The Veterinary Leadership Success Show (By Dr Dave Nicol)

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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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This week's episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show is bought to you by host Brendan Howard, and guest Dr. Isolde Baylor, a veterinarian, Mother, athlete, and photographer.

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.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success podcast. In this episode, host Dr. Dave Nicol, a veterinarian and leadership expert, takes you on a journey into the delicate balance between technology integration and the customer experience within veterinary practice. Driven by recent personal experience, Dr. Nicol dissects the pitfalls that can arise when technology is adopted without a comprehensive strategy.

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

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.

Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Murray Jelinski, a professor and Alberta chair in beef cattle health and production Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Canada. 

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.

End-of-life specialist veterinarian, Dr. Kathleen Cooney, joins Brendan Howard in this week's episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show.

Kathy graduated from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004 and went on to specialize in advanced end-of-life pet care in 2006. Seeing the need for comfortable, in-home services for all types of companion animals, Kathy went on the launch Home to Heaven, an in-home euthanasia service in Colorado. Home to Heaven was “one of the world’s first exclusive euthanasia companies, which later included hospice and palliative care for animals”. Dr. Cooney went on to sell Home to Heaven in late 2016 and in 2017 founded the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA).

CAETA is an organization that aims to provide ‘better euthanasia experiences’ through onsite or online education, where participants access coursework and instructors to help them understand how best to deliver and handle euthanasia processes. 

Dr. Kathleen is well recognized in the veterinary community for her contributions surrounding animal euthanasia and has collaborated in training for numerous organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Fear Free program. She has also written two books ‘In-Home Pet Euthanasia Techniques: The Veterinarian's Guide to Helping Families and Their Pets Say Goodbye in the Comfort of Home’ and ‘Veterinary Euthanasia Techniques’.

During this episode, Dr. Kathleen Cooney discusses how and why she got into specializing in euthanasia and gives advice on how best to handle euthanasias in practice.

This week, host Brendan Howard is joined by the owner of PAW Consulting, president of Simple Solutions for Vets, and author of the E myth veterinarian, Dr. Peter Weinstein. 

Peter has had a rich, varied and successful career based in Southern California. He is a graduate of Cornell University and got his veterinary degree from the University of Illinois. After graduation, Peter worked as an associate for three years before opening his own practice.

Whilst running his practice Peter, learned the hard way that it takes way more than just a love of animals to run a successful hospital and so while managing and practicing full time, he attended the University of Redlands to receive his MBA. Undertaking his MBA had a massive positive impact on his trajectory and helped his practice ‘take off’. 

Following the success of his practice, Dr. Peter "segway-ed" out of clinical practice and into the land of politics and business consulting. Peter went on to serve as the President and Executive Director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, President of the California Veterinary Medical Association, and is a Past-President of VetPartners in the US.

Currently, Peter provides small business and corporate consulting services at PAW Consulting. He is also the Executive Director for the Southern California VMA, Co-author of “The EMyth Veterinarian- Why Most Veterinary Practices Don’t Work and What to Do About It”, and president of Simple Solutions for Vets. 

Tune in to learn a bit more about what ‘e myth’ veterinary is, and how you can apply this and systems to help your practice run smoothly. 

Outline of this episode:

• [01:19] The episode begins with Brendan asking Dr. Peter how it all started. 
• [03:55] Peter recalls the time he began working with Michael Gerber.
• [06:55] How are veterinary clinics the same (or different) from other businesses?
• [09:30] What happens if employees don’t want systems in place?
• [11:15] Ad break - join our Leaders community. 
• [12:35] The episode resumes with Brendan asking Peter, what e myth helped him with when he was a practice owner. 
• [15:27] Brendan asks if the breakdown is management not putting systems in place or employees not following systems. 
• [17:30] Are systems constantly adapting or set in place?
• [20:44] Is there a time when team members are against systems?
• [23:50] How does e myth make you think about systems? 
• [27:10] How can leaders keep their mission going?
• [29:00] The episode comes to an end.

Veterinary specialist, speaker, consultant, and mental health & wellbeing advocate, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk joins host Brendan Howard in this week's episode of the veterinary business success show. 

Dr. Marie's pathway into veterinary medicine started at a young age, as she grew up working in her mother's companion animal clinic in Canada. Before being accepted into veterinary school, Marie had already worked as a kennel cleaner, receptionist, technician’s assistant, and veterinary assistant! However, despite her upbringing in general practice and love for it, Dr. Marie always felt like she had a calling for more. 

After graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2004, Marie moved to the USA where she discovered her love of emergency and critical care. Following this passion, Marie went on to qualify as a board-certified specialist in small animal emergency and critical care from North Carolina State University in 2008. This love of emergency medicine, combined with Marie’s passion for teaching led to her accepting a teaching position as the Assistant Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College. Marie stayed in this role for 5 years before moving to Calgary in 2014 to continue to practice small animal emergency and critical care whilst also locuming and volunteering on several committees.

However, despite doing what she loved, Marie still found herself burnt out and after getting into a car accident, Marie realized she needed a change. Instead, Marie put more of her energy into her personal and professional wellbeing. She obtained her Compassion Fatigue Training from the University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Social Work, completed a Mental Health First Aid Training with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and gained her 200-hour yoga teacher training qualification. 

Now Marie is on a mission to change the pathway in veterinary medicine by raising awareness about mental health and wellbeing within the profession. Listen in to learn a little bit more about Dr. Marie Holowaychuk and how she could give you the tools to develop your wellbeing. 

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success podcast! In this engaging session, your host, veterinarian, and seasoned leadership expert Dr. Dave Nicol, delves into the crucial topic of crafting values within your veterinary practice. As a dedicated practice owner or manager, you'll discover the power of values in creating a harmonious and thriving workplace environment.

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 

• Email
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter

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...

Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. In this episode, we are joined by none other than Dr. Dave Nicol, CEO of VetX International, to discuss how to compete with the incredibly high sign-on bonuses for veterinarians.

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

Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. In today's episode, Brendan Howard is joined by Christina Wojtowicz - a decorated attorney and mediator. Brendan and Christina talk about conflicts among staff in veterinary clinics and the professional ways of resolving such conflicts.  

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.

Sign up to Leaders to access the extended version of this podcast.

Connect with Christina Wojtowicz

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook 

Episode Description

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...

Episode Description 

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 

Episode Description

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."

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...

Equine veterinarian, associate professor, and veterinary consultant Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian joins Brendan Howard in this week's episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show.

Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian gained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Since then she has made a name for herself as an established equine veterinarian and has successfully run her own equine ambulatory practice since 2013 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since opening the practice, Dr. Zeytoonian has expanded her business to include 5 doctors across two locations. 

As an experienced veterinarian and practice owner, Kelly experienced the trials and tribulations of leadership in veterinary medicine and decided to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration, which she completed in 2020. Utilizing her Master’s, and experience, Kelly founded Starwood Veterinary Consulting, Inc in 2020 - a company that helps empower veterinarians and technicians to create and maintain a healthy career and culture. 

Alongside her work as a practice owner, and veterinary consultant, Dr. Kelly is also a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, is on the Board of Directors of The Northern California Association of Equine Practitioners, and has been an associate professor at Foothill-De Anza Community College since 2016.

In this episode, Dr. Kelly talks about the struggles of work-life balance as an equine practitioner, why equine veterans are getting burnt out within the first 5 years of practicing, and how she proposes to overcome this. 

Episode Description

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

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...

In this week's episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show, Brendan Howard is joined by Lisa Sansom to discuss positive psychology and its effect on the efficiency of individuals and teams as a whole. We hear the importance of positive psychology and how to form habits that lead to it. 

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.

Sign up to Leaders to access the extended version of this podcast. 

Connect with Lisa Sansom

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Email

In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, we’re joined by Tom Seeko, a financial advisor, podcast host, and the Co-Founder of Florida Veterinary Advisors, which works with veterinarians and practice owners across the United States, helping them with the next step in their financial plan.

Tom’s focus within the Veterinary field started in 2014 and became approved to provide continuing education in the state of Florida in 2017. To reach more people, he became an approved RACE provider through the AAVSB in early 2018. Currently, Tom and his team are involved in several associations in the state of Florida, VetPartners, and the VBMA (Veterinary Business Management Association), which provides students in the Veterinary field with resources and access to professionals to help them with solid advice to jump-start their career.

In this episode, Tom Seeko talks about you can make the right financial decision by stopping and taking a holistic at the whole picture and the financial knowledge of the people who come to seek help at Florida Veterinary Advisors. He also shares some insights on the special mindset of owning a business and the biggest barrier to the veterinary community.

