Chu On This!

Dr. Katie W. Chu

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. Why We Do What We Do: Purpose, Patients, and Life’s Defining Moments with Tony Sommer

    2D AGO

    Why We Do What We Do: Purpose, Patients, and Life’s Defining Moments with Tony Sommer

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu welcomes back repeat guest Tony Sommer for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about authenticity, growth, fear, family, and the wisdom that comes through life experience. Recorded once again in Atlanta, the episode reflects the comfort and familiarity that has developed since their first conversation months earlier. What begins with lighthearted discussions about pollen, travel, and Disney gradually unfolds into a meaningful exploration of identity, grounding, and what it truly means to live authentically. Tony shares his deep connection to the field of myopia management, revealing how his own experience with progressive myopia prevented him from becoming a fighter pilot after attending the Air Force Academy. What initially felt like a personal loss ultimately became the driving force behind his passion for helping clinicians protect children’s vision and future opportunities. The conversation also dives into vulnerability and fear. Tony openly shares his lifelong fear of heights despite serving in the military and becoming a parachutist in an effort to confront that fear directly. Katie reflects on her own journey toward authenticity, explaining how she has stopped trying to remove her conversational quirks and instead embraced simply being herself. Together, they discuss the wisdom that comes from life’s trials, including parenting adult children, healing from childhood trauma, learning patience, and releasing the need to control every outcome. Katie speaks candidly about learning disabilities and the coping mechanisms she developed from childhood experiences, while Tony reflects on the growing importance of family, grounding, and multigenerational connection in his life. Throughout the episode, both return to one central truth: growth does not come from avoiding challenges. It comes from remaining grounded, present, and authentic while moving through them. This episode is a warm, vulnerable, and deeply human reminder that wisdom is not about having everything figured out. It is about continuing to learn, adapt, and show up honestly as yourself.   Key Takeaways Authenticity creates freedom and connection Both Katie and Tony reflect on how embracing quirks, fears, and imperfections creates deeper connection and removes the exhaustion of constantly performing different versions of yourself. Wisdom is built through life experience and reflection Parenting, trauma, career pivots, setbacks, and personal challenges all become opportunities for growth when approached with reflection and openness. Fear does not have to stop action Despite a lifelong fear of heights, Tony became a military parachutist and continues pushing himself outside his comfort zone. Courage is action despite fear, not the absence of it.   Quotes from the Episode “Authenticity is critical… you can’t be different people all the time.” “I’m not late, I’m on time. I’m safe and I’m present.” “The only way you can move to the next level is to see what wisdom comes from the experience.”   About Tony Sommer Tony Sommer brings more than two decades of leadership experience in specialty vision care and medical technology, combining commercial strategy with a deeply purpose driven approach to innovation. Most recently, Tony served as General Manager, Americas, for CooperVision Specialty EyeCare, where he led growth across the United States, Canada, and Latin America while advancing specialty lens adoption and myopia management initiatives. Prior to CooperVision, he served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Visioneering Technologies, helping launch and scale the NaturalVue portfolio and build the company’s U.S. commercial infrastructure from the ground up. Earlier in his career, Tony led the U.S. Vision Care Sales organization at Bausch + Lomb, guiding teams through major periods of market transformation and growth. Before entering the eye care industry, Tony served as a U.S. Air Force officer and combat veteran, deploying in support of Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. His military experience shaped the leadership philosophy he carries today: mission driven, team focused, and centered on meaningful outcomes. Tony lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and their three children. He continues to advocate globally for access to vision care and for developing the next generation of leaders who serve both patients and purpose.   Connect with Tony Sommer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsommerjr Latest Project | Treehouse Eyes: https://www.treehouseeyes.com/

    51 min
  2. Faith Beyond the Walls: Purpose, Leadership, and Trusting God’s Direction with Torrian Scott

    MAY 14

    Faith Beyond the Walls: Purpose, Leadership, and Trusting God’s Direction with Torrian Scott

