The 20-20 Podcasts With Harbir Sian, OD

June 29, 2022

Episode 79 – Pharmaceuticals In Dry Eye With Dr. Bruce Jackson

July is Dry Eye Awareness Month! To commemorate and help raise awareness for the disease, Harbir Sian is joined by no other than Dr. Bruce Jackson. Dr. Jackson has a long list of accolades with his research interests covering bacterial and viral infections of the external eye, new antibiotics, antivirals, and ocular surface disease, especially dry eye disease. In this episode, he educates us on the history of the condition and the development of the different treatments for it. Dr. Jackson also discusses the different diagnoses associated with the disease and how to approach them with your doctor to develop a dry eye plan that works for you. Tune in for a very insightful and informative episode.

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May 17, 2022

Episode 78 – Become The Disruptor With Dr. Brianna Rhue

There’s so much room for optometry to grow yet. So how can we take control of that future and become disruptors that will change the industry for the better? Here to talk about that is Dr. Brianna Rhue, CEO and Co-Founder of Dr. Contact Lens, an online platform that makes ordering and purchasing your prescription lenses easy. She joins Harbir Sian to talk about how optometrists and professionals in the industry can better care for their patients by also focusing on the business side of things. Technology is not a bad thing, but we should have a say in incorporating it for the benefit of patients and doctors alike. Listen in to hear more!

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May 10, 2022

Episode 77 – Dr. Harbir Sian On The Power Hour

How can you build your personal brand while remaining authentic? Join Dr. Harbir Sian as he takes the hot seat opposite Dr. Bethany Fishbein (CEO of the Power Practice) of the Power Hour Optometry podcast. Together, they discuss how to build a personal brand and why it is important for professionals in all industries. Dr. Harbir shares the story of how he started sharing and building a community in optometry by educating his audience about the industry. Be re-introduced to his mission and his purpose for the podcast. Tune into this episode and learn more about the voice behind the show.How can you build your personal brand while remaining authentic? Join Dr. Harbir Sian as he takes the hot seat opposite Dr. Bethany Fishbein (CEO of the Power Practice) of the Power Hour Optometry podcast. Together, they discuss how to build a personal brand and why it is important for professionals in all industries. Dr. Harbir shares the story of how he started sharing and building a community in optometry by educating his audience about the industry. Be re-introduced to his mission and his purpose for the podcast. Tune into this episode and learn more about the voice behind the show.

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May 3, 2022

Episode 76 – Do Hard Things: Dr. Tommy Pinkston Discusses The Importance Of Embracing Challenges

Working from an uncomfortable place is how we get better and stronger. Whether it is in our personal or professional life, embracing challenges is the path to success. In this episode, Dr. Harbir Sian teams up with Dr. Tommy Pinkston from the Haywood Family Eye Care to discuss mindset, improvement, and the entrepreneurial approach. Dr. Pinkston talks about what brought him to private practice, how he deals with staff, and why being uncomfortable and being ready to embrace difficulty leads to success. Tune in and learn more from great optometrists and their practices.

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April 26, 2022

Episode 75 – Entrepreneurship In Eyecare With Dhruvin Patel

If you have something that can improve a patient’s well-being, wouldn’t you neglect them by not sharing it? Harbir Sian sits with Dhruvin Patel, an Optometrist & Founder at Ocushield®, who has tremendous entrepreneurship and eyecare experience. Dhruvin advises young entrepreneurs that if you have an idea that keeps you up at night or you can’t stop thinking about, pursue it and start now. You don’t need to wait for the whole industry to adopt something; you can be a changemaker. Join the conversation to learn more about Dhruvin’s success story. If he did it, you can too!

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April 18, 2022

Episode 73 – Vision Expo East Compilation – Drs. Alan Glazier, Jen Wademan, Justin Manning, Inna Lazar

Walking the floor at the incredible Vision Expo East, I had the pleasure of recording four quick interviews with four wonderful colleagues. In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Alan Glazier about how he started ODs on Facebook, Dr. Jen Wademan about how she finds balance, Dr. Justin Manning about how to cultivate a winning culture, and Dr. Inna Lazar about how make an impact.

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April 12, 2022

Episode 72 – Living With Chronic Illness: A Patient’s Perspective Of Migraine With Amy Mowbray

Despite being a common chronic illness, migraine headaches are often misunderstood. How do people live with this condition, and how can we support the people who suffer from it? In this episode, Dr. Harbir Sian talks to Amy Mowbray, founder of the large online migraine community called The Migraine Life. Amy shares her journey in dealing with chronic migraine. She also helps us understand what it means to live with a chronic condition and the role that eye care professionals can play in helping our patients with migraine. Full of insight, learn more about migraines and how you can help.

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April 5, 2022

Episode 71 – Be Spectacular: Understanding Optical Fashion With Wendy Buchanan

Back then people didn’t think of glasses as a fashion accessory. But today, especially with all the Zoom meetings, your eyewear is all anyone sees. People are now, more than ever, attached to their glasses. Join Harbir Sian as he talks to eyewear image expert and the founder of Be Spectacular, Wendy Buchanan about optical fashion. Discover how she caters to everyone’s sense of style by creating different personalities. Learn how to properly serve your client by giving a great buyer experience. Find out what colors go great with your personality today by listening to this episode!

