Chu On This!

Dr. Katie W. Chu
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Authentic, purpose-driven conversations that explore the stories, struggles, and successes behind bold leadership and meaningful living. Each episode invites listeners to “chew on what matters” — the heart work behind the hard work — through real discussions with leaders, dreamers, and everyday difference-makers. The podcast is an extension of my lifelong mission to help people See Clearly, Lead Boldly, and Live Purposefully, blending inspiration, insight, and intentional action to spark courage in every listener.

  1. 5h ago

    I've Got This: Dr. Sheri Rowen on Confidence, Courage, and Starting Again

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with internationally recognized cataract and refractive surgeon Dr. Sheri Rowen for a warm and deeply personal conversation about confidence, reinvention, motherhood, mentorship, breaking barriers, and learning to appreciate the person behind the professional achievements. Sheri shares the bold decision that brought her from Baltimore to California after decades of building a successful East Coast career. With her daughters establishing their lives in California and grandchildren on the horizon, she realized she did not want to become a cross-country grandmother. So she closed her practice, moved west, and began an entirely new chapter. But starting again is just one part of Sheri's remarkable story. Looking back on her medical career, Sheri reflects on entering medicine at a time when women represented just 11 percent of her class. During her surgical training at Johns Hopkins, she was the only woman among 55 surgical residents. She went on to build a pioneering career in ophthalmology, embracing emerging cataract surgery techniques, participating in an early FDA trial for implantable collamer lenses, and teaching surgical techniques to physicians around the world. Yet some of the most meaningful parts of her story are not the accolades or innovations. They are the people who helped her along the way. Sheri reflects on the male colleagues who mentored and supported her at a time when there were few women in her field. Their willingness to teach, encourage, and create opportunities for her eventually inspired one of the accomplishments she is proudest of: helping create the CedarsAspens mentorship program so younger ophthalmologists could experience the same sense of guidance, support, and safety. Katie and Sheri also connect over a side of their lives that patients and colleagues rarely saw. Both raised two daughters while navigating demanding medical careers and divorce. Katie shares the immense pressure of becoming a single mother to two very young children while running her practice, including the struggles hidden behind the happy face she presented to patients each morning. Sheri reflects on raising children during medical training and learning how to separate the difficulties of home life from the confidence and care her patients needed from her. That leads to one of the central themes of the conversation: confidence. Sheri remembers that even as a young resident, patients often told her how confident she made them feel, despite the fact that internally she was still learning and figuring things out herself. Over time, she came to understand how powerful that sense of reassurance can be in medicine. Her internal reminder became simple: "I've got this." It was not about pretending to know everything. It was about trusting her training, remaining calm, and helping frightened patients know that whatever happened, they would face it together. The conversation also explores honesty, perfectionism, gratitude, creativity, entrepreneurship, and the women both Katie and Sheri are still becoming. Katie reflects on learning to give herself grace and reconnecting with the creative side of herself that existed long before medicine. Sheri talks about becoming a better listener and developing a deeper appreciation for the life she already has. Ultimately, this is a conversation about the person underneath the title. After decades of achievement, both women are discovering the freedom that comes from bringing more of themselves into their work and allowing "Katie" and "Sheri" to exist alongside "Dr. Chu" and "Dr. Rowen." This episode is a beautiful reminder that success is not only about what you accomplish. It is about who you become, who you lift up along the way, and whether you can look back at the life you have built with gratitude and know that you gave it your best.   Key Takeaways Confidence isn't about knowing everything. It's about trusting yourself. Sheri remembers patients telling her they felt confident in her care even when she was a resident and internally still learning. She came to understand that the confidence a physician projects can dramatically change a frightened patient's experience. Her philosophy became simple: "I've got this. We are going to get through this together." Real success includes opening doors for the people coming behind you. Sheri entered medicine when relatively few women were pursuing surgical careers, yet she benefited from mentors who believed in her and were willing to share their knowledge. Rather than simply appreciating that support, she chose to pass it forward by helping create a mentorship program that has supported future generations of ophthalmologists. You don't have to be perfect to be proud of the life you're building. Katie shares one of the hardest lessons she has learned: she does not have to be perfect. Sheri connects this to an important lesson from her own parents. She was never expected to have straight A's, but she was expected to become the best version of herself. Both reflect on replacing comparison and perfectionism with grace, gratitude, and the knowledge that doing your best is enough.   Quotes from the Episode “I don't have to be perfect.” “I've got this. We are going to get through this together.” “You just want to be yourself and love yourself and be grateful. It creates tremendous happiness.”   About Dr. Sheri Rowen Dr. Sheri Rowen is an internationally recognized ophthalmologist and Key Opinion Leader specializing in cataract surgery, LASIK and refractive surgery, ocular surface and dry eye disease, and oculoplastic surgery. She also works with emerging healthcare companies, helping innovative technologies navigate funding, strategic development, clinical adoption, and approval processes. Throughout her career, Dr. Rowen has been at the forefront of advances in cataract and refractive surgery. She was among a small group of physicians pioneering topical clear corneal cataract surgery with foldable lenses in the early 1990s and went on to teach these techniques internationally. Through live surgery and education, she helped introduce emerging approaches to physicians in countries including France, Italy, Sweden, Brazil, Spain, and Australia. She has served as a Clinical Instructor at the Wilmer Eye Institute and Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Maryland, where she helped train future generations of physicians. Dr. Rowen is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American College of Surgeons. She is President Emeritus of the CedarsAspens Society and has played an instrumental role in developing mentorship opportunities for ophthalmology residents and fellows. Her contributions to the profession have earned numerous honors, including a 20-year Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology for her continued commitment to education. She has also been recognized among the Top 100 Power List of global ophthalmologists.

