a go-to-market motion that actually works today? In this special compilation of Shift & Thrive, host Natalie Nathanson brings together insights from CEOs, founders, and marketing leaders who’ve learned that growth starts and ends with one thing: the customer. As markets evolve and AI-generated content floods every channel…

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How Dr. Anisha Jacob and Rony Daniel Grew from $500K to $4M Without Losing Their Vision - Ep # 064 42:38

19d ago42:38

42:38

How does mastering proactive processes help you scale smarter? This episode of Optometrists Building Empires features the dynamic duo behind Village Vision Center, Dr. Anisha Jacob and Rony Daniel. Anisha is a board-certified therapeutic optometrist and glaucoma specialist, and her husband, Rony, is a digital executive and marketing strategist. Tog…

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Building Culture, Focus, and AI Readiness - Matt Waxman - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 068 47:19

20d ago47:19

47:19

What does it take to lead a company through transformation while keeping people motivated, curious, and focused on the future? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie sits down with Matt Waxman, Chief Product Officer at Arctera, a data management company reimagining how enterprises handle compliance, resilience, and lifecycle governance. From ma…

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Coaching, Culture, and Growth - Ben Thayil - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 063 41:19

16d ago41:19

41:19

What role do coaching, mentorship, and values-based leadership play in building a thriving optometry practice? In this episode of Optometrist Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Ben Thayil, owner of Lifetime Vision and Eyecare, founder of Lead OD, and a passionate coach helping practices grow from the inside out. Dr. Thayil shares his …

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Servant Leadership, and the Power of “Why Not” with Sanjay Manandhar - Shift & Thrive - Ep # 067 41:26

27d ago41:26

41:26

What can entrepreneurs learn from bootstrapping a startup, leading with empathy, and embracing the mindset of “Why not?” even when the odds are slim? In this episode, Natalie Nathanson sits down with serial entrepreneur Sanjay Manandhar, whose journey from Nepal to Massachusetts is filled with resilience, creativity, and servant leadership. Sanjay …

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From Collapse to Comeback: What It Really Takes to Succeed in Optometry - Lee Ford - Episode # 62 36:43

1M ago36:43

36:43

How can setbacks and failures become the foundation for building a thriving optometry practice? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Lee Ford, owner of Golden Triangle Eye Clinic. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Ford shares how failure, resilience, and community have shaped his success as an optomet…

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Influencer Marketing and AI - Stephen Ochs - Shift & Thrive - Go-To-Market Mini-Series - Ep # 066 47:40

1M ago47:40

47:40

How can CEOs adapt their go-to-market strategy when the old playbooks no longer deliver results? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie Nathanson sits down with Stephen Ochs, Head of Marketing at Selector, to explore how startups can build smarter go-to-market engines in today’s market. Stephen shares his experience leading marketing and biz de…

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See the Bigger Picture - Tobin Ansel - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 061 37:42

1M ago37:42

37:42

In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Tobin Ansel, optometrist and co-owner of Metuchen Vision and Somerset Eyecare. From his early passion for optometry, sparked by ortho-k lenses, to growing two thriving practices with a third on the way, Dr. Ansel shares how myopia management became the cornerstone of h…

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Harnessing AI and Process Documentation for Business Growth - Adi Klevit - Shift & Thrive - Ep # 065 43:03

1M ago43:03

43:03

How can executives harness AI without losing sight of strong business foundations? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie welcomes back Adi Klevit, Founder and CEO of Business Success Consulting Group. With more than 25 years of experience, Adi has been at the forefront of helping organizations build scalable systems and adapt to transformative…

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The Power of Focus - Sairah & Sana Malik - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 060 38:41

2M ago38:41

38:41

What does it take to turn a shared passion into a thriving specialty practice? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with sisters Dr. Sana Malik and Dr. Sairah Malik, co-owners of Pro-Optix Optometry & Dry Eye Center in Houston. Together, they share how choosing a specialty, investing in technology, and building a …

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Niching Down to Scale Up - Adam Honig - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 064 32:44

2M ago32:44

32:44

What does it take to disrupt an industry dominated by giants like Salesforce and HubSpot? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie sits down with Adam Honig, founder and CEO of Spiro, to talk about his journey from building one of the largest Salesforce consulting firms to launching an AI-powered CRM that redefines how companies engage with custo…

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After-Hours Urgent Eye Care - Brooks Wood - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 059 42:04

