Episode #369

Failure and Risk (and why practice owners should embrace them) with Nathan Hayes

December 1, 2025

ODs tend to be a pretty risk-averse group, which means failure and risk can be avoided or almost taboo topics. But risk is required for any type of return in life. So how should practice/business owners think about risk? If you’re embarking on a new growth goals for your practice—like adding an associate doctor—how do you prepare for that investment into the practice and how long do you continue down that path if it’s not working? How do you pivot and what are the financial decisions you can make to hedge the risk as best as possible?

Resources:

Book a Triage call with Adam

Start Planning Today

Don’t miss out on exclusive access to financial tips, strategies, and expert-led webinars. Subscribe to the “Planning Life, On Purpose” newsletter today and stay ahead of the planning curve!

Download the Practice Owner’s Financial Toolkit

20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass

OD Mastermind Interest Form

Books & Benchmarks

—————————————————————————————
Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms

Apple Podcasts

Spotify
—————————————————————————————

For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

Episode Transcript

No transcript available yet.

Enjoy our content? Subscribe for regular updates!

Related Podcasts

  • Practice Management
Flippin’ the script: What I’ve learned about ODs & the profession of optometry producing 300+ episodes of 20/20 Money

In this derivative of a show takeover, Dr. Brianna Rhue interviews me to explore my journey in podcasting and the…

  • Practice Management
Improving your practice by tracking the right KPIs (and ignoring the wrong ones) with Nathan Hayes

Most practice owners know they should be tracking specific measurables in their practice that will help them understand their paths…

  • Practice Management
A blueprint to successfully recruit ODs to join small town practices with Dr. Andy Yaryan, OD

Arguably the biggest ongoing challenge practice owners face can be lumped into staff—both OD and non-OD alike. This challenge can…

  • Practice Management
Remembering my grandpa: 3 financial lessons learned from Grandpa and Grandma Scholz that can shape your relationship with money

On this episode, I wanted to share a bit of a personal story about 3 lessons that I learned from…

  • Practice Management
Rewind^3: Forget goal-setting and focus on purpose: a mindset conversation with Stephanie Bogan

Welcome to this episode rewind of 20/20 Money! In keeping with tradition of years past, I’m bringing back this episode…

  • Practice Management
My most impactful books I read during 2025 (and the lessons I’ve learned)

In this reflective episode, we’ll explore the most impactful books I’ve read in 2025. From exploring personal growth and professional…