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March 29, 2022

EPISODE 70 – EYE2EYE: ACCEPTING CRITICISM

Accepting criticism is easier said than done. In this Eye2Eye episode, Harbir Sian talks about his experience preparing for a talk on the most recognizable stages in the world. While getting ready for his TED Talk, Harbir was met with both incredible support and shocking criticism. The latter one he got just days before he was about to present. This could have gone terribly wrong but by accepting it and growing from it, he enjoyed a successful outcome. Listen in to hear more about the story.

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March 22, 2022

EPISODE 69 – PIONEERING INNOVATION IN THE EYEWEAR SPACE WITH TOM DAVIES

The world of eyewear is not limited to its medical prescription vision aid value. Today’s guest is a prime example of how there is still so much room to create and innovate in the space. Tom Davies is the visionary and innovator behind the House of Tom Davies, the unparalleled brand for prestigious bespoke eyewear. In this episode, the Willy Wonka of eyewear joins Harbir Sian to share the story of humble beginnings that led to the wide recognition of his creations. Learn about how they continue to pioneer innovations in the industry and what lies ahead. Plus, he gives a tour inside his factory. Get a glimpse by tuning in!

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March 15, 2022

EPISODE 68 – MARCH MARKETING MADNESS: SEO, GOOGLE ADS, WEB DESIGN, AND SOCIAL MEDIA WITH MARKETING4ECPS

There are still many things you need to know to grow your business. Dr. Harbir Sian is back to help you complete your journey in mastering the marketing arena.  He welcomes our guests, Payton Karch, Brynn Low, Diana Prakash, and Tyler Kemp, to share their expertise in digital marketing. They are the leaders of different areas of knowledge at Marketing4ECPs. Listen in on this “Final Four” episode as they discuss the four key facets of digital marketing: Web design, SEO, Google Ads, and Social Media.

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March 8, 2022

EPISODE 67 – MARCH MARKETING MADNESS: DR. SANDI EVELETH

Do you need strategies on how to promote your local small business? Dr. Sandi Eveleth, optometrist and entrepreneur, sits with us for the second part of the March Marketing Madness. She walks us through the step-by-step process of growing your business, from in-person networking to the basics of digital marketing. To promote yourself, you need to garner trust. To do this, meet with your clients in person as much as possible. Another way is to get a video up to see you and feel your personality. Need more actionable advice any industry can use? Tune in!

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March 1, 2022

EPISODE 66 – MARCH MARKETING MADNESS: CALEY DIMMOCK

Marketing is a major driver for the success of any business, even in the eye care industry. Harbir Sian sits down with Caley Dimmock to shed light on the subject. Caley is a marketing and brand consultant, photographer, educator, and Facebook ad coach. In this episode, she shares practical tips on attracting new customers, tracking leads, and increasing your conversion. Caley breaks down the elements of an effective landing page and the importance of establishing social proof for new businesses. The two also dive into how to optimize your Facebook ads using three campaign objectives: lead generation, conversion, and traffic. Tune in and get expert advice to help grow your business and profits!

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February 22, 2022

EPISODE 65 – EYE2EYE: ACTIVATION ENERGY

In chemistry, Activation Energy is the energy required to make a chemical reaction occur. Applying to our personal and professional lives, we often have to face challenges before seeing our desired results. In this Eye2Eye episode, Harbir Sian talks about building our Activation Energy. He shares what he sees as a way to get over a hump and why taking time to do the little things sometimes takes us faster. Listen in to learn more about how to embrace our activation period.

February 15, 2022

EPISODE 64 – THINK ABOUT YOUR EYES – DR. JIM ASUCHAK

Do you think about your eyes? If you don’t, your vision may go wrong. Harbir Sian’s guest is Dr. Jim Asuchak, the Owner and Optometrist at Optical Studio Lethbridge. Dr. Jim talks about the Council for Healthy Eyes Canada’s initiative called Think About Your Eyes. Its objective is to raise eye health awareness across Canada. They also help patients find optometrists near them for easy access. The council strives towards better optometrist engagement for 2022. Join in the conversation to discover strategies to grow your business from good to great. Tune in!

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February 8, 2022

EPISODE 63 – OVER THE BOARDS: TRIUMPHS IN ICE HOCKEY AND MEDICINE WITH DR. HAYLEY WICKENHEISER

Many people look up to Olympians for their grit and determination. One of the athletes many look up to is female ice hockey player Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser. She led the Canadian Women’s national team to 7 World Championships and 4 Olympic Gold medals. Dr. Wickenheiser was also hailed as the MVP of two of those Olympic campaigns. When she left her hockey career, she decided to pursue medicine. As of today, Dr. Wickenheiser is completing her residency training. In this episode, Dr. Wickenheiser shares her insights with Harbir Sian about what it takes to succeed in sport, business, and medicine.

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February 1, 2022

EPISODE 62 – EYE2EYE: THE WINDOW AND THE MIRROR

Why do some companies make the leap to greatness while others don’t? This is what Jim Collins sought to address in his super-successful business book, Good to Great. Among the many powerful lessons in that book, he wonderfully illustrates the concept of the window and the mirror, which teaches a valuable lesson on taking responsibility. In this episode of Eye2Eye, Harbir Sian shares some thoughts on how this metaphor applies from a leadership perspective. Join in and learn how great leaders see things differently and how that allows them to leap into a place of greatness that others can’t access.