2M ago42:04

42:04

What if growing your practice was less about avoiding failure and more about experimenting? In this episode of Optometrist Building Empires, Dr. Brooks Wood shares how he expanded his family’s Allen, TX practice while launching an after-hours urgent eye care network that’s changing patient access to specialty care. From embracing an “experimental g…

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Scaling Automation and Servant Leadership at Acieta - Craig Ulrich - Shift & Thrive - # 063 43:22

2M ago43:22

43:22

What does it take to lead massive business transformations in automation and robotics? On this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie sits down with Craig Ulrich, CEO of Acieta and a veteran leader in industrial automation with more than 30 years of experience. From scaling warehouse automation from a few million to $80M in revenue to guiding major tra…

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Building a Thriving Referral-Based Optometry Empire - Richard Maharaj - Episode # 058 41:00

2M ago41:00

41:00

How do you build a thriving referral-based optometry practice while balancing growth, family, and future innovation? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Richard Maharaj, Managing Partner at Prism Eye Institute and a leading voice in ocular surface disease. Dr. Maharaj shares how he built and sold a niche…

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Building SaaS Teams in the world of AI - Go-To-Market Mini-Series - Leslie Poston - # 62 43:41

2M ago43:41

43:41

How can leaders drive company transformation without losing their team’s trust and energy? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie Nathanson talks with Leslie Poston, a seasoned go-to-market strategist and leadership advisor. Leslie shares how she led Austin Data Labs’ transformation from a small, multi-industry SaaS company into a high-growth l…

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Building a Thriving Optometry Practice with Dr. Larry Golson - Episode # 057 41:56

2M ago41:56

41:56

How can optometrists grow thriving practices while balancing leadership, culture, and innovation? On this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Dr. Larry Golson, founder of Envision Eyecare and Sherpa Consulting, joins host Ankit Patel to share his journey from cold-start practice owner to industry consultant. Dr. Golson opens up about learning…

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Balancing AI, Automation, and Human Leadership - Tameem Hourani - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 061 40:35

2M ago40:35

40:35

How can leaders balance automation and AI with the irreplaceable human elements of sales, culture, and leadership? In this episode, Natalie Nathanson sits down with Tameem Hourani, founder and CEO of RapDev, to explore his journey from a technologist to leading a rapidly growing tech services firm. Tameem opens up about the challenges of shifting f…

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Building a High-Revenue Dry Eye Practice - Shane Swatts - Optometrists Building Empires - Ep # 056 44:43

3M ago44:43

44:43

Is it time to move beyond primary care optometry and specialize in high-growth services like dry eye and aesthetics? In this week's episode, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Shane Swatts, an entrepreneurial optometrist recognized for his expertise in dry eye disease, ocular surface health, and aesthetics. Dr. Swatts shares his journey from tradi…

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Tips to Scale and Lead in Fast-Changing Tech Markets - Haseeb Budhani - Shift & Thrive - Ep # 060 42:36

3M ago42:36

42:36

What does it take to turn a market gap into a thriving business? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie Nathanson sits down with Haseeb Budhani, co-founder and CEO of Rafay Systems, to explore how he’s navigated multiple startups, scaled innovative technology, and adapted to the evolving demands of AI and Kubernetes infrastructure. From his ear…

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How Dr. Ashley Tucker Built a Myopia-Focused Eye Care Practice - Episode # 055 31:11

3M ago31:11

31:11

How do you turn a niche specialty into a thriving, future-focused practice? On this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Dr. Ashley Tucker, founder of the Contact Lens Institute of Houston and partner at Bellaire Family Eye Care, sits down with host Ankit Patel to share how she built a standout practice by leaning into mentorship, taking smart…

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Selling Starts with Leadership - Bill Flynn - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 059 55:25

3M ago55:25

55:25

How can leaders shift from being the hero who fixes problems to the architect who builds teams that thrive on their own? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, growth advisor and business strategist Bill Flynn joins host Natalie Nathanson to share hard-won lessons from decades of leadership experience. From embracing frameworks like EOS to turning arou…

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The Experimental Eye - Juawana Hall - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 054 46:54

3M ago46:54

46:54

What does it take to scale a patient-first optometry practice while empowering your team every step of the way? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Juawana Hall, optometrist and owner of Hillcrest Vision, to talk about building a thriving, multi-location practice with a deep commitment to personalized ca…

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Beyond Sales Tactics: Go-To-Market Mini-Series - Cheryl Jordan-Aguilera - Shift & Thrive - Ep # 058 46:15

