The numbers.

I’m joined by Martin Traub-Werner, founder of VetBooks and VetSuccess, who has spent years helping practices understand what their financials are really saying.

We get into a simple but uncomfortable truth. Most owners don’t really know their numbers. Not in a way that gives them clarity or confidence. And when that’s the case, the business starts to feel heavier than it should.

As Martin puts it, there’s no substitute for knowing your numbers.

Because this isn’t really about finance. It’s about visibility. Most practices are not struggling through lack of effort. They are struggling because they can’t clearly see what is happening inside the business. And when you can’t see it, decision-making becomes harder, second-guessing creeps in, and leadership starts to feel like a weight you’re carrying rather than a role you’re leading.

What we talk about in this episode is how that changes. When the key parts of the business are working together and your numbers are visible and understood, the experience of running a practice becomes more stable, more predictable, and ultimately more enjoyable. Not because the work disappears, but because the system begins to carry more of the load and your decisions have a clear direction.

When you understand your numbers, you stop guessing and start deciding with intent. Over time, that shift replaces pressure with confidence and allows you to trust the practice you are building.

If the numbers have ever felt like something you’d rather avoid, this is a good place to start.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] The numbers we avoid

[04:50] Why most owners don’t know

[09:00] The 5 financial buckets

[13:00] Why vet businesses are complex

[15:00] Cash vs reality

[17:30] Flying blind financially

[19:00] Reading your P&L

[21:30] Focus on the big levers

[24:00] Small % big impact

[26:30] Using AI to analyse

[31:00] Building a system you trust

[33:30] Confidence and sleep

[35:00] Final takeaways

Why does leading your practice feel harder than it should?

The Practice Growth Reflection is a short, 10-minute tool that shows you the stage your practice has reached and the leadership changes that can reduce pressure, strengthen your team, and help your practice run more smoothly.

Start your Practice Growth Reflection and get instant clarity on what needs to evolve next.

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

1. Follow Dr. Dave: @drdavenicol
2. Learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Academy

Connect with Martin Traub-Werner:

1. Website: vetbooks.com
2. LinkedIn: Martin Traub-Werner

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

Disclaimer

This episode is for educational purposes only and isn’t financial advice.

“You, my friend, are a dick.”

His point was simple and uncomfortable. In veterinary medicine, one of the biggest career killers is being someone others simply do not want to work with. You might be clinically excellent. You might work hard. But if you consistently damage relationships, you quietly lose opportunities, influence and growth.

The feedback to that episode was fascinating. Many of you agreed. Many pushed back, sharing stories of abrasive leaders who still climbed the ladder.

So this week, I unpack it properly.

I break leadership down into a series of “Big D” styles - Direct, Ditherer, Dreamer and Democrat - and explore how each one shapes the way we make decisions. We look at when directive leadership works and when it corrodes culture, why indecision is often a clarity problem, how conflict avoidance erodes trust, and why collaboration without ownership stalls progress.

Underpinning it all is one core truth: leadership is decision-making.

And great leaders are not defined by personality. They are defined by flexibility.

So grab a coffee and join me for a practical conversation about leadership agility, self-awareness and choosing the right mode for the moment.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] Big D leaders in vet med

[02:03] Is being a dick really a career killer?

[03:14] The Direct leader – results vs relationships

[05:40] The Ditherer – clarity before action

[07:41] Dreamers – vision vs avoidance

[11:28] The Democrat – collaboration and responsibility

[15:52] Why data sharpens decisions

[17:11] Leadership is about flexibility

Become the Leader Your Team Deserves

If you want to sharpen your decision-making, build clarity around what good looks like, and develop the flexibility your team needs from you. Book a call with us at the Veterinary Leadership Academy.

We’ll help you identify where you’re strong, where you’re stuck, and what to do next.

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

1. Follow Dr. Dave: @drdavenicol
2. Learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

To tackle this, I’m joined by Dr Seth Mathus Ganz, a board-certified small animal surgeon and founder of Agile Veterinary Surgery, who brings a rare perspective from working inside hundreds of practices. Seth has spent over a decade performing advanced procedures, mentoring vets, and observing what helps teams thrive - and what quietly holds them back.

Together, we look at the stories we tell ourselves about clients, discomfort, and growth, and how those stories shape our daily experience of the job. Seth offers a surgeon’s-eye view on why confidence and trust are built, not demanded - and how leaning into the right kind of challenge helps us grow skill, self-belief, and professional satisfaction.

We talk about feedback loops, compounding habits, and the long game of mastery - the kind that makes veterinary work feel meaningful, energising, and sustainable again.

So grab a coffee, take a breath, and join us for a thoughtful conversation about how we can build a healthier, more fulfilling future for vet med - one decision at a time.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] Clients as “the enemy”

[02:29] A surgeon’s front-row view

[04:03] The vet–client war story

[06:43] The victim mindset problem

[07:47] How “difficult” clients are made

[08:57] Avoiding discomfort blocks growth

[11:18] Two kinds of resistance

[14:42] Losing the magic of the job

[17:27] Growth compounds or stalls

[26:01] Why having a plan matters

[30:50] Clients as mirrors, not enemies

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to turn insight into action, book a call with us at the Veterinary Leadership Academy. We’ll help you clarify what’s in the way and define your next move. Book your call here.

Connect with Dr. Seth Mathus Ganz:

Instagram: @ask_a_veterinary_surgeon

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Instagram: @drdavenicol

Learn more about leadership training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a colleague who’s ready to bring the magic back to vet med.

Specifically, the wave of comments that followed a recent episode and social posts about a new graduate’s early experience in practice.

If you saw the Instagram reel or Facebook video, you’ll know the conversation struck a nerve.

Some comments were thoughtful and supportive. Others were angry, frustrated, and aimed squarely at “weak graduates”, falling standards, and a profession that feels like it’s under siege.

Today, I want to slow that conversation down.

Rather than adding to the noise, this episode looks beneath it, at the fatigue, the stretched systems, and the pressure that’s been building across the profession for a long time.

We talk about grit, resilience, mentorship, and why toughness isn’t something people arrive with on day one. It’s something that gets built, or broken, by the environments we place them into.

If you’re worried about standards, frustrated by how hard ownership has become, or quietly wondering whether the profession you love is changing in ways you don’t recognize, this is a conversation worth sitting with.

Referenced Posts:

Instagram reel:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTvXiAlCSZX/

Facebook video:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1397139445528655

Episode Outline:

[00:00] – Why this conversation exploded

[02:45] – Are graduates really the problem?

[05:30] – The myth of “grit” at graduation

[08:40] – Why our early careers weren’t the same

[11:30] – When hard work turns into attrition

[14:15] – Mentorship as leadership, not therapy

[16:45] – The damage caused by sink or swim

[18:30] – What high standards actually look like

[20:00] – The responsibility owners still hold

[21:45] – Building resilience the right way

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Instagram: @drdavenicol

Learn more about leadership training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

If this episode made you pause or reflect, I’d really appreciate you leaving a review on iTunes and sharing it with someone else in the profession. These conversations matter – and how we handle them shapes what comes next.

Be safe. Be well. And take care of each other.

In this second conversation, we deliberately turn the lens the other way.

I’m joined by Dr. Moriah McCauley, a veterinarian now five years into practice, who shares what it looks like when graduate support is done well – thoughtfully, deliberately, and humanely.

Moriah’s story matters because it shows what’s possible. She’s still in the same practice five years on, not through resilience alone, but because the system around her was built for success from day one.

Together we talk about what attracted her to the role in the first place, how expectations were clarified early, and why mentorship is not a single person or a buzzword, but a culture. One that includes planned progression, real availability, psychological safety, and permission to be human when life gets complicated.

This episode explores the practical reality of guiding – not grinding – graduates. What it requires from leaders. What it asks of graduates. And why, done properly, it creates loyalty, competence, confidence, and long-term value for everyone involved.

This conversation forms the second half of a two-part series and sits alongside the session I’ll be delivering at VMX 2026: Guiding, Not Grinding.

Episode Outline:

[00:01] – Why this conversation matters

[02:00] – Meet Dr. Moriah

[04:30] – Choosing a first practice

[07:00] – Spotting a culture of mentorship

[09:30] – Gut instinct and psychological safety

[12:00] – Setting expectations early

[15:00] – What good mentorship looks like

[17:30] – Being supported through hard moments

[21:00] – The cost of investing in graduates

[24:30] – Return on investment, done properly

[27:00] – Learning the hardest skill: communication

[30:30] – Why Moriah stayed

[32:30] – What leaders need to hear next

Follow Dr Dave Nicol:

Instagram: @drdavenicol

Learn more about leadership support and training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

See more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauley

Connect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauley

Enjoyed the episode?

Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. These conversations matter, and sharing them helps move our profession forward.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Hope Darnell, a recent graduate who shares a clear-eyed account of what her first year in practice was really like.

Hope stepped into her first role with the things good graduates bring - commitment, curiosity, and a genuine desire to do the job well. On paper, the support was there. Experienced vets. A capable team. Reassurance that help was available.

Then reality hit.

Within weeks, Hope was carrying a heavy clinical load, managing complex cases and new clients back to back, and covering the practice alone far earlier than she should have been. Emergencies, surgery, on-call work, and quietly absorbing management tasks as gaps appeared. All on top of a full caseload.

Without bad intent, guiding turned into grinding.

This story is not unusual. Practices are stretched. Mentorship is inconsistent. Time is scarce. Many teams want to do the right thing, but lack the structure or capacity to truly support early-career vets.

What matters is this. Despite everything, Hope chose to stay.

She stayed because she still believes in the work, the profession, and the possibility that we can do better. That belief places responsibility on those of us in leadership to build environments where graduates can grow safely, not burn out quietly.

If we get this right, we don’t just protect graduates – we strengthen our practices and safeguard the future of veterinary medicine.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation and forms the foundation of a session I’ll be delivering at VMX 2026, Guiding, Not Grinding. In Part 2, we move into practical solutions for supporting graduates, and the future of veterinary medicine, more effectively.

Episode Outline:

[00:02] – Meet Dr. Hope

[05:00] – Picking a first job

[09:00] – Support that looked solid

[12:00] – Trying to practise good medicine

[14:00] – Taking on more and more

[18:30] – Being left on your own

[20:00] – The day it all collided

[24:00] – Still working, but not coping

[26:00] – When numbness sets in

[31:00] – What new grads really need

[35:00] – The “unicorn vet” problem

[39:00] – Is your practice ready for a graduate?

[43:00] – Why mentorship matters

[45:00] – Why Dr Hope stayed in vet medicine

Follow Dr Dave Nicol:

Instagram: @drdavenicol

Learn more about leadership support and training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Connect with Dr Hope Darnelle:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hope-darnell-dvm-b53054214/

Enjoyed the episode?

Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. These conversations matter, and sharing them helps move our profession forward.

In this week’s Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I sit down with my good friend, Dr. Jay Thrush, co-owner of Forty Creek Animal Hospital in Ontario. Jay is one of the calmest, kindest humans you’ll ever meet, the definition of still waters running deep, and what he and Lisa have created together is nothing short of remarkable.

Jay talks openly about version two of his veterinary career. The part where he leaves behind the cookie cutter model, the metrics for the sake of metrics mindset, and the keep up at all costs pace, and starts designing a clinic with intention.

A space built for connection.

A team chosen for values, not CVs.

A culture shaped by psychological safety, empathy, and genuine human care.

We dive into the journey, the mistakes, the magic, and the surprising emotional yield that comes from building a practice around purpose instead of pressure. If you have ever wondered what it might look like to create a clinic that feels like home for pets, clients, and your team, this conversation will light a spark.

Grab a coffee and settle in. Jay brings wisdom, warmth, and a reminder that leadership gets really interesting when you decide to do things differently.

Episode Outline

[00:00] Comfort by design

[01:10] Version two energy

[03:38] Letting the old model go

[06:17] Connection at the core

[07:49] What clients feel first

[09:35] Choosing people who fit

[11:03] A clinic that feels like home

[13:32] New, special and different

[15:24] Real psychological safety

[17:36] Signs your culture works

[19:54] Early systems and learning

[22:21] Building what truly matters

[24:05] The gift of good exhaustion

[25:49] Staying human as you grow

Connect with Dr. Jay Thrush

Forty Creek Animal Hospital ( 40creekvets.com )

Instagram: @fortycreekvets

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights

• Follow: @drdavenicol
• Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed the episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your colleagues in vet med.

But meaningful change – the kind that transforms culture, steadies the ship, and creates a practice you actually love leading – follows a very different rhythm.

In this episode, Oli and I dig into the truth about change. Why overwhelm is a diagnostic, not a character flaw. Why burnout often signals a system problem rather than a personal one. And why rebuilding culture is more like farming than fighting.

We explore the emotional, financial and cultural yields your practice should produce, how to diagnose what’s really driving your stress, and why the first brave step is often removing the wrong person, not adding a new one.

You will learn practical ways to create immediate relief, the long term strategy for sustainable transformation, and why community support acts as a stabilising wall while you do the real work of leadership.

Change is not instant. But there is a path. And when you follow it with intention, the remarkable vet practice you build will give back far more than it takes.

Episode Outline:

[01:05] – Why change hurts more than it should

[03:45] – Burnout isn’t personal, it’s systemic

[06:37] – Culture is the soil everything grows in

[08:14] – Who should stay on your team – and who shouldn’t

[10:28] – Rebuilding from the core, not the surface

[12:03] – Why resistance shows up when standards rise

[14:49] – Why meaningful change takes a season

[16:20] – Finding relief before real change begins

[19:28] – Skills can be replaced, attitudes can’t

[21:47] – When work becomes an emotional drain

[23:04] – Someone has to own the culture

[23:46] – Why community stabilises leaders

[24:34] – The clearest path forward

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Need clarity on what needs to change? Book a diagnostic call with Oliver at the Veterinary Leadership Academy and let us walk you through your next steps.
• Download the Leadership Actions Study – practical steps to help you lead with clarity today.https://calendly.com/oliver-vetx/grow-your-vet-practice-1-1-discovery-call
• Explore our leadership courses – build the skills to create a culture your team loves being part of.
• Follow Dr Dave Nicol for daily leadership insights and practical tools for running a thriving veterinary practice.

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave us a review on iTunes and share it with your colleagues in vet med. 

If you don’t already know Andy, he’s a practicing veterinarian, international speaker, author, and media personality, and the founder of Uncharted Veterinary Conference, DrAndyRoark.com, and one of the few people in vet med who can make serious topics feel human, and fun.

We got into everything from AI scribes saving vets five minutes a consult (and possibly their sanity), to how to stay calm when the world’s losing its head. We even tackled the fine art of giving feedback without crushing someone’s soul.

At its heart, this episode’s about perspective. About remembering that veterinary medicine isn’t just science, it’s art. And if we want to stay sane, we’d better learn how to create, not just cope.

So grab a brew, settle in, and join us for a conversation about leadership, creativity, and keeping your head while everyone else is losing theirs.

Episode Outline:

[00:03] – Meet Andy Roark

[04:20] – The “F*** yeah” AI moment

[06:13] – Staying on time, not speeding up

[08:22] – How Andy uses AI in consults

[10:21] – Right here, right now

[12:03] – Focus on what you can control

[12:49] – Feedback as art

[15:42] – Why vet med is art

[17:27] – Clients, costs, and conflict

[20:20] – Who we really work for

[23:48] – How perspective shifts

[25:52] – What Andy sees differently now

[29:47] – Money, motives, and mistrust

[30:04] – Don’t be a dick

[32:15] – Final thoughts

Connect with Dr. Andy Roark:

Website: drandyroark.com

LinkedIn: Dr Andy Roark

Instagram: @drandyroark

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow: @drdavenicol

Learn more about veterinary leadership training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share it with someone who needs a reminder that vet med, for all its chaos, is still an art worth practising.

In this episode, Oliver and I break down the most common mistakes owners make when creating their vision – why many end up with fluffy statements that change nothing, why some practices have no vision at all, and why the work isn’t finished once the document is written and alive.

We explore how to structure a vision that actually works, how purpose, mission, and values fit together, and the simple tests that tell you whether yours is fit for purpose. You’ll learn why authenticity matters more than polish and how a living, breathing vision becomes rocket fuel for recruitment, retention, culture, and long term sustainability.

The medicine gets you started. The vision takes you somewhere worth going. Remarkable practices are built by leaders who choose the path with purpose.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] – Why vision matters

[01:07] – The danger of having no vision

[02:14] – Vision as your X factor

[06:49] – When structure goes wrong

[07:51] – Why “vision, mission, values” fall short

[09:46] – The purpose–mission–values model

[11:54] – Vision is only useful if you use it

[13:19] – The cost of abdication

[15:32] – Why vets avoid vision work

[18:00] – People, culture and sustainability

[20:40] – The goosebumps and butterflies test

[22:23] – Writing the unfiltered truth

[23:52] – Turning vision into leadership fuel

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Need help with your vision? Book a chat with Oliver at the Veterinary Leadership Academy and we’ll help you assess where you are and where you’re going.
• Download the Leadership Actions Study – practical steps to help you lead with clarity today.
• Explore our leadership courses – build the skills to create a culture your team loves being part of.
• Follow Dr Dave Nicol for daily leadership insights and practical tools for running a thriving veterinary practice.

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave us a review on iTunes and share it with your colleagues in vet med. Great leadership, like great culture, grows when it’s shared.

The vision, the medicine, the values, the clients - it all matters to you. Maybe a bit too much sometimes.

But unfortunately, just because you care, it doesn’t mean your team automatically will.

So how do you get them on board? How do you turn that personal passion into something your whole team believes in and wants to be part of?

In this episode, Oliver and I dig into what buy-in really looks like inside a practice - how to move from pushing people to inspiring them, why fear and control never create lasting motivation, and how clarity of purpose, mission, and values can turn a team that’s “just doing the job” into one that’s driving the vision forward.

You’ll learn how to help your people see what you see, how to build belief through consistency and communication, and how to create the kind of culture where everyone cares - not because they have to, but because they want to.

Because when your team believes in the vision, everything else starts to work.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] – What real care looks like

[02:00] – Duty, patients & self care

[04:10] – When care goes missing

[06:50] – Why “care” isn’t enough

[08:20] – The restaurant test

[09:35] – Fear kills culture

[10:00] – Clarity builds buy-in

[11:25] – Purpose, mission, values

[12:45] – Defining care for your team

[14:00] – Create context, not chaos

[14:45] – What truly matters to me

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Download the Leadership Actions Study – simple, practical steps to lead better today
• Explore our leadership courses – build the skills to lead your team with confidence and clarity
• Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for daily veterinary leadership insights

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your colleagues in vet med. Because great leadership - like great care - grows when it’s shared.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m unpacking why so many great people in our profession are burning out, and what we can learn from elite athletes about how to fix it.

Because in sport, training hard every day is a fast track to injury. Yet in vet med, we do exactly that - long hours, relentless pressure, and no real recovery. Then we wonder why everyone’s limping.