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January 17, 2022

EPISODE 61- THE BUSINESS OF TREATING DRY EYE: A DISCUSSION WITH DR. BRUCE DORNN

Eye related problems make up a large number of medical cases in Canada, and Dry Eye is one common complaint. Helping people suffering from dry eye has been Dr. Bruce Dornn’s calling. Dr. Dornn has built a busy and successful dry eye practice, in which he has performed hundreds of advanced dry eye treatments such as radio frequency (RF) and IPL. In this episode, Dr. Dornn shares his insights with Harbir Sian into how ODs should start to build their dry eye practice. We also hear the key steps that have made his practice so successful.

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DECEMBER 16, 2021

EPISODE 60 – ROCK AND ROLL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WITH DR. SANJAY SHARMA

The entrepreneurial mindset is often the driver of progress and success. Entrepreneurship is also what drives our guest, as Dr. Harbir Sian interviews Dr. Sanjay Sharma, a retinal specialist, professor of ophthalmology, and author of multiple books and research papers. As the Founder of OptoCase and MEDSKL, Dr. Sharma has helped provide education to tens of thousands of optometrists and medical students around the world. In this episode, we dive deep into what Dr. Sharma believes has brought him down this path of medicine and innovation. Tune in to hear their thoughts on entrepreneurship and personal fulfillment.

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DECEMBER 2, 2021

EPISODE 59 – SUCCESS IS 100% HARD WORK WITH SUZANNE LACORTE OF OPTICAL PRISM

In this day and age, when many people are losing jobs, look for the opportunity and go for it. In this episode, Harbir Sian introduces Suzanne Lacorte, the publisher of Optical Prism. Suzanne shares with Harbir how she found herself as the new owner of a publication that has been a staple in the Canadian eyecare market for 40 years. Optical Prism is Canada’s leading eyecare industry magazine. Suzanne Lacorte believes that fate and circumstances come into play when it comes to discovering opportunities. But success is 100% hard work. If you want to succeed in your business, you need to love what you’re doing. Tune in!

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NOVEMBER 25, 2021

EPISODE 58 – PRESCRIBING CHANGE: HOW TO INFLUENCE DECISIONS OF PATIENTS WITH DR. STEVE VARGO

Every doctor wants to influence positive change in their patients’ lives. Skills in sales and selling are needed, and Dr. Steve Vargo is here to explain why! Steve is an optometrist, a published author, a speaker, and IDOC’s Optometric Practice Management Consultant. With his vast experience, he shares insights on how doctors should approach sales by influencing change rather than merely selling a product. He joins Harbir Sian to give tips and offer a new perspective on selling. He grabs insights from his new book, Prescribing Change: How to Make Connections, Influence Decisions and Get Patients to Buy Into Change. Tune in to learn more about this customer-centric service first approach!

OCTOBER 29, 2021

EPISODE 57 – OMEGA-3 ALMIGHTY WITH DR. KIMBERLY FRIEDMAN, VP OF PHYSICIAN RECOMMENDED NUTRACEUTICALS

Dry eye afflicts a third of older people, and one in ten of younger patients. To combat this condition, physicians have used a multitude of treatments, including nutraceuticals such as Omega-3. In this episode, Harbir Sian interviews Dr. Kimberly Friedman as she shares some eye-opening findings about the power of Omega-3 for our ocular systemic health. Dr. Friedman is one of the founders of Moorestown Eye Associates and the VP of Physician Recommended Nutraceuticals (PRN). She shares step by step discussion points for patient interactions and how to know which omega is right for you and your patients. Tune in for more expert insights from Dr. Friedman today.

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OCTOBER 7, 2021

EPISODE 56 – STRATEGIES FOR NEGOTIATIONS AND BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS WITH SIMON ROBERT

Simon Robert is the Senior Director of Group Mission and Public Affairs at Essilor Canada. He leads the charge in Essilor’s mission of improving lives by improving sight. With almost 20 years of experience in the world of corporate social responsibility, Simon has mastered the art of building partnerships, “winning” negotiations, and finding creative ways to achieve big goals.

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

EPISODE 55 – EYE2EYE: ENOUGH WATER IN THE JUG

Hot off the heels of the BC Doctors of Optometry conference this weekend, I am energized and excited to share what I think was the most important take away of the weekend for me: abundance. In this episode I discuss how believing that there is enough water in jug to fill all our cups (having an abundance mindset) is important to individual success and the success of the profession as a whole. No matter what profession you’re in. Also, how to deal with those around us who do not have this outlook.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

EPISODE 54 – EYE2EYE: THE NEXT RIGHT THING

At some point or another, we will all face some hard times. Whether its studying for big exams, career-related decisions, or personal challenges. In this installment of Eye2Eye, I share some thoughts into how we can get through the most overwhelming moments in our lives. The secret happens to lie in a Disney song.

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2021

EPISODE 53 – LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS WITH DR. SOLOMON GOULD

Dr. Solomon Gould is a professional speaker, practice management consultant, and owner of two private practices in the Twin Cities area. He also happens to have an MBA in Healthcare Administration. In this episode, we chat about foundational business concepts that will be relevant to business owners, associates, and staff.

