Dr. Ben Thayil: Leadership, Culture, and Living a Life That Matters

What do you want your life to look like?

It’s a question most of us don't take enough time to truly reflect on. But, for Dr. Ben Thayil, it’s one that’s guided his journey both in optometry and beyond. From deciding to become an optometrist in the second grade to now preparing to launch a leadership-focused book for eye care professionals, Dr. Thayil’s story is one of clarity, intention, and growth.

In a recent episode of the Ryan Reflects podcast, I had the opportunity to sit down with Ben and explore the experiences that shaped his career and inspired his mission to lead and serve others. Here’s a look at some of the key takeaways from our powerful conversation.

From Second Grade Dreams to Private Practice Owner

Dr. Thayil’s calling to optometry started early, literally in elementary school. A calm office, a kind optometrist, and a pair of new glasses left a lasting impression that turned into a lifelong pursuit. After graduating from Nova Southeastern University and completing a residency at the VA Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina, Ben returned home to Florida and bought a private practice in 2016.

But his goal wasn’t just to provide eye care. Instead, it was to create a place where patients love to be seen, staff love to work, and doctors love to practice.

Residency: Confidence Built Faster

Like myself, Dr. Thayil is a strong advocate for residency training. He described it as an accelerated path to clinical confidence, one that allowed him to manage disease, collaborate effectively with referral partners, and deliver higher-level care from day one.

He emphasized something that stuck with me: When in doubt, refer it out only goes so far. Residency helps reduce that doubt, and that translates to better outcomes for patients and more growth for your practice.

Leading Through Crisis: Staff First, Business Second

When the pandemic hit, many practices furloughed staff. Ben chose a different route. Rather than focusing on saving the business, he focused on saving his team, believing that if he could retain and grow them, the business would thrive as a natural byproduct.

He started leading weekly “values-based leadership” trainings with his team, lessons on communication, boundaries, forgiveness, and personal development. One of his team members had a breakthrough during their boundary-setting session, realizing for the first time that it was okay to speak up and set expectations with patients and others in her life.

This wasn’t just team development, it was life development.

Culture is the Environment Where People Grow

One of my favorite analogies Ben shared was from biology class: culture is the environment where something grows.

In his practice, he focuses on intentionally building a culture where his team and patients can thrive. He’s not trying to find good people, he’s committed to developing them. And it’s working. His staff is more engaged, his patients are more loyal, and the entire practice reflects his core values.

Success Is Temporary. Significance Is Forever.

Ben’s growth didn’t stop at his office doors. During the pandemic, he dove into personal development with mentors like Pete Vargas and John Maxwell. Now, he’s bringing what he’s learned to the profession, coaching other optometrists, leading international trainings, and writing a book to help others find fulfillment through leadership and culture.

As he puts it: “The calendar guarantees you get older, but it doesn’t guarantee you get better.”

Dr. Ben Thayil: Define What You Want

To drive real change in your life, you have to define what you want, in your home, your career, your schedule, and beyond. When you do, you stop being a victim of circumstance and start creating a future with intention.

For Dr. Ben Thayil, that future includes helping others live a life that matters. And for all of us in optometry, that message couldn’t be more timely.

Want to connect with Dr. Ben Thayil? Email him at ben@leadod.com to learn more about leadership training, values-based development, and his upcoming book.

To hear the full episode and more inspiring stories, subscribe to Ryan Reflects on your favorite podcast platform.