Breaking Barriers - Resilience, Self-Belief, and Success in Medicine with Dr. Dagny Zhu

Dr. Shehzad Batliwala sits down with Dr. Dagny Zhu to discuss the highs and lows of her journey in ophthalmology, from overcoming imposter syndrome to successfully running her own practice. Dr. Zhu opens up about the struggles of being a young, minority woman in a male-dominated field, her immigrant roots, and how she leveraged her resilience and determination to thrive. The episode is a powerful discussion on mentorship, finding autonomy, and the importance of balancing personal values with professional goals.

Topics Discussed:

• Self-Worth & Imposter Syndrome: Navigating the feeling of inadequacy as a young, minority woman in medicine and overcoming the pressure to constantly prove yourself.
• Entrepreneurship & Autonomy: Taking ownership of your destiny through business ownership and how autonomy provides a sense of freedom, both financially and personally.
• Family and Balance: Balancing an escalating career with family values and finding meaning beyond just professional success.
• Immigrant Values & Resilience: How grit, survival mentality, and immigrant roots played a vital role in shaping Dr. Zhu’s career and mindset.
• Mentorship & Giving Back: The importance of mentorship in shaping careers and staying humble by helping others climb the ladder.

Key Takeaways:

• Take Control of Your Path: Whether through entrepreneurship or simply redefining your role, find the autonomy you need to thrive.
• Grit is Your Edge: Coming from an immigrant background or facing adversity isn’t a barrier—it’s your secret weapon.
• Self-Awareness is Key: Knowing when to shift from hustle to harmony is crucial for long-term success. Don’t be afraid to step back and reflect.
• Bet on Yourself: When everyone else is doubtful, the most important vote of confidence is your own.
• Give Back to Stay Grounded: Mentorship keeps you connected to your roots, helping others rise keeps you humble.

Conclusion: Dr. Zhu’s story is a testament to the power of self-belief and perseverance. Her journey reveals that real success isn’t just about professional accolades, but about living a life aligned with your values, finding balance, and lifting others up along the way. The key takeaway? Define your success, don’t let it define you. Bet on yourself and never stop paying it forward.

About The Host:

Dr. Shehz's journey from an undocumented immigrant to a U.S. citizen mirrors the transformative power of the vision he now champions. As an eye surgeon turned wealth coach, he guides high achievers to sharpen their inner vision, turning life's hazy ambitions into a focused sense of meaning. In today's world, you need time and money to achieve your purpose driven goals, and Dr. Shehz teaches how to have an abundance of both. His mission extends beyond correcting physical sight; he empowers individuals to envision and manifest their highest potential, celebrating the clarity of aligning one's life with their true north. Dr. Shehz helps natural-born leaders rewrite their stories, ignite their purpose, and create lives of boundless impact and fulfillment through his transformative coaching, cutting-edge AI-based courses, and speaking engagements.

Learn More and Connect with Dr. Shehz: visionarydoc.com