Change the Angle, Change What You See: David Carneal on Perspective, Clarity, and Life
In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with longtime optical industry colleague and friend David Carneal for a thoughtful conversation about perspective, clarity, relationships, gratitude, and learning to see ourselves differently.
After 25 years in the optical industry, David moved into consulting, workflow and process development, and perspective alignment coaching. He and Katie explore a simple but powerful idea: sometimes changing the angle from which we look at something can completely change what we see.
Katie reflects on how her therapist became an important mirror, helping her recognize things about herself she couldn’t see alone. David shares lessons from his father, who believed that “less is more” and taught by giving David the tools to discover his own answers.
Their conversation moves between business and life as they discuss parenting, learning from their adult children, acts of kindness, carefully chosen words, and why seemingly small details can have an enormous impact on the people around us.
Ultimately, they return to the reality that life is finite. Rather than creating fear, that awareness can give us the courage to act on what matters, connect more deeply, and pursue the things that genuinely light us up.
Key Takeaways
Sometimes clarity requires changing the angle.
Other people can act as mirrors, helping us recognize perspectives, patterns, and possibilities we may not be able to see ourselves.
The little things matter.
Whether in business or relationships, meaningful impact often comes through small actions, thoughtful words, and simply showing up when someone needs us.
Knowing life is finite can change how you live.
Recognizing that time isn’t guaranteed can create the courage to stop waiting and act on what genuinely matters.
Quotes
“The little things are what matter.”
“I’m competitive against myself.”
“There’s an urgency for me to do whatever I feel lights up my heart, and I just do it.”
About David Carneal
David Carneal is the Founder and Principal of Digital Efficiency Consulting Group in Orange County, California. With more than 25 years of experience in operations and the optical industry, he helps organizations improve how work gets done through workflow diagnostics, process development, and practical operational improvement.
David also works as a Perspective Navigator, using Perspective Alignment Coaching to help individuals and teams examine how they interpret situations, improve communication, gain clarity, and make better decisions.
Connect with David
Connect: https://dot.cards/dcarneal
Website: www.thedecg.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmcarneal/
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