Episode Outline:

• [00:00] Intro
• [01:24] The kind of financial services and advice Tom Seeko gives to veterinary professionals
• [05:21] The financial knowledge of the people who came to seek help at Florida Veterinary Advisors
• [06:30] The reasons for planning
• [07:41] Making the right financial decision by stopping and taking a holistic look at the whole picture
• [10:26] The difference between a veterinarian's financial knowledge and that of other professionals
• [11:47] The biggest barrier to the veterinary community
• [12:38] Focusing on the short-term and the long-term goal without getting overwhelmed
• [12:55] The scarcity mindset versus a realistic view of tough decisions
• [19:15] Ad break- learn more
• [20:53] People are afraid of debt
• [23:17] The resistance that people have to finances
• [25:00] Practising ownership
• [26:04] The unique mindset of owning a business
• [31:23] The scary part for a lot of people wanting to be business owners
• [32:36] Tips for other veterinarians

This podcast is intended for general public use. By providing this content, Park Avenue Securities LLC and your financial representative are not undertaking to provide investment advice or make a recommendation for a specific individual or situation, or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Veterinary Business Success Show is not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Florida Veterinary Advisors, and opinions stated are their own. Guardian and its subsidiaries do not issue or advise with regard to student loans. Tom is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Florida Veterinary Advisors is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.  California Insurance License #0K79676. Florida Veterinary Advisors is not registered in any state or with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a Registered Investment Advisor.  The individuals associated with Florida Veterinary Advisors do not maintain specialized licenses or qualifications for the financial services provided to veterinary professionals. 2022-141088 Exp 7/24.

In this week's episode of ‘The Veterinary Business Success Show’, host Brendan Howard is joined by author, speaker, thought leader, and speech coach, Samara Bay. 

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.

In today’s episode, Brendan Howard is Joined by Dr Olivia Oginska to discuss the fundamentals of emotional intelligence and its importance to team relations and the organization at large. 

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

Sign up to Leaders to access the extended version of this podcast. 

Connect with Dr Olivia

Email

Website

LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. In this episode, our host Brendan Howard is joined by Aimee St. Arnaud and Heather Cammisa to discuss payment plans and their impact on the client. 

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.

Sign up to Leaders to access the extended version of this podcast. 

Connect with Aimee

Website

Email 

LinkedIn

Connect with Heather

Website

Email

LinkedIn

Veterinarian, author, co-founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, and lover of all old, and grey furry friends, Dr. Mary Gardner, joins Brendan Howard in this week's episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show. 

Dr. Mary Gardner took an untraditional route into veterinary medicine. As a self-proclaimed ‘second career’ vet, Dr. Mary Gardner started her professional career in enterprise-wide software design, implementation, and marketing. However, after nearly a decade, Mary felt the need for a change and enrolled in the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2008. 

After a few years of working in general practice, Dr. Mary found her niche… A love for geriatric and terminally ill pets and so in 2010, co-founded ‘Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice’ - a nationwide practice whose 120+ veterinarians provide in-home hospice, euthanasia, and end-of-life care where alongside her veterinarian duties, Mary is responsible for the invention and development company’s proprietary software.

Alongside Dr. Mary’s work as a veterinarian and co-founder, Mary is also the author of ‘It’s Never Long Enough: Treatment and Care for the Geriatric Veterinary Patient’ and a global speaker. Dr. Mary has traveled around the world speaking about geriatric medicine, assessing the quality of life, veterinary hospice, euthanasia, and caregiver burden, and in 2020 was voted VMX Small Animal Speaker of the year!

Tune in to learn more about the importance of geriatric care, why is there a lack of knowledge, and how could your veterinary practice support their clients in knowing when is the best time to say goodbye. 

In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, Brendan Howard holds a discussion with Krista Magnifico on her recent animal rescue mission trip to Ukraine. 

Dr. Magnifico earned her veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. From vet school, she bought a veterinary clinic in northern Maryland where she practiced surgery for cats and dogs. After seven years in general practice and successfully growing her practice, Krista envisioned a world where pet care was more widely accessible to pet owners without concern for their geography or economic status; with this vision, she founded Pawbly, an organization that partners with other organizations in helping animals find people to care for them. 

Before getting into veterinary medicine, Krista was a merchant mariner and after graduating from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, she sailed for 10 years as Chief Mate of cable-laying ocean-going vessels!

