The Women In Optometry Women’s Leadership Conference, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Nov. 5, was a great start to the American Academy of Optometry meeting. The theme was Leadership Unleashed: Realize Your Impact. Leadership development coach Ellen Steinlein of Fierce, a global leadership development company, led an interactive keynote and workshop on Asking for What You Want. Alcon sponsored the keynote event.
Steinlein reviewed common reasons why people don’t ask for what they want, including lack of confidence, workplace dynamics and imposter syndrome. She also discussed empowerment, finding opportunities for advancement and other advocating for yourself. “Putting your needs first is necessary, not selfish,” Steinlein said.
Steinlein shared three transformational ideas to help people take control over their part of a “fierce conversation.” She identified a fierce conversation as one that is authentic and where both parties are fully present.
The audience recognized the humor when she pointed out the root word “con” in conversation translates to “with” in Spanish. If you’re not speaking with someone, “you’re being a -versationalist.”
Participants also received a copy of Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott, founder of Fierce.
OPTOMETRIST PERSPECTIVES
Other speakers shared personal stories of growth, inspiration from loved ones and learning in their own way to ask for what they want to realize their impact in professional, community and personal spheres.
Jade Coats, OD, shared a personal story of health issues that forced her to re-evaluate the legacy she wanted to leave. Since then, she says she’s created room for herself at the table. “I couldn’t wait for someone to offer me a seat,” she says. “No one was going to just hand me opportunities, and I wasn’t willing to sit on the sidelines. Now my thought process is, even if they say no, what do I have to lose?” She referred to Steinlein’s surprising fact that Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, faced more than 1,000 rejections in promoting his idea. “I’m going to challenge my inner Colonel Sanders next time someone says no,” she says. She offered three tips to attendees. “Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, and don’t be afraid to make a space for yourself at your desired table. Don’t be afraid to ask what kind of legacy you want to leave. And remember that you don’t have to ask permission to lead.”
Essence Johnson, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, shared how her journey into leadership was inspired her headstrong maternal grandmother and the untimely passing of her mother and maternal grandmother. She also shared that she met a black female optometrist at a career fair and realized that “I too could be a leader in a field where people who look like me are great.” Today, she’s sharing those leadership skills with future leaders in optometry by working with students to increase awareness and “creating an inclusive environment where black and brown individuals can thrive.” The influence of her mentors and role models has made her realize the “ripple effect that touches the lives of others. It’s about paying it forward so that the next generation can stand on your shoulders. They can see a little further, they can ream a little bigger and they can lead a little stronger.”
Mila Ioussifova, OD, CNS, FAAO, FOWNS, discussed being okay with feeling uncomfortable and stepping into the unknown. She shared that “my 5’2” self tried out for the rugby team. I felt like an imposter standing next to women who were bigger and stronger than me. I thought about walking away.” But with speed on her side, she made the team and says that the experience helped shape how she now lives her life. “Stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t just an option—it’s the path to discovering your own strength.” She took that confidence and opened her own dry eye practice in 2013, even after others told her it was too niche or risky of an idea. “I followed my passion anyway,” she says. “My intuition was to do this.” She’s now in the process of opening a second location. She left the audience with this question: “What leap are you avoiding because it feels to risky?” And she challenges everyone to take three steps:
- Trust your intuition and set bold, scary goals
- Embrace discomfort and celebrate small wins along the way
- Surround yourself with those who genuinely want the best for you
Thank you to platinum sponsors, Alcon and founding sponsor Abbvie; gold sponsor EssilorLuxottica; and supporting sponsors, Astellas, Tarsus and Vision Source.
Did you attend the Women’s Leadership Conference in Indy? We’d love to hear from you. Share your experience here.