    I've Got This: Dr. Sheri Rowen on Confidence, Courage, and Starting Again

  2. Aug 13

    Bet on Yourself Before You're Ready: Building Something That Matters with Dr. Yi Jiang

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with board-certified ophthalmologist and retina specialist Dr. Yi Jiang for a thoughtful conversation about medicine, entrepreneurship, community, relationships, and what happens when you choose to move forward before you feel completely ready. Yi shares why he returned to Southern California after completing his medical training in Chicago and chose to establish his practice in the San Gabriel Valley. Drawn to the area's large immigrant population, he saw an opportunity to provide more than specialized retinal care. He wanted to help patients navigate a healthcare system that can often feel confusing, intimidating, and difficult to access. Together, Katie and Yi discuss the importance of healthcare literacy, communicating with patients in ways they understand, and the trust that develops when a doctor becomes not only a healthcare provider, but also an educator, advocate, and trusted guide. The conversation then moves beyond medicine as both reflect on how their priorities have evolved over time. Yi shares why free time has become one of life's greatest luxuries and how growing his practice taught him that not everything has to be done immediately or alone. For two naturally driven professionals, learning to delegate, trust others, build better systems, and accept that the work will still be there tomorrow has become an important part of growth. Yi also shares his love of hiking and travel, including encounters with strangers in Patagonia that left a lasting impression. Together, he and Katie reflect on the people who unexpectedly cross our paths and how even brief relationships can shape who we become. At the heart of the episode is one defining question: When have you bet on yourself before you felt ready? For Yi, that moment came when he moved to Los Angeles without an established professional network and chose to start his own practice. Just six months later, COVID changed everything. Rather than abandoning the vision, he used that difficult season to strengthen his systems, build relationships with his team, and lay the foundation for the practice he has today. Katie shares her own experience of repeatedly moving forward despite an internal voice telling her she was not ready or deserving. Now, she reflects on finally knowing her worth and having the confidence to pursue opportunities she once might have questioned. This episode is a powerful reminder that feeling ready is not a prerequisite for moving forward. Sometimes confidence comes after the decision, and sometimes the greatest thing you can do for your future is simply choose to believe in yourself and take the first step.   Key Takeaways You don't have to feel ready to bet on yourself Yi did not have an established network in Los Angeles or experience running a business when he decided to build his own practice. Six months later, COVID created an obstacle nobody could have predicted. His journey shows that being ready is not about knowing exactly what will happen. It is about believing enough in your vision to begin and adapting when circumstances change. Great healthcare is built on trust, education, and human connection For both Katie and Yi, patient care goes far beyond diagnosis. Especially within immigrant communities, healthcare professionals have the opportunity to educate, reduce fear, communicate clearly, and build relationships that can last for years. Growth sometimes means accepting that you cannot do everything yourself Yi reflects on moving away from the need to complete every task immediately and recognizing the value of systems, collaboration, delegation, and trust. For high achievers, success is not always about doing more. Sometimes it is about creating the space and support that allow everyone to contribute to a shared vision.   Quotes from the Episode “When you bet on yourself, and I encourage everyone to do so, really believe and pursue your desires and what you see as a better vision.” “Every person you meet influences you.” “I always think it's good to bet on yourself, even when you feel like you're not ready.”   About Dr. Yi Jiang Dr. Yi Jiang is a board-certified ophthalmologist and retina specialist based in Los Angeles. In addition to his clinical work, he is passionate about practice growth, physician leadership, and building innovative models for delivering high-quality eye care. His approach is grounded in the belief that exceptional medicine is not only about clinical expertise, but also about communication, education, trust, and helping patients feel confident navigating their own healthcare journey. Through his work in the San Gabriel Valley, Dr. Jiang serves a diverse patient population and remains committed to building care models that are both clinically excellent and deeply human.