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with executive coach, leadership advisor, minister, and author Torrian Scott for a powerful and deeply faith centered conversation about purpose, identity, leadership, and trusting God through life’s unexpected transitions. Torrian shares his journey from growing up in Houston, Texas, raised by a devoted family despite early hardships, to becoming a leader who has coached CEOs, entrepreneurs, NBA coaches, and business owners around the world. At the center of his story is a lifelong passion for helping people recognize their purpose, develop their potential, and lead with intention. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Torrian reflects on one of the biggest shifts of his life, closing the church he pastored for nearly a decade after sensing God redirecting him into a new season. He opens up about wrestling with identity after spending more than 20 years primarily known as “Pastor Torrian,” and learning that titles and positions do not define who he is. Katie shares her own parallel journey, realizing that her optometry practice, podcast, and storytelling work are all forms of ministry beyond the walls of a church. Together, they explore how faith shows up not only in traditional ministry, but also in leadership, business, kindness, healthcare, coaching, and everyday human connection. Throughout the episode, themes of courage, action, and trust are woven into every story. Torrian speaks passionately about the danger of allowing fear, people pleasing, or self doubt to prevent someone from becoming who they were created to be. Both he and Katie reflect on learning to quiet outside noise and fully trust God’s direction, even when the next step feels uncertain. This episode is a powerful reminder that faith is not passive. It requires movement, courage, and the willingness to step boldly into the purpose God has prepared for you.   Key Takeaways Titles and roles do not define identity Stepping away from familiar roles can reveal that identity is rooted in who God says we are, not in titles, positions, or seasons of life. Faith requires action, not just belief Faith is not passive hope. It is moving forward despite uncertainty and trusting God through every step of the process. Purpose is fulfilled through serving others Whether through ministry, business, healthcare, coaching, or storytelling, purpose ultimately comes down to helping people and bringing light into their lives.   Quotes from the Episode “The greatest tragedy is meeting the person you should have been.” “Faith is action. It’s not wishing and hoping.” “Roles don’t define me. Titles don’t define me. God defines me.”   About Torrian Scott Torrian Scott is an executive leadership advisor, speaker, entrepreneur, and faith driven leader with more than 20 years of experience helping leaders and organizations unlock their full potential. As the founder of Mastery Advisory Group and Masters in the Marketplace, Torrian equips executives, entrepreneurs, and high performing leaders to discover purpose, develop their potential, and create meaningful impact through leadership. His work spans corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors, where he coaches decision makers to lead with clarity, conviction, and strategic execution. Torrian is passionate about helping people move beyond fear, embrace purpose, and lead from a place of authenticity, courage, and faith.   Connect with Torrian Scott Website: https://www.torrianscott.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torrianscott Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/OfficialTorrianScott Instagram | Men’s Leadership: https://www.instagram.com/lionsleadinglions

    1h 2m
  3. Failure Isn’t Final: The Resilience Behind Building Something Bigger with Dr. Jennifer Tabiza

    MAY 7

    Failure Isn’t Final: The Resilience Behind Building Something Bigger with Dr. Jennifer Tabiza

