OWA Talks Podcast

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 panelist and OWA Member. Connect with Sophia on LinkedIn or Instagram @FoxySofa. Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owa-talks-podcast/id1498168171] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7L8tbgqWoHzrjzOL2ra7n8] | Overcast [https://overcast.fm/itunes1498168171] | iHeartRadio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-owa-talks-podcast-57860952/] | Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bbae69ac-2a13-4412-b9ef-f2c1d0455a72] Connect with the OWA: Website [https://www.opticalwomen.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/10787865] | Instagram [http://instagram.com/opticalwomen] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/opticalwomen/]

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 Resources at GPN Technologies. She joined the company in 2012 and has worked in some aspect of the eyecare industry her entire career. Cheryl has held positions in almost every area of an optometric office, including front desk, pre-testing, office management, optical and insurance. She has also worked with optical software companies on the development of Practice Management Systems. Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owa-talks-podcast/id1498168171] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7L8tbgqWoHzrjzOL2ra7n8] | Overcast [https://overcast.fm/itunes1498168171] | iHeartRadio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-owa-talks-podcast-57860952/] | Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bbae69ac-2a13-4412-b9ef-f2c1d0455a72] Connect with the OWA: Website [https://www.opticalwomen.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/10787865] | Instagram [http://instagram.com/opticalwomen] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/opticalwomen/]

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 optical field. With over 20 years of experience in the optical industry, Mary’s journey is a testament to her passion and commitment to excellence. Mary’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies of the business have played a crucial role in shaping the company's professional business development strategies. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving growth and fostering strong relationships with partners and clients. Mary's ability to combine strategic thinking with a personable approach has set her apart as a leader who truly cares about the success of her team and the satisfaction of her clients. Mary’s ability to connect with people on a personal level has earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike. She embodies the spirit of hospitality and warmth, making every interaction a pleasant and memorable experience. Mary is a mom to three boys, one stepdaughter, and three Doodles. She is also a proud grandmother (AKA Boujee) to 1 ½ year old granddaughter Lilah. Mary’s hobbies include family, fitness, and outdoors. Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owa-talks-podcast/id1498168171] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7L8tbgqWoHzrjzOL2ra7n8] | Overcast [https://overcast.fm/itunes1498168171] | iHeartRadio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-owa-talks-podcast-57860952/] | Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bbae69ac-2a13-4412-b9ef-f2c1d0455a72] Connect with the OWA: Website [https://www.opticalwomen.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/10787865] | Instagram [http://instagram.com/opticalwomen] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/opticalwomen/]

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 looked back! Honored as a "Trailblazing Woman in Optical", Wendy designed the Spec Style system as her sales styling process to help her mobile eyewear boutique succeed. She went on to thrive by closing 99% of her eyewear styling consults and increasing multi-pair sales to 80%. A serial entrepreneur, Wendy is the creative force behind Be Spectacular, a training company offering online courses and bespoke training for optical businesses world-wide. Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owa-talks-podcast/id1498168171] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7L8tbgqWoHzrjzOL2ra7n8] | Overcast [https://overcast.fm/itunes1498168171] | iHeartRadio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-owa-talks-podcast-57860952/] | Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bbae69ac-2a13-4412-b9ef-f2c1d0455a72] Connect with the OWA: Website [https://www.opticalwomen.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/10787865] | Instagram [http://instagram.com/opticalwomen] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/opticalwomen/]

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. Our guests share how they stay on top of marketing trends, digital marketing tools they use, and what the OWA's social followers can look forward to. Additionally, we hear favorite stories they've told throughout their marketing careers and invaluable leadership advice. About our guests: Kerri Ann Raimo is the managing editor of Eyecare Business and Contact Lens Spectrum magazines published by BroadcastMed. She serves on the board of directors of the Optical Women’s Association (OWA) and as chair of the OWA’s Digital Marketing Committee.   Reagan Colpitts is the Senior Business Development Manager at Safilo spearheading go-to-market strategics for the North American Sales Team while also leading Buying Groups & Strategics Alliances in the USA. With 15 years of leadership experience, she has dedicated the last 10 years in the optical industry and  has held various roles including being a sales representative, business consultant and Regional Sales  Manager. In 2022 she was honored with the Most Influential Women in Optical designation through Vision Monday and most recently was awarded the Optical Women’s Leadership Scholarship in Spring of 2024.  She currently volunteers as the co-vice chair on the Digital Marketing Committee with the Optical Women’s Association.   Kayla Ashlee is the CEO & founder of Spexy, an international optometric speaker, a certified optician, and an optometric renegade. Her direct and relatable approach to training has set her apart in the optical industry. Kayla took her knowledge of industry coaching and adapted it to reach any eyecare office that is hungry to grow by putting her training in an online video learning platform called  Spexy® The result, she and her team train opticals how to give a sensational experience to their patients  and it is transforming the patient relationship with their optical in a powerful way.   Like this episode? Please subscribe and share! iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/owa-talks-podcast/id1498168171] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7L8tbgqWoHzrjzOL2ra7n8] | Overcast [https://overcast.fm/itunes1498168171] | iHeartRadio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-owa-talks-podcast-57860952/] | Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bbae69ac-2a13-4412-b9ef-f2c1d0455a72] Connect with the OWA: Website [https://www.opticalwomen.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/10787865] | Instagram [http://instagram.com/opticalwomen] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/opticalwomen/]