I’ll walk you through how to think like a coach - setting the right dose of work, building rest into the plan, and checking in before things start to snap. We’ll talk about how to balance intensity with recovery and why emotional fuel is every bit as important as physical energy.

Episode Outline:

00:00 – Performance or wellbeing? (You can have both.)

01:00 – Lessons from the track: what sport can teach vet med

03:00 – Running slow to go fast

06:00 – The four factors of performance: volume, intensity, rest, and fuel

10:00 – When teams “train” too hard and start to break

13:00 – Building resilience, not fatigue

16:00 – Check in before they burn out

18:00 – Fuel, rest, and emotional recovery

20:00 – Your leadership training plan for a healthier team

Want more leadership tools in your corner?

Follow me: @drdavenicol

Check out: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Run your eNPS: drdavenicol.com/get-your-enps

If this episode hit home, leave a review or share it with a teammate.

To help me figure it out, I’m joined by Dr. Robin Hargreaves - former BVA President, lifelong mixed practitioner, and a man who’s spent nearly 40 years mentoring vets, leading teams, and keeping his sense of humour intact (which, frankly, might be his greatest achievement).

Robin grew up on a hill farm in the Yorkshire Dales, built and ran a four-site, 50-person independent practice, and has seen the profession evolve from handwritten records to AI tools that still can’t spell “lab retriever.” He’s known for his straight talk, northern grit, and deep care for the people coming up behind him.

In this episode, we dig into how mentorship quietly disappeared, why it matters more than ever, and how we can bring it back - stronger, wiser, and a lot less formal than you’d think.

So grab a brew, tune in, and let’s talk about how to keep wisdom alive in vet med.

Episode Outline

[00:03] – Meet Robin Hargreaves

[04:14] – One broken arm, one life-long career

[07:51] – Why tough years become good stories

[09:55] – Where is mentorship in vet med?

[12:05] – Why we MUST share wisdom

[15:25] – A new kind of mentorship for today

[17:30] – Three lessons every leader needs

[18:23] – Stop defending. Start listening.

[21:10] – When to stop leading 

[23:01] – Being smart isn’t everything

[25:11] – How consistency builds trust

Connect with Robin Hargreaves:

LinkedIn: Robin Hargreaves, BVSc MRCVS

Instagram (bird photography & life wisdom): @robinhargreaves

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your colleagues in vet med.

In this week’s Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m joined by Dr. Molly Husman, owner of Brinker Veterinary Hospital up in Lake Orion, Michigan, and a woman who has lived through the leadership nightmare most of us secretly dread.

Within a year of buying her clinic, she made the brave decision to let someone go. It didn’t go down well. In fact, it set off a chain reaction that left her with just a handful of staff and a whole lot of self-doubt.

But here’s where the story gets good. Molly didn’t crumble - she rebuilt. Brick by brick, hire by hire, dad joke by dad joke (you’ll see what I mean). She rediscovered her purpose, learned to trust again, and built a team that actually wants to be there. Today, she’s running a low-volume, high-touch, heart-led practice that’s about to move into a new purpose-built home.

We talk about the fear of letting go, the power of trust, and why sometimes the most painful decisions turn out to be the best thing that could’ve happened to you.

Grab your headphones, pour something strong, and settle in - this one’s a masterclass in courage, clarity, and leadership with heart.

Episode Outline

[00:03] – When your whole team walks out

[03:20] – Buying a clinic with someone else’s culture

[05:16] – The firing that changed everything

[06:07] – “Stay in joy or go in peace”

[08:20] – Rebuilding from scratch

[09:42] – Turning fear into freedom

[13:11] – What trust really looks like in a vet clinic

[14:24] – Looking at your clinic differently

[16:39] – Learning to step back and actually lead

[18:34] – Realizing you might be the problem

[20:25] – Hiring slow, building fast

[22:12] – One interview question that changed everything

[23:51] – Trust as the heartbeat of culture

[25:18] – Building a practice that fits you

Connect with Dr. Molly Husman

• Brinker Veterinary Hospital
• Connect with Dr. Molly on Linkedin
• 
  

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights

• Follow: @drdavenicol
• Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your colleagues in vet med.

In this episode, I dig into why these clashes happen, what both sides are actually getting right, and why the finger-pointing is making things worse, not better. We’ll talk about the lost art of mentorship, the corporate wrecking ball that’s left generations stranded, and the leadership skills that can turn all this conflict into collaboration.

Snowflakes. Dinosaurs. The labels make it easy to judge, but they don’t solve the real problem: our teams are breaking under the weight of division. In this episode, I’ll show you how to stop fighting the wrong battle - and start leading in a way that brings generations together.

Episode Outline:

[00:01] – Snowflakes vs Dinosaurs

[02:00] – Why the pendulum has swung

[04:07] – Burnout as “rite of passage”

[05:31] – What younger vets really want

[06:58] – The corporate salary trap

[08:23] – The Workload Goldilocks Zone

[09:39] – The mentorship gap

[11:22] – Fragile? Or just learning?

[12:28] – Mentorship done right

[13:20] – Why leadership is missing

[14:10] – Curiosity vs judgment

[15:08] – A message to the older generation

[15:35] – A message to the younger generation

[16:30] – Pets don’t care about labels

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Download the Leadership Actions Study – simple, practical steps to lead better today
• Explore our leadership courses – build the skills to lead your team through complexity
• Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for daily leadership insights

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your colleagues in vet med!

In this episode, I break down why veterinary recruitment feels like such a nightmare, and more importantly, what you can do to fix it. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about throwing more money at the problem.

We’ll dig into what employer branding really means, how to stop writing job ads full of buzzword bingo, and why a clear vision, purpose and set of lived values will do more for your hiring than any signing bonus. I’ll also give you a simple equation to score your employer brand, so you can see exactly where you’re strong, and where you’ve got work to do.

If you’re blaming “the market” for your hiring woes, this one’s going to challenge you. Because the truth is, there are practices out there with people lining up to join them. The difference? They’ve learned how to tell their story. And you can too.

Your story could be the key to better hires. Join our upcoming webinar and find out how, save your seat now.

Episode Outline:

[00:01] – Why hiring’s tough

[03:00] – Standing out

[07:01] – Employer brand 101

[10:17] – Vision vs buzzwords

[11:05] – Purpose, mission, values

[16:21] – The brand equation

[19:46] – Telling your story

[22:26] – Employee experience first

[25:08] – Don’t blame the market

[27:33] – Be unapologetically you

[29:11] – Webinar preview

[30:01] – Free NPS survey

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Register for our Employer Branding Webinar
• Join our free Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey study
• Download our leadership brochures

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

• Follow Dr. Dave: @drdavenicol
• Learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Academy

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Her story? Well, let’s just say it starts with a fold-up table in the living room, a flannel blanket for style, and a husband with big dreams but questionable bill-paying skills. Fast-forward to today and she’s running a 25+ person, multi-doctor hospital. Along the way there have been triumphs, chaos, a few questionable jello shots… and oh yes, an old “friend” who ended up in jail after botching their clinic build. You just couldn’t make it up.

Together we dig into the truth about practice growth: what works when you’re starting out, why it all falls apart when you get bigger, and how to keep evolving as a leader so your clinic doesn’t implode under its own weight. Jenni is funny, sharp, brutally honest, and not afraid to tell you exactly what she got wrong, and what she’d do differently.

If you’ve ever thought “Help! My clinic is growing too fast!” or felt like your team has outgrown your leadership, this one’s for you. Buckle up, this one’s packed with chaos, comedy, and the kind of lessons you only learn the hard way.

Episode Outline:

[00:03] – Tequila & bad ideas

[05:42] – From living room to hospital

[07:46] – 3 big start-up mistakes

[11:00] – Friends vs leadership

[13:23] – Stages of growth

[17:01] – Hiring the first vet

[23:22] – Standing out locally

[29:01] – Outgrowing your space

[33:22] – Power of a manager

[35:58] – Beating imposter syndrome

[38:31] – Here for the people

[40:42] – Culture cracks

[44:45] – Building leaders

[49:13] – Vision = next level

Connect with Jenni George:

Learn more about Deerfield Veterinary Clinic

Deerfield Vet Clinic on Facebook  

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

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And I don’t mean some fluffy slogan you stick on a wall and then ignore. I’m talking about the hard graft of clarifying your purpose, your mission, and your values, the foundation stone that makes everything else work and align. Without it, you’re building on sand. With it, you’ve got a north star to guide the biggest decisions you’ll ever make: who you hire, how you shape your culture, the way you connect with clients, and even how you hold yourself together on your toughest, most difficult days.

The painful truth? Most practice owners either don’t do this work, or they do it badly. And when that happens, it’s only a matter of time until the cracks show. Poor hiring decisions, a toxic culture, poor team alignment, wasted energy, and a practice that feels harder to lead than it should.

Oliver and I share stories from inside our community of practice owners who’ve gone through what we call “vision casting.” These are raw, vulnerable, sometimes emotional sessions that strip back the layers and get to the truth of why their practice exists. And when that clarity hits, you feel it. A good vision gives you goosebumps and butterflies. It attracts the right people, keeps your team moving together and motivated, and fuels you as a leader when the simplest tasks feel impossible.

If you’re wondering where to start with your vision, this is the episode for you. Tune in, hear how we do it, and if you’re serious about taking the next step, reach out to Oliver Loveday to find out how we can help.

Episode Outline:

[01:00] – The Owner’s 3 Core Jobs

[03:30] – What Vision Really Means

[05:00] – Switching Brains: Logic to Creative

[07:00] – Why Vision Matters in Hiring

[10:30] – The Goosebump Test

[12:00] – Vulnerability & Masks

[16:00] – Real-World Examples

[27:00] – Humility in Leadership

[29:00] – Our Practice Vision

[30:30] – What You Need To Do Next

Connect with Oliver Loveday:

• Book A Call with Oilver
• Connect with Oliver on Linkedin

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

• Follow Dr. Dave: @drdavenicol
• Learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

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Now, on paper, the public still ranks vets among the most trusted professionals out there – second only to nurses in most surveys. But out in the real world, I keep seeing behaviours that chip away at that trust. Slowly. Quietly. Consistently. And if we’re not careful, the credibility we’ve spent decades building as a profession is going to unravel.

From sloppy admin at the front desk to thoughtless social media posts that poke fun at clients, we’re creating cracks in the very foundation of our relationships. I’ll share a personal experience that brought this home to me in a big way, and we’ll look at why training, communication and emotional intelligence aren’t soft skills – they’re survival skills.

If you’re a veterinary leader who wants to build a practice your clients trust and your team is proud to stand behind, this episode is for you. Because trust isn’t built by accident, it’s built on purpose, or not at all.

Episode Outline:

00:00 – The client-bashing problem

01:25 – Why trust matters

03:00 – How relationships break

05:00 – The skill behind good interactions

07:15 – Are we really empathetic?

09:00 – When trust breaks: my story

12:00 – Systems vs people

13:45 – What leaders must fix

15:30 – Take action

Want more leadership tools in your corner?

Follow me: @drdavenicol

Check out: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Run your eNPS: drdavenicol.com/get-your-enps

If this episode hit home, leave a review or share it with a teammate.

The article tries to point the finger at corporate practices, but let’s be honest, most readers won’t see that nuance. To the public, it’s not “corporates”, it’s “vets.” All of us. Once again, our profession is being dragged through the mud to serve someone else’s agenda.

So I’m taking this one personally, and professionally. In this episode, I call out the lazy data, the unverified claims, the internal sabotage from within our own ranks, and the real damage this kind of media narrative causes to public trust and veterinary morale.

Corporate practices aren’t going away. And sniping from the sidelines with half-truths and clickbait headlines won’t solve anything. So, what will? Leadership. Engagement. Advocacy. Starting with you.

If you’re a vet who cares about the long-term trust, sustainability, and credibility of our profession, this episode is for you.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] – Another Week, Another Hit Job

[01:00] – Corporate Vets as the Easy Target

[03:00] – The Public Doesn’t See the Difference

[04:15] – “We’ve Lost Trust”? Nonsense

[05:30] – What the Data Really Says

[06:15] – Economic Euthanasia: Any Proof?

[07:10] – What’s Actually Driving Costs

[08:00] – Value, Communication, and Leadership

[08:50] – Whining Isn’t Leadership

[09:30] – Perception Becomes Reality

Episode Links:

• BBC Article: More pets being put down due to rising vet bills, BBC told

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Explore Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

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I’m joined by Oliver Loveday, our Head of Community, to talk about the early findings from our Veterinary Employee Engagement Benchmark Study (VEEBS). We’ve had over 80 practices take part already, and the results are both sobering and full of opportunity.

What we’re seeing is a consistent, avoidable gap – a breakdown in day-to-day communication, appreciation, and leadership follow-through. And it’s happening in practices where the leaders genuinely care, but are overwhelmed, overstretched, or just don’t have the systems in place to stay connected.

This episode is a wake-up call and a guide. We unpack the biggest blind spots that are showing up in the data, from feeling ‘too nice to lead’ to ‘trust that’s really avoidance’ and we offer practical advice to help you reconnect with your team before the wheels fall off.

If you’ve ever thought “but I’m trying to lead well, so why isn’t it working?”…this episode’s for you.

Episode Outline:

• 00:00 – Why we created VEEBS and what it measures
• 02:15 – The courage to ask hard questions
• 04:40 – Net Promoter Score vs real engagement
• 08:10 – What we’re learning from 80+ practices
• 12:00 – The feedback famine: no system, no support
• 15:00 – Growing pains: why teams break at 12–15 people
• 18:30 – Too kind to lead? Why empathy needs boundaries
• 21:00 – Lack of appreciation = lack of love
• 24:00 – How to join the VEEBS study (for free!)

Want more leadership tools in your corner?

Follow me: @drdavenicol

Check out: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Want to take part in VEEBS? Sign up here: drdavenicol.com/get-your-enps 

If this episode helped you see something in a new light, leave a review on iTunes or send it to a fellow leader who might need to hear it. That’s how we build stronger teams, one small step at a time.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Another shiny tool, another thing to learn. But this one’s different. Used right, AI can help you cut through the chaos, free up your time, and finally start making real progress on the stuff that actually matters, like culture, strategy, and leadership.

From SOPs to job ads, marketing content to performance reviews, AI can help you get more done, faster. This episode is your straight-up guide to what’s possible, what’s working, and why leaders who ignore it are going to get left behind.

If you’re ready to get out of reactive mode and take back control, this one’s for you.

If you want to learn more about how AI can help you and your practice, watch my free webinar now.

Episode Outline:

• 00:00 – The divide: AI adopters vs the left-behind
• 02:30 – Life inside a practice manager’s brain
• 04:00 – The stress of decision-making
• 05:00 – How AI helps with hiring, HR, marketing
• 07:00 – It’s a toolkit, not the Terminator
• 10:45 – Ten ways AI saves you hours every week
• 13:00 – Real-world wins: coaching, content, strategy
• 16:35 – Webinar details and final thoughts

Episode Links

If you want to learn more about how AI can help you and your practice, watch my free webinar now.

Want more leadership tools in your corner?

Follow me: @drdavenicol

Check out: Veterinary Leadership Academy

If this episode hit home, leave a review on iTunes and share it with someone you think could do with some help. That’s how we get better leadership into more practices, where it’s desperately needed.

From the silent regret of practice sellers, to the operational time crunch faced by independents, to the shortsightedness of corporate leadership in sidelining seasoned vets, this episode is both a call to action and a glimmer of hope. Because while the system may be creaking, the appetite for change is real, and you might just be part of the solution.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] – A Bold Question: What Happened to Mentorship?

[03:15] – What We’re Losing Without Mentors

[05:20] – The Gap Between Knowing and Doing

[08:00] – Selling Up: Reflections from Former Practice Owners

[10:30] – Corporatization: A Leadership Vacuum and Lost Wisdom

[12:45] – Independents Aren’t Immune: Time Poverty and Clinical Addiction

[15:00] – Declining Clinical Skills and Public Trust

[19:30] – Are Startups the Answer? A Nuanced Look at Hope and Hype

[22:15] – Your Role in the Solution: Start Now or Wait 6 Years

Episode Links

Is Veterinary Mentorship the Greatest Casualty of Corporatization? Blog

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Explore Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary friends. Your voice helps others discover the show and join the leadership movement.

But Mike’s expertise doesn’t stop at sports. He’s also a Swim England instructor teaching children with disabilities through the charity Level Water, and he’s written for the Outdoor Swimming Society, sharing his insights on preparing for big swims and other endurance challenges. Before diving into the world of Lycra and Ironman races, Mike was a social scientist with a PhD, an MBA, and a civil service career – a background that has deeply influenced his coaching philosophy.

We explore the core principles of his method, 'Confidence-Centered Coaching,' and unpack how his diverse career journey informs his work with athletes today. From breaking the hamster wheel of habitual overwork to building sustainable, self-belief-driven progress, Mike shares powerful insights on how leaders in any field – including veterinary practice – can learn to coach with empathy, create space for growth, and drive genuine progress without burnout.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of constant hustle with little reflection, or if you want to learn how to inspire lasting change in your team, this episode is a must-listen. It was a huge pleasure to bring someone who coaches me into the limelight. I hope this shines some light on a keystone subject for all leaders.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] – Meet Mike Porteous: Coach & Founder of Zig Zag Alive.

[03:15] – From Civil Service to Triathlon.

[05:30] – What Is Confidence-Centered Coaching?

[08:45] – Coaching vs. Telling (aka consulting).

[12:00] – Creating Space for Growth.

[15:20] – The Hamster Wheel of Leadership.

[19:00] – Coaching in Action.

[22:30] – Confidence Through Ownership.

[26:45] – Swim Coaching for Children with Disabilities.

[29:30] – Beyond Belief: Mike’s Book.

[33:00] – How Leaders Can Coach.

[36:45] – Sustainable Success.

[40:30] – Looking Forward.

[44:00] – Wrapping Up.

Episode Resources:

• Mike’s Book: Beyond Belief: The Art of Confidence-Centered Coaching by Mike Porteous
• Connect with Mike Porteous on Linkedin
• Zig Zag Alive’s Website
• Brene Brown
• The Human Behind the Coach, Claire Patrick

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

• Follow Dave: @drdavenicol
• Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

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Sparked by a personal experience attending the funeral of a dear friend, I explore three deep reflections that emerged—how business can be a force for good, why who you spend your time with matters more than you think, and the sobering reminder that none of us are guaranteed endless tomorrows.

If you’ve ever found yourself delaying important decisions, holding off on essential conversations, or postponing dreams for "someday," this episode offers a timely nudge to re-evaluate what really matters—and to take action now.

Episode Outline: 

[00:00] – Reflections from a Life Well Lived

[02:15] – Business as a Force for Good: Why It Matters

[04:40] – Escaping the Zero-Sum Game Mindset in Veterinary Practice

[05:55] – Why the People You Work With Matter More Than You Think

[07:10] – Building Teams That Energize, Not Drain

[08:00] – Do You Really Have Time? Facing Life’s Big Question

[09:00] – The Urgent Call to Act on What Truly Matters

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

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What started as a frustration with stagnant nursing careers and dusty procedure manuals became a mission to revolutionize learning in his clinic. Inspired by the leadership playbook Turn the Ship Around by David Marquet, Mark and his team have built a powerful in-house certification program that’s giving his nurses real direction, satisfaction, and career momentum.

