Conversations That Change Us
Every leader carries a story, and mine has been shaped by both triumph and the hard-earned truths that came before it. These podcast conversations explore the intersection of leadership, healing, and personal growth—because the way we show up in our work is inseparable from the way we’ve learned to show up in our lives. This page brings together the honest, transformative discussions that continue to shape my path and, I hope, offer clarity for yours.
PODCAST EPISODES
Strenghtening Patient Experience Through Aligned Leadership
In this conversation, Mandy Cansler joins Guido Piquet to explore what truly drives strong ophthalmology practices from the inside out. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in patient care, clinical operations, and leadership, Mandy shares why mission, vision, and values are more than words on a wall — they are the foundation of team alignment, patient experience, and sustainable growth.
Together, they unpack how leadership behaviors shape culture, why team confidence directly impacts care quality, and what happens when practices invest in clarity instead of control. It’s an honest, practical discussion about leading with intention, supporting people well, and building healthcare organizations that function with purpose and heart.
This conversation appears on The Ophthalmology Experience with Guido Piquet, a podcast dedicated to thoughtful discussions with leaders across ophthalmology and eye care. Guido brings an administrator's lens and genuine curiosity to each episode, creating space for honest conversations about leadership, culture, patient experience, and what it takes to build practices that truly work.
Listen to The Ophthalmology Experience with Guido Piquet:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ophthalmology-experience-with-guido-piquet/id1776701575
Vulnerability Is the New Strong: Resilience and Reclaiming Your Voice
In this deeply intimate and emotionally rich conversation, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with Mandy Cansler to explore what resilience, strength, and vulnerability truly mean when life breaks you open. Through raw storytelling and honest reflection, they discuss the emotional scars they’ve carried—and how facing those experiences head-on transformed their lives.
Together, they unpack how “strong” evolves over time, why vulnerability is not weakness but power, and how discovering your voice often requires releasing the versions of yourself you once relied on. From navigating identity, grief, cancer, adoption trauma, divorce, and rediscovering self-worth, this episode offers a heartfelt blueprint for anyone who has ever felt “not enough.”
This conversation is a reminder that resilience isn’t about pushing through—it’s about being honest, being seen, and allowing yourself to become the next, truer version of you.
Chu on What Matters podcast with Dr. Katie W. Chu features authentic, purpose-driven conversations that explore the heart work behind the hard work—inviting listeners to “chew on what matters” through real stories of leadership, resilience, and meaningful living. The podcast reflects Dr. Chu’s mission to help people see clearly, lead boldly, and live purposefully.
Follow here → https://www.youtube.com/@ChuOnThisPodcast
Trauma to Triumph - Why Success Wasn't Enough
I was grateful to join Thomas Scaria on the Resilience+Rise™ podcast—his powerful platform dedicated to helping people push beyond achievement and into authentic, whole-life transformation. Thomas has a way of drawing out conversations that are honest, courageous, and deeply human.
In this episode, we explored how childhood narratives can shape ambition, self-worth, and the relentless pursuit of “enough.” The conversation opens up the connection between unresolved experiences, overachievement, and the moment you realize success can’t quiet an internal story that never felt finished. Thomas creates space for truth-telling, healing, and the kind of clarity that invites real change.
His podcast blends mindset, resilience, and personal growth, inspired by the principles of his upcoming book Resilience+Rise: 26.2 Transformative Miles to Unleash Your Marathon of Life Mindset (debuting early 2025). It’s a powerful resource for anyone ready to rewrite their story and rise to their next chapter.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HUzegoJPO1JXWQVCtHCY7
Seasoned Advice - Ophthalmology Career Growth
I had the privilege of joining Mike Lyons on his podcast for a conversation that gets right to the heart of successful organizations - bringing clarity, curiosity, and real-world insight to the challenges leaders face every day. Mike has a gift for asking the kind of questions that open the door to honest dialogue, and this episode was no exception.
We explored the connection between communication, team alignment, and practice growth, along with the deeper mindset shifts that strengthen leadership at every level. Mike creates an easy, engaging space for meaningful conversations, and it was a joy to be part of one.
If you’re not already following his work, you should be. His podcast and his company, Seasoned Advice HR, are incredible resources for healthcare practices committed to hiring well and creating cultures to build strong, aligned teams.
Learn more about his work at https://www.seasoned-advice.com/
Healthy Talk
I had the privilege of joining Candice on Healthy Head Talk, a CTS Health podcast that creates powerful space for honest, meaningful conversations about mental health and personal growth. Candice has a rare way of guiding dialogue that feels both safe and deeply real.
In this two-part series, we explored the connection between trauma, imposter syndrome, and the internal narratives that shape how we show up in the world. Part one looks at how past experiences influence self-worth, belonging, and the roots of self-doubt. Part two shifts toward healing—breaking old patterns, reclaiming your voice, and turning lived experience into influence that lifts others.
Candice’s podcast is a tremendous resource for anyone seeking understanding, resilience, and tools to support emotional well-being.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QoQOKbIXZmMIBhr7pMQBm