Along with the hundreds of homeless and abandoned animals that Krista helps rescue each year, she shares her home with her three dogs (Jeckyl, Charlie, and Savannah), three cats (Wren, Oriole, and Magpie), and a pot-bellied pig named Strawberry. On the rare occasion that she’s not helping an animal in need, Krista can be found antiquing all around Northern Maryland and Pennsylvania.

In this episode, Dr. Magnifico narrates how her urge to save animals led her to the war-torn country of Ukraine. She shares her experience from how she prepared for the trip to the day she landed in Romania to when she finally arrived at her designated animal shelter in Ukraine. 

This episode provides a deep insight into the animal situation in Ukraine and how veterinarians and other volunteers can team up to offer assistance.

Podcast Outline

• [00:00] Podcast Intro
• [01:05] Brendan asks: Why and when did you decide to go to Ukraine?
• [06:33] Krista Magnifico explains why she chose to directly assist in the crises. 
• [06:54] Brendan asks: What were your expectations before you landed? Brendan Howard also asks Krista to describe her experience working with the people she met who were also working with the animals.
• [08:45] Krista explains her feelings about the safety of her stay in Romania or Ukraine.
• [09:35] Brendon asks Krista to give her experience when she first landed at the airport in Romania and her trip from there to Ukraine
• [12:55] Krista describes how she felt as her friend, who had come to pick her up from the airport, narrated his experiences in Ukraine. 
• [14:27] Krista narrates her first encounter with an animal in Ukraine which was a large docile grizzly bear and a wolf. 
• [16:45] Krista explains how she felt when her friend asked to go back to the airport in Romania as they were on transit to Ukraine.
• [17:56] Brendan asks: Did you contemplate going back with her?
• [18:38] Krista narrates the events that transpired after rescuing the wolf and the Bear.
• [20:59] Krista likes her first impression of Ukraine with Israel.
• [21:42] Brendan asks, was it how you imagined?
• [24:37] Krista explains how the years she spent in the sea assisted her cope up with the events in Ukraine.
• [25:40] Ad break - join Leaders.
• [26:56] The podcast resumes with Brendan asking Krista about the first 24 hours of her arrival.
• [29:29] Brendan asks: What was it like for the animals when you finally settled at the station?
• [31:00] Brendan asks Krista to describe how all the animals at the station were kept. 
• [32:21] What was the purpose of spaying and neutering?
• [33:40] Krista and Brendan discuss some of the Ukrainian rules that had to be broken so as to...

Episode Description

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.

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.

Episode Description

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 

• Email
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter

Mentioned in this...

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, Dr. Dave Nicol is joined by co-founder, financial advisor, and podcast host, Tom Seeko from Florida Veterinary Advisors. They discuss the importance of bringing on people whose personalities mesh with your business culture to set yourself up for success. Tom Seeko, shares insights as an official business financial guide and qualified financial advisor. Tune in for practical tips on leadership in the veterinary profession and creating a workplace where both people and pets can thrive.

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/

Mentioned in this episode:

Mentioned in this episode:

Are you finding it impossible to carve out time for leadership tasks in your veterinary practice? Do you feel like you’re always putting out fires instead of leading your team? You're not alone. Many practice owners face the challenge of balancing clinical work with the demands of leadership, often leaving little time to work on the business rather than just in it. The Veterinary Leadership Academy is here to help. Our program is designed specifically for busy practice owners like you. We teach you how to streamline your operations, delegate effectively, and make time for the leadership tasks that drive growth. With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll get practical advice on managing your time and staying on track. The course is online, accredited, and ready for your application. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy to learn more. Stop letting time slip away and start leading your practice with intention. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy today.

Marketing is a common practice in most veterinary businesses. However, the majority of veterinary businesses are yet to fully take advantage of digital marketing. In this episode, our host, Brendan Howard, sits with Kyle Klement to discuss key points managers and owners of veterinary practices need to know so as to maximize the full potential of digital marketing. 

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.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, Dr. Dave Nicol is joined once again by leadership expert Dr. Peter Weinstein for a rapid-fire challenge: sharing 10 essential leadership lessons in just 10 minutes.

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

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode?

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

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, we’re joined by veterinary instruction designer, Ori Scislowicz.

Ori has been in and out of the veterinary industry, and now she’s back in as an Education Development Specialist at Patterson Veterinary Supply. Armed with HR, PR, sales, and marketing insights carried over from her previous career, Ori’s return to vet med has given her a newfound sense of “endless creativity”.