    Bet on Yourself Before You're Ready: Building Something That Matters with Dr. Yi Jiang

  3. Aug 6

    Building Legacy Through Community: Leadership, Family, and Purpose with Dr. Vanessa Ochoa

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu welcomes educator, sociologist, and higher education leader Dr. Vanessa Ochoa for a heartfelt conversation about family, identity, community, leadership, and the importance of knowing where you come from. What begins with memories of Chu’s Kitchen, Katie’s father’s beloved Los Angeles restaurant, quickly becomes a rich discussion about legacy. Vanessa reflects on returning to Boyle Heights to raise her son in the same home where she grew up, while Katie shares stories of her father’s quiet generosity, including the meals he regularly provided to people experiencing homelessness. Together, they reflect on how legacy is rarely built through one grand gesture. More often, it is created through small, consistent acts of service, love, and generosity that shape the people and communities around us. Throughout the conversation, Katie and Vanessa explore motherhood, culture, and the responsibility of passing values from one generation to the next. Vanessa shares the intentional morning rituals she practices with her son, helping him build confidence, self-worth, and a strong connection to his cultural identity. Katie reflects on raising daughters who understand compassion, resilience, and purpose. The conversation also moves into deeply personal territory as Katie opens up about healing from childhood trauma, learning to forgive her mother, and recognizing the lasting impact words can have on a person’s identity. Drawing from her work in higher education, Vanessa challenges the traditional framing of imposter syndrome and introduces the concept of community cultural wealth. Rather than focusing on what people may appear to lack, she encourages them to recognize the knowledge, strength, culture, resilience, and lived experience they already carry. Together, Katie and Vanessa discuss boundaries, financial literacy, equity, meaningful conversations, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and capable of thriving. This episode is a beautiful reminder that our greatest inheritance is not always financial. It is found in the values we model, the stories we preserve, the confidence we nurture, and the love we intentionally pass on to the next generation.   Key Takeaways Legacy is created through everyday moments Family traditions, community service, generosity, and words of encouragement may seem small in the moment, but repeated over time, they become the foundation of a lasting legacy. The stories we believe about ourselves matter Vanessa challenges the idea that people are deficient or do not belong. By recognizing community cultural wealth, people can begin to see the strengths, resilience, knowledge, and identity they already possess. Leadership begins with intentional relationships Whether through parenting, mentoring, education, or community advocacy, leadership begins with listening, creating trust, setting healthy boundaries, and helping others recognize their own potential.   Quotes from the Episode “Words matter.” “You have community cultural wealth.” “I’ve always been enough.”   About Dr. Vanessa Ochoa Dr. Vanessa Ochoa is an educator, sociologist, higher education leader, and proud daughter of Boyle Heights. A Stanford alum, she was raised by her parents, Don Jose and La Ruby Ochoa, who instilled in her the importance of education, culture, community, and service. Those values continue to guide both her personal life and professional leadership. As a Dean at East Los Angeles College, Dr. Ochoa supports students as they navigate their journeys through higher education. Her work focuses on creating more equitable systems, expanding access, and developing liberatory opportunities for the communities she serves. Dr. Ochoa is committed to challenging structures that prevent students from thriving and creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and capable of achieving their goals. Her approach to leadership is grounded in authenticity, love, cultural pride, and a deep belief in the strengths people already carry. Her favorite career advice is: “Always be real, raw and authentic in your journey. This allows you to lead with love and light. Un abrazo y mucho apoyo!”   Connect with Dr. Vanessa Ochoa East Los Angeles College: http://elac.edu/Student-Services/One-Zone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DoctoraOchoa