From ditching the 200-page ops manual to introducing 60+ micro-certifications tied directly to pay and performance, Mark shares exactly how his practice transformed learning into a dynamic, gamified system that’s increasing retention, boosting skill levels, and creating a culture of repeatable excellence.

If you want your team to love learning, feel empowered, and stick around for the long haul—this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Outline: 

• [00:00] – Skills as Procedures
• [01:00] – Meet Dr. Mark Reeve: Second-gen vet and practice owner in Adelaide
• [03:20] – From James Herriot Roots to Modern Leadership
• [04:30] – The Problem: No CPD, no progression, high nurse attrition
• [05:50] – Enter Turn the Ship Around: A Navy-inspired pivot to career pathways
• [07:10] – Turning a Dusty Procedure Manual into 60+ Micro-Certificates
• [08:45] – Monthly Recognition, Mentorship, and Real Accountability
• [10:00] – Retention, Repeatability, and Pay Tied to Progress
• [11:45] – A Fairer, More Transparent Career Path (No More Tenure Bias)
• [14:00] – Going Beyond Basic Roles: Consulting, Clinics, Anesthesia & More
• [17:00] – The Impact on Training ROI & Vet Skill Uptake
• [20:00] – Curriculum Creation on the Fly—And Why Alpha Testing Works
• [25:30] – Certificates Built by Nurses, for Nurses
• [27:00] – Why Mark Doesn’t Worry About Recruitment Anymore
• [29:15] – Soft Skills, Client Care & Team Ownership
• [31:00] – Scaling Learning with ChatGPT & Automation (Future Vision)
• [34:30] – The Power of Procedural Thinking
• [36:30] – From Lip Service to Long-Term Success Plans
• [38:15] – “Everyone Comes Home”: How Mark Built an Alumni Culture
• [39:45] – Building a Pipeline from High School to Hospital Leadership

Resources:

Book Mentioned: Turn the Ship Around by David Marquet

Connect with Dr. Mark Reeve:

Tea Tree Gulley Veterinary Hospital: https://www.ttgvet.com.au

Dr. Mark Reeve on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-reeve-a3419068/

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

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What if the problem isn’t just the clients? What if the way we communicate, the assumptions we make, and the systems we put in place are actually feeding the fire?

Drawing from a recent conversation at a veterinary congress, I explore the hidden costs of poor communication, the myths we tell ourselves about client behavior, and the powerful evidence that shows just how appreciated we really are by the public. If you’ve ever felt demoralized by one too many rude comments, this episode will reset your perspective and give you tools to build better client relationships.

Whether you’re a seasoned vet or new to practice, this episode will remind you why the way you connect with clients matters and what to do when it goes wrong.

Episode Outline: 

[00:00] – "You’re Only in It for the Money"

[02:15] – Are Vets Really Overpaid? The Truth Behind the Money Myth

[04:40] – Clients Trust You More Than You Think (Here’s the Data)

[07:10] – What Breaks Trust: Small Failures, Big Consequences

[09:00] – They Won’t Say Yes if They Don’t Trust You

[10:45] – Soft Skills Are Core Skills—Build Them Into Your Practice

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

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Together, we tackle a topic close to both our hearts: why every veterinary practice needs a capable practice manager, and what happens when you actually let them do the job you hired them to do. From team performance to supplier negotiations and culture-building, Rita reveals the value of empowered practice managers and the high cost of micromanagement.

Whether you’re thinking of hiring your first manager or just need a reminder of what they’re capable of, this one’s for you.

Episode Outline: 

[00:00] – "Let Them Manage" – The Case for Trusting Your Practice Manager

[01:30] – Meet Rita Dingwall: 30+ Years in Vetland and Still Learning

[02:30] – Leadership Lessons for New Managers (and Surrogate Sons)

[03:00] – Rita’s First Role: “Just Come and Organize Us”

[04:20] – When’s the Right Time to Hire a Practice Manager?

[05:30] – The Financial ROI of a Great Practice Manager

[06:30] – The Low-Hanging Fruit: Where Practice Managers Add Immediate Value

[07:30] – Team Clarity, Retention & Culture: Why This Role Is More Than Admin

[08:15] – Operations, Marketing, HR… and That’s Just the Start

[09:10] – CPD, Mentoring & Mental Health – The Real Backbone of the Team

[10:00] – What’s the Magic Number? When You Can’t Afford Not to Hire

[10:30] – Practice Managers ≠ Administrators: Trust, Don’t Micromanage

[11:15] – Fix the Axle: Why Alignment Between Owners & Managers Is Everything

Connect with Rita Dingwall:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-dingwall-707979a/

Learn more about the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices: https://fivp.org.uk/

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

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Let’s face it—difficult conversations are inevitable in veterinary practice. Whether it’s handling an upset client, resolving team disagreements, or addressing medical missteps, knowing how to defuse emotional “bombs” before they explode is an essential leadership skill.

In this episode, Debra shares her top strategies for handling high-stakes conversations, including the key phrases every veterinary professional should know to keep discussions constructive and to avoid escalation.

Episode Outline:

[00:00:00] –Why Conflict Resolution is a Must-Have Skill in Veterinary Medicine

[00:03:00] – The #1 Mistake Vets Make When Handling Upset Clients

[00:07:00] – Defusing the Bomb: The Art of Active Listening & De-escalation

[00:12:30] – Managing Expectations: How Transparency Prevents Future Conflicts

[00:18:45] – Top 5 Phrases Every Vet Should Use in Difficult Conversations

[00:24:15] – "Get It Right, Don’t Be Right" – The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

[00:28:30] – How to Train Your Team to Handle Conflict Effectively

Connect with Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton:

Visit Debra’s Website: Hamilton Law & Mediation

Listen to Debra’s Podcast: Why Do Pets Matter?

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: https://www.drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy 

Enjoyed this episode?

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Great leadership isn’t just about managing people—it’s about inspiring teams, making smart decisions, and building a sustainable, thriving practice. But with so many books on leadership out there, which ones actually make a difference? In this episode, Dave and Peter break down their current favorite reads and explain how these books can transform the way you lead your team and run your practice.

Episode Outline:

[00:00:00] – Introduction: The Leadership Book Challenge

[00:01:18] – Why Leadership is a Team Sport (Lessons from John Wooden)

[00:03:37] – Conscious Business – The Book That Changed Dave’s Leadership Approach

[00:05:07] – How to Win Friends & Influence People – A Timeless Classic

[00:06:16] – Turn the Ship Around! – How to Lead When Everything Feels Broken

[00:08:22] – Trust & Inspire – The Future of Leadership

[00:10:27] – Blue Ocean Strategy – Strategic Thinking for Veterinary Leaders

[00:12:32] – The Must-Read Leadership Book for Every Veterinary Practice Owner

Connect with Dr. Peter Weinstein:

• LinkedIn: Dr. Peter Weinstein
• Veterinary Ownership Advocates: https://www.veterinaryownershipadvocates.com/ 

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

• Instagram: @drdavenicol
• Website: drdavenicol.com

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode?

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We all want a workplace where people love coming to work, feel valued, and go the extra mile—not because they have to, but because they want to. But how do you actually measure and improve employee engagement in veterinary practice?

Join me as I break down what employee engagement is (and how it’s different from employee experience), why it matters more than ever, and how you can quantify and improve engagement using practical tools like Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) and Gallup’s 12 Questions.

If you’re ready to boost morale, reduce turnover, and build a team that thrives, this episode is for you.

We’re launching the Veterinary Employee Engagement Baseline Study, where you can get your team's eNPS score and benchmark it against practices worldwide. Find out more at drdavenicol.com/get-your-enps

Listen now and start building a culture where your team wants to stay, grow, and succeed.

Episode Outline:

00:00:00 - Introduction: Why Employee Engagement Matters

00:01:00 - Defining Employee Engagement vs. Employee Experience

00:02:10 - How Engagement Impacts Productivity, Profitability & Well-being

00:04:20 - The Seven Key Metrics for Measuring Engagement

00:09:04 - How to Use Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS)

00:12:53 - Gallup’s 12 Questions: A Proven Engagement Framework

00:16:30 - Turning Insights Into Action: What to Do Next

00:21:30 - Join the Veterinary Employee Engagement Baseline Study

00:23:10 - Conclusion, Join the Movement 

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol:

Stay connected for more insights on leadership, culture, and team success in veterinary practice.

Instagram & Facebook: @drdavenicol

Website & Resources: drdavenicol.com

Got a great story about transforming team engagement in your practice? I'd love to hear it! Reach out via social media or my website.

Veterinary leadership is more important than ever, but what are the key traits that separate great leaders from the rest? In this episode, Dr. Weinstein delivers a concise, no-nonsense breakdown of the fundamental principles that every veterinary leader should embrace.

Dr. Weinstein shares his insights on:

• Why great leaders create other leaders (not just followers)
• The power of listening and asking great questions
• Why vision matters more than micromanagement
• How leaders build strong, collaborative teams
• The importance of keeping your eyes on the future, not the past

🔑 Key Takeaway: Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about empowering those around you. If you want to build a thriving, successful veterinary practice, focus on developing your team, refining your vision, and keeping your sights set on the bigger picture.

Episode Outline

[00:00:00] – Introduction: The 10-Minute Leadership Challenge

[00:02:02] – Leaders Are Learners

[00:02:42] – Leaders Are Listeners

[00:03:16] – Leaders Ask Great Questions

[00:03:50] – The Importance of Vision

[00:05:00] – Great Leaders Build More Leaders

[00:07:20] – Why Empathy Matters

[00:08:30] – The Power of Teamwork & Collaboration

[00:09:15] – Delegation: A Leader’s Secret Weapon

[00:10:30] – Focusing on Outcomes, Not Processes

[00:11:45] – Looking Through the Windshield, Not the Rearview Mirror

Connect with Dr. Peter Weinstein:

• LinkedIn: Dr. Peter Weinstein

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

• Instagram: @drdavenicol
• Website: drdavenicol.com

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Veterinary medicine faces significant challenges, from staff retention and burnout to profitability and practice sustainability. But is the real issue a shortage of veterinarians, or is it a lack of effective leadership?

Dr. Weinstein shares his insights on:

• Why many veterinary practices struggle with both the quality and quantity of leadership
• The difference between management and leadership—and why most practices are stuck in the former
• How having a vision, mission, and strong values separates thriving practices from those merely surviving
• The real reason behind staff shortages and why retention should be the focus over recruitment
• The biggest leadership investments that practice owners should make in the next five years

🔑 Key Takeaway: If your goal as a leader is simply to get through the day, you own a job. If your goal is to make a lasting impact on your team, clients, and the profession, then you are a leader.

Are you ready to level up your leadership game? Tune in now.

Episode Outline

[00:00:00] – Introduction: Leadership vs. Management

[00:01:12] – Welcoming Dr. Peter Weinstein

[00:02:40] – The State of Leadership in Veterinary Medicine

[00:03:56] – Why Most Practices Are Stuck in ‘Survival Mode’

[00:05:24] – Leadership as a Long-Term Game

[00:06:55] – The Veterinary Workforce: Is It Really a Shortage?

[00:07:47] – The Power of Retention Over Recruitment

[00:09:33] – How Leadership Impacts Practice Success

[00:12:20] – The Key Investments Leaders Should Make

[00:16:33] – The Role of Communication in Leadership

[00:17:49] – Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More

Connect with Dr. Weinstein on LinkedIn or visit Veterinary Ownership Advocates for more insights on veterinary leadership and practice ownership.

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for more leadership insights on Instagram, Facebook, and at drdavenicol.com.

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In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in veterinary practices: team alignment. Without a clear vision and shared goals, individual agendas can clash, leaving your practice inefficient and frustrated.

Discover why a strong, actionable vision is the key to defining who you are, setting clear objectives, and creating accountability that unifies your team. When alignment clicks, it transforms your practice into a place where everyone feels engaged, motivated, and proud to contribute.

Ready to stop the tug-of-war and start pulling together? Listen now.

Episode Outline:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Team Alignment
• 00:00:12 - The Importance of Alignment in Veterinary Practices
• 00:01:20 - The Tug of War Analogy
• 00:02:57 - The Role of Vision in Team Alignment
• 00:04:01 - Crafting an Effective Vision
• 00:05:27 - The Power of Purpose and Values
• 00:07:44 - Creating Clarity Around Objectives
• 00:09:08 - The Leader's Role in Alignment
• 00:10:33 - Challenges of Leadership and Alignment
• 00:11:20 - Conclusion and Call to Action
• 00:12:06 - Outro and Resources

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol:

Stay connected with Dr. Dave Nicol on Instagram and Facebook for more insights on veterinary leadership. Visit drdavenicol.com for additional resources.

Many people considering starting their own practice let fear hold them back. But with the right people, the right vision and the right preparation, you can make magic happen.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m taking you back to where it all began — the doubts, fears, and leaps of faith that led to owning my first veterinary practice. I’m talking about the hurdles that almost stopped me in my tracks and how seeking the right mentors helped me navigate unfamiliar territory and go after my true calling.

We’ll explore the fears that hold so many of us back and why mentors are crucial in your journey.

So, are you ready to face those fears and start building the future you want? Listen now.

Episode Outline:

• [00:01:14] First experiences in practice ownership.
• [00:04:34] Coaching for business success.
• [00:08:06] Finding mentors for growth.
• [00:11:18] Finding a coach.

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol:

Stay connected with Dr. Dave Nicol on Instagram and Facebook for more insights on veterinary leadership. Visit drdavenicol.com for additional resources.

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Casandra Fowler from Harmony Animal Hospital, who has been part of the Veterinary Leadership Academy for quite some time. Casandra’s got a remarkable story about transforming her practice from a place bogged down with team toxicity to one of genuine harmony. She and her practice manager, Denise Meredith, open up about the rocky road they travelled to build a tight-knit and effective team.

Harmony Animal Hospital opened in September of 2019 as the first Fear Free Certified veterinary clinic in Northern Virginia. Dr. Casandra Fowler collected a team of 4 dedicated support staff to help her realize the dream of opening her own veterinary practice. The team set out to create a loving and supportive environment, dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassionate service.

Dr. Fowler's clinic has seen tremendous growth, thanks to strong leadership and a dedicated team. But there was a time when the day-to-day grind of handling staff drama and low-value tasks kept Dr. Fowler from focusing on what really mattered. The practice was doing well on paper, but she was overwhelmed and trapped in constant staff drama. Toxicity within the team sapped her passion for creating the thriving, fear-free practice she had always envisioned. Yet, with hard work and determination, she turned things around, leading to an incredible 250% growth in revenue and a healthy culture, free of fear.

This is an episode you’ll want to tune in for. Grab your pen, your notepad, and let’s dive in.

And if you’re looking for a little guidance on your leadership journey, check out my Veterinary Leadership Academy. We’re all about giving you the skills and tools to build a thriving, sustainable practice culture—freeing up your time and letting you focus on what truly matters for you and your team.

Episode Outline:

• [00:02:20] Overcoming team toxicity and building a positive culture.
• [00:06:36] The startup journey and finding the right team dynamics.
• [00:08:20] Hiring for values, not just skills, and finding the right fit.
• [00:12:45] Making courageous staffing decisions.
• [00:17:24] Aligning role fit with practice values.
• [00:21:15] Embracing eco-friendly practices and community involvement.
• [00:23:23] Tips for hiring the right people and sustaining a positive work environment.

Connect with Harmony Animal Hospital:

• Visit Harmony Animal Hospital to learn more about their services and values.

Veterinary Leadership Academy:

• Visit The Veterinary Leadership Academy to learn more about becoming the leader your team deserves.

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol:

Stay connected with Dr. Dave Nicol on Instagram and Facebook for more insights on veterinary leadership. Visit drdavenicol.com for additional resources.

Throughout the episode, we'll explore various scenarios and considerations that can help you decide the best course of action. We'll discuss the importance of context—such as the size and state of your practice and the experience level of your team—and how these factors influence whether promoting from within or hiring externally is more beneficial. Additionally, I’ll share some personal experiences and highlight the challenges and opportunities each approach presents.

Making the right choice between promoting from within and hiring externally requires careful consideration of multiple factors. By understanding the needs of your practice and team, you can create a supportive and effective environment that promotes growth and success. Tune in for practical advice and actionable strategies to navigate this critical aspect of veterinary leadership.

Remember, the goal is to build a team that's not just capable, but also aligned with your practice's culture and values. Whether you decide to nurture talent from within or bring in fresh perspectives, what's most important is that you support your team every step of the way. After all, a well-supported team is the cornerstone of a thriving practice. So, take the time to weigh your options, and you'll make the right choice for your team and your practice. 

Episode Outline:

• [00:00] Introduction
• [00:30] The Dilemma: Promote from Within or Hire Externally?
• [01:18] Evaluating Your Practice’s Current State
• [02:40] Assessing Team Dynamics and Capabilities
• [05:00] The Benefits of Promoting from Within
• [07:15] The Challenges of Internal Promotions
• [09:50] When to Consider Hiring Externally
• [12:30] The Risks and Rewards of External Hires
• [15:00] Practical Tips for Making the Right Decision
• [17:00] Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Connect with Dave:

• Follow Dave Nicol on social media: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
• Visit drdavenicol.com for more insights and resources.

Dr. Dave emphasizes that meetings, when done right, are far from useless; they are essential for ensuring that your team is aligned, motivated, and performing at their best. He goes on to break down the different types of performance meetings that every practice should implement, including annual planning meetings, quarterly reviews, and weekly BAAM (Bonding, Accomplishments, Actions, Mentoring) meetings. He shares practical strategies for managing these sessions without overwhelming you or your team. By keeping team sizes manageable and delegating non-leadership tasks, Dr. Dave explains how you can create a more structured and supportive environment for your staff. He uses real-life examples to illustrate how these practices lead to happier, more productive teams.

Dr. Dave reiterates the importance of prioritizing these one-on-one check-ins. He reminds us that effective performance management isn't just about adding more meetings to your schedule; it's about making smart use of your time to invest in your team's growth and well-being. As Dr. Dave puts it, "The key to a smooth-running practice is not just hard work but also smart work."

Tune in to learn how to implement these changes in your practice and start seeing the positive ripple effects on your team's morale and productivity today.

Episode Outline

[00:00] Introduction

[00:47] Listener Question

[02:10] The Importance of Performance Management

[03:24] Types of Performance Meetings

[06:06] Managing Team Size and Responsibilities

[09:22] The Ripple Effect of Poor Management

[12:15] Practical Tips for Implementing One-on-One Meetings

[14:00] Conclusion

Connect with Dave:

• Follow Dave Nicol on social media: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
• Visit drdavenicol.com for more insights and resources.

