In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist and healthcare leader Dr. Beverly Bianes for a heartfelt conversation about growth, reinvention, and the courage to keep evolving at every stage of life.

Recorded in a lively San Diego setting during the California Optometric Association House of Delegates meeting, the discussion blends humor, reflection, and deeply personal insight.

Dr. Bianes shares her journey from building multiple private practices to navigating major career shifts when private equity began reshaping the optometry landscape. Rather than seeing change as the end of a chapter, she embraced it as an opportunity to rediscover her confidence and expand her leadership.

Through this transition, she pushed herself to learn new skills, including public speaking and professional advocacy, challenging long held doubts about her own abilities.

Katie reflects on similar moments in her own career, stepping outside familiar lanes to learn creative and technological skills she once believed were beyond her reach. Both women share how the things that once seemed intimidating often become the very experiences that expand confidence and purpose.

Together, they explore reinvention, lifelong learning, and the courage required to face fears such as public speaking. What emerges is a powerful reminder that growth does not stop with experience or age. In many ways, the most fulfilling chapters of life begin when we step outside our comfort zones and say yes to what once felt impossible.

Reinvention is always possible Career shifts and life transitions can feel destabilizing, but they often create the opportunity to rediscover talents and develop new skills. Growth does not stop at any age.

Confidence is rebuilt through action Self doubt does not disappear through reflection alone. Confidence grows when we try new things, take risks, and prove to ourselves that we can adapt and evolve.

Fear often signals the path to growth Public speaking once felt intimidating for both Katie and Beverly, yet facing that fear opened doors to leadership, communication, and professional impact they never expected.

“The truth about life is that it is going to end… and that makes me live harder.”

“You’re never too old to learn new things and start trying new things.”

“I realized I can do hard things and step out of my own lane.”