3M ago46:15

46:15

How can businesses stay competitive in an AI-driven world? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Cheryl Jordan-Aguilera joins host Natalie Nathanson to share lessons from her 25-year career in sales and strategy, highlighting the power of collaboration, cultural fit, and consultative selling. She reflects on building scalable growth at GutCheck, navig…

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Listen to Your Inner Voice - Susan Truong - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 053 41:56

3M ago41:56

41:56

What does it take to create a thriving practice while staying true to your purpose? Dr. Susan Truong shares how she built her empire with empathy and intention. In this heartfelt episode of Optometrist Building Empires, Dr. Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Susan Truong, optometrist, speaker, coach, and author, for a conversation that dives deep into …

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Why Most Companies Get Cybersecurity Wrong - Corey White - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 057 52:25

3M ago52:25

52:25

What’s the real reason most companies invest in cybersecurity, and why is it too late? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, host Natalie Nathanson sits down with Corey White, veteran cybersecurity leader and CEO of Cyvatar.ai. With nearly 30 years of experience, including time spent on the front lines of major breaches, Corey shares what leaders get …

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The Business of Eye Care - John Marvin - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 52 41:47

3M ago41:47

41:47

How can practice owners stay competitive in a rapidly changing optometry landscape? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sat down with John Marvin, the transitioning President and CEO of Texas State Optical (TSO). John shares how he helped grow TSO into one of the nation’s largest optical retail networks, insigh…

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Reinventing Customer Connections - Pete Jones - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 056 47:27

3M ago47:27

47:27

In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie Nathanson interviews Pete Jones, founder and CEO of Grypp, about the unexpected moment that led to a complete business pivot, from in-person sales tech to a visual-first platform transforming the contact center industry. Pete shares the story behind Grypp’s evolution, including how a single conversation ex…

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Crafting Custom Care - Ariel Cerenzie - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 051 33:57

4M ago33:57

33:57

Are you building your practice with intention, or just keeping up with demand? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Ariel Cerenzie, a nationally recognized expert in myopia management and specialty contact lenses. As the founder of the Raleigh and Charlotte Contact Lens Institutes, Dr. Cerenzie shares how…

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Modern RevOps: Go-To-Market Mini Series - Jacki Leahy - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 055 39:18

4M ago39:18

39:18

Is your go-to-market strategy built for today’s challenges? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie sits down with Jacki Leahy, founder of Activate the Magic, for a deep dive into all things Revenue Operations (RevOps). We explore how RevOps can serve as the backbone of a modern go-to-market strategy, especially as traditional outbound tactics l…

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From Vision to Reality - Bill Noble - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 050 53:03

4M ago53:03

53:03

What does it take to scale 92 eye care locations—and still keep your people loyal and inspired? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Bill Noble, the founder of West Point Optical Group and former executive at Luxottica's LensCrafters. Bill shares how he scaled the largest Pearl Vision franchise in the country…

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From Vision to Reality - AJ Meyer - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 054 51:32

4M ago51:32

51:32

What happens when a robotics CEO ditches Agile and embraces long-term commitments? AJ Meyer shares how bold moves and clarity of vision drive real innovation. On this episode of Shift & Thrive, AJ Meyer, co-founder and CEO of Pickle Robot Company, pulls back the curtain on building a robotics company that’s tackling one of logistics’ biggest challe…

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Pura Vida - Roya Habibi - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 049 42:33

4M ago42:33

42:33

What happens when an optometrist trades the hustle of city life for a slower, purpose-driven practice abroad? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Roya Habibi, an accomplished optometrist who left the fast pace of Seattle to build a new life and practice in Costa Rica. Dr. Habibi shares how she’s navigati…

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Adapting in the Digital Age - Dimitri Sirota - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 053 51:02

4M ago51:02

51:02

How can leaders evolve their management style, leverage AI, and navigate rapid market changes to build resilient, forward-thinking organizations in tech? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Dimitri Sirota, Co-founder and CEO of BigID, shares insights from his journey as a data privacy leader, including how he guided his company through the uncertain…

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The Cutting Edge of Care - Jaya Pathapati - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 048 48:45

4M ago48:45

48:45

How can a broken slit lamp spark the journey to building a thriving private optometry practice? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel welcomes Dr. Jaya Pathapati, a seasoned optometrist with over 25 years of experience. From starting next to Sears Optical to creating a leading-edge private practice, Dr. Pathapati…

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Decarbonizing the Future - Aniruddha Sharma - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 052 44:04