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AUGUST 25, 2021

EPISODE 52 – EYE2EYE: THE EBB AND FLOW OF PRODUCTIVITY

Since starting The 20/20 Podcast, I have wanted to take time to share insights from my personal experience and from the incredible wisdom my amazing guests have shared with me. In this new solo segment on The 20/20 Podcast I will be opening up to share some of these deeper insights that I find myself discussing with friends, colleagues, and guests during more vulnerable conversations. I hope you find some value in these thoughts and I hope they can help you grow and succeed in your journey as well! In the first episode of Eye2Eye, I discuss something I call the ebb and flow of productivity. Over the years, I found myself going through these highs and lows of productivity and creativity. In the past, during the lows, I would often feel anxious and constantly be looking for ways to get back into a more productive state. However, what I have found more recently is that there is value in leaning into the “ebb state” to learn more about yourself and your journey.

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JULY 14, 2021

EPISODE 51 – NEW HOPE FOR LIGHT SENSITIVITY AND MIGRAINES WITH DR. CHARLES POSTERNACK, CO-FOUNDER OF AVULUX

Since completing his training at the prestigious McGill University in Montreal, Dr. Charles Posternack has had an intriguing journey as a medical doctor. He has been the team physician for an NHL hockey team, chief medical officer for number non-profit and for-profit organizations, and he is the co-founder of Avulux. Avulux, which has been approved as a Class 1 Medical Device in Canada, is a lens which has been scientifically designed to reduce the impact of light sensitivity and migraines. In this episode, Dr. Posternack shares some truly interesting insights into the science and tech that goes into these lenses as well as his inspiring journey as a medical professional.

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JUNE 7, 2021

EPSIODE 50 – PERSEVERANCE, RACISM, AND FAITH

Harnarayan Singh is a play-by-play commentator on Hockey Night in Canada. He is also the author of the national bestselling book One Game At A Time, which has received praise from countless iconic figures in the hockey world. In this episode, Harnarayan discusses his journey from a childhood dream, to facing direct (and hidden) racism, to standing on stage in front of thousands of fans at the Stanley Cup Parade in Pittsburgh.

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MAY 16, 2021

EPISODE 49 – CREATING YOUR PATH WITH DR. MAHNIA MADAN

Dr. Mahnia Madan is the Vice President of the BC Doctors of Optometry, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and she is blazing a new path in the world of dry eye treatment. In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Madan shares how she had to create her own path within her profession, the value she sees in contributing to the profession, and how she balanced it all with her family. Not to mention, how she is now blazing a new path in the world of dry eye with her use of PRP.

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MAY 4, 2021

EPISODE 48 – PHILANTHROPY AND MENTAL HEALTH WITH CHRISTINA LABARCA

Christina Labarca is the co-founder of Giving Well, which is a company with a philanthropic focus that works with organizations to help them take a more conscious approach to corporate social responsibility. In this episode, Christina helps us understand philanthropy better by clarifying some misunderstanding and busting common myths. In addition, Christina shares a traumatic experience that she endured that lead her down the path of bring awareness to the discussion of mental health.

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APRIL 25, 2021

EPISODE 47 – HOW WE ALL CAN (AND SHOULD) BE LEADERS

One year ago, Dr. Richard Maharaj shared his thoughts on the psychological impact that COVID was having on those of us who define success through productivity. Today, we revisit that discussion of how we define success 1 year into the pandemic. Dr. Maharaj also gives us his thoughts on why it is so important for all of us to become leaders in our own way and how we can do it.

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APRIL 7, 2021

EPISODE 46 – THE DRY EYE MASTER AKA DR. LAURA PERIMAN

Dr. Laura Periman is a successful ophthalmologist based in Seattle, Washington. She is the founder and clinical coordinator of the Periman Eye Institute and she was recently named as one of the top 100 most influential women in ophthalmology by The Ophthalmologist. In this episode, Dr. Periman shares he passion for dry eye, approaching patient care with a heart-centred approach, and her incredible personal journey.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2021

EPISODE 45 – CREATING A FULFILLING CAREER

No matter what profession you are in, one thing I have seen in high achievers across the board is the desire to have a greater impact on the world. In this episode, I share 5 recommendations I would make to any person at any stage of any profession that can help them build a more impactful, fulfilling career.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2021

EPISODE 44 – PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION: DR. RITESH PATEL

Dr. Ritesh Patel is owner of an award-winning, multi-location practice in the Toronto area. He holds the unique distinction of being the first practitioner in North America to implement LipiFlow into a dry eye practice. Oh and, by the way, he was formerly the official optometrist for the Cincinnati Bengals. In this episode. Dr. Patel shares his experience building a successful optometry practice with multiple sub-specialties including dry eye, myopia control, and specialty contact lenses.

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JANUARY 25, 2021

EPISODE 43 – 5 STEP PLAN TO IMPLEMENTING A DRY EYE PRACTICE

Over the past 18 months, I have had the opportunity to chat with experts in the field, test a variety of devices, and implement strategies/technologies in our clinics that have helped us jumpstart the dry eye side of our practice. In this solo episode, I share what I call my 5 Step Plan to implementing a dry eye practice for someone in the early stages of their journey.

