In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist Dr. John Larcebal for a deeply reflective conversation about purpose, perspective, and what it truly means to live a meaningful life.

Dr. Larcebal shares his journey from building and running multiple successful optometry practices to stepping into semi retirement, where he now dedicates much of his time to international humanitarian eye care missions. Through his work with VOSH, he has served communities around the world, gaining a profound perspective on need, adaptation, and gratitude.

One of the most powerful insights from his experiences comes from working with children in underserved regions, where the prevalence of vision issues is significantly higher than in the United States. Yet despite having fewer resources, these communities often demonstrate deep joy, connection, and contentment.

The conversation expands into personal values, including integrity, honesty, family, and the responsibility that comes with parenthood. Dr. Larcebal reflects on how growing up on a farm shaped his discipline and work ethic, while also reinforcing the importance of keeping one’s word and living with consistency.

Katie shares her own reflections on legacy, purpose, and creating spaces where people feel safe to share their stories. Together, they explore the idea that success is not defined solely by professional achievement, but by the impact we leave on others.

This episode is a powerful reminder that perspective shapes everything, and that a meaningful life is built not through accumulation, but through connection, service, and intentional living.

Perspective changes everything Exposure to different environments and communities can completely reshape how we define success, happiness, and fulfillment.

Integrity and honesty are foundational values From handshake agreements to modern leadership, keeping your word and living with honesty remains essential in both personal and professional life.

Legacy is built through impact, not just achievement True success extends beyond career milestones. It is reflected in how we serve others, how we show up, and the difference we make in people’s lives.

“Having all these material things doesn’t always make us the luckier ones.”

“Back then, your word and your handshake… that was the contract.”

“It’s not just about what you achieve, it’s about the impact you leave behind.”

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist Dr. Arash Sadeghian for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about purpose, sacrifice, identity, and the defining moments that shape our lives.

Recorded during a break at the California Optometric Association House of Delegates, this episode moves seamlessly between lighthearted reflections and profound life insights.

Dr. Sadeghian shares his journey as a private practice optometrist of more than 20 years, reflecting on the realities of growing a practice, mentoring emerging doctors, and continuously evolving as both a clinician and a leader.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when he shares a pivotal story from his early life. He was nearly recruited by the FBI, a path that seemed to disappear as quickly as it appeared. Years later, while in optometry school, he diagnosed a life threatening condition in his own mother and ultimately helped save her life.

That moment reframed everything.

What once felt like a missed opportunity revealed itself as something far more meaningful. A redirection toward purpose.

Together, Katie and Arash explore the balance between career and family, the sacrifices required in healthcare, and the evolving nature of leadership identity. They reflect on the weight of responsibility, the importance of presence, and the small, meaningful moments that ground us in what truly matters.

From cultural roots and childhood memories to professional growth and legacy, this episode is a reminder that purpose is often only clear in hindsight, and that the path you are on may be exactly where you are meant to be.

Purpose often reveals itself through hindsight What may feel like missed opportunities can actually be redirections. Dr. Sadeghian’s journey shows how life aligns in ways we often only understand later.

Sacrifice is part of building something meaningful Balancing career and family, especially in healthcare, comes with trade offs. Meaning is found in how we navigate those sacrifices with intention.

Growth requires evolving your identity Leadership is not static. It requires reflection, feedback, and a willingness to adapt how you show up for your team, your patients, and your life.

“Everything happened for a purpose, for a reason… I couldn’t even imagine a different path.”

“There’s things you need to get done… but at the same time, it’s about providing great care for our patients.”

“At that moment, I realized this is why I’m here. This is why I chose this profession.”

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist Dr. Vin Dang for a thoughtful and wide ranging conversation about resilience, identity, and the experiences that shape the paths we choose.

Dr. Dang shares his remarkable journey from being born in Paris to immigrant parents of Chinese Vietnamese heritage, to eventually building a career in the United States as an optometrist. Along the way, he reflects on how his parents’ sacrifices shaped his work ethic and sense of purpose, and how unexpected opportunities helped guide him toward the profession he loves today.

The conversation moves beyond career milestones into deeper personal territory. Katie and Vin explore therapy, emotional awareness, empathy, and the lifelong process of unlearning habits and beliefs that quietly shape our behavior.

Dr. Dang speaks candidly about the role therapy played in helping him recognize the difference between criticism of an action and criticism of the self. That distinction, along with learning not to take things personally, became a turning point in his personal growth.

Together, Katie and Vin also discuss the importance of having a supportive “village” of people who keep us grounded and help us see ourselves more clearly. Whether through family, friendships, mentorship, or therapy, growth rarely happens in isolation.

Blending humor, vulnerability, and wisdom, this episode highlights how life’s defining moments, both joyful and painful, can become powerful catalysts for transformation.