    Building Legacy Through Community: Leadership, Family, and Purpose with Dr. Vanessa Ochoa

  4. Jul 30

    From Vision to Impact: Why the Best Leaders Build People First with Mark Saad

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu welcomes entrepreneur and NuLIDS CEO Mark Saad for a thoughtful conversation about purpose, leadership, family, faith, and the quiet moments that ultimately shape our lives. While Mark’s professional mission is focused on transforming proactive eye care through innovative technology, the conversation quickly reveals that his true passion extends far beyond business. He shares how helping bring another person’s vision to life has become one of his greatest motivations, describing his role not simply as a CEO, but as someone entrusted with turning meaningful ideas into reality. Together, Katie and Mark explore the importance of curiosity, authentic human connection, and approaching every relationship without assumptions. Rather than defining people by first impressions, they discuss the value of asking thoughtful questions, listening deeply, and giving genuine conversations the space to unfold. Katie also opens up about her personal healing journey, reflecting on the words and beliefs she carried from childhood and the freedom she found in learning to release the ones that no longer served her. Mark shares how experiences ranging from family life to professional disappointments, including being rejected from Harvard Business School, ultimately redirected him toward a deeper and more meaningful understanding of success. Throughout the conversation, both Katie and Mark reflect on faith, parenting, personal growth, and the responsibility we all have to leave a positive imprint on the next generation. They discuss how life’s greatest lessons often arrive quietly, shaping our character long before we recognize their significance. This episode is a powerful reminder that success is not measured by titles or achievements alone. It is found in the people we influence, the kindness we extend, the stories we share, and the legacy we intentionally build every day.   Key Takeaways Legacy is built through everyday actions Katie and Mark reflect on how our greatest impact is rarely created through one major achievement. It is built through the way we treat people, serve others, and influence the generations that follow us. The stories we tell ourselves shape our future Katie shares the importance of unlearning harmful beliefs from childhood, while Mark reflects on redefining success after professional disappointment. Growth often begins when we replace limiting narratives with healthier and more truthful ones. Curiosity creates authentic connection Meaningful relationships begin when we approach people with genuine interest rather than assumptions. Asking thoughtful questions and listening well can open the door to deeper understanding, trust, and collaboration.   Quotes from the Episode “I want to leave a positive imprint on the next generation.” “Sometimes the greatest opportunities come from the disappointments we never expected.” “Words matter.”   About Mark Saad Mark Saad is the CEO and a Board Member of NuLIDS, where he leads the company’s growth and works to make its innovative eye care technology accessible to more doctors and patients. With more than 30 years of experience in health technology, Mark has worked as an executive, venture investor, and investment banker. His background spans corporate finance, strategic growth, company building, and healthcare innovation. In addition to his role at NuLIDS, Mark serves on the boards of several public and privately held healthcare companies, including Axsome Therapeutics, Presidium Health, and 3x4 Genetics. Having grown up and begun his career in the Northeast, Mark has spent the past two decades living with his wife and family in San Diego and now Las Vegas. Outside of work, he values time with his wife and their three teenage children and remains passionate about leadership, mentorship, and building companies that create meaningful impact.   Connect with Mark Saad Website: https://www.nulids.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nulidsdryeye Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getnulids/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getnulids/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-saad-2542891/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@getnulids?si=UwQPtwyAAm2RR432