Listen in as Ori explains why your onboarding and training might be a problem. She gives some first steps and broader about the roadblocks to new hires feeling well-trained, well-supported, and well on their way on a ladder of success and promotion at your veterinary practice.

Outline of this episode:

• [01:17] Ori shares her “weird” career trajectory which gave her new insight back to vet med.
• [04:47] Incorporating sales, public relations, and marketing principles in vet med.
• [07:07] Ori reveals where onboarding typically falls short.
• [10:47] Ad break - Join our veterinary leadership program.
• [12:03] The first step to consider when planning your onboarding process.
• [15:34] Common mistakes made in the first draft of the phase training list.
• [18:54] What first wall is typically encountered when implementing phase training?
• [21:45] How to get your people to buy into the new onboarding process.
• [25:43] How to fire someone tactfully.
• [29:09] How phase training has resulted in a better onboarding process Patterson.
• [31:36] The episode wraps up.

To access the extended version of the episode, sign up to our Leaders course.

End-of-life specialist veterinarian, Dr. Kathleen Cooney is back again for another episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show. Dr. Kathleen recently joined host Brendan Howard for an episode where she discussed successful euthanasia businesses. This week, she’s back again to teach us where euthanasia after-care falls short. 

For those of you who don’t know Kathleen, Kathy graduated from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004 and went on to specialize in advanced end-of-life pet care in 2006. Seeing the need for comfortable, in-home services for all types of companion animals, Kathy went on the launch Home to Heaven, an in-home euthanasia service in Colorado. Home to Heaven was “one of the world’s first exclusive euthanasia companies, which later included hospice and palliative care for animals”. Dr. Cooney went on to sell Home to Heaven in late 2016 and in 2017 founded the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA).

CAETA is an organization that aims to provide ‘better euthanasia experiences’ through onsite or online education, where participants access coursework and instructors to help them understand how best to deliver and handle euthanasia processes. 

Dr. Kathleen is well recognized in the veterinary community for her contributions surrounding animal euthanasia and has collaborated in training for numerous organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Fear Free program. She has also written two books ‘In-Home Pet Euthanasia Techniques: The Veterinarian's Guide to Helping Families and Their Pets Say Goodbye in the Comfort of Home’ and ‘Veterinary Euthanasia Techniques’.

During this episode, Dr. Kathleen Cooney discusses where euthanasia after-care falls short. 

In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, we learn how to keep your practice safe with veterinary IT guru Joe Axne. 

Joe Axne founded his company I.T. Guru in 2007, however it wasn’t until 2012 that Joe recognized the tremendous unmet need for IT support and guidance in the veterinary field. Since then Joe has been making a name for his brand in the veterinary industry and is now “one of the nation’s most respected and trusted IT support vendors in the veterinary industry”. At I.T. Guru, their mission is to educate veterinary practices on their setup and maintenance of IT infrastructure by consistently developing best practices and security measures for Veterinary Hospitals and Clinics.

In this episode, Joe gives us the rundown on what ransomware and malware are and why you need to protect your practice from them. With over 20+ years of experience in IT as well as over 10 years specializing in veterinary IT, he truly is the ‘know it all man’ when it comes to veterinary I.T. 

Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. In this episode, Brendan Howard is joined by Jordan Porter to discuss the importance of two things: excellent communication, and relaying information to pet parents before any tests and procedures are conducted.

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 today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, we are joined by Russ Laraway to discuss the essentials of effective management in the veterinary business and beyond. 

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.

Sign up to Leaders to access the extended version of this podcast. 

In this episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show, we had the pleasure of interviewing Steven Eidelman and Dr. Christie Long from Modern Animal, a de novo practice group with locations in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and soon in Austin, Texas. They shared their insights on the importance of transparency, intentional design, and community building in the veterinary industry.

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...

The only thing certain is change, so what changes will allow you to continue to grow a thriving practice?

In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, we’re joined by Portia A. Stewart, former editor at First Line, and perpetual advocate of veterinary team members, and creativity consultant.

Portia Stewart has spent 19 years working in companion animal health media. As well as being the former editor of Firstline magazine, aforementioned, she is also the former Team Channel Director for dvm360 and vice president of content and a content strategy director. Portia has over 20 years of media experience that includes leading creative teams through digital and data transformations. She leverages data-driven insights to help teams develop products that delight and engage audiences. 

