20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad

How can we do what we love and love what we do? Join Drs. Fred Cho and Riyad Khamis —two optometrists who broke the mold—as they dive into the messy, imperfect, and personal journey to finding work happiness. In this podcast, we explore burnout, bold pivots, and finding joy in our work. Expect honest conversations, real stories, and practical insights for modern professionals who want more joy and freedom. Redefine success & find your "20/happy".

20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad is a business podcast hosted by Drs. Fred, with 23 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Drs. Fred hosts 20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad, a business show with 23 episodes published.

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  20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad

  One Year Anniversary Episode

  Aug 2, 202652 min

  It's been one year since our podcast launched! We revisit the biggest shifts in our own careers: Riyad's leap into training NHL goalies through sports vision, and Fred's evolving sense of identity beyond the exam room as a writer, speaker, and podcaster. In this episode, we explore: - Why trust and relationships, not visibility, are what actually open doors - The "T-shaped professional" and portfolio careers as a framework for fulfillment - Why there's no single formula for a happy, meaningful career Whether you've been with us since episode one or you're just tuning in, this one's a reflective look back.

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  20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad

  Dr. Kaleb Abbott on Burnout Research, Career Chapters, and Finding Your Ikigai

  Jun 22, 202640 min

  What if burnout does not mean you hate your work? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Kaleb Abbott, optometrist, assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, researcher, speaker, consultant, and entrepreneur. Kaleb shares how his personal experience with burnout led him to study professional wellbeing in optometry, and how his career has evolved through clinical care, dry eye and ocular pain, entrepreneurship, writing, consulting, and research. We discuss: Why burnout and job satisfaction can exist at the same time The value of building a niche and exploring a portfolio career Kaleb’s experience launching and selling Suns Snapp Kids Saying yes early in your career, then learning when to say no Practical changes Kaleb made to recover from burnout Ikigai and the search for work that aligns with love, skill, need, and income Kaleb’s story is a reminder that career happiness is not about following one perfect path. It is about experimenting, setting healthy boundaries, and building work that feels sustainable from the inside. Connect with Kaleb: Email: Kalebabbottod@gmail.com

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  20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad

  Dr. Sophia Leung: Pit Stops, Purpose, and Building an Uncharted Career

  May 12, 202642 minS0

  <p>What happens when you follow curiosity instead of waiting for the perfect plan?</p><p>Dr. Sophia Leung is a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, President of the Alberta Association of Optometrists, and holds a joint Executive MBA from Cornell and Queen's — all while directing a specialty clinic and mentoring the next generation of Canadian optometrists.</p><p>Sophia has navigated her career without a perfect roadmap, guided instead by curiosity, strong mentorship, and a willingness to learn.</p><p><b>In this episode, we explore:</b></p>Why she we...

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  20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad

  Bermuda, Clinical Research, and City Nomad: Dr. Fiona Soong's Journey

  Apr 27, 202642 minS0

  <p>In this episode of 20/Happy Careers, Dr. Fred Cho sits down with Dr. Fiona Soong to explore her career journey.</p><p>We chat about her early days working in Bermuda, the fascinating world of clinical research, becoming a KOL in myopia control, and looking beyond at her next career chapter.</p><p>Fiona shares lessons she's learned along the way, things she'd do differently, and the importance of pursuing curiosity both inside and outside the clinic.</p>

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  20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad

  From Clinic to Campus: How Slowing Down Transformed One OD's Career Path | Dr. Deborah Wang

  Apr 6, 202638 minS0

  <p><b>What does it take to leave a thriving clinical career — and find something even more aligned?</b></p><p>For Dr. Deborah Wang, it was a phone call that changed everything.</p><p>After graduating from SUNY Optometry in 2020, Deborah built a meaningful career at a busy Brooklyn ophthalmology practice. But when her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2022, Deborah's priorities — and eventually her career path — transformed entirely.</p><p>Now serving as Director of Career Development and CSTEP Project Director at SUNY Optometry, Deborah channels her passion for people, mentorship, and community into supporting the next genera...

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