The Right Optics podcast is brought to you by Silmo, the leading eyewear and optics trade show. Broadcaster Nick Coffer interviews key personalities from the optics world. Hear their stories, their passion for optics and their insight into the industry.
Published on Jun 26,2025 at 12:23 PM | Updated on Aug 27,2025 at 8:22 AM

Nancy Gries - Leadership, Legacy and the Optical Women’s Association

In this episode, Nick Coffer is joined by Nancy Gries, co-founder of Coti Vision and Vice Chair of the International Expansion Committee for the Optical Women’s Association (OWA). It’s a wide-ranging and insightful conversation about women’s leadership in optics — past, present and future.

Together, they explore:

  • The origins and mission of the OWA
  • Breaking barriers and building careers in a male-dominated industry
  • The value of mentorship, sponsorship, and community
  • Expanding the OWA’s reach across Europe
  • The founding journey of Coti Vision — and what it’s like to pitch on Dragon’s Den
  • The personal and professional power of partnership

With honesty and clarity, Nancy shares her experience of creating change within the industry — and how the OWA is helping to shape the next generation of leaders.

Nick also pays tribute to Dominique Barraud, a leading light in the optical industry (and former guest on this podcast) who sadly recently passed away.