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist, entrepreneur, consultant, and innovator Dr. Jennifer Tabiza for a high energy and deeply insightful conversation about resilience, reinvention, entrepreneurship, and the courage to keep evolving. Dr. Tabiza shares her journey from traditional practice ownership into building multiple businesses, including Dr. Contact Lens, Techifeye, and a thriving medical spa focused on aesthetics, biohacking, dry eye, and wellness services. Along the way, she opens up honestly about the realities of entrepreneurship, including failed partnerships, difficult investments, burnout, and the emotional weight that often comes with building something new. The conversation explores the rapidly evolving intersection of aesthetics, technology, and eye care. Jennifer passionately advocates for education, intentional partnerships, and due diligence in an increasingly crowded marketplace. She emphasizes that successful innovation is not just about adopting new technology, but understanding how it impacts the patient experience, team culture, and long term business sustainability. Beyond business, the episode takes a reflective turn as Katie and Jennifer discuss identity, self worth, and the challenge of balancing ambition with fulfillment. Jennifer shares powerful insights about separating personal value from business outcomes, while Katie reflects on redefining herself beyond the traditional “white coat” identity after decades in practice. Together, they unpack themes of expansion, enoughness, time management, coaching, work life balance, and the importance of investing not only financially in a business, but emotionally and strategically in personal growth. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth is rarely linear, resilience is built through setbacks, and the people who create the biggest impact are often the ones willing to reinvent themselves over and over again.   Key Takeaways Entrepreneurship requires resilience and reinvention Building something meaningful comes with setbacks, uncertainty, and difficult lessons. Success often comes from the willingness to adapt, evolve, and keep moving forward. Expansion requires intentional investment of time and energy Long term business growth requires stepping out of constant survival mode and intentionally creating space for strategy, leadership, and vision. Identity evolves beyond professional titles Both Katie and Jennifer reflect on the importance of staying connected to who they are beyond their careers, through creativity, entrepreneurship, education, and personal evolution.   Quotes from the Episode “It wasn’t that we were failures… we were trying something we had never done before.” “You have to slow down in order to speed up.” “I felt like if I wore a white coat, I was losing part of who Katie is.”   About Dr. Jennifer Tabiza Dr. Jennifer Tabiza is a business consultant, entrepreneur, and optometrist who helps doctors grow through dry eye consulting, medspa launches, and aesthetics integration across medical specialties. She began her career by opening a boutique eye care practice with a vision of delivering exceptional patient care while building a meaningful business. Over time, she recognized the growing overlap between aesthetics, wellness, and eye care, which led her to expand beyond traditional optometry into a full scale medical spa model. Through strategic growth and innovation, she transformed her business into Total Body Aesthetics, integrating aesthetic services while maintaining her optometry foundation. Within one year, the expansion increased revenue by 300 percent. Dr. Tabiza also co founded Dr. Contact Lens and Techifeye, gaining extensive experience in marketing, branding, sales, technology integration, and scaling businesses. Today, she helps professionals across healthcare and aesthetics confidently launch and grow new ventures, guiding them through everything from branding and design to marketing, operations, equipment selection, and business strategy.   Connect with Dr. Jennifer Tabiza Business Coaching & Consulting https://jenntabiza.com https://linkedin.com/in/jenntabiza Medical Spa | Total Body Aesthetics https://totalbodyaesthetics.com https://eyecareandaesthetics.com https://instagram.com/eyecareandaesthetics Dr. Contact Lens https://drcontactlens.com https://instagram.com/drcontatlens Techifeye https://techifeye.com https://instagram.com/techifeye

    52 min
  4. Trusting the Path: Faith, Purpose, and the Power of Saying Yes with Dr. Ryan Corte

    APR 30

    Trusting the Path: Faith, Purpose, and the Power of Saying Yes with Dr. Ryan Corte

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist and practice owner Dr. Ryan Corte for an engaging and reflective conversation that blends storytelling with meaningful self exploration. Recorded in Tampa during a professional training event, this episode follows the podcast’s signature “soft shoes and hard shoes” format, guiding both guests through questions that uncover identity, growth, purpose, and defining life moments. Dr. Corte shares his journey from growing up in the Midwest to building a multi location practice in North Carolina. He reflects on the leap of faith it took to leave what was familiar and step into something uncertain, as well as the early experiences that shaped his leadership mindset. One pivotal moment came during optometry school, where losing a leadership role challenged his assumptions and pushed him to embrace preparation, humility, and personal accountability. Katie shares her own deeply personal reflections, particularly around her evolving sense of purpose later in life. She speaks openly about navigating uncertainty, redefining what her next chapter looks like, and building a purpose driven ecosystem that extends beyond patient care into storytelling, faith, and creative impact. Together, they explore how life’s challenges shape identity, from career decisions to personal struggles. The conversation highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with positive energy, embracing vulnerability, and recognizing that growth often comes from moments of discomfort, humility, and risk. At its core, this episode is about becoming intentional, choosing growth over comfort, and trusting that even uncertain steps can lead exactly where you are meant to be.   Key Takeaways Growth often begins with humility and self awareness Early challenges can reveal blind spots and create the opportunity to develop discipline, preparation, and a stronger leadership mindset. Purpose evolves and requires intentional action Finding meaning is not a one time decision. It is an ongoing process that often requires stepping into new roles and redefining impact over time. Taking risks leads to growth Whether it is moving, investing in a business, or starting something new, the moments that feel uncertain often become the most defining.   Quotes from the Episode “I can’t keep going on just expecting things… I need to put in the work.” “I realized I needed to figure out what my purpose in life is.” “Sometimes it’s a leap of faith… and you trust that it’s leading you where you’re meant to be.”   About Dr. Ryan Corte Dr. Ryan Corte is the owner of Reflect Vision Care, a multi location optometry practice serving Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina. He is known for integrating the latest contact lens technology and delivering high quality care to patients of all ages. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Corte actively supports other eye care professionals in growing and strengthening their practices through education, training, and mentorship. He is a speaker and educator within the optometric industry, contributing to training programs, podcasts, product launches, and doctor led sessions focused on innovation, practice growth, and patient care. As the founder of Ryan Reflects, he is passionate about both doctor and consumer education, helping people better understand eye health and the business of optometry. Outside of work, Dr. Corte enjoys working out and spending time with his wife, children, family, and friends   Connect with Dr. Ryan Corte Website https://www.ryancorte.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancorte/ Instagram https://instagram.com/RyanReflects/

