In a recent episode of The Chris Wolfe Podcast, Chris had an enlightening conversation with Dr. Janelle Davison, an accomplished optometrist known for her focus on dry eye treatment and myopia management. Dr. Davison shared her journey working on her practice, including the challenges posed by COVID-19, the dynamics of her personal life, and her approach to overcoming fear and embracing change.
Navigating the Pandemic
The conversation began with Dr. Davison recounting how COVID-19 affected her practice. Like many, she faced the initial fear of her practice shutting down completely. However, she soon realized that this period of uncertainty could be a time for growth and transformation. “Once I got past the fear of my practice shutting down, I focused on what I wanted to look like when this was over,” she explained.
Dr. Davison emphasized the importance of adapting to situations beyond one’s control. She used the downtime during the pandemic to hone her vision for her practice’s future. Despite her husband’s practical and cautious nature, she decided to take a leap of faith, trusting that things would work out. This balance between practicality and faith has been a cornerstone in her journey.
Balancing Practicality and Faith
Dr. Davison shared insights into her personal life, particularly her relationship with her husband. As an engineer, her husband approaches situations with a need for calculations and concrete plans. In contrast, Dr. Davison relies heavily on her intuition and faith. “When I get an urge that it’s time to move, then I move,” she said, highlighting her readiness to take risks when necessary.
This dynamic between her and her husband creates a balanced approach to life and business. Dr. Davison’s faith pushes her to take bold steps, while her husband’s practicality ensures these steps are grounded in reality. She believes that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is essential for growth and finding hidden resources.
The Importance of Nonprofits and Giving Back
Dr. Davison’s drive to make a difference extends beyond her practice. In 2017, she founded a nonprofit aimed at exposing young girls, especially those who look like her, to new opportunities. This decision, like many others, was driven by a strong internal calling. “Sometimes you can calculate and control variables, but most of the time you can’t. That’s what faith is,” she reflected.
Her nonprofit work exemplifies her commitment to using her success to uplift others. This drive to give back and support her community is a recurring theme in her story.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Failure
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation was Dr. Davison’s discussion about fear and failure. She admitted that fear is a constant companion in her entrepreneurial journey. However, she believes that fear should not paralyze you. “Perfection is not the key. There are going to be times that you fail. It’s just how you fail and what you do with the failure that matters,” she said.
Dr. Davison shared personal anecdotes about times when fear almost got the better of her, but she managed to push through by focusing on past successes and maintaining a positive outlook. Her ability to navigate fear and use it as a catalyst for action is a lesson for anyone facing uncertainty.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The podcast wrapped up with Chris expressing his admiration for Dr. Davison’s resilience and inviting her back for another episode to delve deeper into her nonprofit work. Dr. Davison’s story is a testament to the power of faith, the importance of balancing different perspectives, and the courage to embrace change.
For those interested in learning more about Dr. Janelle Davison, she is active on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram under the handle @DrJanelleOD. She encourages anyone who wants to connect or learn more about her work to reach out.
Dr. Davison’s journey is an inspiring example of how to turn challenges into opportunities, balance practicality with faith, and use fear as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. As she continues to grow her practice and nonprofit, her story will undoubtedly inspire many others to take bold steps towards their own goals.
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