Episode 19: Simon Robert – Intention to Alignment: Rethinking Leadership and Corporate Strategy

Vision care is evolving, but are we solving the right problems?In this episode, Dr. Trevor Miranda sits down with Simon Robert, Head of Corporate Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at EssilorLuxottica Canada. With a background in corporate responsibility and a personal connection to vision health, Simon offers a systems perspective: how to lead change in a legacy industry without losing sight of the people it’s meant to serve.He breaks down how to align corporate social responsibility into your business outcomes, why independent optometrists need to challenge the “turf war” mindset, and what it looks like to lead across the three spheres of influence: industry, institutions, and individuals.For optometry leaders navigating market shifts, new technologies, and rising expectations, this episode offers a rare look at how to align business growth with systemic impact, without losing sight of the people at the center of it all.Show Notes:00:01:00 Simon’s path to corporate responsibility00:04:08 Introduction to EssilorLuxottica and vision care00:12:38 Treating myopia00:21:57 Essilor Luxottica Med-Tech00:24:54 - AI tools in eyecare00:32:53 Navigating power dynamics00:35:25 Change management00:37:33 The chess match of corporate strategy00:39:49 Creating authenticity00:45:09 Managing priorities00:49:21 Empowering your teams00:57:26 Use your suppliers01:00:44 Balancing profit and social impact01:02:02 Offering myopia management solutions01:04:29 Independence versus partnering with a large organization01:10:03 Habits for continuous improvementMentioned in this episode:Stellist lenses by EssilorLuxotticaThe Obstacle is the Way – Book by Ryan HolidayBuy Back Your Time – Book by Dan MartellSubscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank You to our Sponsor(s)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoy the show? Please Follow, Like and Subscribe.