Growth often requires unlearning old patterns Therapy and self reflection can reveal the difference between criticism of who we are and feedback about what we do. Learning that distinction opens the door to empathy and emotional maturity.

Immigrant stories often fuel resilience and purpose Watching his parents leave a comfortable life in France to build opportunity in the United States deeply shaped Dr. Dang’s drive and commitment to honoring their sacrifices.

We all need a village to grow Family, friends, mentors, and therapists help us stay grounded and see ourselves more clearly. Personal growth rarely happens alone.

“It’s learning the difference between someone criticizing you and someone criticizing an action. Those are two very different things.”

“My wife always reminds me: it’s not always about you. Sometimes it’s about how your actions affect other people.”

“Seeing my parents sacrifice their comfortable life so we could have opportunity here shaped who I am today.”

Dr. Vin T. Dang is an optometrist practicing in Bakersfield, California with a clinical focus on ocular surface disease and dry eye management.

Born and raised in Paris, France, Dr. Dang earned his Doctorate of Optometry from the Southern California College of Optometry. In 2016, he received his Fellowship with the American Academy of Optometry.

As Director of the Dry Eye Center at Empire Eye and Laser Center, Dr. Dang specializes in ocular surface disease, advanced refractive surgery care, and glaucoma management.

He has contributed to optometric journals and frequently lectures on the treatment and management of ocular surface disease. Dr. Dang also serves on advisory boards supporting the research and development of new dry eye therapies and disease management protocols.

He is a member of the American Optometric Association and a past president of the Kern County Optometric Society. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Dang volunteers nationally and internationally with OneSight and Vision To Learn, helping bring eye care to underserved communities.

Website: https://www.empireeyeandlaser.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dangitsvin2/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vin.dang.3/

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist and healthcare leader Dr. Beverly Bianes for a heartfelt conversation about growth, reinvention, and the courage to keep evolving at every stage of life.

Recorded in a lively San Diego setting during the California Optometric Association House of Delegates meeting, the discussion blends humor, reflection, and deeply personal insight.

Dr. Bianes shares her journey from building multiple private practices to navigating major career shifts when private equity began reshaping the optometry landscape. Rather than seeing change as the end of a chapter, she embraced it as an opportunity to rediscover her confidence and expand her leadership.

Through this transition, she pushed herself to learn new skills, including public speaking and professional advocacy, challenging long held doubts about her own abilities.

Katie reflects on similar moments in her own career, stepping outside familiar lanes to learn creative and technological skills she once believed were beyond her reach. Both women share how the things that once seemed intimidating often become the very experiences that expand confidence and purpose.

Together, they explore reinvention, lifelong learning, and the courage required to face fears such as public speaking. What emerges is a powerful reminder that growth does not stop with experience or age. In many ways, the most fulfilling chapters of life begin when we step outside our comfort zones and say yes to what once felt impossible.

Reinvention is always possible Career shifts and life transitions can feel destabilizing, but they often create the opportunity to rediscover talents and develop new skills. Growth does not stop at any age.

Confidence is rebuilt through action Self doubt does not disappear through reflection alone. Confidence grows when we try new things, take risks, and prove to ourselves that we can adapt and evolve.

Fear often signals the path to growth Public speaking once felt intimidating for both Katie and Beverly, yet facing that fear opened doors to leadership, communication, and professional impact they never expected.

“The truth about life is that it is going to end… and that makes me live harder.”

“You’re never too old to learn new things and start trying new things.”

“I realized I can do hard things and step out of my own lane.”

In Part 2 of this powerful continuation of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu and executive coach Aashi Arora move from reflection into action, exploring what courage looks like in real time.

The conversation opens with creativity and identity as Katie shares how LinkedIn unexpectedly became a space to reclaim a part of herself she once set aside, her artistic voice. What began as professional visibility evolved into personal rediscovery.

From there, the dialogue deepens into a thought provoking Hard Shoes question: When have you realized being right mattered less than being aligned with your values?

Aashi shares a pivotal executive leadership moment where protecting the organization initially felt right on paper, but deeper reflection revealed a misalignment with her personal values around equity and fairness. That realization ultimately influenced her career trajectory and reinforced the importance of values based leadership.

Katie then vulnerably shares a present day advocacy battle within the ophthalmic industry, one that tested her health, her courage, and her professional security. After a hospital visit triggered by anxiety symptoms, she made a conscious decision not to retreat, but to stand firm in her belief that patient safety must come first.

Together, they explore the spectrum of advocacy, from safe conversations to challenging resistance to bold, disruptive action. They discuss what it means to move forward even when it feels uncomfortable, uncertain, or risky.

The episode closes with an intimate discussion about boundaries, releasing relationships that erode self worth, and the deep hope both women carry, that people feel seen, heard, and valued in their presence.