    34 min
  5. Reinvention, Resilience, and the Courage to Trust Yourself with Dr. Dana Salgado and Dr. Dawn M. Tuminello

    APR 23

    Reinvention, Resilience, and the Courage to Trust Yourself with Dr. Dana Salgado and Dr. Dawn M. Tuminello

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with two of her closest colleagues and friends, Dr. Dana Salgado and Dr. Dawn M. Tuminello, for a deeply personal conversation that goes far beyond optometry. Recorded during a training event in Tampa, this episode blends laughter, honesty, and vulnerability as the three reflect on their journeys through career, personal growth, and the evolving nature of confidence. What begins as a lighthearted discussion quickly deepens into meaningful reflections on life decisions, self doubt, and the courage required to grow. Dr. Salgado shares a powerful story about choosing to keep her practice open despite financial advice to close it, guided by her commitment to a loyal patient community. Dr. Tuminello speaks openly about reinventing herself later in life and embracing new opportunities without fear. A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the gap between how confident we appear on the outside and what we feel internally. Together, they explore imposter syndrome, vulnerability, and the importance of sharing struggles openly as a form of strength rather than weakness. One of the most powerful aspects of this episode is the emphasis on friendship and connection. Despite living in different parts of the country and only seeing each other occasionally, their bond provides support, perspective, and a reminder that no one has to navigate growth alone. The episode closes with reflections on what makes people feel safe and understood, highlighting the importance of authenticity, compassion, and being truly seen. This conversation is a reminder that growth is not linear, confidence is built over time, and having the right people in your corner can make all the difference. Key Takeaways Confidence and vulnerability can coexist Even highly accomplished professionals experience self doubt. True confidence often grows when we allow ourselves to be open, honest, and human. Growth requires trusting yourself, even when others disagree Whether it is keeping a business open or stepping into something new, trusting your intuition is a key part of personal and professional evolution. Connection creates resilience Having people who genuinely listen, support, and uplift you can transform how you move through challenges and growth. Quotes “I don’t know what we would do if you weren’t here.” “I really don’t care what anybody thinks about the decisions that I make.” “I am shy… I’m not as confident as I appear.”   About Dr. Dana Salgado Dr. Dana Salgado is a private practice optometrist with two locations in upstate New York, one in Albany and one in Chatham. Her career includes experience in retail optometry and ophthalmology, with a specialty in postoperative care and glaucoma co management. She is affiliated with Vision Source, ADO, and HEA groups. Dr. Salgado currently serves as Chair of the New York State Board of Optometry, completing her second five year term, and also serves on Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO). She has represented New York at national meetings and continues to play an active role in shaping the profession. She is also Treasurer of the Albany Executives Association and serves as a mentor for women who are small business owners. Her work has been featured in Modern Optometry.   Dr. Dawn M. Tuminello Dr. Dawn M. Tuminello is a Doctor of Optometry and founder of Eye Was Framed Eyecare, a private practice she established in 2006 with a focus on personalized, patient centered care. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry. Known affectionately as “Dr. Dawn,” she has built her career around truly listening to patients and helping them find the best solutions for their vision and overall eye health. She is also a respected lecturer, sharing her expertise with fellow optometrists on topics ranging from retinal disease to advanced contact lens care. Outside of her practice, Dr. Dawn enjoys creating artwork, exploring bookstores and galleries, and traveling with her husband, always seeking meaningful and inspiring experiences.