    From Vision to Impact: Why the Best Leaders Build People First with Mark Saad

  5. Jul 23

    The Courage to Live Fully: Lessons on Legacy, Purpose, and Perspective with Dr. Tim Trinh

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with California optometrist, entrepreneur, speaker, and Vision Source leader Dr. Tim Trinh for a deeply reflective conversation about resilience, purpose, leadership, and living life with intention. Tim shares his remarkable journey from graduating during the 2008 financial crisis and piecing together work across more than thirty-five different optometry offices, to eventually building thriving private practices and becoming a respected leader within the profession. What once felt like setbacks ultimately became the experiences that shaped his resilience, perspective, and passion for helping others. As the conversation unfolds, Katie and Tim move well beyond business. Together they explore letting go of fear, overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing vulnerability, and finding peace through life's inevitable challenges. Katie reflects on her own healing journey, learning to surrender control, and discovering faith as the foundation that has allowed her to stop simply surviving and start truly living. The discussion also touches on parenting, social media, public speaking, mentorship, and the importance of leading by example. Tim shares how watching his children face challenges has inspired him to continually step outside his own comfort zone, while Katie explains how embracing authenticity transformed both her speaking career and her podcast. Together, they reflect on mortality, legacy, and the fleeting nature of time, emphasizing that success is not measured by possessions or titles, but by the impact we have on others and the relationships we build along the way. This episode is a powerful reminder that life is too short to live in fear. Purpose comes from serving others, embracing growth, and choosing courage every single day.   Key Takeaways Purpose is built through everyday choices Tim explains that every decision he makes is filtered through one simple question: "Is this helping create the legacy I want to leave?" Purpose is not found in one defining moment, but in consistently choosing actions that reflect your values. Growth requires courage, not comfort Whether starting a business, speaking publicly, raising children, or navigating personal challenges, meaningful growth happens when we choose courage over comfort. Success means living without regret Both Katie and Tim reflect on the importance of making intentional choices, appreciating each season of life, and recognizing that time with the people we love is life's greatest wealth.   Quotes from the Episode “Run toward something. Don't run because you're afraid of being caught.” “Everything I do is with the intent of creating the legacy I want to leave.” “I don't have to tread water anymore. I've learned that I can simply float.”   About Dr. Tim Trinh Dr. Tim Trinh is an optometrist, entrepreneur, educator, and healthcare innovator with nearly two decades of experience advancing patient care and private practice. After earning a degree in Biochemistry from UCLA, he received his Doctor of Optometry degree from UC Berkeley before completing a residency in ocular disease at the VA Central California Health Care System. His clinical expertise includes glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, cataract management, specialty contact lenses, and dry eye care. Throughout his career, Dr. Trinh has owned and led multiple optometric practices while continually pursuing innovative ways to advance the profession. He is the co-founder of Box Medical Solutions, a company that developed one of the first portable meibographers, helping clinicians improve the diagnosis and management of meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye disease. Beyond clinical practice, Tim is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and content creator who educates both healthcare professionals and patients on topics including dry eye disease, myopia management, specialty contact lenses, practice growth, entrepreneurship, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. His passion lies in combining evidence-based medicine with technology, innovation, and leadership to improve patient outcomes while helping shape the future of eye care.   Connect with Dr. Tim Trinh TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@dr.timt Instagram: https://instagram.com/odtipsntricks