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JANUARY 5, 2021

EPISODE 42 – DR. HARBIR SIAN ON THE YVR BUSINESS DEN PODCAST

Let’s start 2021 with a little re-introduction! I had the pleasure of being a guest on The YVR Business Den podcast with Vishal Gill and Harvir Mann. We dive into all sorts of details from undergrad, to optometry, business, and launching my own eyewear brand. The unofficial theme of the interview was the power of taking action. Hope you enjoy it!

DECEMBER 28, 2020

EPISODE 41 – PINK ORCHID STUDIO: BUILDING AN EMPIRE WITH INTENTION

Shannon Mann and Harp Sohal started Pink Orchid Studio as a way to use their passion for beauty and fashion into a one-stop service to help brides look and feel their best on their biggest day. Before long, they had both won numerous industry awards and turned their hair and makeup company into a globally recognized brand that include its own line of beauty products and the largest South Asian Bridal academy in Canada. In this episode, Harp and Shannon share amazing insights into how they thoughtfully and deliberately crafted their empire.

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DECEMBER 20, 2020

EPISODE 40 – THE VACCINE

Dr. Birinder Narang is a family physician and clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia who has spent the last 9 months working on the front lines during the pandemic. He has been a great resource and an advocate for health and safety regulations that are in place to help us stop the spread of the virus. He also just got his COVID vaccine today! In this episode, we discuss what these past 9 months have been like and what to expect with the vaccine.

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DECEMBER 15, 2020

EPISODE 39 – WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD A BRAND FROM THE GROUND UP

Suzanne Sendel is the founder of the Suzanne Sendel Agency, which is a distributor for multiple high end eye wear brands. She is also the creator of an intriguing new product called The Original FTG. In this episode, Suzanne and I chat about what it has taken for her to build two successful businesses within the eye care industry and her fascinating journey into the eye wear world.

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DECEMBER 10, 2020

EPISODE 38 – RED LIGHT THERAPY: FROM DRY EYE TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Red Light Therapy (RLT) has been shown to have a variety of health benefits from better mental health, to quicker healing, to even improved ocular health. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with co-founder of The Above Club, which is company that ultimately aims to help elevate the greater consciousness of humanity, starting by creating products that help those with high aspirations attain the success they wish to achieve. Learn how red light can improve our ability to think, learn, heal, and see from a cellular level.

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DECEMBER 6, 2020

EPISODE 37 – SPECIALIZING IN MYOPIA MANAGEMENT WITH DR. SHERMAN TUNG, OD FAAO FIAOMC

Dr. Sherman Tung is former president of the BC Doctors of Optometry and 2019 BCDO Optometrist of the Year. He has completed a residency in ocular disease and a fellowship in myopia management and now runs a pediatric specialty optometry clinic where he specializes myopia management. So, its safe to say, he is a great source for information on how to get started in myopia management and what treatment options to recommended to your patients. I had the pleasure of picking Dr. Tung’s brain about how he got started in myopia management and how we can all benefit from including this specialty in our practices.

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DECEMBER 2, 2020

EPISODE 36 – WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF DISRUPTION?

The incumbents within any given industry will most often view disruption of a negative thing. But is it? In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sanaz Bissonnette (founder of Lensbox – a new platform providing digital solutions to ECPs) and Dr. Pavan Avinashi about what disruption in eye care means to them and should mean to ECPs.

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October 14, 2020

EPISODE 35 – SAMI JO SMALL: OLYMPIC GOLD, STOICISM, AND OPTOMETRY

As a goalie for the Canadian Women’s Hockey team, Sami Jo Small won 3 Olympic medals, 5 World Championships, and was twice named MVP of the Women’s World Hockey Championship. She is also the author of a new book named, The Role I Played: Canada’s Greatest Olympic Hockey Team. In this special first anniversary episode of The 20/20 Podcast, I had the incredible pleasure of chatting with Sami about her journey as an athlete, parallels between sports and medical professions (her grandfather, father, brother, and sister-in-law are all optometrists!), and what it means to play your role with the greater good in mind.

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OCTOBER 6, 2020

EPISODE 34 – PRESENTING YOUR BEST SELF WITH ASMA AHMED, FOUNDER OF SOAPBOX PRESENTATIONS

In this new normal world filled with webinars, virtual presentations, and Zoom calls, we have all had to learn the appropriate techniques and etiquette to make sure we are getting our message across loud and clear. I had the pleasure of chatting with Asma Ahmed, found of Soapbox Presentations, who specializes in prepping people to present their best selves. Asma shares how she trains her clients to inform, influence, and impress with every presentation. She also gives us her top 5 recommendations for success… you might be surprised by what is on her list!

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2020

EPISODE 33 – LIVE WITH DR. RICHARD MAHARAJ AND DR. TREVOR MIRANDA OF THE CANADIAN DRY EYE SUMMIT

I had the pleasure of chatting with two amazing docs about how they each created successful practices with strong dry eye specialties. Dr. Richard Maharaj, owner of eyeLABS optometry in Ontario, went well against the grain almost a decade ago to create a medical optometric practice focusing on dry eye. Dr. Richard Miranda is co-owner of 4 optometric practices on Vancouver Island with all the latest tech in dry eye treatment. Both docs are also co-creators of the highly regarded Canadian Dry Eye Summit. Listen to learn how you can win a free registration for full access to all the COPE approved talks at the Summit. You can also enter Dr. Maharaj’s Instagram contest by following instagram.com/dryeyesummit and posting a picture using his “bald” filter and tagging #imajedi2.