This is not theoretical leadership. It is integrity under pressure. Courage in real time. And protecting what matters most.

Alignment with values matters more than being right Professional decisions may appear correct on paper, but leadership requires checking whether actions align with internal values, especially during conflict.

Courage exists on a spectrum Advocacy does not begin with radical action. It often starts with small, safe steps that gradually build toward bold, aligned movement.

Boundaries are an act of self respect Letting go of relationships that diminish self worth is not rejection. It is alignment with purpose, health, and integrity.

“I am not going to retreat.”

“There are some clear non negotiables.”

“I want people to feel seen.”

Aashi Arora is the Founder and CEO of iRISE Executive Coaching, where she specializes in healthcare professional crisis intervention and healthcare executive coaching.

With more than 20 years of operational leadership experience, including roles as Chief Administrative Officer and CFO in academic health systems, Aashi understands the pressure of healthcare leadership from the inside out. As a Professional Certified Coach and CliftonStrengths practitioner, she works with healthcare professionals facing disruptive behaviors that threaten their careers and executives navigating imposter syndrome.

Her approach blends operational pragmatism with deep behavioral transformation, helping leaders move from crisis to championship performance.

Aashi is also the host of Leaders Creating Rukus on iHeartRadio. She believes conflict, when handled with courage and skill, can transform into collaboration, and that the most powerful leaders are those willing to face their shadows and step into their strengths.

Website https://www.iriseexecutivecoaching.com

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aashiarorairiseexecutivecoaching/

Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-leaders-creating-rukus-238202145/

In Part 1 of this deeply revealing episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with executive coach Aashi Arora for a conversation that moves far beyond leadership theory and into the deeply personal roots of identity, conflict, and resilience.

Aashi shares her journey from a 20 plus year executive career in healthcare leadership to founding iRISE Executive Coaching. She reflects on the crossroads moments that grew louder over time, calling her toward work centered on guiding leaders through conflict, self awareness, and career reinvention.

The conversation takes a powerful turn during the Hard Shoes segment, where both Katie and Aashi explore how early life experiences shaped how they navigate tension and conflict today.

Katie courageously shares her experience of childhood abuse and how it conditioned her toward avoidance as a survival mechanism. She describes the therapeutic breakthrough that allowed her to reclaim her voice and reframe conflict from a place of strength rather than fear.

Aashi reflects on being academically accelerated at a young age, enduring bullying, and growing up in a traditional South Asian immigrant household. She shares how her father’s gentle perspective taught her to see conflict not as black and white, but in shades of gray.

Together, they unpack how childhood survival strategies often follow us into adulthood, shaping leadership style, communication patterns, boundaries, and self perception.

This episode is a powerful exploration of the intersection between inner healing and executive leadership. It reminds us that the way we handle conflict is rarely random. It is rooted in story, identity, and the parts of ourselves we are still learning to understand.

Conflict responses are often rooted in childhood survival strategies Avoidance, overachievement, silence, or overanalysis frequently begin as protective mechanisms. Leadership growth begins when we recognize and consciously reshape those patterns.

Crossroads moments grow louder when we ignore them The internal voice that calls us toward alignment does not disappear. It becomes harder to silence over time. Choosing to listen can redefine an entire career.

Emotional intelligence requires examining the inner child From bullying to abuse to cultural identity expectations, early experiences shape executive presence. Sustainable leadership requires awareness, not suppression.

“It was this internal voice that kept getting louder and louder until I couldn’t silence it anymore.”

“When there was tension, I would retreat and stay quiet. It was a choice to protect myself.”

“Not everyone is black and white. People are shades of gray.”

Aashi Arora is the Founder and CEO of iRISE Executive Coaching, where she specializes in healthcare professional crisis intervention and healthcare executive coaching.

With more than 20 years of operational leadership experience, including roles as Chief Administrative Officer and CFO in academic health systems, Aashi understands the pressure of healthcare leadership from the inside out. As a Professional Certified Coach and CliftonStrengths practitioner, she works with two primary populations: healthcare professionals facing disruptive behaviors that threaten their careers and organizations, and healthcare executives navigating imposter syndrome.

Her approach blends operational pragmatism with deep behavioral transformation, helping leaders move from crisis to championship performance.

Aashi is also the host of Leaders Creating Rukus on iHeartRadio. She believes that conflict, when handled with skill and courage, can be transformed into collaboration, and that the most powerful leaders are those brave enough to face their shadows and step into their strengths.

Website https://www.iriseexecutivecoaching.com

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aashiarorairiseexecutivecoaching/

Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-leaders-creating-rukus-238202145/

In this special, spontaneous episode of Chu on This!, recorded aboard the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with leadership consultant Mandy Cansler following a full day team retreat with the Chu Crew.