    The Courage to Live Fully: Lessons on Legacy, Purpose, and Perspective with Dr. Tim Trinh

  6. Jul 16

    From Competition to Collaboration: The Journey to a More Meaningful Life with Dr. Oliver Lou

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with Texas optometrist Dr. Oliver Lou for an honest and deeply personal conversation about gratitude, resilience, family, healing, and the relationships that shape who we become. What begins as a lighthearted discussion about family life, sports, and the simple joy of a morning coffee soon evolves into a series of meaningful reflections on childhood, adversity, marriage, and personal growth. Oliver shares how watching his parents struggle financially after his father's unexpected job loss profoundly shaped his work ethic, gratitude, and appreciation for teamwork. Rather than allowing hardship to define him, he learned resilience by serving alongside his family and witnessing the strength, sacrifice, and perseverance of his parents during difficult seasons. Katie courageously opens up about her own childhood trauma and the healing journey that followed the passing of her mother. She reflects on how therapy helped her find forgiveness, reclaim her voice, and transform painful experiences into purpose through her children's books and lullabies that remind children they are safe, loved, and protected. The conversation also explores marriage, parenting, vulnerability, conflict, emotional intelligence, gratitude, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely reciprocate kindness and support. Oliver shares the frightening experience of his wife's unexpected heart attack at just 36 years old and the strength required to guide his family through uncertainty, while Katie reflects on standing beside the people she loves even when relationships become complicated. Throughout the episode, both Katie and Oliver demonstrate that life's greatest lessons often come through adversity, and that true leadership begins with gratitude, compassion, humility, and choosing collaboration over competition. This episode is a powerful reminder that while none of us can control every circumstance, we can choose how we respond, who we become, and the legacy we leave through the way we love and support others.   Key Takeaways Gratitude changes the way you experience life Oliver reflects on learning gratitude through his parents' sacrifices, while Katie shares how practicing gratitude has transformed both her personal relationships and her outlook on life. Gratitude is not simply an emotion. It is a daily practice that reshapes perspective. Healing begins when we choose forgiveness Katie openly shares how losing her mother marked the beginning of a long healing journey from childhood abuse. Through therapy and forgiveness, she found freedom, purpose, and a way to help other children feel safe through her books and music. Life is strongest when we work as a team Whether in marriage, parenting, healthcare, or leadership, lasting success comes through collaboration, mutual support, and investing in others rather than trying to succeed alone.   Quotes from the Episode “Everything's going to be okay.” “Action creates momentum.” “I truly believe in collaboration.”   About Dr. Oliver Lou Dr. Oliver Lou is an award-winning optometrist, entrepreneur, educator, and speaker with more than two decades of experience in private practice. He is the founder and CEO of Signature Eye Care in Cedar Park, Texas, which he established in 2002 and has grown into a thriving multi-million-dollar practice. Today, he leads a team of optometrists, interns, and staff while continuing to provide exceptional patient care and strategic leadership. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry, Dr. Lou has also served as an adjunct professor since 2004, mentoring and supervising more than 60 fourth-year optometry students in both clinical excellence and private practice management. Throughout his career, he has delivered more than 100 professional lectures and continuing education programs on topics including practice management, contact lenses, ocular health, age-related macular degeneration, and business profitability. He has also served as a Key Opinion Leader for Bausch + Lomb and as a Vision Source Co-Administrator, facilitating leadership and practice management discussions for more than 120 member meetings. His dedication to both his profession and his community has earned numerous honours, including Cedar Park Citizen of the Year, Hill Country News' Best Eye Doctor for 13 consecutive years, and recognition among Newsweek's Top Optometrists in America from 2021 through 2025.   Connect with Dr. Oliver Lou Website: https://signatureeyecare.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olou7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SigEyeCare/

    From Competition to Collaboration: The Journey to a More Meaningful Life with Dr. Oliver Lou