    34 min
  6. When Life Hits Pause: Lessons from Open Heart Surgery and Second Chances with Dr. David Geffen

    APR 16

    When Life Hits Pause: Lessons from Open Heart Surgery and Second Chances with Dr. David Geffen

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with veteran optometrist Dr. David I. Geffen for a reflective and wide ranging conversation about longevity, leadership, and the moments that reshape how we see life. With more than 40 years in practice, Dr. Geffen shares both the professional lessons and deeply personal experiences that have defined his journey. One of the most profound moments came just a year prior, when he underwent open heart surgery, an experience that forced him to confront mortality and reevaluate what truly matters. The conversation explores how life changing events can act as a reset, bringing clarity around health, family, and perspective. Dr. Geffen reflects on what it means to continue living with intention after being given a second chance. Leadership is another key theme. Early in his career, he believed he needed to control every detail of his practice. Over time, he realized that true growth came from letting go, trusting his team, and empowering others to step into their roles. Beyond career, the episode highlights the richness of life through family, particularly the joy he finds in spending time with his grandchildren, and the simple daily routines, like music and learning something new, that bring lasting fulfillment. Katie adds her own perspective, sharing her journey of finding her voice, managing stress, and embracing personal storytelling through her podcast and writing. Together, they explore what it means to outgrow old versions of ourselves, stay curious, and continue evolving, no matter how long you have been in your profession. This episode is a powerful reminder that success is not just about longevity. It is about growth, perspective, and continuing to find meaning in both the big moments and the everyday ones.   Key Takeaways Life changing moments redefine priorities Major health events can create a pause that brings clarity to what truly matters, including health, family, and how we choose to spend our time. Great leadership requires letting go of control Trying to manage everything yourself can limit growth. Trusting and empowering your team allows both the business and the leader to evolve. Lifelong learning keeps life and work meaningful Curiosity, learning new skills, and staying engaged are what keep both career and life fulfilling, even after decades of experience.   Quotes from the Episode “When you go into an OR… you think, I might not wake up.” “I thought I had to control everything… and that’s what was holding my practice back.” “If I stop learning, that’s when it’s time to stop.”   About Dr. David Geffen Dr. David I. Geffen is a board certified optometrist and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry with more than 40 years of experience in clinical care, research, and education. He serves as Director of Optometric and Refractive Services at the Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla, California, where he specializes in refractive and cataract surgery co management, specialty contact lenses, and advanced anterior segment care. A nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Geffen has delivered over 500 presentations and authored more than 100 publications in leading industry journals. He has also led more than 50 clinical trials with some of the world’s top ophthalmic and contact lens companies. Known for advancing collaborative care between optometry and ophthalmology, he continues to shape the future of eye care through innovation, education, and mentorship.   Connect with Dr. David Geffen Website https://www.gwsvision.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lasiksandiego?ref=ts Instagram https://instagram.com/gwsvision/

    41 min
  7. When Life Forces You to Pause: Finding Gratitude in Unexpected Moments with Dr. Stacy T. Gin

    APR 9

    When Life Forces You to Pause: Finding Gratitude in Unexpected Moments with Dr. Stacy T. Gin

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist and business owner Dr. Stacy T. Gin for a candid and heartfelt conversation about life, motherhood, success, and the moments that truly matter. Recorded in a lively setting following a professional gathering, the conversation moves seamlessly between lighthearted reflections and deeply personal experiences. Dr. Gin shares her journey as a practice owner, leader, and mother, offering an honest look at the realities of balancing career, family, and personal growth. A central theme of the episode is how life’s unexpected pauses can reshape perspective. From the forced slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, which created meaningful family time, to Katie’s personal experience with a breast cancer diagnosis, both women reflect on how these moments shifted priorities and deepened their appreciation for life. The conversation also explores how definitions of success evolve over time. Both Katie and Stacy share how they once equated success with financial stability and career achievement, only to realize that true fulfillment comes from flexibility, purpose, relationships, and the ability to be present for the people who matter most. Throughout the episode, there is a strong emphasis on human connection. Whether through friendships, meaningful conversations, or patient relationships, these are the moments that make time disappear and life feel most alive. This episode is a powerful reminder that while careers and responsibilities shape us, it is connection, perspective, and intentional living that ultimately define a meaningful life.   Key Takeaways Life’s pauses often bring unexpected clarity Moments of disruption can feel challenging, but they often create space for reflection, deeper connection, and gratitude. Success evolves beyond money and titles True fulfillment shifts from external measures of success to internal ones, including happiness, flexibility, family, and purpose. Meaningful connection is what energizes us most The relationships and conversations we invest in are what make life feel rich, meaningful, and fully lived.   Quotes from the Episode “That 20-minute coffee turns into three and a half hours… and you don’t even realize it.” “We bought that time… and we’ll never get it back.” “It’s not just about chasing money anymore… it’s about chasing what makes you happy.”   About Dr. Stacy T. Gin Dr. Stacy T. Gin is an accomplished optometrist, business owner, and community leader with a passion for both patient care and professional leadership. She earned her degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry, where she graduated with honors. She completed her residency in Primary Eye Care at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Gin has been recognized as Young Optometrist of the Year by the California Optometric Association and has been named Best Optometrist in Glendale for over eight consecutive years. She has also been recognized by Vision Monday as one of “The 50 Most Influential Women in Optical” and has appeared as a guest speaker on the television show The Doctors. A dedicated leader and volunteer, Dr. Gin has served as Past President of the Glendale Kiwanis Club, the Asian American Optometric Society, and the San Gabriel Valley Optometric Society. She has also served on the Board of Trustees for the Southern California College of Optometry Alumni Association and Glendale Healthy Kids. In addition, she provides leadership to more than 50 independent private practices as the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles Vision Source Co Administrator. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Gin is deeply committed to her family. She is actively involved as a Room Parent, Team Mom, and Troop Leader, and enjoys fishing, pilates, and playing pickleball.   Connect with Dr. Stacy T. Gin https://glenopto.com/about-us/doctors-staff/

