Why failure can be your friend with Dr. Chris Wolfe, OD
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
Release Date: 12/08/2025
My most impactful books I read during 2025 (and the lessons I've learned)
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
In this reflective episode, we'll explore the most impactful books I've read in 2025. From exploring personal growth and professional evolution to sharing insights on leadership and success, I'll share the themes that shaped my year. I'll discusses the challenges and triumphs of balancing identity and ambition, hopefully offering valuable takeaways for optometry professionals and beyond. Book List: Driven: Understanding and Harnessing the Genetic Gifts Shared by Entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, Pro Athletes, and Maybe YOU – Doug Brackmann ➡️ From Strength to Strength: Finding...
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The how and why of taking time (literally) out of the practice to work ON your practice with Drs. Julie Helmus & Paul Mormon, OD
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
Almost every business owner knows they need to spend time working ON and not just IN their business. But what does it mean to take that concept to a whole new level by traveling and spending time outdoors with colleagues and strategic partners? Whether you choose to take time out of your business to work on your business and do it across town or across the country, this conversation with Drs. Julie Helmus, OD and Paul Mormon, OD talk about what it takes and means to truly invest in yourself by finding your tribe and community. This is also a perfect time to remind you, the listener, that in...
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Why failure can be your friend with Dr. Chris Wolfe, OD
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
Why failure can be your friend with Dr. Chris Wolfe, ODHow can failure be your friend, and why should you embrace failure? On this episode—which is actually me guest-hosting Dr. Chris Wolfe's podcast EyeCode Media—we discuss a journey Chris has been on for awhile, how he failed, and why he considers the failure a positive influence in his life. I share my perspective of the situation and the lessons practice owners should take away from Chris's experience. Links to grab: ————————————————————————————— Please rate...
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Failure and Risk (and why practice owners should embrace them) with Nathan Hayes
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
ODs tend to be a pretty risk-averse group, which means failure and risk can be avoided or almost taboo topics. But risk is required for any type of return in life. So how should practice/business owners think about risk? If you're embarking on a new growth goals for your practice—like adding an associate doctor—how do you prepare for that investment into the practice and how long do you continue down that path if it's not working? How do you pivot and what are the financial decisions you can make to hedge the risk as best as possible? Resources: ...
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The benefits of shifting your mindset from practice owner to CEO (and the 3 numbers to measure daily) with Dr. Brianna Rhue, OD
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
So much of business ownership is about your mindset. So what happens when you take the cognizant approach to shift your mindset from a practice owner to a CEO? What are the necessary strategies you must incorporate into your life if you want accomplish more but yet do it in the same (or less time)? And how does this work when you try and build a tech company on top of it all? Dr. Brianna Rhue, OD—co-founder of and owner of in Tamarac, FL—joins us back on the show to give us a peek behind what has worked for her as she has grown not only her private practice but also scaled her tech...
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If you think "sales" is a dirty word, this episode was made just for you.
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo returns to talk about a topic many ODs quietly struggle with: the role of sales in patient care and practice performance. Inspired by a recent post he shared on LinkedIn, we explore why certain KPIs feel frustrating to improve and how a simple shift in perspective can change the way doctors think about influencing patient outcomes. Steve and I discuss the stories we tell ourselves about what “selling” means, why the word carries so much baggage in healthcare, and how a reframed definition can open the door to clearer communication and better patient...
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From the Exam Room to the Executive Table: A Conversation with Dr. Pete Kehoe on How Managed Vision Care Can Enhance the Provider Experience
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
Why has the profession of optometry had such a complicated relationship with VCPs (vision care plans) over the years? Some practice owners love them. Others despise them. Some practices are on all the panels. Some have intentionally jettisoned themselves from every plan and gone out of network entirely. On this episode, which in a way serves as a follow-up discussion to my conversation with Dr. Chris Smiley, OD (link in the show notes), Dr. Pete Kehoe and I have an engaging and well-rounded discussion about VCPs and the role they can play in running a successful practice—and why it doesn't...
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Solving for optionality and the importance of community up to and through retirement with Roger Whitney
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
On this episode, we explore the unique intersection of financial planning and personal growth, discussing the importance of thinking on our thinking, the paradigm shift from accumulating to decumulating assets, and the role of community in achieving financial confidence. Roger shares insights from his Rock Retirement Club, emphasizing the value of optionality and the art of managing complex problems. Whether you're planning for retirement or simply curious about financial wisdom, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. As a reminder, you can get all the information...
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Educate & inform, don't sell: a patient experience conversation with Tim Merrigan from Acquios Advisors
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
There are few episodes where I tell you to rewind and listen again to something that a guest has says. This is one of those episodes. From the importance of using the patient's name to offering appointment options without directly asking if they want to schedule, this conversation with Tim is a great example of why words matter in all aspects of the patient experience. As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today’s conversation by visiting our website at and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly “planning life on...
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Where's my money?! with Sharon Carter
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
Ever wonder where all your money's going in your practice? Sharon's here to share the "usual suspects" of practice (mis)management that's costing practice owners tens (sometimes hundreds) of thousands of dollars. We also highlight the importance of goal setting and creating a positive workplace culture to retain staff and drive practice growth. Lastly but importantly, if there's a topic that you hear us discuss that you'd like us to dive deeper into on a future episode, let me know! Email with your suggestion and Sharon has promised to come back on the show for a deeper dive on listener...
info_outlineWhy failure can be your friend with Dr. Chris Wolfe, ODHow can failure be your friend, and why should you embrace failure? On this episode—which is actually me guest-hosting Dr. Chris Wolfe's podcast EyeCode Media—we discuss a journey Chris has been on for awhile, how he failed, and why he considers the failure a positive influence in his life. I share my perspective of the situation and the lessons practice owners should take away from Chris's experience.
Links to grab:
Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit
20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass
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