The six-month Specsavers Pathway development program comprises four core modules, a presentation skills workshop and a final assessment. Hear from the most recent Pathway participants on how each stage of the program helped them develop their business and leadership skills and prepare them to become future Specsavers Joint Venture Partners (JVP).
Module 1: Culture & Brand / Connected Leadership
Tanveer Kaur, Specsavers Ellenbrook, WA: The transition from optometrist to Pathway participant has been so rewarding. Learning the true meaning of connected leadership and the skills required to be a successful leader has given me the confidence needed to step outside of my comfort zone to reach my full potential.
Module 2: Commercial Awareness & Leading Financial Improvement
Gabriella Pezzuto, Specsavers Robina West, QLD: Entering the Pathway program, I had minimal experience with business or finance. However, the instructors of this particular module explained everything clearly and in detail, answering all the questions I had before joining the program and finally allowing me to feel at ease with top-line financial analysis.
Module 3: Managing People & Performance / Building High Performing Teams
Vibeshan Thivyakumar, Specsavers Leichhardt, NSW: The Pathway journey so far has been so enriching. The biggest highlight for me has been discovering how open to feedback and self-development my team are. By having training and regular feedback sessions, I have seen many positive improvements within the store. This module, in particular, has also shown me how to be a more empathetic leader and build trusting, open relationships.
Module 4: Driving Service Excellence / Influential Teams
Vanessa Lewandowski, Specsavers Wanneroo, WA: My self-confidence has grown tremendously since commencing the Pathway program. This has helped me develop not only as a leader but also as a fellow team member. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about how to lead great customer experiences and the four key drivers of customer service. These skills have also helped me to appreciate the importance of creating positive store experiences for every customer.
Presentation Skills Workshop & Final Assessment
Christopher Budden, Specsavers Dubbo, NSW: Overall, Pathway provided me with a unique opportunity to learn and develop as a person and leader. I have been able to gain insight into the role of a Specsavers Joint Venture Partner and gain a better understanding of how I would react to specific situations that may arise in store. The Pathway faculty also provided me with invaluable support, particularly around the final presentation and assessment, ensuring that I was on the right track at every stage.
The Pathway Program is a revolutionary, six-month leadership and development program that is open to all experienced Specsavers optometrists, optical dispensers and retail managers interested in realising their ambition of practice ownership as a JVP. Since Pathway’s launch in 2012, more than 140 optical professionals have achieved their Specsavers partnership aspirations.
