Sept. 19, 2024 — The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) hosted its annual Connection Series luncheon at Vision Expo West at the Venetian Las Vegas on Thursday, Sept. 19.

This year’s VSP Vision-sponsored OWA Connection Series, titled “Gentle Influence: Leadership in the Heart of Change,” welcomed guest speaker Amanda Shapiro, vice president of wholesale marketing for Europa Eyewear and a TEDx speaker celebrated for her insights on positive connection in times of crisis. 

Amanda Shapiro led an inspiring and interactive keynote followed by an interactive group activity and subsequent panel with Kayla Ashlee, CEO and co-founder of Spexy; Rose Britton, senior industry relations manager at CooperVision; and Laura Dorris, executive vice president & general manager, strategic sales, at PECAA.

Here, EB shares four key takeaways on leadership amid change from the luncheon’s host and panelists:

1. “If you can inspire an openness to adapt quickly and as needed in pursuit of strategic goals, that is how you tap rapid, sustained progress.” —Amanda Shapiro
2. “Authenticity is really, really powerful from a learning standpoint for [eyecare] offices when you’re implementing change…leaning into authenticity is the most powerful thing.” —Kayla Ashlee
3. “[One of the most successful tactics for onboarding] is literally just being accessible. The communication—you want to be clear, concise. You can have all of the tools and resources, but [the tactic to] getting it right is the bond—the feeling of a sense of belonging.” —Rose Britton
4. “Be mindful that sometimes in leadership positions, sometimes we have information longer than our team members do. When we’re having to share news that’s really big, we have to create space for them to catch up, and be accessible to them, and allow them to ask questions. I like the Planet Fitness motto of a ‘judgement free zone.’” —Laura Dorris

The OWA will host its annual networking and raffle event on Friday, Sept. 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. PT.