Aligning benefits with the values and principles of the business not only helps in recruiting and retaining talent but also contributes to a positive work culture and environment. It fosters a sense of belonging and commitment among employees, ultimately leading to a more successful and thriving practice.

To enhance employee engagement and satisfaction, it is important to involve employees in the process of co-creating solutions. By actively engaging employees in decision-making processes and problem-solving activities, the practice can empower employees to take ownership of their work and contribute to the overall success of the practice. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among employees, leading to increased job satisfaction and retention.

In conclusion, a well-designed retention program that focuses on substantial rewards, cost recovery, creating a culture of care and value, involving employees in co-creating solutions, and active communication can significantly contribute to employee retention, job satisfaction, and overall practice success in the veterinary industry.

Episode Outline

[00:02:36] Being a business owner.

[00:05:35] Taking on good debt.

[00:07:48] Financial implications of business ownership.

[00:11:29] Common cash crunches for business owners.

[00:15:11] The three Rs in business.

[00:17:38] Rewards and recognition in business.

[00:21:29] Retention strategies and 409A rule.

[00:23:18] Retaining Key Personnel in Business.

[00:27:46] Sign-on bonuses and retention.

[00:32:26] The battle for talent.

[00:33:49] Co-creating for employee engagement.

[00:35:41] Owning your position in work.

[00:38:48] Networking in veterinary medicine.

Episode Links

Connect with Tom Seeko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomseeko/

Efficient use of physical space is crucial in veterinary practices to enhance productivity and service quality. Dr. Peter Weinstein highlights the importance of configuring spaces to maximize utility without unnecessary expansion. He suggests increasing the number of exam rooms, which should be actively managed by both veterinarians and trained technicians. This strategy not only boosts the number of patients seen but also effectively leverages the skills of the entire team.

Eliminating redundancy in processes is critical for improving efficiency and effectiveness. Dr. Weinstein advocates for standardized processes or "recipes" for routine tasks to ensure consistency and reduce errors. For example, checklists for surgical setups or anesthetic procedures can prevent omissions and enhance safety. He also suggests cross-training staff to handle different roles, increasing staffing flexibility and helping prevent burnout by varying tasks and responsibilities.

Implementing these strategies leads to a more streamlined operation where veterinarians can maximize their productivity in critical and revenue-generating activities. When staff are trained and deployed effectively, the practice can handle a higher volume of cases without compromising quality of care, ultimately leading to increased profitability and client satisfaction.

Episode Outline

[00:03:12] The E-Myth Veterinarian book.

[00:06:02] Efficiency and productivity in business.

[00:08:26] Specialty veterinary clinics.

[00:11:55] Utilizing technicians in exam rooms.

[00:16:27] Understanding profit in veterinary practices.

[00:19:32] Online vs. In-House Pharmacy Margins.

[00:24:02] Online pharmacy integration.

[00:26:40] Effective veterinary training programs.

[00:31:52] Veterinary technician concurrent training.

[00:34:52] Process improvement in veterinary clinics.

[00:38:33] Productivity and efficiency discussion.

[00:41:09] Leveraging technology in wellness exams.

[00:45:12] Reducing workplace stress.

[00:48:24] Audiophile book recommendation.

Episode Links

Connect with Dr. Peter Weinstein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawdr/

Nancy suggests rehearsing trigger scenarios and practicing how to respond calmly and collectedly. By visualizing potential trigger situations and planning appropriate responses, individuals can avoid impulsive reactions in the heat of the moment. This preparation allows for a more thoughtful and measured approach when faced with triggering events.

Self-awareness and seeking feedback from trusted individuals are crucial components in improving emotional intelligence. The episode highlighted the importance of being aware of one's triggers and making a plan to deal with them before they escalate. By identifying what annoys you and seeking feedback from trusted individuals, you can gain valuable insights into your emotional responses and behaviors.

Handling explosive behavior in the workplace requires self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a proactive approach to address underlying issues and prevent future incidents. By following the strategies discussed in the podcast episode, individuals can effectively manage their emotions, improve communication, and cultivate a positive and productive work environment.

Episode Outline

[00:02:23] High IQ and leadership behaviors.

[00:05:06] Managing anger and communication

[00:07:24] Destructive consequences of echo chambers.

[00:13:54] Discovering the value of communication.

[00:16:11] Emotional intelligence and feedback.

[00:19:07] Rehearsing trigger situations.

[00:24:40] Dealing with difficult conversations.

[00:26:02] Managing up in the workplace.

Mentioned in this episode:

Today’s show is brought to you by Leaders, Dr Dave Nicol's Leadership training course.

Are people the major pain point in your practice? If so, you are not alone; over 90% of managers report staff problems as their number one issue.

At the root of this problem are usually three dysfunctions: A poorly articulated vision, toxic culture, or some form of leadership breakdown.

If this sounds familiar, then do not despair. Help is at hand. We encourage you to check out ‘Leaders', a veterinary-specific Leadership training program where you will learn how to create and execute a shared vision, hire well, and build a powerful high-performance practice culture without the drama. The class is accredited, delivered online, and open for applications now.

To learn more, listen to a free training webinar, or apply – visit www.drdavenicol.com/leaders today.

Today’s show is brought to you by Leaders, Dr Dave Nicol's Leadership training course.

Are people the major pain point in your practice? If so, you are not alone; over 90% of managers report staff problems as their number one issue.

At the root of this problem are usually three dysfunctions: A poorly articulated vision, toxic culture, or some form of leadership breakdown.

If this sounds familiar, then do not despair. Help is at hand. We encourage you to check out ‘Leaders', a veterinary-specific Leadership training program where you will learn how to create and execute a shared vision, hire well, and build a powerful high-performance practice culture without the drama. The class is accredited, delivered online, and open for applications now.

To learn more, listen to a free training webinar, or apply – visit www.drdavenicol.com/leaders today.

Everyone who decides to open or buy a vet practice does so with a mix of both excitement, fear and trepidation. Dr Matt’s story is no different and is the next stage in an emotional journey. A homecoming of sorts… more on that in the episode.

If you are thinking about doing something similar then this show is well worth a listen. We cover quite a lot of ground including:

How he arrived at the decision and what fears he had along the way.

The reality of demands of starting and running a veterinary practice on family life.

Why mentorship is going to be baked into his practice from the ground up.

How technology can be used to improve life quality for veterinary teams.

This is a peek under the hood at the opposite end of the clinical life spectrum as we chew the fat with a doc very much in start-up land! A different beast indeed to the regular run of the mill practice.

I hope you enjoy our chat!

Episode Outline

• [00:01:50-00:02:01] Practice Ownership Renaissance.
• [00:05:34-00:05:44] Mentorship in veterinary medicine.
• [00:08:10] Compassion fatigue in veterinarians.
• [00:12:29-00:12:39] Career Transition Challenges.
• [00:16:38-00:16:48] Rewarding connections.
• [00:18:11-00:18:22] Mentorship in Veterinary Practice.
• [00:22:43-00:22:53] Corporate impact on veterinary medicine.
• [00:24:23-00:24:34] Practice ownership discussion.

Episode Links

Visit Dr Matt’s practice website at https://eastendvets.ca/

Connect with Dr. Matt Spiegle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewspiegle/ 

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, Dr. Dave delves into a pivotal aspect of self-development: confronting our inner critic with facts, not fiction. Drawing from personal experience, Dr. Dave shares a poignant moment where a distraction led to a medication error. Rather than succumbing to self-blame, Dr. Dave advocates for a pragmatic approach rooted in reality.

By embracing facts, we can impartially dissect what went wrong without amplifying unwarranted guilt or fabricating narratives. Dr. Dave introduces the concept of crafting a defense counsel persona to challenge the inner critic's harsh verdicts. This persona adeptly focuses on the factual landscape, including recognizing distractions, pinpointing errors, and identifying areas ripe for improvement.

By redirecting our attention to facts and objectively scrutinizing the situation, we can break free from the grip of self-reproach and shame. This method fosters a constructive analysis of missteps, paving the way for actionable strategies to grow and evolve. Moreover, it empowers individuals to glean valuable lessons from their experiences and implement safeguards to prevent recurrence.

Ultimately, by confronting our inner critic armed with facts, we cultivate a clearer outlook, self-compassion, and a steadfast commitment to personal growth. Join Dr. Dave as he illuminates the path to resilience and self-improvement in the face of inner turmoil.

Episode Outline

• [00:01:14] The judge, the jury, and potentially the firing squad.
• [00:06:35] Dealing with inner critics.
• [00:08:42] Managing your inner critic.
• [00:12:25] Dealing with self-criticism.
• [00:15:47] Dealing with self-criticism.
• [00:18:14] Ways to work through difficult situations.

In this week’s Veterinary Leadership Success Show, Dr. Dave Nicol and Dr. Saye Clement delve into the significance of female leadership within the veterinary profession. Dr. Clement, an experienced veterinarian and former practice owner, shares her personal journey and insights, emphasizing the importance of women taking on leadership roles in the industry.

Key Points:

Representation Matters

Dr. Clement stresses that the veterinary profession is predominantly female, underscoring the necessity of strong female leadership for the industry's progress. Aspiring women should be encouraged to step into leadership positions, mentor students, and contribute to the profession's advancement.

Challenges and Opportunities 

Dr. Clement acknowledges the hurdles she faced as a female veterinarian, including biases and self-doubt. However, she also highlights the opportunities for women to have a significant impact by owning practices, mentoring others, and engaging in speaking opportunities.

Empowerment Through Action 

Dr. Clement motivates aspiring female leaders to push beyond their comfort zones and seize opportunities for growth and development. She emphasizes the importance of challenging oneself, even in the presence of imposter syndrome, to make a meaningful contribution to the veterinary profession.

Innovation and Mentorship 

The episode also explores the role of innovation, particularly in utilizing technology like AI to enhance teaching and mentorship in veterinary practice. Dr. Clement underscores the value of mentorship and the influence of supportive role models in shaping one's career and leadership journey.

Conclusion

Female leadership is not only crucial but also transformative in the veterinary profession. Aspiring women should be empowered to embrace leadership roles, challenge traditional norms, and contribute their unique perspectives to drive innovation and growth within the industry. By fostering a culture of mentorship, support, and empowerment, the veterinary profession can create a more inclusive and dynamic environment for female leaders to thrive.

Episode Outline

• [00:01:04] Celebrating International Women's Day.
• [00:08:21] Balancing career and family.
• [00:09:27] Imposterism and self-doubt.
• [00:13:35] Leadership and decision-making skills.
• [00:18:46] Using technology to innovate mentoring.
• [00:20:23] The evolution of communication.

Episode Links

Dr. Saye's LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/saye-clement-52a01422a

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, Dr. Dave Nicol discusses navigating low energy states as a veterinary leader.

Strategies for maintaining energy are crucial for leaders, as their energy not only affects their own well-being but also transfers to their team. In the podcast episode, several strategies were discussed:

1. Self-awareness: Being aware of one's energy levels and recognizing the cyclical nature of energy is important. Understanding that there are highs and lows in energy throughout the year allows leaders to calibrate their energy levels accordingly. For example, during winter when the days are shorter and the weather is gloomy, it is natural to experience lower energy levels. By acknowledging this, leaders can adjust their expectations and take steps to replenish their energy.
2. Rest and recovery: Rest is essential for maintaining energy levels. Just as athletes need rest days to improve their performance, leaders also need regular breaks to recharge. This can include taking a day off each week, going on vacation, or simply finding moments of rest throughout the day. Resting allows for adaptation and response to the demands of leadership, preventing burnout and exhaustion.
3. Taking action on challenges: Addressing challenges and resolving them is crucial for maintaining energy. Leaders should not let negative or stressful situations fester but instead take proactive steps to tackle them. This may involve seeking help from outside sources, addressing conflicts, or implementing changes to improve the situation. By addressing challenges head-on, leaders can reduce stress and prevent the depletion of energy.
4. Applying the 80-20 rule: The 80-20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, suggests that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. By identifying the smaller issues that are causing the most significant problems, leaders can prioritize their actions and focus on the most impactful tasks. This approach allows leaders to address the root causes of energy depletion and make efficient use of their time and resources.
5. Finding sources of inspiration: Surrounding oneself with positive and inspiring influences can help maintain energy levels. Leaders can seek inspiration from various sources, such as YouTube videos, podcasts, or books. Engaging with content that aligns with their interests and goals can provide a fresh perspective and reinvigorate their energy. It is important to be selective and choose sources of inspiration that uplift and motivate rather than drain energy.

In summary, maintaining energy as a leader requires self-awareness, rest and recovery, taking action on challenges, and finding sources of inspiration. By implementing these strategies, leaders can sustain their energy levels and create a positive and energized environment for themselves and their teams.

Episode Outline

• [00:01:06] Energy and its impact.
• [00:05:23] Low energy moments in leadership.
• [00:08:00] Cyclical nature of energy.
• [00:11:40] Depleting and replenishing energy.
• [00:15:57] Tackling toxic teammates.
• [00:19:31-00:19:42] Rest and sources of inspiration.

Quotes

• "Energy is so, so important to leaders."
• "meh, no, that's not important. Don't listen to that clown. He doesn't really care. Doesn't really know. Doesn't know you. That's boring. You're good.”
• "Our energy as a parent transfers to our children. Our energy as a leader transfers to our teams."
• "Rest is where a lot of the gains are made. When you're doing something and you're just doing too much of it, make sure you're resting."
• "One person can wreck a culture. You address that issue with that person either by coaching them up or coaching them out and the culture changes overnight and suddenly everyone"
• "sometimes all you've got to do is make decisions and just make a decision one way or the other and then move forward past the stress and applying logic to that decision you've made."

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Podcast, Dr. Dave Nicol announces his upcoming talks at VMX and shares his excitement about presenting new content. He discusses his schedule and highlights a specific talk titled "Just a GP Veterinarian: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome," which will be hosted by IDEX. Dr. Nicol expresses his honor and enthusiasm for speaking with students and empowers veterinary practice owners and managers to become effective leaders. 

Tune in for practical tips and insights on leadership in the veterinary profession.

Episode Outline

• [00:02:28] Managing online negativity with real-life success stories.
• [00:04:09] Create Clarity with a Vision.
• [00:07:46] A double M brand.

Quotes

• "Create a culture that supports your mission."

In this episode, Dr. Dave Nicol, a veterinarian and leadership expert, provides a response to Adrian Chiles' controversial article in the Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/nov/15/what-have-i-learned-after-three-years-of-dog-ownership-never-trust-a-vet) and to the wider ignorance in the media. Understanding the unique dynamics and demands of running a successful veterinary practice as an owner himself, Dr. Dave is passionate about empowering his listeners to create a workplace where both people and pets can thrive.

The episode delves into the issue of ignorance in the media and its impact on people's perception of veterinarians. Dr. Dave encourages veterinary professionals to vaccinate themselves against this ignorance and not let it affect their work. While acknowledging the challenges, he emphasizes the importance of navigating the leadership challenges in the veterinary profession.

Furthermore, the episode addresses the burnout experienced by younger veterinarians in their careers. Dr. Dave attributes this burnout to a lack of communication and business skills, which are not adequately taught in veterinary training. The disruptions in university training and lockdowns have also hindered the development of social skills, leading to increased anxiety and stress among younger vets.

To address these challenges, Dr. Dave calls for leaders, business owners, and practice owners to take responsibility in teaching these essential skills to the younger generation. He also urges individual veterinarians to take charge of their own development in these areas.

Episode Outline

• [00:01:09] Lack of trust in vets.
• [00:05:30] Kennel cough and misdiagnosis.
• [00:09:39] Media responsibility and mental health.
• [00:12:08] Vets practicing defensive medicine.
• [00:15:46] Clients are not the enemy.
• [00:18:47] Take care and we'll see you next time on the Veterinary Leadership Success Show.

Quotes

• “And I do think there's a responsibility on media to think really carefully about this, especially when you're dealing with a group of individuals with a suicide rate of somewhere between 2 and 4 times the national average.”
• "Clients are not the enemy."
• "There is not a group of people on this planet that I think is more worthy of your trust."

In this week’s Veterinary Leadership Success Show podcast, Dr. Dave is joined by Dr. Saye Clement as they discuss the significance of self-awareness as a crucial trait for effective leadership. Dr. Saye also compares self-awareness to building muscle at the gym, stating that it is a skill that can be developed and improved upon. While some individuals may have a natural inclination towards self-awareness, Dr. Saye suggests that everyone can work on enhancing this trait.

Furthermore, Dr. Saye shares a personal experience where she had someone in their practice who served as their moral compass. This individual helped them maintain self-awareness during times when they were not at their best. They would approach Dr. Saye, recognizing her emotional state, and check if she was okay or needed a break.

Dr. Saye emphasizes that very few people are born ready to fit the mold of a leader and that leadership is a skill that is developed over time. She notes that while some individuals may be more naturally inclined towards self-awareness, it is a trait that can be cultivated by everyone. When discussing ways to build or enhance self-awareness, Dr. Saye suggests focusing specifically on self-awareness rather than being aware of everything else.

Overall, the episode underscores the value of building self-awareness as a leader and highlights that it can be developed through practice and feedback from others. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging one's own strengths and weaknesses in order to grow and improve as a leader.

Episode Outline

• [00:02:29] Effective leadership and execution.
• [00:05:10] Great leaders and developing others.
• [00:07:17] Building self-awareness.
• [00:11:09] Good leaders are humble.
• [00:14:22] Reasons for errors and judgment.
• [00:18:30] Leadership energy and aging.
• [00:21:14] Practicing leadership mindset.

Quotes

• "If we cannot be humble about our mistakes, then the concern is that how can we expect anyone else to be willing to learn from errors or to realize it's psychologically a safe place for them to make an error and not try and hide it."
• "I think the great leaders are the ones who will develop the people who follow them far more than they develop themselves, and that they care more about the people who follow them than they do themselves."
• "And I think part of really good leadership is actually recognizing that about yourself and saying, Hey, I'm not at my best today."

Episode Links

Dr. Saye's LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/saye-clement-52a01422a

Welcome to the Veterinary Leadership Success podcast, hosted by Dr. Dave Nicol, a veterinarian and seasoned leadership expert. In this week's insightful episode, Dr. Dave draws parallels between the challenges faced in competitive triathlons and the world of veterinary practice management. This gripping episode delves into the valuable lessons learned from a season spent as a competitive triathlete and how these lessons are applicable to the landscape of veterinary team leadership.

Dr. Dave shares his first-hand experiences, providing a compelling narrative about perseverance, meticulous planning, adaptability, the importance of a supportive team, the significance of rest, setting boundaries, and the transformative power of confidence. Through engaging anecdotes and personal insights, he masterfully weaves together the worlds of sports and veterinary leadership, offering practical tips and strategies for navigating the challenges faced by practice owners and managers.

From the crucial lesson of "keep going," emphasizing the necessity of resilience during the toughest moments, to the meticulous planning required in both triathlon races and veterinary leadership, this episode offers invaluable insights. Dr. Dave uncovers the significance of adaptability, the support provided by a cohesive team, the importance of adequate rest, and the art of setting realistic boundaries to maintain a balanced life.