Portia launched her business Mind Full Creatives in 2021 to help businesses sync their investments in innovation to their revenue. 

In this episode, Portia wants you to start thinking about how you can create the right environment to get the right ideas for change—by asking for ideas in the right way, experimenting with those ideas, and putting the right resources in place to turn those ideas into reality.

Outline of this episode:

• [01:17] Portia shares her journey.
• [04:48] How creativity works in smaller companies versus larger, established ones.
• [07:04] Selling pet health as opposed to individual products or services.
• [13:07] Breaking down the vision you have for your business into milestones.
• [16:30] Ad break - Our veterinary leadership program.
• [17:46] Divergent thinking versus convergent thinking.
• [20:28] Best practices when conducting future-proofing sessions.
• [24:12] A different way to think of “failure”.
• [25:49] Baby steps that any company can take to start future-proofing their business today.
• [28:28] The benefits of “questionstorm” sessions.
• [31:15] The episode wraps up.

Sign up to Leaders to access the extended version of this podcast. 

Welcome to the Veterinary Leadership Success podcast, the go-to show for veterinary practice owners and managers striving to be the leaders their teams deserve. Hosted by veterinarian and leadership expert, Dr. Dave Nicol, this podcast dives deep into the critical topics of veterinary team leadership.

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

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...

Petfood specialist, Debbie Phillips-Donaldson joins host, Brendan Howard, in this week's episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show.

Debbie Phillips-Donaldson is editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry, directing all content for the magazine, PetfoodIndustry.com, e-newsletters, Petfood Forum conferences, and related media and publications. She has been in the industry and with Watt Global Media, the parent company of Petfood Industry, since 2006.

Previously she worked for 13 years at pet publisher BowTie Inc. as editor of Cat Fancy magazine, new product manager, and editorial vice president. She also served for five-and-a-half years as editor of Quality Progress magazine with the American Society for Quality. She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

In the episode, Debbie discusses all things pet food-related - from sustainability and trends, to the humanization of dog food. What do veterinary clients really think about? Tune in to find out. 

Do you have a geriatric cat? Have you noticed any changes in their behavior or health? In this episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show, Brendan had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Mary Gardner about her new book "Nine Lives Are Not Enough: A Practical Guide to Caring for Your Geriatric Cat". The two discussed the importance of recognizing and addressing the health issues of older cats, and the need for better communication between pet owners and veterinarians regarding the care of geriatric cats.

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

In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, we’re joined by locum RVT Julie Kerr. 

Julie Kerr is a Registered Veterinary Technologist based in Whitehorse Yukon, licensed with British Columbia and Alberta VTA’s. She is an alumnus of Saskatchewan Polytechnic where she graduated in 2012 having successfully taken a two-year veterinary technology program. 

In this Episode, Julie speaks about her career as an RVT and why she decided to become a locum practitioner. She describes the challenges she experienced during her early years of practice.

If you have been interested in learning the strengths associated with being a veterinarian on locum terms, then this episode is for you. 

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Intro
• [01:04] Brendan starts the episode by asking Julie Kerr why she became a vet tech. 
• [1:52] Did you always love animals?
• [03:03] Brendan asks Julie whether she is an RVT or LVT.
• [03:17] Julie explains how and why she decided to join SaaS.
• [04:08] Julie responds to Brendan’s question on what she likes about Yukon.
• [05:21] Julie describes Saskatchewan, the area she grew up in. 
• [05:59] Julie describes her program in school.
• [06:48] How did the client-patient mix differ from that of the work you do now in the Yukon?
• [07:28] Are Yukon clients different from those in Saskatchewan?
• [08:45] Julie explains how one gets a job as a Technician in the Yukon.
• [10:02] Julie Kerr describes how she figured out who would pay her on locum.
• [11:18] What does burnout feel like to you?
• [15:11] Was there a period of time where you said where you got out of veterinary practice and so you weren't working as a technician?
• [18:27] Ad break. Click here to learn more about our leadership program.
• [19:43] Julie explains what happened after she set her working standards in her new role.
• [26:53] Julie and Brendan discuss the experience of Julie working for six months in a musician-tour-like manner.
• [27:53] Julie discusses the difficulty of being a locum RVT.
• [29:49] Julie and Brendan discuss the networking strength of locum and customizing a website as her online resume.
• [34:11] Julie gives advice to other RVTs who wish to follow her path.
• [38:06] Outro.
• [38:45] The episode wraps up.