  7. Jul 9

    Your Prime Years Are Still Ahead: Reinvention, Growth, and Purpose with Dr. Bobby (Chip) Wood

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu welcomes longtime colleague, Vision Source leader, and optometrist Dr. Bobby "Chip" Wood for a heartfelt conversation about stewardship, leadership, resilience, gratitude, and what it truly means to build a meaningful life. Recorded during the Vision Source Exchange in Nashville, the discussion begins with Chip reflecting on his role as an educator, practice owner, and advocate for antibiotic stewardship. What starts as a conversation about patient care soon expands into a richer discussion about mentoring others, leaving a legacy, and helping the next generation thrive. Chip shares his journey from a young boy inspired by his own optometrist to becoming the owner of two successful practices in Texas. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors who invested in him and the responsibility he now feels to invest in others. Katie shares her own journey of resilience, including surviving childhood abuse, navigating divorce, overcoming breast cancer, and rebuilding both her life and practice through every new season. Together, they explore how the definition of success changes over time. While early career goals often revolve around achievement and financial milestones, later seasons of life reveal that purpose is rooted in relationships, mentorship, gratitude, creativity, and the impact we have on others. The conversation also reveals another side of both guests. Chip shares his lifelong passion for music, drumming, and musical theatre, while Katie discusses rediscovering her creativity through writing children's books, podcasting, and launching new initiatives designed to inspire leadership and personal growth. Throughout the episode, both Katie and Chip speak candidly about failure, starting over, embracing change, and finding joy in helping others become the best version of themselves. This episode is a powerful reminder that legacy is not built in one defining moment. It is built through thousands of everyday decisions to serve, encourage, create, and leave people better than you found them.   Key Takeaways Success evolves into significance Career accomplishments eventually give way to a deeper understanding of success through relationships, mentorship, service, and the lives we help shape. Every setback prepares you for your next chapter Personal struggles, professional disappointments, and unexpected life changes often become the foundation for greater purpose and future impact. Stewardship means helping others grow True leadership is measured by how well we develop, encourage, and empower the people around us to reach their own potential.   Quotes from the Episode “I want to leave a legacy of caring for my patients, my profession, and my community.” “The only failure is when you stop getting back up.” “If you've done your best, it's all going to work out.”   About Dr. Bobby "Chip" Wood Dr. Bobby W. "Chip" Wood Jr. is a Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist based in San Antonio, Texas. He is the founder and Medical Director of Wood Vision Source in San Antonio and Coyote Optical in Uvalde, Texas. In addition to leading his own practices, Dr. Wood serves as a Co-Administrator for Vision Source in San Antonio and works as a contact lens and equipment consultant for the Vision Source Vendor Relations Team. A nationally recognized speaker and educator, Dr. Wood lectures extensively on specialty contact lenses, electroretinography (ERG), ocular surface disease, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, neuro-optometry, refractive and cataract surgery co-management, and Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before graduating magna cum laude from the University of Houston College of Optometry. He has also served as an Adjunct Clinical Professor at both the University of Houston College of Optometry and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University. Outside of optometry, Chip has a lifelong passion for music and the performing arts. A former Percussion Section Leader for the University of North Carolina Marching and Pep Bands, he has appeared in numerous musical theatre productions including Rock of Ages, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Bridges of Madison County, Elf the Musical, and Kinky Boots. When he's not caring for patients or teaching colleagues, Chip enjoys golf, pickleball, skiing, UNC Tar Heel basketball, Texas Longhorn football, singing, percussion, and spending time with his family.   Connect with Dr. Bobby "Chip" Wood Website: https://visionsource.com

    Your Prime Years Are Still Ahead: Reinvention, Growth, and Purpose with Dr. Bobby (Chip) Wood

  8. Jul 2

    When One Decision Changes Your Life: Courage, Relationships, and Growth with Kristen Tischler

