In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with Kathy Cruz, a respected leader in the optical industry and a passionate advocate for women, community, and intentional living, for a deeply honest conversation about boundaries, healing, faith, and rebuilding yourself when life doesn’t go as planned.

What begins as a lighthearted discussion about family traditions and everyday life unfolds into a powerful dialogue about the emotional labor many women carry quietly. Kathy shares her journey of navigating family expectations, caregiving roles, and the difficult but necessary decision to set boundaries in order to protect her mental health and peace.

Together, Katie and Kathy reflect on pivotal life moments — layoffs, divorce, caregiving, trauma, and identity shifts — and how those experiences became invitations to rebuild from a place of self-trust and clarity. Kathy opens up about therapy, redefining her identity beyond long-held roles, and reclaiming her maiden name as an act of self-honoring.

The conversation also highlights Kathy’s leadership within the Optical Women’s Association, including the importance of creating safe, unplugged spaces where women can reconnect with themselves beyond titles, productivity, and expectations.

This episode is a reminder that boundaries are not walls against others — they are bridges back to yourself.

Boundaries are acts of self-preservation, not punishment. Kathy explains that setting boundaries is not about hurting others, but about protecting your mental health and honoring your needs.

Rebuilding starts internally, not professionally. True rebuilding begins with self-awareness, reflection, and healing. Career clarity follows personal clarity — not the other way around.

Safe spaces create stronger leaders. Unplugged, judgment-free environments allow people to heal, reconnect, and return to life and leadership more grounded and aligned.

“You’re not setting a boundary against someone — you’re setting a boundary for yourself.”

“I had to rebuild myself personally before anything else could work.”

“Legacy isn’t something you leave behind — it’s something you’re actively creating.”