OWA Talks Podcast

In this episode, OWA Talks is joined by Barbara De Rigo of De Rigo Vision SPA. Listen as we discuss YALEA, an exciting De Rigo house brand, created and launched in collaboration with our guest, that promotes contemporary women and seeks to help enhance their personal growth and empowerment. About the guest: Barbara De Rigo was born in Cortina d' Ampezzo and, after graduating as a Parliamentar...

Dr. Brianna Rhue talks with our co-hosts about scaling a business and everything along the journey. Going from an Optometrist to a woman in tech, building the 41st fastest growing company, to purchasing a practice and the hurdles to overcome. Hear how the patient / doctor relationship is so important in healthcare and when not understanding the business side, giving away our leverage. Understandin...

ClearVision Optical is a second-generation family-owned independent leader in the eyewear industry. Join us in this episode where we chat with not one, but three members of the Clear Vision family and discuss the values that have allowed the company to endure for 75 years. About our guests: David Friedfeld is President of ClearVision Optical, one of the largest family-owned eyewear distributors in...

With a mother who worked as a nurse, Dr. Sukaromya, knew from a young age she wanted to help people. Listen to this episode of ‘OWA Talks’ to her about incredible passion to help people, patients, and the industry at large. She also shares her insights on owning her own practice, staffing shortages, navigating times of change and participating in optometric missions to Granada, El Salvador, and Me...

It’s a new year and OWA Talks is kicking 2024 off with a bang by featuring a very special guest, newly inducted OWA President, Dr. Lorie Lippiatt! In this episode, Dr. Lippiatt shares her unique journey within the OWA, her inspiring vision for the OWA’s future during her term as President, and exciting musings she has on different career ‘stages.’ About our guest: Lorie Lippiatt, OD is a 1988 grad...

Tracy Neal, Director of Customer Support, GPN Technologies talks to our co-hosts about motivating and cheerleading teams to not only produce output, but on how to thrive personally and professionally. Creating goals and challenging yourself to work outside of your comfort zone is a skill Tracy has honed in her more than 33 year career in optical. Listen to this episode to hear Tracy’s enthusiastic...

In this episode of OWA Talks , we hear from Michelle Skinner, Chief Growth Officer at VSP Vision. Michelle outlines her ‘Three C’s’ approach to leadership and explains how to use this approach to navigate change, foster growth and plan for the future in uncertain times. About our guest: Michelle Skinner leads a centralized, doctor-facing sales organization for VSP Vision, an eye health company wit...

A life of Service: Dr. Jill Saxon talks with new OWA Talks co-hosts, Tatiana and Carissa, about her journey in the industry. Through a career in optometry and her service in the US Navy, Dr. Saxon has made a meaningful impact on the world. Listen to this inspirational episode to hear Dr. Saxon’s story, drawing from family members in Optometry and private practice to her role as Executive Director,...

Join us for a special episode of OWA Talks as we ‘turn the mic’ and get the story behind the story from our hosts. Outgoing co-hosts Sandra and Stephanie pass the baton to new co-hosts, Tatiana Stewart and Carissa Dunphy, but not before they share all the tantalizing behind the scenes details of their experience and interview Carissa and Tatiana as they start their new journey with OWA Talks. Abou...

Robin Brush, Training and Education Manager Safilo North America chats with OWA Talks about her journey from Optician to requesting the ten minute meeting with an executive that changed her career. Tune in for a passionate personal story that Robin shares with listeners on translating her critical communication skills and honing your craft to educate others. Visualize your goals and realize your d...

Janna shares her career journey from a receptionist working part time while in college to an executive with the same company, (Zyloware) In the current environment with more people moving companies to move ahead, learn how we can create opportunities and advance our careers. Janna also discusses some exciting initiatives happening with OWA. About the guest: Janna Neal is the Senior Vice President...

Are you looking to enhance your eyewear business and connect with customers in a meaningful way? This month we delve into the world of content strategy and its critical role in the optical industry. Keri Sculland of Marketing4ECPs will provide valuable insights and practical tips on how effective content can shape your brand image, foster community, and create patient buy-in and customer loyalty....

Are you looking to develop a sustainable career while also achieving balance in your life? Join us for this month's podcast, where we'll discuss the challenges a lot of busy women face in today’s fast-paced world. Discover powerful strategies to shape a more satisfying career and to stay on top of your craft. We'll explore how intentional leadership, networking, and professional dev...

Throughout her career, Sherianne James has worked with household brands, including some of the most recognized brands in the world. As chief marketing officer and senior vice president of Wholesale Marketing at EssilorLuxottica North America, Sherianne works with the most recognized brands in our industry. Join us to learn more about the importance of growing recognized, trusted brands – including...

Alysse Henkel of The Vision Council shares differentiation points on Market inSights from other industry tools. Launched in December, our co-hosts chat the report learnings with Alysse and hear about Vision Council prep ahead of Vision Expo East. About the guest: Alysse is responsible for establishing data management systems and policies to enable complex analysis of large data sets, developing ro...

As we launch 2023 Daniel Wakefield, renowned photographer chats reflecting your personal brand in a business profile. Hear the importance of capturing genuine expression to best present the face you show the business world. Daniel also chats thoughts on capturing video content to use in ever-changing marketing needs. About the guest: Daniel Wakefield, Owner/Photographer of Top-Tier Headshots, star...

Sara Osculati, embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that has helped Thélios become a major luxury player in the  eyewear market. Thélios is the eyewear expert within LVMH Group (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), World leader in Luxury with a portfolio of over 75 luxury brands. Hear Sara talk through her vision of a bright future as Thélios successfully builds on their story in the U.S. market. Sara als...

As one of 2021’s Most Influential Women in Optical , Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon has a rich heritage and background with Optometry and Ophthalmology. Dr. Val joins OWA Talks to chat elevating eye exams and strategic initiatives she is working on with VSP and the industry. Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio |  Amazon Connect with the OWA: Website |...

Amy Hendrick is the Business Development Manager for GPN Technologies and EDGEPro. Her 15 years experience in the optical industry began at a LASIK surgery center, where she found passion in educating patients on the surgery process, easing their fears and facilitating their life changing surgery. She went on to work in a private practice for 8 years, learning the business and filling almost every...

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Ashley Mills is CEO of The Vision Council, the industry association serving as a global voice for eyewear and eyecare that represents companies in diverse segments of the optical industry. Mills will discuss The Vision Council’s efforts to foster a sense of strong community within the industry, curate opportunities for members to connect and forge new relationships and ultimately, promote industry...

Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us all to rethink how we work together, and how our behaviors and actions have an impact on others. Bidisha will share her personal story on how developing and leveraging soft skills are crucial for a positive and collaborative work environment. Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio |  Amazon Connect with...

 Dr. Anne-Marie Lahr shares stories of career diversity for women in Optometry. Whether delivering patient care as a practicing OD, teaching, lecturing internationally or research and corporate options, there are many opportunities. Also hear about new technology of “liquid lens” or vectorial refraction. Better 1 or two?!  Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes | Spotify | Overcast...

Beginning with a simple post on the company portal, an invitation to join a meeting, and soon after, an interview followed. Now Susan Larsen is off to the races alongside some amazing women to form National Vision’s first Employee Resource Group dedicated to enhancing the lives of women. Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeartRadio |  Amazon Connect with...

In the current environment for our industry, people that work with and for us are our biggest asset and resource. Jamie and the Shyer family built a culture of getting the best team members, in the right “seat on the bus.“ Having a talented, diverse group of people working in the business is the secret to success.  Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes | Spotify | Overcast | iHeart...