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu welcomes marketing executive and Optical Women's Association leader Kristen Tischler for a heartfelt conversation about courage, motherhood, relationships, vulnerability, and the power of taking the first step into the unknown. What begins as a discussion about Kristen's career journey from financial services into the eye care industry quickly unfolds into a much richer conversation about life's unexpected turns. Kristen shares how following a relationship led her to relocate, change careers, and ultimately discover a profession she loves, while Katie reflects on how a relationship similarly introduced her to optometry decades earlier. Throughout the episode, both women openly discuss therapy, personal transformation, and the quiet work of rebuilding confidence from within. Katie courageously shares her healing journey following childhood trauma and her evolving relationship with her late mother, while Kristen reflects on the life-changing advice she received early in adulthood: action creates momentum. That simple principle became the catalyst for leaving an unfulfilling relationship, changing careers, moving overseas, and ultimately building the life she enjoys today. The conversation also explores motherhood, resilience, leadership, friendship, gratitude, and the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships. Kristen shares how becoming a mother strengthened her ability to remain calm during crises, while both women reflect on the lessons they have learned about vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and embracing uncertainty. As the discussion draws to a close, Kristen shares the remarkable story of her grandmother, a Danish resistance member, Olympic caliber swimmer, interpreter, and devoted matriarch whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Katie reflects on legacy in her own life and her desire to leave behind meaningful work that serves others. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth rarely comes from having all the answers. It comes from taking one courageous step forward, trusting the process, and allowing life to build momentum along the way.   Key Takeaways Action creates momentum You do not need the entire path mapped out before moving forward. Taking the first courageous step often opens doors and creates opportunities that could never have been predicted. Vulnerability strengthens connection Katie and Kristen openly discuss therapy, healing, childhood experiences, and emotional growth, demonstrating that authentic leadership comes from allowing others to see both strength and vulnerability. The people who shape us become part of our legacy From Kristen's extraordinary grandmother to Katie's reflections on forgiveness and motherhood, both guests explore how family stories, mentors, and meaningful relationships continue to influence future generations.   Quotes from the Episode “Action creates momentum.” “True human, genuine connection comes from sharing and being open and vulnerable.” “The only thing you have to do is take the first step.”   About Kristen Tischler Kristen Tischler is the Chief Marketing Officer at Advancing Eyecare, where she leads integrated marketing strategy across brand, product, customer experience, and revenue generation for a portfolio of ophthalmic equipment companies serving North America and the United Kingdom. With more than 18 years of experience spanning healthcare, medical technology, financial services, and B2B marketing, Kristen has built a reputation for creating high-performing teams and developing the systems, programs, and product strategies that transform complex solutions into measurable business growth. Named one of Vision Monday's Most Influential Women in Optical in 2022, Kristen is a passionate advocate for leadership development and mentorship within the eye care profession. She serves as Associate Vice Chair of the Optical Women's Association Connection and Enrichment Committee, helps lead the OWA Full Circle Mentorship Program, serves as Vice Chair of the Program Committee for The Vision Council, and volunteers with Prevent Blindness. Outside of the industry, Kristen supports United Athletics USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of first responders through sport by providing resources, advocacy, and organizational support for athletes representing the United States in international competition. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Kristen competed as a Division I collegiate volleyball player before continuing her career as a professional volleyball player in Germany. Today, she lives in Virginia with her husband, two children, and their beloved pit bull, Indy, and still enjoys playing beach volleyball whenever she can.   Connect with Kristen Tischler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristentischler

    When One Decision Changes Your Life: Courage, Relationships, and Growth with Kristen Tischler
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Authentic, purpose-driven conversations that explore the stories, struggles, and successes behind bold leadership and meaningful living. Each episode invites listeners to “chew on what matters” — the heart work behind the hard work — through real discussions with leaders, dreamers, and everyday difference-makers. The podcast is an extension of my lifelong mission to help people See Clearly, Lead Boldly, and Live Purposefully, blending inspiration, insight, and intentional action to spark courage in every listener.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Katie W. Chu
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
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