Leadership advice is everywhere, but the stories that actually change how we lead are usually personal and a little uncomfortable. We sat down with Dottie Anstine, a consultant with Three:13 Consulting, to go beyond tactics and talk about what drives her as a human being: connecting people in ways that genuinely help. That simple idea turns out to be a powerful tool for healthcare leadership, clinic culture, and long-term performance, especially for eye care leaders navigating constant change.
Dottie walks us through formative moments that shaped her mindset, from a first food service job that forced her out of a timid comfort zone, to mission trips that exposed her to hardship and gratitude in a way she never saw growing up. Those experiences built empathy and perspective, two qualities that show up every day in ophthalmology practice management and team leadership, even when the work gets messy.
We also get real about pressure and regret. Dottie shares an early “welcome to the real world” moment training doctors on an EMR system, plus her biggest leadership lesson: tough conversations rarely get easier with time, and postponing them for comfort comes with a cost. She explains what helps her refill her cup, how golf became a true mental break, and how tools like StrengthsFinder, mentors, peer groups, books, and podcasts helped her rebuild confidence when it took a hit.
If you want practical insight on leading people, handling discomfort, and growing into change with more clarity, this conversation will stick with you. Subscribe to Eye Care Leadership Live, share this with a leader who needs it, and leave a review so more clinic leaders can find the show.
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This episode is brought to you by Seasoned Advice HR, where I help eye care clinics to hire, retain, and manage better — helping you get Better Results Through People. Learn more at seasoned-advice.com.
Contact me directly at mike@seasoned-advice.com
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