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SEPTEMBER 20, 2020

EPISODE 32 – AMY GALLANT SULLIVAN, FOUNDER OF EYES ARE THE STORY

Amy Gallant Sullivan is the co-creator of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) and founder of the new ocular health conscious beauty brand, Eyes Are The Story. I had an absolute blast chatting with Amy about how she helped turn TFOS into the ultimate resource for ocular surface and dry eye across the world, how she approaches gender bias in the business world, and how she launched her new company during a global pandemic.

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

EPISODE 31 – DR. EYE GOT THIS

Dr. Rachael Wruble is an award-winning, multi-practice-owning, successful optometrist who also happens to be the President of the North Carolina Optometric Society. Rachael shares incredible insights into financial security, practice management, and how she handles everything she has on her plate.

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AUGUST 25, 2020

EPISODE 30 – DR. JACKIE GARLICH, CREATOR OF 20/20GLANCE

Dr. Jackie Garlich is the creator of 20/20 Glance, weekly newsletter that helps keep optometrists up to date on what’s happening in the industry. In this episode, Jackie and I chat about her entrepreneurial streak, tips as a content creator, and her unlikely path to becoming a business owner.

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AUGUST 19, 2020

EPISODE 29 – CHRIS TURCOTTE ON SWITCHING YOUR MINDSET AND OVERCOMING YOUR PAST

By just about anyone’s standards, Chris Turcotte had a challenging upbringing. From having an abusive, alcoholic father who died ON Chris’ 16th birthday to losing his mother in his early twenties. Yet today, Chris is running two national brands in finance and property management and he has built huge momentum on social media with his personal brand and positive messaging. I was humbled and grateful that Chris offered to share his story with me in this episode. I think its the type of conversation that will provide that shot in the arm for anyone who is looking for some motivation.

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JULY 29, 2020

EPISODE 28 – DR. JAMES RYNERSON, FOUNDER AND CEO OF BLEPHEX

By just about anyone’s standards, Chris Turcotte had a challenging upbringing. From having an abusive, alcoholic father who died ON Chris’ 16th birthday to losing his mother in his early twenties. Yet today, Chris is running two national brands in finance and property management and he has built huge momentum on social media with his personal brand and positive messaging. I was humbled and grateful that Chris offered to share his story with me in this episode. I think its the type of conversation that will provide that shot in the arm for anyone who is looking for some motivation.

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JULY 21, 2020

EPISODE 27 – PRESIDENTIAL INSIGHTS FROM DR. HOWARD PURCELL

During his interview process prior to being selected as the current President of the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Howard Purcell was referred to as a round peg trying to fit into a square hole. And since being selected for this position, Dr. Purcell has lived up to this description. Bringing his immense wealth of knowledge from his experience working within two of the largest corporations in the eye care industry, Dr. Purcell is working to prepare optometry students for the disruption and evolution our industry will be navigating in the coming years. During our discussion, I had the opportunity to ask Dr. Purcell a variety of questions including thoughts about some of Essilor’s previous mergers and acquisitions, recent regulatory changes in the industry, and where he sees the eye care industry going in the future. I hope you learn from and enjoy this episode as much as I did!

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JULY 14, 2020

EPISODE 26 – WHAT DOES CONTACT LENS DEREGULATION LOOK LIKE?

A few weeks ago, the FTC introduced some regulatory changes with regards to contact lens prescriptions for optometrists in the US. There were also some additional comments made by the FTC Commissioner, which sounded a lot like the comments made by the Health Minister 10 years ago when contact lens sales were completely deregulated. In this conversation with Dr. Jennifer Lyerly of Defocus Media, I share our experiences here in BC since the deregulation as well as why it is so important for ODs in the US to rally against these types of changes.

JULY 9, 2020

EPISODE 25 – KENDALL WASTON DISCUSSES LIFE AS A PRO ATHLETE

Kendall Waston is pro soccer player in the MLS. He is captain of FC Cincinnati, he is an MLS All Star, and he has carried the Costa Rican National Team to a place in the 2018 World Cup tournament in Russia. I had a pleasure chatting with Kendall about life as a pro athlete, what it takes to achieve success at such a high level, and valuable lessons he has learned.

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JUNE 9, 2020

EPISODE 24 – BLACK EYECARE PERSPECTIVE

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Adam Ramsey about the death of George Floyd, their experiences with injustice as black men in America, and how they are working on changing the conversation in the eyecare industry with Black Eyecare Perspective.

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MAY 28, 2020

EPISODE 23 – A DECADE OF LESSONS

10 years ago today, I walked across the stage, grabbed my diploma, and officially became Dr. Harbir Sian. The person announcing my name pronounced in incorrectly… It was the perfect way to start my professional career and it prepared me to get used to a whole bunch of stuff that wasn’t going to go the way I had planned. But that’s just one of the many (many many many) lessons I have learned in the last 10 years. In this podcast, I highlight 10 of the most important lessons have learned… and continue to learn since starting my career as an optometrist.

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MAY 18, 2020

EPISODE 22 – MASTER DIGITAL MARKETING WITH KEVIN WILHELM, MARKETING4ECPS

Kevin Wilhelm is the co-founder of Marketing4ECPs, which is a digital marketing agency that specializes in helping eye care providers maximize their presence online. Kevin has a wealth of experience in digital marketing and he was not shy about sharing many incredible insights that will be valuable for professionals in any industry.