Furthermore, he delves into the pivotal role of confidence, highlighting how experience and continuous learning foster genuine confidence, a quality essential for earning trust and success in the veterinary field.

Listeners will be captivated by Dr. Dave's storytelling, as he seamlessly translates his triathlon experiences into practical takeaways for effective veterinary leadership. His engaging delivery and relatable anecdotes ensure that each lesson resonates deeply with the audience, inspiring them to embrace these principles and apply them in their veterinary practice endeavors.

Tune in to gain exclusive access to these invaluable lessons drawn from the fiercely competitive world of triathlons, empowering veterinary professionals to become the leaders their teams truly deserve. Join Dr. Dave Nicol on this transformative journey, and discover how the tenacity and strategies from the triathlon track can be applied to elevate your veterinary leadership game.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode intro
• [01:21] Lesson 1: Keep Going 
• [04:41] Lesson 2: Make a Plan 
• [08:48] Lesson 3: Adaptability 
• [11:53] Lesson 4: Supportive Teams 
• [15:51] Lesson 5: Rest Matters 
• [19:19] Lesson 6: Setting Boundaries 
• [22:26] Lesson 7: Confidence Matters 
• [23:57] The end 

Quotes 

• "Keep going. Forward momentum is everything. And eventually, you will get to the end of that bit of the race."

• "Having a plan makes all the difference, partly because you've got an objective, but partly because a plan is not just about what you want to accomplish, it's how you're going to accomplish it."

• "Being open to the fact that you will not control everything and being able to rather like bamboo bend in the breeze rather than break is an essential skill and mindset that I think all leaders should adopt."

• "Rest matters. You will not perform your best without it."

• "Your confidence that isn't earned, it's not warranted, is arrogance. But genuine confidence because you have learned and you've earned your place at the table as a leader, that's just gold dust."

Welcome to the Veterinary Leadership Success Podcast, where Dr. Dave Nicol, a veterinarian and leadership expert, takes you on a journey of insights and practical tips in veterinary team leadership. In this dynamic and engaging episode titled "Lessons from the Triathlon: Part 1," Dr. Dave shares a captivating narrative based on his personal experience competing in a triathlon and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Dave candidly discusses seven pivotal lessons extracted from his season as a triathlete. From the importance of taking the first step despite uncertainties to the value of persistent practice leading to progress, he effortlessly draws parallels between athletic endeavors and the challenges faced by veterinary leaders in managing their teams.

Sharing anecdotes from his journey, Dr. Dave delves into the significance of identifying weaknesses, setting clear goals, and fostering a supportive community of training buddies. He also explores the vital role of acknowledging achievements and the power of patience and persistence in achieving long-term objectives, both in sports and veterinary leadership.

Listeners are treated to a wealth of wisdom that transcends the world of triathlon, resonating deeply with the demands and intricacies of veterinary leadership. Dr. Dave's storytelling and practical examples create a bridge between athletic experiences and the professional landscape, offering a unique perspective on how personal growth and skill development in sports correlate with effective leadership practices in the veterinary field.

As the episode unfolds, Dr. Dave seamlessly weaves together motivational anecdotes with insightful guidance, providing a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring leaders in veterinary practice. He invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences, urging them to share their lessons from sports and how these translate into their roles as veterinary practice leaders.

This episode not only enlightens but also inspires veterinary professionals to adopt a proactive approach, encouraging them to embrace challenges, set ambitious goals, foster a supportive team environment, and persistently work towards long-term success. Tune in to this invigorating episode and discover how the triumphs and setbacks of a triathlete resonate with the world of veterinary leadership.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode Intro
• [01:22] Lesson 1: You Don't Know Until You Try
• [03:52] Lesson 2: Practice Makes Progress 
• [05:51] Lesson 3: Know Your Weaknesses
• [07:21] Lesson 4: Goal Setting is Crucial
• [09:01] Lesson 5: Training Buddies Matter
• [10:49] Lesson 6: Celebrate Accomplishments
• [12:26] Lesson 7: Be Patient & Persistent 
• [14:26] episode wrap up
• [16:17] The end 

Quotes 

• "You don't know what you don't know until you try. And also the truth is, if you don't try, you will never accomplish that thing. So you might as well have a go."

• "Practice makes progress. And the wonderful thing about endurance sports is that you're building an engine."

• "If you suck at something, you've got to do something about that... you've got to be honest with yourself, it's there and then you can make a plan to address that one way or the other."

• "Goal setting is incredibly important... that goal has been really important in motivating me, particularly through winter and the long, effectively training all year round."

• "Rome wasn't built in a day. Fitness is not gained to the level you require in six months or a year. We are playing the long game here."

Connect with Dr. Dave Nicol 

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Welcome to the Ventury Leadership Success podcast, where Dr. Dave Nicol, a seasoned veterinarian and leadership expert, delves into the crucial topic of feedback within the world of veterinary practice. In this insightful episode, Dr. Nicol breaks down the intricacies of feedback and why it is the lifeblood of any high-performing practice.

Dr. Nicol begins by explaining the growth cycle, emphasizing the need to set clear objectives and tasks to facilitate growth. Feedback plays a pivotal role in this process, acting as a vital compass to ensure you stay on the right track.

One of the central themes of this episode is creating a culture of feedback. Dr. Nicol highlights the importance of expecting feedback from everyone, including the practice owner and ultimate leader. He underscores that feedback should be considered a gift, offered with the intent of helping individuals improve. Dr. Nicol outlines the key rules for both giving and receiving feedback, emphasizing that it should be a psychologically safe experience.

In the heart of the episode, Dr. Nicol offers a structured approach to delivering effective feedback. He provides practical steps, from asking for permission and assessing the timing to framing feedback as a helpful gesture. The host explains the art of describing observed behaviors, offering advice when needed, and showing appreciation for receiving feedback. The episode emphasizes the power of coaching in the feedback process, enhancing its effectiveness.

Receiving feedback gracefully is another important aspect covered by Dr. Nicol. He advises listeners to be open to feedback, accept it when emotionally ready, and understand that feedback is not a personal attack. The episode offers guidance on processing and reflecting on feedback, even if you disagree with it, all while maintaining a constructive approach.

Dr. Dave Nicol concludes the episode with a recap of the key takeaways, highlighting the transformative impact feedback can have on practice dynamics. He encourages listeners to share their experiences with feedback and previews upcoming topics for discussion in future episodes.

Join us in this episode as we explore the critical role of feedback in veterinary practice and learn how to master the art of giving and receiving feedback for the benefit of your team and practice. Don't forget to leave a review on iTunes and share this valuable podcast with your veterinary colleagues. Be safe, be well, and be happy!

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Introduction
• [01:04] Understanding the Growth Cycle 
• [04:31] Creating a Feedback Culture 
• [08:31] Effective Feedback Delivery 
• [12:32] Receiving Feedback Gracefully 
• [17:31] Recap and Conclusion 
• [18:02] Closing Remarks 

Quotes

• "Feedback is a necessary step in the growth and development of healthy, functional practices. Feedback needs to be given and received in a psychologically safe way."
• "Feedback must be given positively, much more often than it is in a way that is challenging. There is a process you go through for giving feedback that's about stopping, checking in that it's okay, signaling your intent, delivering the feedback and checking in at the end."
• "When to give feedback: Frequently and as close to the event as possible. How to give feedback: Ask for permission, assess the timing, frame it to make it feel safe, describe the observed behavior, offer advice or suggestions (if appropriate), show appreciation for receiving feedback."
• "Be open to receiving feedback, accept it when emotionally capable. Recognize that feedback is not a personal attack, even if it can feel like that sometimes. Your job is to process the feedback, reflect on it and do something with it, which may be disagreeing with it."
• "Feedback is a necessary step in growth and development of healthy, functional practices. Feedback needs to be given regularly and often, and everybody needs to be used to giving and receiving it. Feedback must be given positively, much more often than it is in a way that is challenging."

Connect with Dr. Dave Nicol 

• Email
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter

Are you a veterinary practice owner feeling overwhelmed by the constant challenges and demands of your clinic? In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success podcast, your host, Dr. Dave Nicol, dives into the world of strategic planning for practice owners.

Explore the common feelings of being out of control as a practice owner and the stressors that come with it. Discover the importance of strategic planning and how it can empower practice owners to take charge of their clinics. Dr. Nicol outlines the strategic planning meeting process, from analyzing the past to identifying opportunities and threats in the market.

Learn how to prioritize key issues and apply the Pareto Principle to bring about transformative changes in your practice. Hear Dr. Dave Nicol's words of encouragement and a call to action for practice owners to implement strategic planning in their clinics.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of how strategic planning can shift your role from being owned by your practice to owning and being in charge of your practice. Don't miss this insightful discussion that can lead to a brighter future for your veterinary clinic.

For more leadership insights and to connect with Dr. Dave Nicol, visit the Veterinary Leadership Success podcast. Be sure to subscribe and share this episode with fellow practice owners and managers who aspire to be the leaders their teams deserve.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode intro 
• [01:02] Podcast Focus: Leadership in Veterinary Practice
• [02:01] Strategic Planning for Veterinary Practice Owners
• [02:32] Discussion of the common challenges and stressors faced by veterinary practice owners
• [03:32] Explanation of how strategic planning can help practice owners regain control
• [05:33] Detailed breakdown of the strategic planning meeting process
• [06:06] Steps: Analysis of the past, lessons learned, addressing uncomfortable truths, SWOT analysis, and market analysis
• [07:01] Explaining the Pareto Principle and its relevance to practice improvement
• [07:31] Illustrating how strategic planning can lead to positive transformations in the practice
• [08:32] Emphasizing the importance of committing time and resources to the strategic planning process
• [09:34] Encouragement for practice owners
• [16:00] The end

Quotes 

• "What got me from the point of feeling like I was reacting to the point where I was in control was a process called a strategic planning process."

• "This meeting takes time, but what takes time is to set aside time to work on the thing or things that you deem worthy of your attention as a leadership group."

• "By eliminating the problems, the sources of problems, the problems evaporate, they melt away."

• "It is quite possible to fall back in love with your practice, no problems, just as it is possible to fall out of love with it if you make a poor hire."

• "Strategic planning gives you the gift that takes you from being owned by your practice to owning and being in charge of your practice."

Connect with Dr. Dave Nicol 

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• LinkedIn
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In this episode, Dr. Dave Nicol discusses the delicate balance between setting boundaries and maintaining efficiency in the veterinary profession. Many in the field find themselves struggling to manage their workload and personal lives, and boundaries have become crucial for preserving mental well-being. However, setting boundaries can't mean sacrificing productivity.

Dr. Dave explores five options for achieving this balance:

• Lower Expectations: Adjust your expectations either at work or in your personal life to accommodate your boundaries.
• Delegate: Overcome control freak tendencies and delegate tasks to your team.
• Automation: Utilize automation tools and software to streamline repetitive tasks.
• AI Assistance: Embrace AI, like ChatGPT, to handle tasks such as content creation, documentation, and more.
• Reuse Content: Maximize content efficiency by repurposing and generating derivative content from your original work.

Dr. Dave Nicol provides valuable insights, practical tips, and real-world experiences to help veterinary leaders navigate the challenges of setting boundaries without compromising productivity. Listen in and discover how efficiency can be the solution to maintaining a healthy work-life balance while still saying yes to your professional responsibilities.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts with Dr. Dave on social media. Tune in to the Veterinary Leadership Success Show and learn how to be a more effective leader while preserving your well-being. Don't forget to leave a review on iTunes and share this podcast with your colleagues in the veterinary field. Until next time, be safe, be well, and be happy.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode intro 
• [01:25] Life of a vet without boundaries 
• [03:05] Setting boundaries using efficiency
• [03:54] Option 1: Lower expectation
• [04:55] Option 2: Delegate
• [07:35] Option 3: Use automation
• [09:08] Option 4: Use AI
• [11:50] Option 5: Use content for marketing channels 
• [13:11] Episode wrap up
• [14:23] The end 

Show Links 

• https://www.drdavenicol.com/about 
• https://www.drdavenicol.com/podcasts 

Connect with Dr. Dave Nicol 

• Email
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter

As the leader of your veterinary practice, you're confronted with a multitude of decisions regarding the integration of technology. Dr. Nicol discusses the key questions you should ask yourself before embracing any new technological solution. Can it enhance the customer experience? Will it contribute positively to clinical processes? How can it amplify overall efficiency?

By exploring a real-world example involving a well-being clinic, Dr. Nicol emphasizes the importance of aligning technology with your practice's core mission and objectives. Whether you're considering the implementation of telemedicine, AI-driven communication tools, or other innovative solutions, this episode provides essential guidance to ensure that your practice thrives without sacrificing the essence of compassionate and effective care.

Veterinary leaders play a crucial role in shaping the success of their practices and the well-being of their teams and patients. 

Tune in to this episode and gain invaluable insights into harnessing technology's potential while preserving the heart and soul of your practice's mission.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode intro 
• [02:00] Dr. Dave Nicol reflects on his interaction with the human medical sector.
• [07:31] The downside of inappropriate technology in the medical sector.
• [08:23] The era of advanced medical technology.
• [09:14] Creating systems that work using new technology.
• [09:47] Aspects to consider before applying new technology to your system.
• [11:19] Using Practice objectives to assess the usefulness of a technology.
• [13:15] Episode wrap up
• [14:13] The end 

Show Links 

• https://www.drdavenicol.com/about 
• https://www.drdavenicol.com/podcasts 

Connect with Dr. Dave Nicol 

• Email
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter

We'll cover everything from weaving values into your everyday conversations, creating visually appealing vision posters that capture your values, using values to guide your recruitment process, and crafting job adverts that resonate with potential hires. Discover the power of asking interview questions based on your values to identify candidates who align with your practice culture.

As a leader, you'll learn how to invest time in your onboarding process, dedicating a portion to thoroughly discussing your values and what they look like in action. Moreover, we explore the impact of recognizing and rewarding individuals who embody your values, strengthening the culture you're building.

If you're ready to create a workplace where people and pets thrive, tune in to this episode and take the first steps toward transforming your practice's culture. Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with your fellow veterinary professionals. Until next time, stay safe, stay well, and stay inspired.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] EPisode intro 
• [01:34] Practice example 1: Talk about values all the time 
• [02:31] Practice example 2: Make a visual poster of the values
• [03:37] Practice example 3: Use your values in your recruitment process
• [04:38] Practice example 4: write job adverts that incorporate your values and bring the values to life
• [05:13] Practice example 5: Ask interview questions based on your values 
• [05:52] Practice example 6: Discuss your values with every new hire during the onboarding process
• [06:45] Practice example 7: Create a shout-out a colleague initiative 
• [08:55] Practice example 8: Recognize people based on your values
• [09:23] Practice example 9: don't just recognize them based on values reward them based on values 
• [10:45] Practice example 10: Discussing values in meeting
• [12:29] Episode wrap up
• [14:06] The end

Show Links 

• https://www.drdavenicol.com/about 
• https://www.drdavenicol.com/podcasts 

Connect with Dr. Dave Nicol 

• Email
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If you're a practice owner or manager eager to foster effective leadership skills, this podcast is a must-listen. Dr. Nicol shares his insights and experiences, providing step-by-step guidance on how to create meaningful and impactful values for your veterinary team. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the tools to articulate and instill values that resonate with your team's unique dynamics and aspirations.

Dr. Nicol unravels the process of defining values, from involving the right people in the process to crafting a shared set of values. He presents an innovative approach to selecting values by having team members individually rank their top choices, ultimately resulting in a concise list of values that genuinely matter to your team.

Dr. Nicol further demonstrates how to bring these values to life. Through vivid examples, he shows how to interpret values from various angles, applying them to client interactions, teamwork, decision-making, and personal growth. This approach transforms abstract values into actionable principles that guide behavior and decisions across the practice.

By the end of the episode, you'll have gained a comprehensive understanding of how to create, articulate, and infuse values within your veterinary practice. Dr. Dave Nicol's expertise and practical insights ensure that you're equipped to establish a workplace culture that not only empowers your team but also contributes to the betterment of both pets and people.

Tune in now to learn how to craft values that resonate, inspire, and transform your veterinary practice into a thriving, cohesive, and growth-oriented environment.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode outline
• [01:30] Values in creating workplace culture
• [01:58] Right person to go to when creating values
• [03:33] Creating values in an organization with several departments or people
• [05:05] Ways of coming up with the values 
• [07:35] Possible maximum number of values
• [09:03] Shaping values in the context of your workplace 
• [11:47] Examples of good values
• [16:21] Episode wrap-up 
• [18:19] The end 

Show Links 

• https://www.drdavenicol.com/about 
• https://www.drdavenicol.com/podcasts 

Connect with Dr. Dave Nicol 

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The episode emphasizes the importance of values in leadership and explains how they are formed through childhood experiences, parental interactions, peer groups, cultural influences, and significant events. The show emphasizes that not everyone shares the same values and that values are like a mental fingerprint, unique to each individual.

The episode further explores the significance of shared values in organizational environments, where multiple individuals work together. It clarifies that having a foundation of shared values does not mean everyone should think or look the same but rather that diversity of thought and experiences leads to better outcomes. However, shared values help navigate complex situations and make difficult decisions.

Using examples, the show illustrates how conflicting values can lead to different behaviors and potential conflicts within teams. It acknowledges that conflict is natural but emphasizes that shared values help navigate these situations and make decisions that align with one's moral compass.

The importance of identifying and articulating one's values as a leader is highlighted, as well as using these values to attract like-minded individuals to the organization. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on their values and to intentionally use them to make decisions that lead to personal fulfilment, positive team dynamics, and the long-term success of a veterinary practice.

Tune in to enjoy the full episode!

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode intro
• [01:29] Definition of values
• [03:03] Why values matter 
• [04:16] Importance of values in an organizational setting 
• [06:00] Examples of conflicting values
• [08:20] Decisions led by values VS those led by events 
• [11:24] Living a life of values 
• [16:44] Leading an organization based on solid values 
• [18:00] Episode wrap up
• [19:12] The end 

Show Links 

• https://www.drdavenicol.com/about 
• https://www.drdavenicol.com/podcasts 

Connect with Dr. Dave Nicol 

• LinkedIn
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Dr. Dave Nicol starts by sharing his perspective on leadership. He believes that having a clear definition of leadership is crucial for effective leadership. He criticizes the generic definitions found in magazines and argues that they don't provide practical guidance for running a veterinary practice. Instead, he suggests viewing leadership as a box of tools that everyone in the practice can utilize.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Dave Nicol touches on various aspects of leadership, such as creating a vision, articulating values, hiring, and managing human capital. He stresses the importance of clarity in job descriptions and connecting day-to-day work to the organization's mission. By doing so, he believes that veterinary practices can foster a sense of purpose and engagement among the team.

