Building Bridges in Eye Care: Leadership, Advocacy, and Women’s Health

From Global Impact to Ground-Level Change: Leadership Lessons with Elizabeth "Liz" Thompson

In this deeply insightful episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes executive leader and strategist Elizabeth "Liz" Thompson, a mentor, changemaker, and one of the most influential leaders in Heather’s career journey.   Liz reflects on her path from rural South Dakota to national leadership roles in healthcare and philanthropy, where she helped transform organizations, work alongside U.S. presidents, and raise billions for life-changing causes. Together, Heather and Liz discuss what truly defines leadership: emotional intelligence, courage, data-driven decision-making, mentorship, and knowing when to evolve.   This conversation is full of practical advice for nonprofit professionals, women leaders, and anyone seeking to create impact through purpose-driven work.   Topics Covered * Liz’s unique leadership journey from publishing to nonprofit healthcare * Why storytelling is essential to fundraising and mission success * The myth of work-life balance and embracing trade-offs * Building remote teams and empowering talent early * Why leaders must get comfortable with “good enough” instead of perfection * Working with presidents and creating global health impact * Leadership legacy and knowing when a mission is complete * Why nonprofit organizations must invest in systems, technology, and operations * The role of AI and data in healthcare and mission work * Advice for women leaders on negotiation, risk-taking, and visibility * How mentorship changes careers and creates future leaders This episode is a masterclass in courageous leadership, mission-driven innovation, and empowering others to rise. Liz Thompson reminds us that great leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about impact, service, and helping others see what’s possible. If this conversation inspired you, share it with a leader, mentor, or colleague who needs to hear it. Timestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Welcome to Eyespiring 00:11 – Heather introduces Liz Thompson and their leadership connection 01:47 – Liz’s early career in medical publishing and learning storytelling 03:10 – Leadership blessings, mentorship, and investing in people 05:16 – How Heather was identified as a future leader 08:34 – Why “balance” doesn’t exist for working women 12:07 – How remote work leadership prepared teams for COVID 14:04 – What Liz wishes she knew earlier: perfection isn’t real 17:23 – What still motivates Liz after decades of leadership 20:24 – Taking calls from presidents and leading legacy organizations 23:37 – The creation of Pink Ribbon, Red Ribbon and raising $85M in 6 months 27:06 – Who inspires Liz today 29:40 – Leading turnarounds, navigating ego, and hard decisions 34:06 – “Hire slow, fire fast” leadership advice 35:29 – The power of combining mission + development storytelling 36:28 – Childhood roots of storytelling through Weekly Reader 41:19 – How data should shape nonprofit and healthcare decisions 46:42 – Heather on the funding gap in nonprofit innovation 52:25 – Liz’s advice for women leaders: take appropriate risk 55:23 – Why women need to be seen and heard in leadership rooms 01:01:34 – Heather’s advice: learn to negotiate earlier 01:02:39 – A defining confidence-building moment from Liz 01:04:03 – Closing thoughts and ways to support Prevent Blindness Texas

Building Resilient Communities: Disaster Recovery, Volunteer Power & Leadership

In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes Brooke Campbell, CNP, CVA, Director of Community Outreach and Disaster Recovery at United Way of Greater Houston. Brooke shares her journey into nonprofit leadership, discusses disaster preparedness and recovery, and explores the critical role volunteers play in building resilient communities. The conversation also highlights leadership strategies, collaboration across sectors, and how organizations can prepare during “blue sky days” before disasters strike.   This episode offers practical insights for nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and anyone interested in strengthening communities before, during, and after disasters.   Topics Covered * Brooke Campbell’s nonprofit journey and AmeriCorps experience * Disaster preparedness and community resilience * The role of relationships in disaster response * Volunteer management during disasters * Common myths about volunteers * Investing in volunteer engagement * Leadership during crisis and recovery * Disaster communication challenges * Supporting vulnerable populations * Work-life balance in disaster response roles   Brooke emphasizes that strong communities are built through relationships, preparation, and collaboration. Whether during calm "blue sky days" or in times of crisis, volunteers, leaders, and organizations working together can make all the difference in recovery and resilience.   Timestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 01:23 – Brooke’s Nonprofit Journey 04:04 – What Inspired Brooke’s Career Path 07:05 – AmeriCorps Experience 11:05 – A Day in Disaster Recovery 12:02 – The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance 13:10 – Preparing for Hurricane Season 14:42 – Houston’s Collaborative Spirit 16:10 – Unplugging & Personal Time 18:39 – What Disaster Readiness Really Looks Like 21:03 – Disaster Fatigue & Mental Health 29:18 – Vision Health in Disaster Planning 31:01 – Supporting Nonprofits in Disaster Preparedness 33:13 – Learning from Other Cities 35:21 – Getting Everyone Moving in the Same Direction 37:43 – Volunteer Management in Disaster Recovery 39:56 – What Drives Volunteer Engagement 42:43 – Myths About Volunteers 45:32 – Investing in Volunteers 52:02 – Advice for New Volunteer Managers 53:18 – Certification & Professional Growth 55:25 – Leadership & Work-Life Balance 58:14 – Recognizing Volunteer Leadership 01:02:14 – Leadership During Disaster Recovery 01:05:13 – Closing Thoughts

