In this spontaneous and deeply reflective episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with Mandy Cansler for an honest, in the moment conversation recorded during a cruise retreat in Ensenada, Mexico. What begins as an unplanned podcast unfolds into a powerful dialogue about leadership, anxiety, rest, confidence, and the evolving nature of self belief.

Katie and Mandy explore how staying busy can quietly become a coping mechanism, especially for those navigating anxiety, and why slowing down often feels uncomfortable rather than restful. Both reflect on learning to regulate their nervous systems intentionally, redefining rest as a requirement rather than a reward, and recognizing when the body sends warning signs that cannot be ignored.

The conversation also dives into leadership growth and identity. Katie opens up about releasing the belief that she “couldn’t do hard things,” recognizing herself as a leader, and stepping into bold decisions that once felt intimidating, including investing in consulting support for her practice. Mandy shares her own journey of releasing guilt tied to past leadership choices, embracing growth without shame, and learning to lead herself with compassion.

Throughout the episode, themes of presence, confidence, celebration, and alignment emerge. From recognizing leadership in action to celebrating professional milestones, this episode reminds us that growth is not about perfection. It is about awareness, courage, and intentional choice.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is not only about what you do, but about how you care for yourself while doing it.

Rest is a requirement, not a reward Health scares, anxiety, and burnout become wake up calls that sustainable leadership requires rest. It is not something you earn after exhaustion.

Confidence grows when old beliefs are released Letting go of limiting beliefs opens the door to bold decisions, leadership confidence, and personal growth.

Leadership is often unnamed until you see it in action Many people lead long before they ever call themselves leaders. Leadership shows up through decisions, care for teams, and the courage to move forward even when you do not feel ready.

“Rest isn’t a reward. It’s a requirement.” “I had to let go of the belief that I couldn’t do hard things.” “I didn’t realize I was leading until I named it.”

Mandy Hampton Cansler is an Ophthalmic Organizational Consultant and Leadership Expert, keynote speaker, and author in progress with more than 25 years of experience in the eye care industry.

Starting her career as a technician and rising to Chief Clinical Officer, Mandy blends deep clinical expertise with strategic leadership insight to help ophthalmologists, optometrists, and administrators strengthen culture, streamline operations, and build high performing teams.

She holds COMT and COE credentials and is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, with a national reputation for guiding practices through organizational clarity, leadership development, and operational transformation. Mandy is known for her transparent, relatable approach and for bringing real world insight that helps leaders move out of overwhelm and into aligned, confident decision making.

Mandy is currently writing her memoir, Not Enough…Until I Was, which explores identity, adoption, overachievement, and the emotional cost of performing for worth. She shares her writing journey openly, using vulnerability and storytelling to connect with leaders navigating their own internal battles.

Her personal journey fuels the way she leads today, with courage, clarity, and deep respect for the human stories behind every role and title.

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandycansler-comt/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mandycanslerclarity/ https://www.instagram.com/mandyhcansler/

Website https://www.mandycanslerconsulting.com/