So, my friend, if you're ready to gain some valuable insights on leadership in veterinary practice, I highly recommend giving this episode a listen. Let's learn together and discover how we can become better leaders in our own lives.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode Intro 
• [01:26] Definition of leadership 
• [04:15] Main areas of focus in leadership
• [05:45] Breaking down the process of leadership 
• [07:04] Relationship between a leader and other people
• [09:10] Sustainability in leadership
• [10:44] Episode wrap up
• [11:58] The end 

Show Links 

• https://www.drdavenicol.com/vls-podcast
• https://www.drdavenicol.com/about 

Connect with Dr. Dave Nicol 

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"But why?", you call. Well, that's a very fair question and the answer is that the world is full of chat-show-style podcasts (Blunt Dissection being one of the original and best!) These shows', while great, offer very little specific guidance relevant to a particular topic, and it's a little random whether you get a good episode or not.

So we wanted to further state our claim to being the best source of leadership advice and training in the veterinary universe. We're a place where you get awesome actionable advice to help you lead your veterinary team whether you listen to our podcast or take a class!

So, out go the longer form open interview questions and in comes the straight-to-the-point advice direct from new host and leadership expert, Dr Dave Nicol.

In upcoming episodes, we'll explore traits, skills, and mindsets that make a great leader, covering the big issues that really matter when it comes to being a great leader. We're talking Vision-casting, team building, performance management, conflict resolution, hiring, firing, looking after yourself as a leader, and plenty more besides. As a listener, you will be inspired and empowered to move confidently on your leadership journey.

Stay tuned for future episodes, and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast. Together, let's build a brighter, more successful future for the veterinary profession.

And before we move on, we'd like to place on record our huge thanks and ongoing admiration for outgoing show host, the brilliant Brendan Howard, who has created and hosted more than 70 episodes of the show. Brendan LOVES planet vet med and it shows in his interviews. Not many people know this but Brendan was one of Dr Dave's inspirations to start the Blunt Dissection Podcast. Do check out his episodes ib the back catalogue and give him a shout out for the effort he put into making these shows.

And with all of that said, We'll leave you to enjoy this intro episode to the new format.

Are you interested in learning about the challenges and rewards of owning a veterinary practice? In this episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show, our resident asker of questions, Brendan Howard, is joined by Dr. Kelly Cooper, a veterinarian who owned a practice in New Mexico and later worked at Banfield before returning to private practice.

Dr. Cooper shares her journey of becoming a practice owner, the challenges she faced, and the importance of mentorship and coaching in her professional development. She also discusses her transition from being a practice owner to working at Banfield and her role as a multi-unit leader.

Dr. Cooper emphasizes the importance of attitude and engagement in employees and the need for leaders to have the right skill set for their role. She also talks about the need for the veterinary industry to evolve beyond the traditional model of the James Herriot-era veterinarian.

Despite the negativity surrounding the profession, Dr. Cooper loves veterinary medicine and believes it is an amazing profession that profoundly impacts society. She hopes to see the profession evolve to include more professionals providing care and to become more attractive to future veterinarians.

If you're interested in learning more about Dr. Cooper's journey and the challenges of practice ownership and leadership, tune in to this episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. And don't forget to leave a review and check out the VetX Leaders community for more resources on leadership challenges in the veterinary industry.

As Dr. Cooper says, "The veterinary profession is an amazing profession that profoundly impacts society." Let's work together to make it even better.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode Intro 
• [01:37] Early interest in practice ownership 
• [04:03] Challenges of early practice ownership 
• [06:04] Importance of mentorship and coaching 
• [08:20] Transition to Corporate World
• [13:04] Ad Break- Learn more about our Leaders program
• [14:38] Dr. Cooper’s Leadership development around Doctors 
• [16:23] Different Hospital Atmospheres 
• [18:39] Collaboration in Making a Plan
• [20:36] Attitude and Skill in Hospital Improvement 
• [22:54] Moving across different roles in the corporate world 
• [24:17] Difference between coaching work and executive role
• [25:25] Returning to Private Practice 
• [31:05] Negativity in Veterinary Medicine 
• [33:49] Episode wrap up
• [34:30] The end 

Dr. Gardner highlights the top risk factors for arthritis in dogs and cats, which are obesity and age, respectively. She emphasizes the need to convince pet owners of their cats' arthritis, as older cats often do not receive the medical attention they deserve. Dr. Gardner's new book aims to change this by providing practical guidance on caring for geriatric cats.

The episode also discusses the importance of a triad of care between pet owners, veterinarians, and the cat. Dr. Gardner recommends creating a senior or geriatric questionnaire that is emailed to the family before their visit to the clinic. This questionnaire should ask questions about the cat's health and behavior, which gives the family time to observe their pet and note any changes or concerns they may have.

Dr. Gardner also notes that many pet owners may not recognize subtle signs of health issues in their cats, such as cognitive dysfunction or osteoarthritis. She suggests that veterinarians need to communicate more effectively with pet owners and highlight the importance of addressing these issues early on.

Finally, Dr. Gardner emphasizes that addressing health issues in older cats is not always about medication. Simple changes to the cat's environment, such as using ramps or different grooming products, can also make a difference.

If you want to learn more about caring for your geriatric cat, we highly recommend listening to this episode. Dr. Gardner provides valuable insights and practical tips for pet owners and veterinarians alike.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode Intro
• [02:04] Dr. Gardener talks about how her new book can help fight myths about cats 
• [05:47] Recognizing discomfort in cats 
• [06:33] Things pet owners and vets should ask as the cat ages
• [09:36] Dr. Gardner discusses the need for an osteoarthritis checklist for older cats
• [11:28] Owner’s attitude towards the cat autonomic behavior 
• [14:58] Ad Break- Our veterinary leadership program 
• [17:21] Doctors not recommending products 
• [21:49] Dr. Gardner and Brendan discuss the importance of being cautious with pet products
• [26:16] importance of quality of life assessment for geriatric cats and how it differs from dogs
• [29:59] Marketing to cat owners
• [33:45] Episode wrap up
• [34;23] The end

Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. In this episode, Brendan Howard interviews Dr. Ryan Englar, a board-certified canine and feline practitioner and Executive Director of Clinical and Professional Skills at the University of Arizona's veterinary school, about the importance of communication in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Englar stresses the importance of not only having medical knowledge but also being able to effectively communicate it to clients. She explains that the Calgary Cambridge guide offers over 70 communication skills, but it's not necessary to apply all of them to every conversation. Instead, she encourages students to identify which skills resonate with them and feel natural to their authentic voice. 

Dr Englar also discusses the shift from medical paternalism, where doctors were seen as the expert in charge, to a more collaborative approach with clients. This approach involves relationship-centred care, where the veterinarian works with the client to make shared decisions that are best for the patient, client, and doctor.

Further, Brendan Howard asks about the challenge of the tripartite relationship in veterinary medicine, where the veterinarian is responsible for the animal's health but the client makes the decisions. Dr Englar acknowledges that this is a huge challenge, even for newer veterinarians, and that it's important to understand the client's perspective and find a plan that works for both the pet and the client.

Dr Englar also talks about the importance of communication in practice ownership and middle management. She believes that communication is lacking in many practices, and there needs to be more dialogue between employees and management. She encourages practice owners to reflect on what's working and what isn't, and to have sit-downs with employees to discuss their concerns.

In conclusion, Dr. Engler's insights on communication in veterinary medicine are invaluable. As she says, "Communication is the foundation of everything we do." So, if you want to improve your communication skills and become a better veterinarian, be sure to listen to this episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode Intro 
• [02:29] Dr. Englar explains the Calgary Cambridge Guide
• [04:38] Simplifying communication and building efficiency in the consultation process
• [07:31] Shift from Medical Paternalism
• [13:28] Communication challenges between Doctor and Client
• [18:15] Ad Break- Learn more about our Leaders program 
• [20:20] Communication Training for Veterinary Students 
• [25:23] Creating a safe environment for communication at the workplace
• [29:12] Challenges Faced by Veterinary Graduates 
• [33:50] Episode wrap-up
• [34:35] The end

One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of transparency in building trust with clients. Modern Animal aims to be extremely transparent in how they communicate and how they show up physically. They have a lot of glass in their practice, and clients can see all the way through from the street to the back. They also have a digital experience that wraps around the clinic experience, which is transparent in how they communicate about medicine, pricing, estimates, and the reasoning behind their care.

Dr. Long and Eidelman also emphasized the importance of intentional design and organization in the treatment area of their practices. They explained that clutter, messiness, and noise could create a stressful environment for both staff and clients and can distract from the practice of medicine. They emphasized the need for commitment and setting standards to eliminate cognitive overhead and streamline workflow.

We also discussed the challenges of maintaining a relationship between clients and their preferred veterinarian while providing access to care 24/7. Modern Animal has built a model that allows clients to see their preferred veterinarian and access virtual care 24/7. They have a team of registered nurses who have full access to the client's medical record, allowing for urgent care and access to medical history.

Dr. Christie Long and Steven Eidelman also discussed the importance of integrating the medical and operational aspects of a veterinary practice. They emphasized the need for a strong partnership between the medical and operational leaders in each practice to ensure the business runs smoothly and effectively.

Overall, Modern Animal is committed to balancing medical quality, employee engagement, member experience, and profitable growth to ensure a sustainable business that delivers the best experience possible for its clients and patients.

As Dr. Long and Eidelman put it, "We're playing the game the hard way, but we're playing the game for the right reasons." If you're interested in learning more about Modern Animal and its approach to veterinary care, I highly recommend listening to this episode.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode Intro
• [01:49] Importance of transparency in communication and physical practice
• [03:26] The implementation of an open hospital concept and its benefits 
• [05:10] Balancing transparency between the doctor and the client
• [07:19] Redesigning the Veterinary Experience 
• [09:27] Standardization and organization of the veterinary working area
• [12:17] Scenario example where standardization process didn’t work 
• [15:10] Building customer loyalty on the brand instead of the doctor
• [18:04] The Propensity for No Boundaries 
• [20:38] Building a Trusted Brand 
• [00:24:23] Discussion on the tension between the four core principles of a veterinary practice
• [23:08] Ad Break- Learn more about our Leaders program 
• [25:24] The importance of acknowledging the need for medicine and operations to work in harmony and how Modern Animal uses the concept of dyads to achieve this
• [28:16] Building own software for the company
• [32:53] Business expansion plans 
• [36:17] Challenges of building a brand 
• [38:08] Benefits of Building Community
• [41:11] Wrap-up
• [41:47] The end 

Welcome to another episode of the veterinary business success show. In this brand new episode, we are joined by Chris DeSantis to discuss the generational differences in workplaces. 

Chris DeSantis is an author, speaker, consultant, and podcast host based in Chicago. He is currently the Pricipal of CPDeSantis.com and podcast host of the Cubicle Confidential Podcast. He has previously worked as the Human Resource Development Manager at Brunswick Corporation, Director of Management Development and Training at The America Medical Association, and as an Associate - Management Development at Arthur Andersen. 

Over the past fifteen years, he has been invited to speak on generational issues in the workplace at hundreds of the leading U.S. law and accounting firms, as well as many of the major insurance and pharma companies.

In this podcast episode, Brendan Howard interviews Chris DeSantis about generational differences in the workplace and how they affect leadership and management. DeSantis discusses the perception of generational differences and how they are more perceptual than actual. He also addresses the issue of "quiet quitting" and disengagement in the workplace, suggesting that employers need to focus on developing and engaging their employees. DeSantis emphasizes the importance of recognizing generational differences in the workplace, but also acknowledges the need to be skeptical of overemphasizing these distinctions. He also suggests creating a database of everything anyone in a company is willing to teach another human being to encourage learning and development.

Click here for an extended version of this episode. Enjoy!

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Podcast Intro 
• [02:07] Difference between perceptual and actual differences between generations 
• [05:34] Work disengagement and quiet quitting 
• [08:36] The importance of promises in building loyalty
• [10:27] Differences between boomers, gen X, and millennials
• [16:52] Understanding and Treating Young Employees as Individuals
• [19:57] Ad Break- Learn more about our Leaders program
• [21:52] Embracing Lopsidedness and Sharing Failures
• [23:11] Moving Away from the Great Man/Woman Theory of Leadership 
• [25:14] Improving Performance Reviews for Younger Employees 
• [28:49] Incentivizing Teams Instead of Individuals 
• [31:22] Mentorship vs. Advisor Relationships 
• [34:53] Engagement and Performance Measurement 
• [38:45] Positive Aspects of Gen Z 

Robert is an expert in positive transformation and loves solving meaningful problems and helping people overcome challenges to achieve their goals. He currently serves as the Technology Consultant, Interim/Fractional CIO/CTO of PeakePro, a company supporting clients with streamlining and improving complex systems, fostering innovation, and facilitating positive change through technology. He is also a Senior Associate at Next Action Associates.

Having previously spent six years as CTO and CIO at The David Allen Company, Robert understands the challenges people face in managing their time and daily tasks. 

Throughout the episode, Robert shares real-life scenarios where the principles of GTD apply. He also explains the five stages of GTD- Capture, Clarify, Organize, Reflect, and Engage. He also shares explanations as to why most people may fail to follow the order of the five stages and the excitement trap that befalls many individuals. 

This is an insightful episode for anyone seeking to transform their productivity by being more organized in their work and actions.

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode outline.
• [01:47] They discuss the initial elevator pitch to have people get control of their lives.
• [06:19] Robert Peake explains the first stage of GTD System.
• [10:10] How to funnel multiple digital inputs into one box.
• [12:32] Robert discusses the second step of the GTD system- Clarify Stage.
• [18:49] Ad Break- Learn more about our Leaders program
• [20:00] The episode resumes with Brendan and Robert discussing the third step- Organizing.
• [26:43] Why you should not skip the fourth step- Reflection and Review.
• [29:16] do people build other systems that will help them figure out what they are aligned with their purpose in life?
• [34:16] They discuss the two-minute rule.
• [39:30] Application of GTD in teams.
• [43:35] Episode outro.
• [43:17] The end.

Dr. Murray Jelinski is a highly experienced and accomplished veterinarian. With over 20 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Dr. Jelinski has developed a reputation as a skilled and compassionate practitioner, dedicated to providing the best possible care to his patients and students.

Throughout his career, Dr. Jelinski has been recognized for his contributions to the veterinary profession. He has published numerous articles in veterinary journals and has presented his research at conferences around the world. He is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

In this episode, Dr. Jelinski discusses the need of teaching business lessons to students in veterinary school. Statistics indicate that about 40-60% of veterinarians venture into their own practices a few years after graduating. As such, there is a need to teach students the vital concepts of running businesses and most importantly, managing finances. 

Dr. Jelinski also shares his experience on students’ mindset on owning a practice versus being in the formal employment sector. He also shares his thoughts on why many students become practice owners despite not having such thoughts during their study period. 

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode intro.
• [01:29] Murray Jelinski explains how he started teaching business lessons in veterinary schools.
• [08:03] The effect of teaching business on Jelinski’s veterinary practice.
• [10:29] What pushbacks do you get from the students?
• [16:32] Ad Break- Learn more about our Leaders program.
• [17:50] The episode resumes with Brendan asking Jelinski if Western Canada is still unpenetrated by large chains and unpenetrated by chain-owned practices.
• [22:40] Practice and business ownership mindset of first-year veterinary students.
• [26:09] Jelinski talks about the student’s thoughts on becoming good managers and getting better managers during practice.
• [28:02] The episode wraps up.
• [28:41] The end.

In this episode, Brendan Howard is joined by Certified leadership coach and trainer Marnette Falley to discuss the art of giving feedback to others. 

Marnette is an ICF (International Coaching Federation) “certified executive coach, consultant, and creative problem solver who helps clients identify and activate personal and organizational strengths and overcome persistent barriers.” With over 25 years of business experience and insight-producing coaching tools and skills, Marnette coached corporate clients to boost employee engagement and help leaders and teams grow into their potential.

Through her leadership coaching, Marnette focuses on emotional intelligence, communication, team building, and change management and works with organizations that lean into employees’ professional development and an experimental mindset to support business innovation and growth. In her first career, she led the dvm360 marketing and content development team, and it’s that work developing effective, meaningful CE for veterinarians that led her to work that focuses on adult education and behavior change.

Tune in as Marnette shares the essential elements that one should consider to ensure that the feedback is as constructive as possible. She also highlights the challenges encountered when giving feedback, especially if it is a negative one. 

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode intro.
• [03:03] How to unpack negative feedback.
• [06:29] Issuing positive feedback before the negative one.
• [10:48] Falley gives examples of bad and good feedback.
• [13:18] Rewarding the effort, not the win.
• [15:11] Do you ever get pushback from people when you offer positive feedback?
• [21:00] How feedback and compliments improve learning.
• [22:45] Is it important to reflect before giving feedback?
• [25:32] Choosing the time and place to give feedback.
• [30:23] Ad break- Learn more about our Leaders program
• [32:58] Falley gives a breakdown of actions to take when the whole feedback system is broken.
• [41:16] Getting permission to give terrible feedback.
• [45:44] Acting on the feedback.
• [49:34] What to do when the feedback does not work.
• [53:29] How a junior employee should communicate to their superior to avoid conflict between the two.
• [55:35] The episode wraps up.
• [57:23] The end.

Janet Hoy-Gerlach is an Emotional Support Animal specialist helping individuals and families in need. With a deep understanding of therapy animals, she offers consultations and support in the selection, training, and certification of emotional support animals. Janet serves as a Professor of Social Work at The University of Toledo.

In this Episode, Janet explains in length and depth the meaning and scope of the work of a veterinary social worker. She also shares her vision of how veterinary social workers will be working and interacting with other veterinary practitioners in the future. As an expert in social work, she understands the boundaries between HR and Social work in Animal medicine, which she also excitedly discusses in the episode.

If you are a practice owner or a vet practitioner, listen to this episode to understand the immense value of veterinary social workers in the industry. 

Episode Outline

[00:00] Episode intro.

[01:18] The episode starts with Janet explaining the work of a veterinary social worker.

[04:16] The differences between a veterinary therapist and a veterinary social worker.

[10:51] Janet explains the vision of how veterinary social workers may be interacting with other veterinary practitioners in the future.

[15:51] HR-like responsibilities of veterinary social workers.

[22:35] Is there any difficulty in balancing the employee’s and employer’s needs?

[24:38] How and where people can get information about veterinary social work?

[29:04] Ad Break- Learn more about our Leaders program

[31:34] The episode resumes with Janet explaining how practices can be managed without social workers.

[42:43] Janet and Brendon discuss how practices can improve pet grieving.

[46:44] Letting go of difficult situations.

[57:48] The episode wraps up.

[58:34] The end.

As a sought-after speech coach, Samara coaches a whole array of clients, including top actors in Hollywood (such as Pierce Brosnan, Penélope Cruz, and Rachel McAdams), C-suite executives, candidates for the U.S. congress, and celebrities who are presenting awards or talking at the UN.