Set against a backdrop of renewal, reflection, and intentional growth, this conversation explores emotional intelligence, vulnerability in leadership, and what it truly takes to build a sustainable legacy practice.

Mandy shares her perspective after watching Katie’s team move from uncertainty to meaningful engagement throughout the retreat. Through tools like the Merrill-Reid personality assessment and guided group discussions, the team explored communication styles, personality dynamics, emotional triggers, feedback culture, and personal growth.

A central theme of the episode is the distinction between IQ and EQ. While IQ may be relatively fixed, emotional intelligence is a choice. It can be strengthened through awareness, maturity, and a willingness to evolve. Mandy explains why long term success in today’s workplace depends less on technical skill alone and more on emotional regulation, accountability, and the ability to give and receive feedback with grace.

Katie reflects on how this retreat represents something much larger than a workshop. It is about sustainability. It is about creating a practice that will continue to serve the Rosemead and San Gabriel communities for the next thirty years. It is about legacy.

This episode offers a powerful look at leadership that prioritizes heart as much as skill, vulnerability as much as authority, and long term impact over short term performance.

Emotional intelligence is a choice, not a fixed trait IQ may remain stable, but EQ can be intentionally developed. Awareness, emotional maturity, feedback literacy, and trigger management are what elevate teams.

Leadership exists at every level Influence is not defined by title. Every team member shapes culture, patient experience, and community impact through how they show up each day.

Sustainable legacy requires vulnerability and alignment Building something that lasts decades demands more than technical excellence. It requires emotional growth, shared purpose, and alignment at every level of the organization.

“The technical skills that got you where you are may not be what secures you in a position for success.”

“IQ is a given. EQ is a choice.”

“That is a promise to my patients and to my community.”

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandycansler-comt/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mandycanslerclarity/ https://www.instagram.com/mandyhcansler/

Website https://www.mandycanslerconsulting.com/

In this spontaneous and deeply reflective episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with Mandy Cansler for an honest, in the moment conversation recorded during a cruise retreat in Ensenada, Mexico. What begins as an unplanned podcast unfolds into a powerful dialogue about leadership, anxiety, rest, confidence, and the evolving nature of self belief.

Katie and Mandy explore how staying busy can quietly become a coping mechanism, especially for those navigating anxiety, and why slowing down often feels uncomfortable rather than restful. Both reflect on learning to regulate their nervous systems intentionally, redefining rest as a requirement rather than a reward, and recognizing when the body sends warning signs that cannot be ignored.

The conversation also dives into leadership growth and identity. Katie opens up about releasing the belief that she “couldn’t do hard things,” recognizing herself as a leader, and stepping into bold decisions that once felt intimidating, including investing in consulting support for her practice. Mandy shares her own journey of releasing guilt tied to past leadership choices, embracing growth without shame, and learning to lead herself with compassion.

Throughout the episode, themes of presence, confidence, celebration, and alignment emerge. From recognizing leadership in action to celebrating professional milestones, this episode reminds us that growth is not about perfection. It is about awareness, courage, and intentional choice.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is not only about what you do, but about how you care for yourself while doing it.

Rest is a requirement, not a reward Health scares, anxiety, and burnout become wake up calls that sustainable leadership requires rest. It is not something you earn after exhaustion.

Confidence grows when old beliefs are released Letting go of limiting beliefs opens the door to bold decisions, leadership confidence, and personal growth.

Leadership is often unnamed until you see it in action Many people lead long before they ever call themselves leaders. Leadership shows up through decisions, care for teams, and the courage to move forward even when you do not feel ready.

“Rest isn’t a reward. It’s a requirement.” “I had to let go of the belief that I couldn’t do hard things.” “I didn’t realize I was leading until I named it.”

Mandy Hampton Cansler is an Ophthalmic Organizational Consultant and Leadership Expert, keynote speaker, and author in progress with more than 25 years of experience in the eye care industry.

Starting her career as a technician and rising to Chief Clinical Officer, Mandy blends deep clinical expertise with strategic leadership insight to help ophthalmologists, optometrists, and administrators strengthen culture, streamline operations, and build high performing teams.

She holds COMT and COE credentials and is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, with a national reputation for guiding practices through organizational clarity, leadership development, and operational transformation. Mandy is known for her transparent, relatable approach and for bringing real world insight that helps leaders move out of overwhelm and into aligned, confident decision making.

Mandy is currently writing her memoir, Not Enough…Until I Was, which explores identity, adoption, overachievement, and the emotional cost of performing for worth. She shares her writing journey openly, using vulnerability and storytelling to connect with leaders navigating their own internal battles.

Her personal journey fuels the way she leads today, with courage, clarity, and deep respect for the human stories behind every role and title.

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandycansler-comt/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mandycanslerclarity/ https://www.instagram.com/mandyhcansler/

Website https://www.mandycanslerconsulting.com/