Chu On This!

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 awarenessEarly challenges can reveal blind spots and create the opportunity to develop discipline, preparation, and a stronger leadership mindset.
Purpose evolves and requires intentional actionFinding 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 growthWhether 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/

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 coexistEven 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 disagreeWhether 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 resilienceHaving 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.

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 prioritiesMajor 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 controlTrying 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 meaningfulCuriosity, 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/

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 clarityMoments of disruption can feel challenging, but they often create space for reflection, deeper connection, and gratitude.
Success evolves beyond money and titlesTrue fulfillment shifts from external measures of success to internal ones, including happiness, flexibility, family, and purpose.
Meaningful connection is what energizes us mostThe 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/

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 upConfidence 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 evolvesLearning 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 titlesTrue 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

From Success to Significance: Finding Meaning Beyond the Practice with Dr. John Larcabal

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist Dr. John Larcabal for a deeply reflective conversation about purpose, perspective, and what it truly means to live a meaningful life.
Dr. Larcabal 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. Larcabal 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.
 
Key Takeaways
Perspective changes everythingExposure to different environments and communities can completely reshape how we define success, happiness, and fulfillment.
Integrity and honesty are foundational valuesFrom 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 achievementTrue 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.
 
Quotes from the Episode
“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.”

From Almost FBI to Saving Lives: A Journey of Purpose and Perspective with Dr. Arash Sadeghian

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.
 
Key Takeaways
Purpose often reveals itself through hindsightWhat 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 meaningfulBalancing 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 identityLeadership is not static. It requires reflection, feedback, and a willingness to adapt how you show up for your team, your patients, and your life.
 
Quotes from the Episode
“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.”

From Paris to Purpose: Dr. Vin Dang on Resilience, Growth, and Finding Your Path

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.
 
Key Takeaways
Growth often requires unlearning old patternsTherapy 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 purposeWatching 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 growFamily, friends, mentors, and therapists help us stay grounded and see ourselves more clearly. Personal growth rarely happens alone.
 
Quotes from the Episode
“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.”
 
About Dr. Vin Dang
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.
 
Connect with Dr. Vin Dang
Website: https://www.empireeyeandlaser.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dangitsvin2/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vin.dang.3/
 
 

Reinventing Yourself at Any Age: Courage, Confidence, and New Chapters with Dr. Beverly Bianes

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.
Key Takeaways
Reinvention is always possibleCareer 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 actionSelf 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 growthPublic speaking once felt intimidating for both Katie and Beverly, yet facing that fear opened doors to leadership, communication, and professional impact they never expected.
Quotes from the Episode
“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.”

Shades of Gray: How Childhood Shapes the Leader You Become - Part 2

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.
✨ Key Takeaways
Alignment with values matters more than being rightProfessional decisions may appear correct on paper, but leadership requires checking whether actions align with internal values, especially during conflict.
Courage exists on a spectrumAdvocacy 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 respectLetting go of relationships that diminish self worth is not rejection. It is alignment with purpose, health, and integrity.
💬 Quotes from the Episode
“I am not going to retreat.”
“There are some clear non negotiables.”
“I want people to feel seen.”
👤 About Aashi Arora
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.
🔗 Connect with Aashi
Websitehttps://www.iriseexecutivecoaching.com
LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aashiarorairiseexecutivecoaching/
Podcasthttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-leaders-creating-rukus-238202145/