OWA Talks Podcast
Welcome to the OWA Talks podcast from the Optical Women's Association! Our two hosts, Carissa and Tatiana, interview esteemed guests who connect, inspire, and lead women in the optical, optometry, and ophthalmology industries.
Episodes
How do you lead a top-performing luxury sales district while juggling newborn diapers, elder care, and grief - all with a smile? Francesca Pucci joins us to share her refreshingly honest take on leadership, motherhood, and the power of not folding the laundry.
About the guest:
Francesca Pucci is a Luxury Sales District Director with an MBA in Executive and Organizational Leadership. Her career includes demonstrated success in both th...
In this episode, Kasandra Riggs shares how her passion for service, leadership, and community engagement fuels her work at HOYA and beyond—empowering teams, mentoring future leaders, and creating lasting impact.
About the guest:
Kasandra ‘Kas’ Riggs is a passionate advocate for community service and volunteerism, with over 25 years of leadership experience in customer care. As Director of Customer Care at HOYA, she has spent the last...
This month, Erin Peshoff joins OWA Talks to talk about applied positive psychology and teach us how to not just survive — but to thrive! Plus, she teases a fun event coming to Vision Expo West.
About the guest:
Erin Crotty Peshoff is the Director of Development at KeraLink International, where she leads all fundraising efforts with a strategic mindset and a heart for impact. With 25 years of experience across national consultin...
As VSP Vision celebrates 70 years of helping people see, Chief Marketing Officer, Wendy Hauteman joins ‘OWA Talks’ to discuss how giving back can help you live a more meaningful and fulfilled life — both personally and professionally.
About the guest:
As the chief marketing officer (CMO) for VSP Vision, Wendy Hauteman leads the enterprise marketing and communications strategy to deliver products, services, and brand recognition to a ...
Charismatic and respected eyecare industry legend, Jim McGrann, joins OWA Talks to share his passion for the industry and shed a light on the benefits of ‘spreading your wings’ in optical.
About the guest:
Jim McGrann is an engaging, decisive and adaptable leader with a demonstrated history of delivering results in the healthcare, insurance, technology, supply chain and consulting industries. Mr. McGrann is an experienced CEO with a...
In this episode, longtime OWA supporter Ed Buffington, Executive Advisor and former CEO of GPN Technologies, joins OWA Talks to share about the women who have impacted his personal life and 46-year career in optical.
About the guest:
C. Edward (“Ed”) Buffington has been deeply engaged with the eye care industry for more than 46 years. His experience includes senior management in the contact lens and eye care technology. Ed is a ...
In this episode, we are joined by Yang Yang, President, Vision Care at Bausch + Lomb, who shares her experiences throughout her 11+ years in the eye care industry, wisdom she learned throughout her career, and advice for others to grow their careers and leadership opportunities. Yang Yang also provides insights on mentorship, how travel can enrich your role, and her hopes for the future of eye care.
About the guest:
Yang Yang wa...
Tax season is upon us! Listen to this timely episode as we’re joined by Benitha Mintz, the CFO of Zyloware, as she offers unique insights on her approach to personal finances.
About the guest:
Benitha Mintz is an experienced Chief Financial Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and optical industry. Skilled in Cash Flow, Budgeting, Microsoft Excel, Cash Management, Human Resources, Logistics and IT Manag...
This episode features three women from the newly formed International Expansion Committee — we hear how their careers were shaped, major differences in corporate culture abroad, and learn about all the exciting ways the OWA is going international!
About the guests:
Nancy Gries grew up in a small farming community in Wisconsin, and by the age of 17, was dreaming of exploring the world. With the encouragement of my supportive parents, ...
Kristy Stone, Director of Member Education at PECAA and OWA Membership Committee representative, provides insight into the importance of education within the industry, what she is most proud of, and what the Membership Committee is all about.
About the guest:
Kristy started her optical career as an optometric technician and worked her way up to area manager, working in all facets of a multiple location eye care pract...
In this episode, we learn how to “PIVOT!” Colleen Arbus teaches us the value of being able to pivot both personally and professionally. She also shares tips and tricks for how to apply sales techniques in your everyday life.
About the guest:
Colleen Arbus, National Sales Director, INNOVA Medical Ophthalmics, at Advancing Eyecare.
Results-driven multiple award-winning leader with a strong background in
ophthalm...
Tiara Claxton, former OWA President and Regional Sales Manager at Thélios, gives us the behind-the-scenes tea on Silmo, the early days at OWA, the Past-President's Retreat and more!
About the guest:
Tiara Claxton is a dynamic leader in the luxury eyewear industry with over 30 years of expertise in brand and sales management. Recognized internationally, she is deeply committed to advancing the industry, fueled by ...
Sophia is contagiously happy, oh so colorful and calling her an eyewear enthusiast would be an understatement. In this episode, we discuss the importance of continued learning and being your authentic self, "It is important to invest in yourself and push yourself to greatness."
About the guest:
Sophia Pray is the Office Manager and head Optician at Huntley Eye Care, Transitions Change Agent, INVISION Brain Squad ...
The True Value of a Healthy Workplace Culture: In this episode, OWA Talks is joined by Cheryl Moore, HR Director at GPN Technologies. Listen as we discuss the importance of a strong workplace culture with a seasoned HR expert. We’ll hear tips on how to positively impact the culture around you and what to do if you’re not happy about the current culture where you work.
About the guest:
Cheryl is the Director of Human Resour...
Pushing Boundaries & Being Your Own Champion: Often times, women who are driven and successful tend to avoid highlighting their own accomplishments. In this episode, OWA Talks is joined Mary Jones, Senior Manager of Professional Business Development at Zyloware. Follow along as we discuss with Mary why it is so important to be your own champion and to highlight your own accomplishments.
About the guest:
Mary is an expert in...
The secret to marketing your business is YOU! Hear from our guest in this episode on how to style your way to success.
About the guest: An award-winning licensed optician, Wendy is also an image consultant and optical sales trainer.
After a 10-year opticianry career, Wendy retired from the traditional brick and mortar optical shop and created a new mobile optical service; she launched Perceptions Eyewear in 1997 and never looke...
This month's visitors are three chairpersons from the Digital Marketing Committee, who provide us with insider knowledge on their committee's inner workings. Chair Kerri Ann Raimo, Vice-Chair Reagan Colpitts, and Associate Chair Kayla Ashlee detail how their committee serves the OWA by connecting authentically through digital channels, what members may not know, and how YOU can help improve the OWA's social presence....
In this episode, OWA Talks is joined by Barbara De Rigo of De Rigo Vision SPA. Listen as we discuss YALEA, an exciting De Rigo house brand, created and launched in collaboration with our guest, that promotes contemporary women and seeks to help enhance their personal growth and empowerment.
About the guest: Barbara De Rigo was born in Cortina d' Ampezzo and, after graduating as a Parliamentary Interpreter in Bologna, ...
Dr. Brianna Rhue talks with our co-hosts about scaling a business and everything along the journey. Going from an Optometrist to a woman in tech, building the 41st fastest growing company, to purchasing a practice and the hurdles to overcome. Hear how the patient / doctor relationship is so important in healthcare and when not understanding the business side, giving away our leverage. Understanding delegation, what your team wants ...
ClearVision Optical is a second-generation family-owned independent leader in the eyewear industry. Join us in this episode where we chat with not one, but three members of the Clear Vision family and discuss the values that have allowed the company to endure for 75 years.
About our guests:
David Friedfeld is President of ClearVision Optical, one of the largest family-owned eyewear distributors in North America. David ...
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