    26 min
  8. Becoming Unapologetically You with Dr. Kay Khine: Confidence, Boundaries, and Growth

    APR 2

    Becoming Unapologetically You with Dr. Kay Khine: Confidence, Boundaries, and Growth

    In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with cataract and glaucoma surgeon Dr. Kay Khine for a warm, honest, and deeply relatable conversation about identity, leadership, and what it really means to grow into yourself. Dr. Khine shares her journey from growing up as one of the few minorities in a small town in Minnesota to building a practice with her husband in Pasadena. Along the way, she reflects on navigating professional hierarchies during residency, where staying true to herself often meant balancing authenticity with expectation. The conversation explores how both Katie and Kay have evolved, particularly when it comes to speaking up, setting boundaries, and stepping into leadership. Dr. Khine shares how she once avoided confrontation, choosing to stay quiet and let things go, but now embraces difficult conversations as a necessary part of leadership, advocacy, and running a business. Beyond career, the episode highlights the importance of balance. As a mother, Kay reflects on the value of family time, the importance of protecting personal space, and the challenge of learning to say no, even when it feels uncomfortable. The discussion also dives into legacy, moving beyond titles and external validation toward something more meaningful. Both Katie and Kay emphasize the importance of the impact we have on others, through patient care, relationships, and how we show up in everyday life. This episode is a grounded reminder that growth is not about perfection. It is about learning, evolving, and choosing to live in alignment with what matters most.   Key Takeaways Growth often requires learning to speak up Confidence is not always natural. It is built through experience, leadership, and trusting your voice, even when it feels uncomfortable. Boundaries are essential, especially as life evolves Learning to say no is one of the most important shifts, particularly when balancing career, leadership, and family. Boundaries protect what matters most. Legacy is about impact, not titles True success is not defined by titles or achievements, but by the lives we touch and the way we show up for others.   Quotes from the Episode “I used to just let things go… but now I’m not too shy anymore to speak up for myself.” “Sometimes I just say no… my daughter needs me.” “I hope that I’ve touched people’s lives… and that I’m more than just a title.”   About Dr. Kay Khine Dr. Kay T. Khine is a cataract and glaucoma surgeon with a strong commitment to both clinical excellence and patient centered care. Born in Burma (Myanmar), she immigrated to the United States at age 11 and later attended the University of Southern California. She earned her medical degree at East Carolina University, followed by her internship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Khine completed her ophthalmology residency at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her glaucoma fellowship at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, consistently ranked among the top ophthalmology institutions in the United States. She provides advanced medical and surgical care for glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. Dr. Khine also serves as a Voluntary Assistant Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, continuing her involvement in academic research. Fluent in Burmese, she is passionate about serving the diverse San Gabriel Valley community.   Connect with Dr. Kay Khine Website: https://www.focuseyecenterla.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focuseyecenterla/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/focuseyecenterla

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 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
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Chu On This!