4M ago44:04

44:04

What if the key to solving industrial carbon emissions lay in modular innovation, AI, and a mission sparked by a childhood shaped by disaster? In this episode, Natalie sits down with Aniruddha Sharma, CEO of Carbon Clean, to explore the transformative journey from student startup to global carbon capture leader. Aniruddha shares how a deep personal…

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The Power of the Right People - Murtaza Jafferji - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 047 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

What does it take to build a thriving practice from the ground up, especially when the odds are stacked against you? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Murtaza Jafferji, a seasoned optometrist with over 17 years of experience and a specialty in dry eye and ocular surface diseases. From his e…

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Nailing Your Niche - Brad McGinity - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 051 56:25

5M ago56:25

56:25

How can leaders transform go-to-market strategies by aligning sales, marketing, and customer experience while fostering a people-first culture and driving sustainable growth? In this episode, Brad McGinity draws on his deep experience as a founder, board member, and revenue leader to explore what it takes to build resilient go-to-market strategies.…

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Vision for Change - Rep. Thuy Tran - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 046 40:22

5M ago40:22

40:22

How can passion, community service, and policy leadership build a thriving optometry practice? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel had the honor of talking to Thuy Tran, Owner and Optometrist at Rose City Vision, who also serves as a state representative in Oregon. Dr. Tran shares her incredible journey as a pu…

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Vulnerability in Leadership - Pete Martin - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 050 52:30

5M ago52:30

52:30

What does it take to lead a cybersecurity startup with empathy, clarity, and focus, while staying true to your vision and your customers' real needs? In this episode, Pete Martin, co-founder and CEO of Realm Security, shares his journey from leading at top cybersecurity firms to building a company focused on simplifying security data. He opens up a…

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Pioneering Community Care - Howard Dolman - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 045 43:28

5M ago43:28

43:28

What does it take to grow from one practice to a multi-location operation while staying rooted in your community? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Howard Dolman, an accomplished optometrist and partner at Dolman Eyecare and KW Neuro Vision, whose decades-long journey is equal parts profess…

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Flipping the Mic - Natalie Nathanson - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 49 54:53

5M ago54:53

54:53

How can leaders adapt, grow, and lead with impact in a rapidly evolving marketing landscape while staying true to their values and vision? In this special “Flip the Mic” episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie celebrates one year of the podcast and kicks off season 2 by switching seats from host to guest. With colleague Cyndy Hunter stepping in as guest…

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Patient First - Trevor Miranda - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 044 41:30

5M ago41:30

41:30

How do you scale an optometry practice across multiple locations without losing the personal touch? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Trevor Miranda, a passionate entrepreneur, dynamic leader, and the voice behind the Optometry Unleashed podcast. From building a strong team culture to integ…

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Aligning Teams for Success - Matt McCrann - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 048 (Re-Air) 50:56

5M ago50:56

50:56

What does it take to evolve from a startup into a global leader in a cutting-edge industry? In this re-air of Shift & Thrive, we’re bringing back a powerhouse conversation between Natalie and Matt McCrann, CEO of DroneShield. If you missed it the first time or need a second listen, you’ll hear Matt unpack how he’s guided his team through rapid grow…

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Leading with Clarity - Dave Holler - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 043 37:41

6M ago37:41

37:41

What does it take to grow a thriving optometry practice and a successful cooperative network at the same time? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. David Holler, optometrist, practice owner, CEO, and co-founder of Clarity Vision. From specialty contact lenses to strategic vendor negotiations, …

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Aligning Sales, Marketing, & Success - Scott Brown - Shift & Thrive GTM Mini-Series - Episode # 047 52:34

6M ago52:34

52:34

What happens when startups align sales, marketing, and customer success from day one, and what role should AI and leadership play in that equation? In the first episode of our Go-to-Market miniseries, Natalie Nathanson sits down with Scott Brown, partner and head of platform and GTM at Cervin Ventures, to explore how early-stage companies can trans…

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Discovering Your Niche -Cecelia Koetting - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 42 43:45

6M ago43:45

43:45

How can finding a niche like ocular surface disease transform your optometry practice? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Cecelia Koetting, a distinguished optometrist, educator, and assistant professor at the University of Colorado. With deep expertise in anterior segment care, neuro-optome…

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The Spiritual Entrepreneur - Ricky Sun - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 046 42:49

6M ago42:49

42:49

What if embracing empathy and intentionality could unlock your greatest business success? In this episode, Ricky Sun, founder and CEO of Tupa, joins Natalie Nathanson for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, mindset, and building a values-aligned company. From his shift to a more intentional way of living, fueled by meditation and spiritual p…