Reinventing Leadership: Growth, Innovation, and Finding Joy in Your Career

In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes Kim Schuy Greenberg, a strategic leader with more than 20 years of executive experience across consulting, consumer brands, healthcare, and the optical industry. Kim shares her journey from global corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, offering insights on growth mindset, branding, innovation, and the future of consumer engagement in eye care. The conversation also explores leadership resilience, technology trends, and how finding joy and purpose can shape long-term career success.   Topics Covered * Kim’s career journey from consulting to optical leadership * Branding and innovation lessons from Procter & Gamble * Reinventing the Verilux brand and driving global impact * Leading digital transformation with HELIX * Navigating leadership challenges and change * Transitioning from corporate executive to entrepreneur * Personalization and consumer engagement in eye care * Growth mindset and lifelong learning * The future of technology, AI, and augmented reality * Building community and meaningful connections * Leadership resilience and avoiding burnout  Kim shares thoughtful reflections on leadership, innovation, and personal growth, encouraging listeners to embrace change, take risks, and prioritize meaningful connections. Her journey demonstrates how curiosity, resilience, and purpose can shape a fulfilling career and lasting impact.   Timestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Introduction 01:36 – Career Motivation & Growth Mindset 04:23 – Early Career Lessons from Bain & P&G  08:33 – Reinventing the Verilux Brand  10:45 – Toughest Leadership Moment 17:08 – Leadership Inspiration & Women in Leadership  23:53 – Reinventing Yourself as an Entrepreneur  29:53 – Personalization & Consumer Engagement  31:05 – Technology Driving Vision Care Demand  35:32 – Social Media & Practice Growth  39:24 – Growth Mindset & Career Development  42:27 – Future Consumer Trends  49:25 – Finding Joy and Purpose  50:40 – Closing & Prevent Blindness Texas Mission

From Patient to Powerful: Finding Your Voice Through Thyroid Eye Disease

In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, Heather Patrick sits down with Dr. Layla Lohmann to explore what it means to live, and thrive, with a chronic condition. From childhood diagnosis to becoming a national patient advocate, Dr. Lohmann shares how she turned fear, frustration, and isolation into empowerment, connection, and purpose. This conversation highlights the importance of using your voice, embracing vulnerability, and understanding the powerful connection between eye health and overall wellness. Topics Covered * Living with Graves’ disease and Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) * The emotional journey of chronic illness and self-acceptance * Why vulnerability is actually a source of strength * The importance of patient advocacy and storytelling * Common misconceptions about TED * Balancing motherhood, career, and chronic illness * The connection between oral health, eye health, and whole-body health * Barriers to care: cost, comfort, and emotional resistance * How the ASPECT program empowers patient advocates * The role of community and connection in healing * Shifting from people-pleasing to self-advocacy * Learning to set boundaries and embrace discomfort for growth Dr. Lohmann’s journey is a powerful reminder that while chronic illness can feel isolating, it can also be a catalyst for growth, connection, and impact. By choosing to take action, embrace vulnerability, and use her voice, she’s not only transformed her own life, but is helping others feel seen, heard, and empowered in theirs. Timestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Introduction 01:57 – Layla’s Story Begins 03:20 – The Power of Vulnerability 05:48 – Diagnosed at 12 08:05 – Parenting & Chronic Illness 09:39 – Second Diagnosis During Pregnancy 10:27 – Learning to Advocate for Yourself 13:55 – The Art of Listening & Communication 16:11 – Misconceptions About TED 18:40 – You Are Not Alone 21:20 – Choosing Action Every Day 25:25 – Whole-Body Health Connection 29:15 – Finding Advocacy Through ASPECT 32:00 – Why Patient Voices Matter 37:10 – Building Community 41:40 – Take Action 42:45 – Key Takeaways 44:15 – Closing Thoughts

Building Bridges in Eye Care: Leadership, Advocacy, and Women’s Health

In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick welcomes Dr. Jennifer Deakins, a leader in optometry, education, and legislative advocacy. Dr. Deakins shares her journey into eye care, the mentors who shaped her career, and the passion that drives her work serving underserved communities.   The conversation explores women’s eye health, access to care, advocacy in healthcare policy, and the evolving role of optometry. Through powerful patient stories and professional insight, Dr. Deakins highlights how eye exams can reveal broader health issues and why building stronger connections between providers, communities, and policymakers is essential for improving vision health.   Topics Covered * Dr. Deakins’ path into optometry and the mentors who influenced her career * The importance of mentorship and saying “yes” to opportunities * Leadership challenges women face in healthcare * Preventing burnout and staying connected to your “why” * How women’s eye health changes across life stages * The connection between vision health and systemic diseases * Real patient stories illustrating the impact of early detection * Why advocacy matters in protecting patient access to care * Legislative wins for optometry in Texas * Barriers to care for underserved populations * The future of optometry and inspiring the next generation of eye care professionals Dr. Deakins closes the conversation with two powerful reminders: meaningful change starts with taking the first step, and strong partnerships and relationships make lasting impact possible. Her message highlights the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and continued innovation in ensuring accessible eye care for all.   Timestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Introduction 01:32 – Dr. Deakins’ Journey into Optometry 05:40 – Career Decisions that Shaped Her Path 07:45 – Challenges as a Woman in Leadership 12:19 – The Power of Mentorship 15:45 – Preventing Burnout in Healthcare 21:38 – Women’s Eye Health Across Life Stages 29:12 – Vision Issues That Often Go Unnoticed 30:54 – Patient Stories That Stay With You 34:12 – Eye Exams as a Window to Overall Health 38:06 – Advocacy and the Power of Storytelling 40:37 – Legislative Wins for Optometry in Texas 44:09 – Why Eye Health Still Needs More Awareness 47:13 – Barriers to Eye Care 51:01 – The Future of Optometry 54:32 – Final Advice for Listeners