
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo shares the full conversation from his recent guest appearance on Ankit Patel’s podcast, Optometrists Building Empires—a wide-ranging and deeply honest discussion about leadership, growth, and why so many practice owners feel stuck despite working harder than ever.
Steve and Ankit explore the unseen challenges of practice ownership that no one talks about in school: the pressure to do everything yourself, the isolation that comes with leadership, and the quiet burnout that builds when the business depends entirely on you. They unpack why mindset—not market conditions—is often the real constraint on growth, and how learning to lean on others, build systems, and redefine success can completely change the trajectory of a practice.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by ownership… if you’ve wondered whether growth is worth the cost… or if you’ve sensed there’s a better way to lead without burning yourself out—this conversation will resonate deeply.
Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms
Follow our Podcast on Instagram
Follow IDOC on Facebook
Follow IDOC on LinkedIn
Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube
By IDOC5
1818 ratings
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo shares the full conversation from his recent guest appearance on Ankit Patel’s podcast, Optometrists Building Empires—a wide-ranging and deeply honest discussion about leadership, growth, and why so many practice owners feel stuck despite working harder than ever.
Steve and Ankit explore the unseen challenges of practice ownership that no one talks about in school: the pressure to do everything yourself, the isolation that comes with leadership, and the quiet burnout that builds when the business depends entirely on you. They unpack why mindset—not market conditions—is often the real constraint on growth, and how learning to lean on others, build systems, and redefine success can completely change the trajectory of a practice.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by ownership… if you’ve wondered whether growth is worth the cost… or if you’ve sensed there’s a better way to lead without burning yourself out—this conversation will resonate deeply.
Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms
Follow our Podcast on Instagram
Follow IDOC on Facebook
Follow IDOC on LinkedIn
Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

77 Listeners

102 Listeners

79 Listeners

15 Listeners

29,404 Listeners

13 Listeners

21 Listeners

21,315 Listeners

14 Listeners

0 Listeners

1,470 Listeners

10 Listeners

8,498 Listeners

1,395 Listeners

6 Listeners