Samara is also a well-recognized author, whose work (on rethinking the sound of power) has been featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, CBS Sunday Morning, Tamron Hall, Slate, Create & Cultivate, and Jezebel. Alongside this, Samara has a debut book, ‘Permission to Speak’, which is packed with expert tips and easy-to-follow exercises on finding your voice, that is set to be published on February 7th, 2023.

In this episode, Samara and Brendan discuss how better speaking techniques can lead to better exam room conversions. Tune in to find out how.

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode Intro.
• [01:29] The episode starts with Samara describing her specific niche as a voice coach.
• [04:00] Were you comfortable working with a speech pathologist when you were starting out?
• [06:59] Brendan and Samara talk about prescriptive and descriptive linguistics.
• [10:51] When do people decide to change their voices?
• [13:06] Samara talks about voice authenticity and how voice projects power.
• [18:02] Samara discusses a situation when one’s authenticity does not excite the intended individual(s).
• [20:24] Does bringing the voice up or down bring out the absurdity of a situation?
• [22:00] Voice standards as per different generations.
• [24:15] Ad break- Learn more about our Leaders program
• [27:45] The episode resumes with Samara responding to Brendan’s question on how changing grammar affects the level of care veterinarians portray to clients.
• [31:42] Responding to moments of resistance from clients.
• [33:38] Samara explains how one should communicate to climb the corporate ladder. 
• [42:03] Samara responds to a question on why women’s power strengthens as they get older.
• [48:39] Samara offers advice to people who feel irritated by other people’s voices.
• [50:09] Samara advises on people who fake their optimum voice match.
• [52:27] Samara speaks about her book “Permission to Speak”.
• [57:27] Brendan wraps up the episode.
• [57:53] The end.

Dr. Isolde Baylor is a 1996 UPenn Vet graduate with over 30 years of experience in small animal private practice, focusing on surgery, dentistry, and ER. As a Mom with a camera, her journey to specializing in headshots began over 10 years ago when her animal hospital was updating its website. In 2022, after years of study and mentorship under New York headshot photographer Peter Hurley, she was proud to become an Associate Photographer.  Fewer than 150 photographers in the United States and only 38 women worldwide have earned this elite status and Isolde’s passion is to bring those skills to help elevate the branding images of Veterinary professionals. 

Isolde believes so much more than pressing a button and saying cheese goes into creating a fantastic headshot. Lighting, posing, and camera settings all influence the quality of the photo, but the secret ingredient is expression. Getting people to forget about the camera, and enjoy the experience so they get an awesome photo makes her day. She practices 2 days a week in suburban Philadelphia, also running her photo studio, traveling to businesses, conferences, networking events, and veterinary hospitals speaking, connecting, and photographing people and pets. 

In this episode, Isolde talks about how she turned her hobby into a business. She also discusses the challenges she experienced when starting out her new venture and issues invaluable advice to any veterinary practitioner wishing to capitalize on their side skills.

Episode Outline

[00:00] Episode Intro

[01:04] The episode starts with Brendan asking Isolde how she got started with her hobby.

[04:06] Isolde talks about how she improved her photography skills.

[06:50] How Isolde changed photography from a hobby into a business.

[07:52] The transition from a veterinary employee into a business owner.

[10:08] Isolde discusses the turn of events in her profession and business during the COVID-19 period.

[13:09] Convincing veterinary businesses to take appropriate photos for their website.

[17:00] Difference between headshot photography and other types of photography.

[21:03] Ad break- Learn more about our Leaders program.

[22:20] The episode resumes with Brendan asking Isolde if she has encountered people who are not interested in headshots for their business website.

[25:33] The effect of professional photos on new veterinary employees.

[28:30] What advice do you give professionals who are looking for a hobby?

[31:34] They discuss feedback Isolde received from prospective leads during the initial stages of her hobby and business.

[34:30] Isolde talks about burnout she experienced when she was working as a full-time vet practitioner.

[37:35] They discuss team members creating a work plan and schedule for themselves.

[40:02] Self-promotional strategies.

[44:42] Episode wraps up.

[45:17] The end.

Elycia Degenhardt is a certified veterinary technician who joined the veterinary profession after working as a high school teacher for four years. Currently working as a technician at a general practice and as an instructor in the Veterinary Technician program at Madison College, Elycia remains passionate about using her platform to educate. 

In this episode, Elycia shares her experience as a teacher and as a veterinary practitioner. She talks about the need for continuous learning and development among veterinary employees. Elycia also shares strategies students can use to enhance their learning process while in college. 

Podcast Outline

• [00:00] Episode Intro.
• [01:25] Elycia shares her background in education.
• [02:20] Elycia talks about how she ended up with a veterinary career.
• [02:50] How typical is a second career as a veterinary technician?
• [04:40] Elycia talks about her experience teaching students of different age groups and previous work experience.
• [05:50] Elycia speaks about her perception of veterinary work when she was a student and now as a practitioner.
• [09:09] Elycia talks about how she used learning strategies through her veterinary program.
• [11:40] Ad break- Our veterinary leadership program
• [13:52] The episode resumes with Brendan asking Elycia to talk about the difficulty students encounter to transition from other careers to the veterinary field.
• [16:58] What are some of the things you have learnt that work best for the student?
• [22:19] Elycia talks about transparency in veterinary clinics.
• [24:10] Brendan and Elycia discuss barriers to effective education in veterinary clinics.
• [28:01] Elycia talks about airing out ideas in clinics- either top-down or down-top.
• [29:25] The episode wraps up.
• [30:11] The episode concludes. 

Dr. Jeff Rothstein is a DVM, MBA, speaker, author, and the Co-founder and Co-president of Mission Veterinary Partners (missionvetpartners.com). He bought his first veterinary practice within one year of graduating from veterinary school and from that built it into a multi-hospital network, The Progressive Pet Animal Hospitals (PPAH) which he merged into MVP in 2017. Dr. Rothstein has been a long-time contributing author to a number of practice management journals. He has served on the Advisory Boards of Veterinary Economics and Veterinary Practice News. He currently is on the Board of Directors of Mission Veterinary Partners and the Professional Animal Wellness Group (PAW).

In this episode, Dr. Jeff uses his invaluable experience to talk about a wide range of management issues among them how to attract talent and how to grow the employees and the business as a whole. He also talks about compensation and its effect on the employee and the business.

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode Intro.
• [01:17] Jeff talks about the recession and how it can affect staffing.
• [05:34] Jeff explains how small businesses can build opportunities and compensation for employees.
• [09:57] Jeff discusses his view on the concept of fewer hours and more money among employees.
• [15:55] Ad Break- Our veterinary leadership program.
• [17:11] Should hospitals be for everyone in the area- regardless of social class?
• [23:30] Jeff talks about the pricing of services at veterinary hospitals.
• [24:56] The episode wraps up.
• [25:39] The episode concludes.

Helen J Schaefer, NCMG CCE is a top-ranked competitive groomer, industry speaker, and educator. 

In the competition ring, she specializes in American Cockers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Bichons, and poodles, especially in the European Secondary Trim. Whereas in the salon, she is best known for gentle cat grooming techniques, hand stripping of harsh coated dogs, Terrier grooming, and personality trims!

Helen has been nominated for multiple Barkleigh Honors for both her educational speaking engagements as well her content creation. 

Most Notably She is a multiple-time Nominee for the Brian Stoppa Congeniality and Spirit award, named after the late Brian Stoppa this award is to honor those that embody the spirit of kindness and inclusiveness in the grooming community. She was the recipient of the Up and Coming Speaker of the Year in 2020. She was again nominated in 2021 for the Speaker of the Year award, as well as the Groomer of the Year Nominee.

In this episode, Helen and Brendan discuss the significance of animal grooming and why effective communication between groomers, vets, and pet owners is important. 

Podcast Outline

• [00:00] Episode Intro
• [01:08] Helen explains how one can become a master groomer.
• [04:17] Helen describes the breed standards for groomers.
• [07:55] What are the most grooming points that bring disappointments between groomers and pet owners?
• [09:43] Helen explains how often she offers her services to her clients.
• [12:30] Helen speaks about her relationship with freelance vet workers in her present and previous places of work.
• [14:28] Ad break- Our veterinary leadership program
• [15:47] The episode resumes with Brendan and Helen talking about miscommunication between groomers and vets.
• [16:27] Helen explains the problem when clients want either undergrooming or overgrooming of their pets.
• [19:02] How often do you get complaints from grooming clients that complain about the frequency and cost of the services?
• [21:23] Handling animals when grooming them.
• [23:40] Helen describes an age group of animals and clients that is difficult to handle.
• [27:44] How often do you fire clients and what are some of the offences that you can’t stand?
• [30:14] The episode wraps up.

Carolyn Coughlin is a co-founder, Director, and Board Co-Chair of Cultivating Leadership, a leadership consultancy whose mission it is to help leaders and organizations thrive in complexity. She is the co-author of the Unleash Your Complexity Genius: Growing Your Inner Capacity to Lead, an expression of her decades of passion and practice with developing approaches that help leaders to find and grow their inner capacity to lead in a complex world. Carolyn designs and runs leadership programs, works with teams, and coaches leaders at all levels based on these approaches. She is the co-founder and a lead facilitator of Growth Edge Coaching, is a co-founder of the Growth Edge Network (now called LUME), and is on the faculty of the Institute of Transformational Learning at Georgetown University.

Carolyn’s  professional journey began in the corporate world, where she was a management consultant first at Price Waterhouse and later at McKinsey and Company. For the last 25 years, she has split her time between her life on the campus of a boarding school in New Jersey and a little cabin in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York, where she and her husband raised three now young-adult children. 

Listen in as Carolyn and Brendan discuss how our inner capacities for strength map on to our personal and professional development.

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Aimee St. Arnaud is a veterinary practice owner of The Open-Door Veterinary Care and Community Pet Care Clinic. She has previously served as the Director of Programs at ASPCA and as the Director of National Veterinary Outreach Programs at Best Friends Animal Society. 

Heather Cammisa is an Economist by profession and currently serves as the Chief Enterprise Officer at Open-Door Veterinary Collective. She is also the Principal of Adisa LLC and previously served as the President and CEO of St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center. 

Listen in as Aimee and Heather explain the results of the research they recently conducted on payment plans. 

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode Intro
• [01:08] How do a non-profit Advocate and an economist wind up studying for-profit ways for veterinary hospitals to make money?
• [03:17] Aimee and Heather describe the Veterinary Collective project and the types of research they conduct.
• [04:41] Does your work at Veterinary Collective bring or create conflict between non-profit and for-profit hospitals in the area?
• [06:18] Heather explains the principles for Open Door and the payment plan research conducted by the veterinary Collective.
• [09:35] Pet insurance as a payment plan.
• [10:21] Aimee discusses additional results found from data collected during the research.
• [16:32] Effect of the payment multiplier introduced in the paper.
• [18:34] Ad break - Our veterinary leadership program
• [19:51] The episode resumes with Brendan and Heather discussing how veterinary clinic teams are also affected by the clients' inability to afford care.
• [23:49] Aimee discusses how the trial of other payment plans at hospitals turned out.
• [27:13] How does the payment plan handle rare animals and medical issues?
• [30:43] Have you experienced difficult people refusing to pay even after accepting the payment plan? How do you deal with the situation?
• [34:34] Brendan wraps up the episode.

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Connect with Aimee

Website

Email 

LinkedIn

Connect with Heather

Website

Email

LinkedIn

Dr Olivia Oginska is a veterinarian, speaker, positive psychology coach, certified workplace conflict mediator and emotional intelligence specialist. She has been immersed in the global veterinary community since 2010. In 2016, she went on to graduate as a veterinarian from the university of Poland, before pursuing a veterinary career in the UK. This is where Dr Olivia gained experience and credentials in positive psychology, emotional intelligence and conflict mediation so that her passion for human well-being and interpersonal dynamics could be fully developed. 

For the last 3 years, Dr Olivia has devoted her veterinary career to supporting both individuals and the veterinary teams (especially leaders) in becoming more human-savvy, focusing on helping veterinary hospitals to turn into places where everyone's humanity and dignity are embraced and cherished, regardless of one’s background or identity.

Listen in as Brendan and Dr Olivia discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, as well as its principles and fundamentals.

Podcast Outline

• [00:00] Episode intro
• [00:12] The episode starts with Brendan Howard asking Dr Olivia Oginska if she often gets people questioning the importance of emotional intelligence and agility.
• [02:39] Dr Olivia explains why she chose to study psychology.
• [06:08] The development of emotional intelligence in human development.
• [09:14] How to deal with two groups that have two different levels of expectations and emotional intelligence levels.
• [11:52] Ad break - Our veterinary leadership program.
• [13:04] Example of two conflicting sides.
• [16:54] Dr Olivia and Brendan discuss the disrespect between people of different hierarchy positions.
• [19:58] The principles and fundamentals of emotional intelligence.
• [23:58] Does pausing before reacting work?
• [26:40] Can emotional intelligence lead to manipulation? 
• [29:00] Episode outro - Our veterinary leadership program
• [29:43] The end

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Connect with Dr Olivia

Email

Website

LinkedIn

Lisa Sansom is a researcher, coach, speaker, corporate trainer, and psychology consultant based in Ontario, Canada. She has a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from The University of Pennsylvania and is the founder of LVS -  a Consulting firm that offers professional coaching services in Leadership, Interpersonal Communications, Change Management, Team Dynamics, and other areas of Organizational Effectiveness.

With her Masters of Applied Positive Psychology qualification, 15+ years of experience in leadership development and organizational development, and her PCC coaching certification, Lisa is a highly-rated speaker, trainer, coach, and consultant for organizations around the world.

Listen in as the duo analyze common life patterns of veterinary practitioners, from the time of schooling to becoming full practitioners, as well as their psychological impact. 

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode Intro
• [01:17] The episode starts with Lisa giving a description of Positive Psychology and how people perceive it.
• [04:10] What is it like to live in a low psychology scale of -1 to -3?
• [07:52] What positive psychology questions should people experiencing fatigue should ask themselves before quitting their jobs?
• [11:04] How can people change into good lifestyle habits such as exercising and eating well?
• [17:41] Ad break - Our veterinary leadership program
• [19:00] The episode resumes with Brendan asking Lisa to explain how people feel when the process of forming new habits fails.
• [25:34] Personal boundaries and their effects on team relation
• [30:22] Lisa explains how a team can discuss issues and set out rules that guide them.
• [33:43] Episode outro.
• [34:23] The end.

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Connect with Lisa Sansom

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email

Garth Jordan is an accomplished C-level executive with over 15 years of diverse leadership experience growing non-profit trade and professional associations through innovation, teamwork, and digital transformation. He currently serves as the CEO of the American Animal Hospital Association. 

Garth has previously served as the Chief Strategy Officer & Senior Vice President at Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), Chief Executive Officer at RevvCrew, and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), among other organizations and associations. 

Listen in to learn new ways of handling mental well-being for yourself or your staff!

Podcast Outline

• [00:00] Podcast Intro
• [01:14] Garth Jordan gives his experience working with Trade Associations
• [05:00] Alternative ways of solving problems besides the use of associations 
• [08:16] Brendan asks Garth to explain the first step of the Veterinary Visionaries idea and the people who participated. 
• [13:22] Outcome after the first step and initial meeting 
• [15:16] How did you pick the question for the project?
• [18:16] Ad break - Our veterinary leadership program
• [19:34] The episode resumes with Brendan asking Garth to explain the top idea posted on the platform
• [27:51] Garth talks about the second-best idea posted on the platform
• [33:20] Garth and Brendan discuss initiatives taken by Veterinary companies to support vet students’ education
• [38:12] Episode Outro
• [38:54] The end

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Connect with Garth Jordan 

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Website

Christina has worked as a law enforcement officer investigating animal cruelty, working at horse boarding/training facilities, a large veterinary university/school, and as an adjunct professor teaching courses in animals and the law. 

In 2010, Christina opened Worcester County Mediation which is a mediation center that focuses solely on mediation. 

She covers the United States, offering virtual in-house mediation veterinary hospitals, veterinary universities, specialty veterinary clinics, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, horse facilities, kennels, and other facilities and businesses. She is known for her trustworthiness, approachability, perceptiveness, dedication, and impartiality. 

Listen in as they discuss mediation, creating solutions, and resolving conflicts.

Podcast Outline

• [00:00] Podcast intro
• [01:14] How did Christina start her career in veterinary hospitals and mediation?
• [03:55] Christina describes her history as an animal cop back when she was starting her career.
• [07:47] What is mediation in the veterinary scope and how does it differ from other fields?
• [10:22] Christina talks about getting responses from workers through online surveys.
• [13:45] Getting solutions from the staff.
• [15:00] We hear examples of conflicts that may require the intervention of a mediator.
• [16:51] Ad break - Our veterinary leadership program
• [18:04] The episode resumes with Brendan asking Christina to explain who should raise the alarm when a member of staff has emotionally detached themselves from the team.
• [23:06] Christina explains how she finds a middle ground during the mediation exercise.
• [26:34] Brendan asks Christina to explain how she manages situations where people vent accumulated past events during mediation.
• [29:05] Discussing the relevance of technological platforms such as zoom and google meet in resolving issues among staff members
• [31:06] Christina reveals the one thing conflicting workers should do to resolve their conflicts, even if they won't involve a mediator.
• [34:07] Episode outro.
• [34:49] The end.

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Connect with Christina Wojtowicz

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook 

Dr. Dave Nicol is a veterinarian with more than 20 years of experience in general practice and has held several leadership roles within practice and industry. He has written three books, most recently the best-selling, So You’re A Vet…Now What? – a manifesto on how to survive as a veterinarian after graduation.

He founded VetX to help vets connect with their careers and help practice owners create fantastic practices for the vets to work in. He speaks at conferences all over the world to speak about his favorite topic of leadership and generally cheerleading for the veterinary profession, and in 2019 he was voted VMX Practice Manager Speaker of the Year.

In this episode, Dr. Dave addresses the topical veterinary industry concern, "Is it financially stable to offer new doctors a significant amount of signing bonus?". Dr. Dave and Brendan Howard discuss other aspects of this as well, including inflation, misconceptions about young veterinarians, and the reality behind such huge signing bonuses.

Listen as the expert in the field describes how practice owners can foster a profitable work culture for both themselves and the vets without giving them hefty signing incentives.

Outline

• [01:13] Brendan Howard begins the episode with a short introduction of Dr. Dave Nicol.
• [01:56] Dr. Dave immediately addresses the hot topic of why veterinarians require hefty signing incentives while bringing up the issue of inflation.
• [04:00] Like other businesses around the world, how is the veterinary industry changing as a result of inflation?
• [10:46] Dr. Dave and Brendan Howard talk about how the tendency of new veterinarians to anticipate a high income without taking into account the abilities and qualities they are bringing to the table is causing a reality gap.
• [12:14] Dr. Dave outlines how the experience and skills that veterinarians bring to the practice affect the value of veterinarians as an association in terms of compensation and signing bonuses.
• [19:00] Dr. Dave describes why raising the cost of veterinary services is not the best strategy for boosting revenue.
• [22:45] Dr. Dave talks about a healthy practice environment that allows veterinarians to enjoy their work without worrying about a huge paycheck while simultaneously gaining skills and growing as professionals.
• [25:50] A short ad break - join VetX international
• [27:05] In the second segment of the podcast, Dr. Dave and Brendan discuss the value of trust and bond between the young veterinarian and practice owners.
• [35:15]  Dr. Dave enlists a few effective alternatives to a huge signing bonus that can benefit practice owners as well as veterinarians in the long run.
• [44:15] Brendan Howard wraps the episode.

