Cleinman Connect Podcast

[Optometrist Unleashed] Leadership and Authentic Connection in Independent Optometry

Dr. Warren Toews is the Managing Owner at YXE Vision Group, a Saskatchewan optometry group creating innovative, relationship-focused eye care experiences across multiple clinics. A Saskatoon-based optometrist for more than two decades, he leads with humility, trust, and a belief that culture drives impact. Dr. Toews focuses on helping teams deliver meaningful human connections, transformational patient experiences, and purpose-led growth in independent optometry. IN THIS EPISODE… In an independent optometry practice, every interaction with a patient or team member becomes a chance to build trust, create connection, and show what the organization truly values. How can leaders turn those everyday moments into a culture that feels authentic? The answer is to lead with intention, humility, and a genuine commitment to people. Dr. Warren Toews, an optometrist and leadership-focused practice owner, shares how authentic connection shapes patient care, team culture, and long-term growth in independent optometry. From replacing the traditional front desk with a more welcoming concierge-style experience to using “unreasonable hospitality” as a way to create meaningful moments, he offers practical reminders for leaders who want their values to show up every day. Dr. Toews emphasizes that leadership is not reserved for owners or seasoned professionals since every optometrist has an impact through each patient exam and team interaction. His perspective shows that connection is not a soft extra but a powerful leadership tool. In this episode of Cleinman Connect Podcast's Optometrist Unleashed series, Dr. Trevor Miranda chats with Dr. Warren Toews, Managing Owner at YXE Vision Group, about leadership and authentic connection in independent optometry. Dr. Toews shares how to build trust, empower teams, and create meaningful patient experiences. He also touches on concierge-style care, local independence, and the future of optometry.

Breaking the "Non-Creative" Label in Professional Spaces

Jada Mazury is an Account Manager at Marketing4ECPs and SmileShop Dental Marketing. With an MBA from San José State University and a background as a Division I gymnast, she brings a unique perspective to teamwork, creative problem-solving, and client relationship management. Jada helps make marketing feel more approachable for healthcare professionals by showing how creativity, collaboration, and authenticity can support meaningful business growth. IN THIS EPISODE… Creativity often gets treated like a talent you either have or you do not, especially in professional spaces where routines, tasks, and expectations can feel tightly defined. How much creative potential gets lost when people decide they are simply not creative? Drawing from her work helping healthcare professionals navigate marketing and social media, Jada Mazury believes the first step is to stop assuming creativity has to look the same for everyone. She explains that creativity often shows up when people find what energizes them, whether that is talking ideas through with a group, listening to music, moving their body, or simply giving themselves room to try something different. Her perspective is a reminder that creativity is less about being the most imaginative person in the room and more about building the confidence to let ideas surface before they feel completely polished. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Jada Mazury, Account Manager at Marketing4ECPs and SmileShop Dental Marketing, to discuss breaking the “non-creative” label in professional spaces. Jada offers her perspective on creativity in teams, finding energy that sparks ideas, and building social media content confidence. She also shares advice on creating authentic content that fits your brand.

Creating Value-Driven Partnerships For Your Practice

James Johnson is the Head of Business Development at Cleinman. With experience across marketing, client relations, AV, and business development, James helps identify what practices need and connects them with tailored solutions. He is known for building strong relationships with clients and sponsor partners while keeping value, fit, and long-term growth at the center of each partnership. IN THIS EPISODE… Building a successful practice takes more than offering great care. It also requires the right partners, the right support, and the ability to recognize what will actually move the business forward. So how can practice owners build relationships that create real value instead of simply adding more services or vendors? The answer starts with listening closely enough to understand what a practice truly needs. As a business development leader focused on practice growth and strategic partnerships, James Johnson sees value-driven support as a matter of fit, not a one-size-fits-all solution. He explains that the challenge a doctor brings forward is often only a symptom, which is why practice owners need to understand where they are, where they want to go, and what kind of help will get them there. James also emphasizes the importance of choosing partners who align with a practice’s goals, culture, and long-term vision, because the right relationship should help both sides grow with purpose. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson chats with James Johnson, Head of Business Development at POD Marketing’s Cleinman Division, about creating value-driven partnerships for your practice. James discusses client feedback, sponsor partner fit, and tailored support for practice growth. He also shares key questions every owner should ask.

Lead by Design: Supporting Personal & Professional Growth

Nancy Dewald is Senior Director of Client Solutions at Cleinman Performance Partners, a consultancy that helps optometry practices grow through strategy, training, and performance improvement. With decades of experience, she supports independent practices across operations, coaching, and consulting. Nancy specializes in leadership development and created Cleinman’s Lead by Design program, equipping managers to communicate clearly, coach effectively, and build accountable, high-performing teams. IN THIS EPISODE… Leadership ability doesn’t automatically come with a promotion; it requires structure, support, and the right tools to help talented team members grow into their roles with confidence. How can practices take a more intentional, structured approach to developing their leaders? With decades of experience in consulting, operations, and training, Nancy Dewald believes that leadership development starts by giving people the support they need before expecting them to succeed in a new role. She compares it to promoting a great flight attendant to co-pilot — the potential may be there, but training and resources are what keep the plane steady. When leaders are equipped with clear expectations, coaching skills, and practical tools, they feel less alone and more prepared to guide their teams well. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Nancy Dewald, Senior Director of Client Solutions at Cleinman Performance Partners, to discuss the Lead by Design program and how it supports personal and professional growth. Nancy shares her perspective on leadership training, feedback and coaching, building trust and accountability, and also offers advice on handling difficult conversations.

[Ownership] Proactive Planning in Your Practice for Software, Medical Niches, and the Community

Dr. Kevin Gee is the President of Gee Eye Care, a full-service optometric practice based in Missouri City, Texas that provides comprehensive eye care to the community. Since establishing the practice in 2007, he has grown alongside the area’s expanding population while maintaining a strong focus on patient care and community involvement. Dr. Gee is a former President of the Texas Optometric Association and is known for his leadership and commitment to advancing both the clinical and business aspects of optometry. IN THIS EPISODE… Success in a growing practice rarely comes from reacting to what’s in front of you. It comes from anticipating what your patients, your team, and your community will need next — sometimes before they even know it themselves. So what does it really look like to plan proactively in a world that keeps changing? For Dr. Kevin Gee, the key lies in building a practice around intentional pillars that never waver, even as everything else evolves. Drawing from his experience as a seasoned clinician and community-focused practice owner, he explains that growth isn’t about chasing every new trend, but about reinforcing core values like efficiency, patient experience, and ethical care. Whether it’s investing in technology, adjusting hours, or embedding himself in the community, Dr. Gee’s approach centers on staying visible, accessible, and aligned with patient needs. That mindset turns change into opportunity rather than disruption. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Dr. Kevin Gee, President of Gee Eye Care, to discuss proactive planning in modern optometric practices. Dr. Gee explores building within a growing community, adapting marketing as demographics shift, and evaluating technology based on patient value. He also shares advice on reinforcing core practice pillars for long-term success.