Optometric Entrepreneurship: Lessons and Insights from
Dr. Brianna Rhue
Interview summarised by Ms. Sucheta Mitra
Dr. Brianna Rhue, an accomplished optometrist, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, delved into a wide-ranging discussion that provided profound insights into her journey, values, communication techniques, entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and aspirations. Dr. Rhue shares invaluable advice for on how to overcome challenges, approach failure with resilience, and build meaningful collaborations within the optometry industry.
Dr. Rhue’s path in optometry was catalysed by her personal eye care experiences, she recalls receiving her first pair of glasses in second grade and how her mother’s advocacy for contact lenses sparked her interest in the field. This fervour for the profession led her to explore the power of public speaking as a means to convey her expertise and connect with diverse audiences. Her speaking engagements aim to inspire and inform without creating a divide between the speaker and the audience. She emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge with colleagues for the benefit of patients and professional advancement. She sees public speaking as a show and aims to deliver value to her audience while enjoying the process.
When asked for advice to enhance public speaking skills, Brianna highlights the importance of crafting a compelling narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end. To deliver impactful speeches, Dr. Rhue emphasizes understanding the audience’s needs and providing valuable takeaways. She shared the key elements of crafting compelling speeches, including creating a genuine connection, fulfilling promises, weaving relatable anecdotes, and delivering actionable insights.
The conversation shifted to Dr. Rhue’s entrepreneurial journey, which birthed Dr. Contact Lens. The motivation behind this venture was the need to streamline the contact lens ordering process, prioritizing convenience, and efficiency for patients. Dr. Contact Lens was born out of the need to streamline the contact lens ordering process for patients. Dr Brianna and her co-founder recognized that patients often dropped the ball when it came to purchasing contact lenses after receiving prescriptions. The platform closes this gap by sending patients reminders via text and email, allowing them to easily order their lenses. The goal is to enhance patient convenience and engagement while supporting optometrists’ practices.
She notes that entrepreneurship requires determination, as it comes with both highs and lows. Having a support system is crucial for overcoming challenges and the loneliness that can accompany entrepreneurship. Brianna Rhue’s entrepreneurial journey encourages aspiring optometry entrepreneurs to seek support, solve genuine needs, embrace timing and determination, and believe in their abilities to build their dreams and succeed.
Dr. Rhue highlighted the importance of embracing multiple roles, from being a founder to a wife and mother. Her strategies for maintaining equilibrium encompass strategic time management, discerning priorities, and outsourcing tasks.
Addressing the fear of failure, Dr. Rhue advocated for a positive perspective and a robust support network. She encouraged embracing calculated risks and viewing failures as steppingstones to personal and professional growth. Brianna’s approach to maintaining meaningful industry relationships involves paying it forward, connecting with others, and contributing to the community. She believes in the abundance of opportunities to give and support without always expecting something in return, fostering a collaborative and giving environment.
When it comes to approaching collaborations or seeking funding, Brianna advises being upfront, understanding the dynamics early on, and fostering meaningful connections. She highlights the importance of active listening and being fully present in conversations. Brianna believes in consistently planting seeds of connections, respecting oneself, and overcoming internal barriers to effectively collaborate.
For individuals who are hesitant to transition from a traditional 9-to-5 job to entrepreneurship, Dr Brianna suggests focusing on the concept of value. She recommends books like “Get Rich, Lucky Bitch” and “Buy Back Your Time” to understand and assign value to tasks. It’s important to determine one’s personal values and align them with the desired path, whether it’s traditional employment or entrepreneurship.
In the context of work-life balance, Dr. Rhue challenged the conventional concept, emphasizing the significance of being fully present in each moment. She shared personal strategies for achieving balance, including mindful time management, and recognizing the value of outsourcing tasks that don’t align with one’s core responsibilities.
Dr Brianna’s suggests the following on time management and organization:
- Time Auditing: Start with a time audit to understand how you currently spend your time. This helps identify areas that can be optimized or delegated.
- Prioritization: Assign priorities to tasks based on their importance and urgency. Focus on tasks that align with your goals and values.
- Backward Planning: Estimate the time required for each task and work backward to allocate time slots. For instance, plan your morning routine by considering tasks like getting ready and commuting.
- Value-Based Decision Making: Consider your values and what success means to you. Make decisions that align with these values, allowing you to achieve your desired outcomes.
- Outsourcing and Delegation: Identify tasks that can be outsourced or delegated to others. This frees up time for activities that align with your goals.
- Using Apps and Tools: Utilize time management apps and tools to help track and allocate your time effectively. Tools like calendars, to-do lists, and productivity apps can be beneficial.
- Continuous Evaluation: Regularly assess how you’re managing your time and adjust your strategies as needed. Be flexible and open to refining your approach.
Looking ahead, Dr. Rhue envisions contributing to the future of optometry by championing patient care and innovation, particularly in the realm of myopia management. Her dynamic journey serves as a testament to embracing one’s passions, navigating challenges with resilience, and striving for excellence both professionally and personally.
Tune in to InSight Radio on various platforms including Amazon Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, and YouTube, where Dr. Brianna Rhue’s wealth of knowledge and experiences illuminate various facets of optometry, entrepreneurship, effective communication, and holistic life management. Her story and insights inspire to harness their passions, overcome obstacles, and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
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