Connect with Dr. Dave Nicol

• Linkedin
• Website

Eric takes pride in helping practice owners become the financial heroes of their own stories and has taken this passion to over 600 families in the past decade. During this time, he’s had over 15,000 conversations with practice owners regarding money, investing, practice expansion, practice transitions, taxes, asset protection, estate planning, and helping them shape their financial attitude toward abundance. Econologics Financial Advisors is an Inc. 5000 honoree for 2019 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the US.

Eric Miller has had over 20,000 conversations with practice owners over the last 13+ years regarding personal and business financial success. In addition, he has published countless articles and videos on various topics to educate owners on how to manage their personal and business finances, and just in the last year has spoken at over 50 live and virtual events nationwide.

In this episode, Eric talks about the financial issues faced by veterinary business owners as they run their ventures. This episode will give you a new perspective on how to run and manage your business finances.

Podcast Outline

[00:00] Podcast Intro.

[01:11] Eric Miller’s quick career introduction.

[04:01] Eric and Brandon discuss financial management in the human medicine scope.

[05:57] What surprised you the most when you started helping veterinary business owners manage their finances?

[09:20] The effects of group thinking on the financial status of the company.

[10:54] Eric explains why many veterinary businesses seek his financial management services.

[12:58] Ad break - Our veterinary leadership program.

[14:14] How can business owners prevent a cash flow crunch?

[20:02] Why owners should take 10% of the income from the company.

[23:57] The financial issues that most veterinary hospitals face.

[28:08] The golden rules of business ownership.

[29:40] Figuring out the right financial numbers for your business.

[31:49] Episode outro - Our veterinary leadership program

[32:38] The end.

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Connect with Eric Miller

Website

LinkedIn

Twitter

Dr. Virginia earned a B.A. in Zoology with a minor in Neuroscience from Miami University in 2006, her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, and her Master of Public Health degree with a focus in Human-Animal Bond studies from Virginia Tech in 2016.

She has completed a 3-year post-doctoral residency program in advanced canine and feline practice at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, where she has since stayed on as a faculty member. Having recently joined Appalachian State University as the Director of a new Bachelor's degree program in Veterinary Technology, Dr. Corrigan considers herself fortunate to be in a profession amongst the most caring and compassionate people on earth.

Join Brendan Howard and Dr. Virginia Corrigan as they discuss the general outline for the new Bachelor's degree program in Veterinary Technology and its importance - not only to the students but also to employers and veterinary organizations.

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode Intro.
• [01:24] Dr. Virginia’s quick career introduction
• [02:49] When did the first batch of students start taking the Bachelor's degree program in Veterinary Technology at Appalachian State University?
• [03:22] Dr. Virginia explains the goal of the new Bachelor's degree program in Veterinary Technology at Appalachian State University
• [04:16] Brendan asks Dr. Virginia to explain the differences between the current two-year program and the newly introduced four-year program.
• [10:50] Dr. Virginia explains the difference between a two-year in-person program and the four-year online program.
• [12:10] Where can students take practice lessons?
• [13:02] Brendan asks Dr. Virginia whether the lessons within the program are synchronized or not.
• [16:04] Dr. Virginia talks about the pressure points encountered while developing the new Bachelor's degree program in Veterinary Technology at Appalachian State University.
• [18:27] Ad break - Our veterinary leadership program
• [19:43] The episode resumes with Brendan asking Virginia to explain how students get the chance to get hands-on skills with the four-year degree program.
• [22:08] How does tracking differ between experienced and inexperienced students?
• [25:11] Dr. Virginia talks about the faculty members and their contribution to the design of the new program 
• [27:18] Benefits of the four-year degree program.
• [30:01] Title and description of the person in charge of the well-being at Appalachian State University.
• [34:28] Dr. Virginia talks about the team she works with and the positions yet to be filled.
• [38:00] Episode Outro - Our veterinary leadership program.
• [38:44] The end.

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Connect with Dr. Virginia Corrigan

Email

LinkedIn

Facebook 

In 2008, Jordan graduated from the Veterinary Technician Institute at Bradford School in Columbus, Ohio with an associate degree in veterinary technology. She currently serves in three different organizations, serving at the Internal Medicine for Pet Parents as a Veterinary Technician Specialist, as well as at Savannah Veterinary Internal Medicine & Intensive Care as a Vet Tech Specialist, and at Fuzzy where she is a Veterinary Support Specialist. 

Join us as Jordan talks about the relevance of issuing relevant information to pet parents. We discuss how it's important to communicate clearly, as it allows pet parents to know what to expect from their veterinarians and most importantly, know the possible outcomes of the conducted medical test or procedures. 

Outline

• [00:00] Episode Introduction.
• [01:28] Jordan Porter talks about her work-from-home routine.
• [04:00] Jordan and Brendan talk about the interdependence between Doctors and Vet Techs at clinics.
• [06:11] What things do you look for to improve communication with your clients?
• [08:45] Jordan talks about how she plans her questions when communicating with a pet parent.
• [09:48] How to train new staff on good digital etiquette skills
• [12:15] Why it is good to prepare clients on what to expect when they physically visit a vet clinic?
• [17:04] The influence of time on the quality of information issued to pet parents.
• [18:54] Ad break - Our veterinary leadership program.
• [20:00] Brendan and Jordan discuss communicating tests and medical procedures with pet parents in physical clinics.
• [26:15] Jordan talks about her relationship, as a vet Tech, with doctors. 
• [30:21] Brendan and Jordan discuss the importance of good and authentic communication between pet parents and doctors.
• [33:38] The end.

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Connect With Jordan Porter:

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Facebook

In this episode, Brendan and Dr. Gregg discuss the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race - the annual dogsled race run in March between Anchorage and Nome, in the US state of Alaska. 

Dr. Kuehnel has been volunteering in race activities for the past four years and discusses his experiences and lessons he's learned so far. He also talks about the challenges he has encountered while volunteering at the event.

We find out the differences in the physicality and endurance ability of the dogs participating in the race event in Alaska to the normal dogs bred as pets in typical households. 

This is a thrilling episode with lots of new experiences to be heard and learned.

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode Intro
• [01:08] We hear why Dr. Gregg chose to visit such a cold area considering he's from a hotter climate.
• [03:36] Dr. Gregg discusses his hobbies before taking on his new hobby: road trips.
• [07:22] How long does it take when you fly out to the competition?
• [11:04] The proportion between human physicians and veterinarians.
• [11:29] An outline of the different strategies used in the races.
• [13:38] Dr. Gregg explains the availability of veterinary medical supplies during the event.
• [15:15] Are there other veterinary technicians volunteering at the checkpoint of the event?
• [16:14] Brendan asks Dr. Gregg if the Veterinarians are required to conduct a complete check-up of the dogs during the race. 
• [17:48] The total number of dogs in the race and their personalities
• [19:33] Brendan asks Dr. Gregg how he adapted to the changes during his first trip from Florida to Alaska.
• [20:33] Dr. Gregg reflects on a time when he felt scared while in Alaska.
• [23:15] An explanation of how the challenges in Alaska strengthened Dr. Gregg.
• [27:22] Has your experience in Alaska changed your perspective on veterinary work?
• [30:07] Brendan and Dr. Gregg talk about the medical screening of the dogs before, during, and after the race.
• [32:08] Brendan asks Dr. Gregg if his experience in Alaska has made him think of owning a dog similar to those of the ones he handled in the races.
• [36:34] Where do the dogs retire once they are old or no longer unable to race?
• [37:27] During the event, have you met people who you would have never met in your day-to-day life? 
• [42:12] Dr. Gregg talks about implementing the non-hierarchy system of management used during the events in the private veterinary sector.
• [44:00] Dr. Gregg talks about other races he would like to participate in. 
• [44:50] Do you often come across other people who also want to volunteer in the various activities of the race?
• [46:02] Episode outro
• [48:48] The end

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Unlike other biological issues affecting women, menopause is a subject rarely discussed - not only in the board room but also in normal social spheres!

This episode discusses the symptoms of menopause (including hair loss and insomnia), its effects on the progression of women’s careers, and how it can be disastrous to both the work and personal lives of the women it affects.

Liz Barton has a Master’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Cambridge and has more than 15 years of experience in the field. She has previously served as a Veterinary Surgeon at Frame, Swift and Partners; Veterinary Surgeon at The Cromwell veterinary group limited; Director at CIC; and currently serves as the Head of Communications at VetCt and the Co-Founder of WellVet. 

To learn more about menopause and its effects on the careers of women, click here.

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode intro
• [01:16] Dr. Liz Barton explains how she came up with the report on the effect of Menopause in the Veterinary field
• [03:18] Dr. Liz talks about creating awareness on issues associated with menopause 
• [06:20] Discussion on the balance between work and issues such as family and the Perimenopause effect 
• [10:32] Perimenopause symptoms and their effect on work life
• [12:33] Ad break - Our veterinary leadership program
• [13:49] The episode resumes with Brendan asking Liz if individuals or organizations usually take any action toward the symptoms of Perimenopause
• [18:22] Is there a positive change in the organization after creating awareness of the menopause effect?
• [21:37] Dr. Liz talks about the access to a flexible working environment recommendation by the British Medical Association
• [24:32] Dr. Liz and Brendan talk about the flexibility of the work environment in the veterinary field
• [26:49] The end

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Dr. Aditya is an Associate Professor of Management at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Simha obtained his PhD in Business Administration at Washington State University, a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University. His research is primarily in business and healthcare ethics, and organizational behavior. Aditya Simha is the author of the book Leadership Insights for Wizards and Witches (Exploring Effective Leadership Practices through Popular Culture). 

In this episode, Aditya outlines leadership styles, theories, and concepts through the imaginative lens of J.K. Rowling’s magical world. 

Episode Outline 

• [01:08] The episode starts with Brendan Asking Aditya how he managed to write a Business book about the Harry Potter characters.
• [03:10] Aditya gives a quick description of his credentials and career.
• [04:22] Aditya explains how he teaches the different leadership styles to his MBA students.
• [05:18] Is there a particular approach when you think about how I want to teach leadership as it ties into Rowling's books and plots and characters?
• [07:00] Aditya explains how he sorted leadership qualities and traits from the different characters in the Harry Potter novels. 
• [08:47] Brendan asks Aditya if his book only focused on the main character or also included all other characters, including ministry staff, teachers, and elves. 
• [10:37] Ad break-  Our veterinary leadership program
• [12:34] Aditya explains how he picked up leadership traits of various characters through moments and events described in the novels.
• [14:00] Self-leadership based on the Harry Potter series.
• [15:29] Aditya talks about his leadership style of Dumbledore and its shortcomings.
• [20:30] Are there characters who do not become leaders yet they exhibit leadership traits?
• [23:34] The End.

Tracy is a seasoned practice administrator having served as a practice Administrator at Wimberley Veterinary Clinic for more than 31 years. She also currently works as a Managing Partner at T&L Veterinary Business Consulting where she specializes in offering real world solutions to business issues encountered in the veterinary field. With the experience, along with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from Oregon State University, Tracy offers in-depth ideas on how to prevent medical errors and to uphold patient safety at all times. 

Alongside earning the designation of Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, Tracy is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in the state of Texas. She is widely published author and has published pieces in Veterinary Economics, Veterinary Technician, The Veterinary Business Journal (UK), and DVM 360. Tracy is also a well recognized speaker at veterinary conferences across the country. She has spoken at AAEP, Southeast Veterinary Conference, Fetch DVM 360, the Bluegrass Conference and many others. 

In this episode, Tracy reflects on the ‘blame game’ in the veterinary profession and how practices and work environments should provide systems, checklists, and procedures to prevent medical errors, fix mistakes and limit blame.

Episode Outline 

• [00:00] Episode Intro 
• [01:38] An introduction to patient safety from Tracy’s perspective. 
• [03:25] Actions to be taken when a medical error occurs.
• [06:45] Tracy reflects on a case when a medical error occurred and the staff was blamed for it. 
• [09:08] What factors in the Veterinary industry make people blame others whenever an error occurs?
• [12:30] Brendan asks Tracy why systems such as checklist exercises are not instituted everywhere.
• [14:19] Ad Break - Our veterinary leadership program
• [15:47] Tracy talks of the procedures and systems she has recommended to veterinary practices and the pushbacks she often gets. 
• [17:25] Brendan and Tracy discuss Habitual non-compliance, a habit where staff fail to follow key procedures with the assumption that all is well. 
• [19:51] Tracy talks about work environments in regard to system compliance.
• [25:24] Tracy provides criticism on the traditional mantra that fresh graduates will always make mistakes in their early years of practice. 
• [27:10] Does conducting a root-cause analysis require a procedure? 
• [29:20] Tracy speaks on the actions she would first take if she were a new manager at a new or existing practice. 
• [30:31] Episode Outro.
• [31:23] The end. 

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Russ Laraway is a management expert with 28 years of expertise. Before setting foot in the private sector, Russ served as a commander in the Marine Corps. As a Wharton Business School graduate, Russ has served as The Industry Director at Google, Vice President of SMB Business at Twitter, Chief People Officer at Qualtrics, and currently serves as the Chief People Officer at Goodwater Capital. Throughout this period, he has managed 700-person teams and $700M businesses facing a vast array of leadership challenges along the way.

In this episode, Russ talks about mentorship and leadership in management.

Podcast Outline

• [00:00] Podcast Intro 
• [01:15] Brendan asks Russ Laraway if his military experience inflicted his management when ventured into the private sector. 
• [04:48] They discuss differences between management in the military and in the private sector.
• [12:22] Russ talks about how to restore dignity in the management office.
• [18:22] Ad break. Learn more about the Veterinary leadership program. 
• [19:37] The episode resumes with Russ explaining why management fails. 
• [24:49] How to assess a good manager.
• [28:51] Russ talks about the behaviors of bad bosses and how they improve their management.
• [32:00] Outro.
• [33:01] The end.

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Sridhar is an exceptional engineer focused on translating data into revolutionary tech businesses. He is currently the CEO and co-founder of Neeva, an ad-free and deeply personal consumer-focused search service built with privacy at the foundation. As the former head of Google’s advertising business, Sridhar has unparalleled experience leveraging data insights into game-changing infrastructure and is eager to work with entrepreneurs using data at scale to deliver the next generation of consumer and enterprise software.

This conversation with Brendan Howard is centered on the difference between Google and Neeva. Sridhar explains how the algorithm of Neeva functions and how experiencing Ad-free search improves results for the users. 

Podcast Outline

• [00:00] Podcast Intro
• [01:06] Sridhar explains how he came up with the idea of starting an Ad-free search engine.
• [02:21] Sridhar gives an account of his early years at Google.
• [04:32] Brendan asks Sridhar of the differences between Neeva and Google.
• [08:30] Sridhar explains how the Neeva search engine works.
• [11:45] Ad break - Join our veterinary leadership program.
• [13:00] Brendan asks Sridhar if the people would still choose results based on their feelings and emotions even when they use Neeva search engine.
• [16:00] What do you balance between what the public wants and what is actually meaningful to them?
• [18:00] Brendan and Sridhar discuss the difference in the usefulness of the results from Google and Neeva.
• [22:00] When was Neeva introduced to the public?
• [23:10] Sridhar talks about what has surprised him the most since launching Neeva.
• [25:44] Are there people who would still not prefer Neeva?
• [26:35] Episode outro.
• [27:17] The end.

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If you are interested in starting your practice firm in the veterinary field, whether you are a practitioner or not, then this episode is for you. In the episode, our seasoned resident asker of questions, Brendan Howard, sits with Stith Keiser to discuss the props and meaningful insights involved in starting a veterinary business. 

Stith is a seasoned business leader having graduated from Hope College with a B.A. in Business Management and Finance. He has previously served as the CEO of MyVeterinaryCareer, Business Manager at The American Animal Hospital Association, Adjunct Faculty at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, CEO of Blue Heron Consulting, and Founder & COO of Inspire Veterinary Partners. He currently serves as a partner at the Northwest Animal Hospital, a Learning Facilitator at Colorado State University, and at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. 

In this episode, Stith gives an account of his upbringing and how it shaped his career choice. He also illuminates on the challenges many people face in starting and running a successful veterinary business. 

This is an eye-opening episode worth your time. 

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode Intro 
• [01:08] Stith Keiser gives a summary of his upbringing and how he ended up in the veterinarian business
• [04:24] Brendan asks Keiser if he was sure that after four years in a business school, he would still run his family’s veterinarian business.
• [05:30] Stith Keiser describes his career path just before and after graduating from the University.
• [08:12] Stith Keiser explains his career progress after taking a temporary job in the management and consulting field. 
• [10:18] Brendan asks Stith to explain how the first company he founded moved into practice ownership and more.
• [14:30] Stith talks about how he shifted career fields before starting his practice firm. 
• [17:44] Ad break. Learn more about our veterinary leadership program.
• [19:00] The episode resumes with Brendan asking Stith about his feelings when talking to people in the consulting field.
• [22:12] Stith talks about the barriers students face in owning their practice firms.
• [27:42] Brendan asks Stith if staffing is one of the reasons people shy away from owning a veterinarian business.
• [32:55] Brendan asks Stith if finding a good practice manager is important to the success of a veterinary business.
• [35:19] Outro Ad
• [36:09] The end

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Kyle Klement is a specialist in Digital Marketing Strategy, Business Development, Team Leadership, Prospecting, Networking, and Helping Business Owners. He is the CEO and co-founder of The VET Marketing Firm and has previously served as the president of Klemtek Media and as the Vice President of SSD. 

In this episode, Kyle Klement discusses the importance of digital marketing and how the veterinary business can gain from it. He also talks about review algorithms and how businesses can get authentic reviews from clients. 

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Episode Intro 
• [01:38] Why do we have to worry about marketing and advertising right now? 
• [02:30] Kyle Klement explains the importance of marketing in getting and retaining top talent at the company 
• [05:00] What are the things that veterinary business owners/managers should pay attention to even when they are busy?
• [07:50] Importance of reviews in digital marketing
• [10:50] How to get the reviews with relevant keywords from clients
• [13:22] How Kyle Klement drives authentic reviews from clients
• [17:13] Ad break. Learn more about the Veterinary leadership program 
• [18:45] How often do you get people who already know the reason as to why they need to market their veterinary business more and how often do you educate people on the importance of reviews?
• [22:36] How to track marketing progress
• [24:58] Elements to look at when assessing marketing success
• [30: 19] Kyle explains how people should best invest in marketing practices
• [33:50] Kyle and Brendan talk about paid ads
• [34:33] Episode outro
• [35:33] The end.