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MAY 10, 2020

EPISODE 21 – KAT ELIZABETH, THE PERSONAL BRANDING PROJECT

Kat Elizabeth is the found of The Personal Branding Project and host of her podcast with the same name. In this episode, Kat share so many amazing insights into the how and why of building a personal brand.

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APRIL 26, 2020

EPISODE 20 – THE DRY EYE JEDI: DR. RICHARD MAHARAJ

Dr. Richard Maharaj is well known in optometry as being one of the leading names in specialty dry eye care. He is a co-founder of the Dry Eye Summit, which is a highly regarded conference targeting dry eye diagnosis and treatment. In this interview, we discuss how Dr. Maharaj became a big name in the dry eye space, recommendations he has for those of us getting started, and where he sees the profession heading. But, perhaps more importantly, Dr. Maharaj shared incredible insights into the psychology around productivity and how our need to be productive may be leading to anxiety during this time of self-isolation. AND Dr. Maharaj drops a big spoiler for the future of the Canadian Dry Eye Summit!

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APRIL 18, 2020

EPISODE 19 – GROUP CHAT, SESSION 2

In Session 2 of GROUP CHAT, I had the pleasure of chatting with another group of exceptional ODs who shared their wonderful insights on many topics. The conversation included: how the docs are managing personally and professionally during COVID, their path to being business owners, advice for students and new grads, and more!

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APRIL 8, 2020

EPISODE 18 – GROUP CHAT, SESSION 1

GROUP CHAT is a new webinar series in which I invite a group of notable optometrists on to discuss relevant topics in the industry. In the first session, I had the incredible pleasure of having 4 exceptional ODs on to chat about how they are dealing with COVID and how they plan to come out stronger on the other side. Drs. Rachael Wruble, Darryl Glover, Joseph Allen, and Adam Ramsey share incredible insights in an inspiring chat about how they are staying productive and positive during these challenging times!

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MARCH 31, 2020

EPISODE 17 – 15 THINGS TO STAY PRODUCTIVE DURING COVID-19

We are truly living in unprecedented times. While we are doing our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19, it’s not surprising that many of us are also starting to feel a little stir crazy. I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Ryan Corte who wrote an article outlining 15 things we can all do to say positive and productive during this period of isolation. The list includes items that are great for business owners, families, and anyone else who is looking to make the most of this unusual time.

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MARCH 21, 2020

EPISODE 16 – PERSONAL BRANDING FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

I had the pleasure of presenting a lecture on personal branding and social media for healthcare professionals at a conference recently. Here are the first 10 minutes of the lecture. There will be much more on this topic in the coming weeks.

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MARCH 3, 2020

EPISODE 15 – DR. TREVOR MIRANDA ON BUILDING PRACTICES, STARTING CONFERENCES, AND HAVING A CHAIR-SIDE SCRIBE

Dr. Trevor Miranda is award-winning optometrist, co-owner of a busy multi-location practice, and co-founder of a highly regarded dry eye conference. In this episode, Dr. Miranda shares his experiences in building a successful optometry practice as well valuable insights for others who are looking to build specialty practices, pursue speaking opportunities, and other ventures. Trevor’s enthusiasm and sense of humor always make for a fun conversation. I hope you enjoy it!

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FEBRUARY 24, 2020

EPISODE 14 – DR. HARKINDER KHANGURA ON THE GRIND OF MEDICAL SCHOOL, TRAINING AT HARVARD, AND IMPORTANCE OF BEING KIND TO YOURSELF

Dr. Harkinder Khangura is a Harvard-trained, double board certified medical doctor who practices in the Vancouver area and is a clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia. In this episode, Dr. Khangura shares her experiences of moving away for medical school including the cultural, societal, and professional barriers to she had to overcome in the process. We had a great chat touching on various topics from education, spirituality, mental health, and personal growth.

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FEBRUARY 18, 2020

EPISODE 13 – SHEENA TAFF ON BECOMING AN AWARD-WINNING INDUSTRY INFLUENCER

Sheena Taff is an award-winning optician, creator of the Optician About Town blog, founder of the #EyeStyleInfluencers event, and owner of a boutique optical in Vancouver. In this episode we chat about how Sheena went from starting out in the optical industry to becoming an innovator and ambassador in the industry.

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FEBRUARY 11, 2020

EPISODE 12 – WHEN PASSION ISN’T ENOUGH

Images of entrepreneurs fill our social media feeds with quotes like “follow your passion”. But happens during the boring days, the days that feel like a grind, when passion starts to wear thin? This is where this concept of Pursuit comes in.

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February 3, 2020

EPISODE 11 – A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN OPTOMETRIST WITH DOCTOR EYE HEALTH (AKA DR. JOSEPH ALLEN)

Dr. Joseph Allen is a board certified, residency-trained, passionate optometrist who graduated Beta Sigma Kappa from the Rosenberg School of Optometry in San Antonio. But despite all of his academic and professional achievements, you might best know him from his hugely successful YouTube channel, Doctor Eye Health.

JANUARY 14, 2020

EPISODE 10 – GROUP CHAT WITH DRS. KEVIN BISTLINE, WILL TO, RYAN CORTE, AND JUSTIN BAZAN

This past weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to sit and chat with 4 all-star optometrists from around the US: Dr. Kevin Bistline, Dr. Ryan Corte, Dr. Justin Bazan, and Dr. WIll To. All four doctors are successful business owners, speakers, and marketers. In this episode, we discuss lessons they have learned while trying to build their businesses and brands as well as how they got involved in working with various industry partners such as Bausch + Lomb.

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JANUARY 6, 2020

EPISODE 9 – SONIA BEEKSMA ON WORKING HARD, HAVING FAITH, AND BEING CONFIDENT

Sonia Beeksma is an award-winning television broadcaster who has previously worked on multiple large networks in Vancouver (including Global News and CTV Morning Live) and recently became a host on eTalk CTV in Toronto. In this episode, Sonia discusses her path from being a creative kid, to starting a career in the medical field, to eventually finding her calling in broadcasting. Hard work, faith, and confidence are the pillars to her success.

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DECEMBER 3, 2019

EPISODE 8 – STUDENT LOANS, STARTING A BUSINESS, AND HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Vishal Gill is a financial planner with a passion to help others. In his young career, he went from working with large financial institutions to starting his own multi-faceted financial planning company called Portfolio Financial Concierge, which offers a holistic approach to finance with a full advisory team of planners, lawyers, realtors, and brokers to best serve their clients. Vishal discusses tips and tricks to help guide us through the three main business cycles most professionals face: student loans, starting a business, and succession planning.

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NOVEMBER 27, 2019

EPISODE 7 – HOW TO START A PODCAST (OR BECOME A GUEST ON ONE) WITH DR. DARRYL GLOVER

Dr. Darryl Glover is co-founder of Defocus Media which is the biggest optometry podcast platform in the world. Defocus Media produces several podcast shows on various topics. Dr. Glover is an enthusiastic, entertaining guy who is involved in various initiatives across the profession and has spoken on stages across the country.

NOVEMBER 19, 2019

EPISODE 6 – ANGUS REID DISCUSSES OVERCOMING FEAR, HAVING AN IRON WILL, AND THE POWER OF TAKING ACTION

Angus Reid is a former professional football player who played 13 season in the CFL, was a multiple time all star, and won 2 Grey Cup Championships, In this episode, we cover a ton of topics from mindset and will power, to overcoming fear, building confidence, and taking accountability in every aspect of your life. So much good content, its hard to summarize in a couple of sentences. I hope you take away as much great value from this conversation as I did!

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NOVEMBER 12, 2019

EPISODE 5 – LESLEY ANN BROWN DISCUSSES WHY ITS IMPORTANT TO DOUBLE DOWN ON WHAT YOU KNOW

Lesley Ann Brown is the CEO of the Whiskey Wisemen Society, a charitable organization with chapters across North America. She was also one of BC Business Magazine’s 30 under 30 professionals in 2018. In this episode, Lesley discusses her experiences in competitive sailboat racing, to moving to Vancouver with no back up plan, to becoming a CEO. Most importantly, she discusses why, as she learned through these experience, that you can’t just “fake it ’til you make it”.

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NOVEMBER 5, 2019

EPISODE 4 – JASON SARAI ON BUILDING A LUXURY BRAND AND EXPERIENCE

In this episode, I had the chance to chat with Jason Sarai, the founder of Style by Sarai, creator of Sarai Bespoke, and co-founder of the charitable organization 1Karma. Jason shares his incredible path from being a high level soccer player, scouted by multiple professional clubs in Europe to building a luxury menswear brand and creating collaborations with brands like Hublot, Remy Martin, Bentley, and other established luxury brands. Jason’s journey brings light to many valuable lessons such as the power of gratitude, the importance of making the most of every conversation, and what it means to build a luxury experience for your clients.

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OCTOBER 29, 2019

EPISODE 3 – DR. PAVAN AVINASHI DISCUSSES WHY COLLABORATION IS ALWAYS GREATER THAN COMPETITION

Dr. Pavan Avinashi is an award-winning optometrist and entrepreneur. For years, he has been involved in or lead many committees and mastermind groups across the country. But, as much success as Pavan has had in the optometry realm, it is his knack for business and entrepreneurship that has been the primary driving force in his career. Pavan shares amazing insights into his approach to business.

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OCTOBER 22, 2019

EPISODE 2 – ALY ARMSTRONG DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING AND NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS

From growing up in a small town, to becoming a childhood actor, moving to LA, starring in a hugely popular TV series, and then moving to Vancouver to become one of the most sought-after luxury event planners in the city… it’s safe to say that Aly Armstrong has had an interesting career thus far. In this episode, Aly tells us how building and nurturing relationships is integral to long-term success. We chat about how calling on old friends and colleagues at pivotal periods in her career helped propel her success. Connect with us!

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OCTOBER 15, 2019

EPISODE 1 – TODD TALBOT DISCUSSES THE VALUE IN BEING FLEXIBLE ON YOUR PATH AND LEAVING A GOOD IMPRESSION ON OTHERS

Todd Talbot is the host of Love It or List It Vancouver, a long-time real estate investor, and all-round fun(ny) guy! In this interview, Todd shared some incredible insights into his career in acting and real estate investing His path has been anything but predictable and Todd explains how being flexible and accepting opportunities helped him succeed.

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