Sign up to Leaders to access the extended version of this podcast.

Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. In this episode, our host Brendan Howard is joined by Robert Peake to discuss the five key steps to better work management as described in the book “Getting Things Done” (GTD) by David Allen.

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.

Our first 'The Veterinary Business Success Show' of 2023 kicks off with a distinguished animal master groomer from Philadelphia, Helen Schaefer.

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.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Podcast, Dr. Dave Nicol is joined by mentor and friend, Nancy Slessenger, discussing the importance of identifying triggers and creating a plan to manage them effectively. The conversation touches on leadership in veterinary practices and includes valuable insights and practical tips on leadership in the veterinary profession.

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 

Episode Description 

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

This week on The Veterinary Business Success Show, communication expert, Jim Bolton, joins host, Brendan Howard. 

Jim’s experience in communication began at a young age, with both his parents founding Ridge Training (a US-based firm that improves business and personal relationships through skillful communication). Both his parents have also published books dedicated to improving communication skills within the workplace, including his father’s, Robert Bolton’s, well-known book, ‘People Skills’. 

Now as the president and owner of Ridge, Jim is on his own mission to consult business leaders to build high-candor cultures in their organizations.

In this episode, Brendan quizzes Jim on different ways to approach communication in a veterinary practice including what it’s meant by psychological safety and situational leadership.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, we’re shaking things up with a fresh format, bringing you real-life insights straight from the front lines. You’ll hear from veterinary leaders navigating their own leadership journeys, sharing the raw, unfiltered stories of their wins, challenges, and ‘aha’ moments.

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...

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, Dr. Dave Nicol dives into one of the most pressing questions faced by veterinary leaders: "How on earth do you find an extra half an hour every week to do a one-on-one meeting with every team member and not go mad?" After his 25 years of running and coaching veterinary practices to success, Dr. Dave understands the struggle of balancing clinical duties with leadership responsibilities and offers his insights on why these meetings are crucial for performance management. 

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Mentioned in this episode:

Are you finding it impossible to carve out time for leadership tasks in your veterinary practice? Do you feel like you’re always putting out fires instead of leading your team? You're not alone. Many practice owners face the challenge of balancing clinical work with the demands of leadership, often leaving little time to work on the business rather than just in it. The Veterinary Leadership Academy is here to help. Our program is designed specifically for busy practice owners like you. We teach you how to streamline your operations, delegate effectively, and make time for the leadership tasks that drive growth. With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll get practical advice on managing your time and staying on track. The course is online, accredited, and ready for your application. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy to learn more. Stop letting time slip away and start leading your practice with intention. Visit

Episode Description

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

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...

In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, we’re joined by Sridhar Ramaswamy to discuss alternatives to Google.

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.

Sign up to Leaders to access the extended version of this podcast. 

In this week’s Veterinary Leadership Success Show, host Dr. Dave Nicol is joined by Dr. Peter Weinstein. They discuss crucial aspects of efficient processes and productivity within veterinary practice, the importance of both visionary and performance-based leadership, and the goal of creating a workplace where both people and pets can prosper. Dr. Peter Weinstein offers critical insights on optimizing practice efficiency, allowing veterinarians to focus on their primary functions and enhancing overall productivity and effectiveness.

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/

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.

In this 100th episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, we dive into a common yet critical question for veterinary leaders: should you promote from within your team or hire externally for a new role? This decision can significantly impact your practice's culture, efficiency, and overall success. I’ll share my insights on evaluating your practice’s current state, the team dynamics, and the pros and cons of both approaches. Whether you're dealing with a vacancy or planning for future growth, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to make informed and strategic hiring decisions.

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Mentioned in this episode:

Are you finding it impossible to carve out time for leadership tasks in your veterinary practice? Do you feel like you’re always putting out fires instead of leading your team? You're not alone. Many practice owners face the challenge of balancing clinical work with the demands of leadership, often leaving little time to work on the business rather than just in it. The Veterinary Leadership Academy is here to help. Our program is designed specifically for busy practice owners like you. We teach you how to streamline your operations, delegate effectively, and make time for the leadership tasks that drive growth. With weekly group coaching...

Patient safety is presumably one of the top priorities in every medical setting. However, errors still occur despite various measures put in place by the clinic management. In today’s The Veterinary Business Success Sho, Brendan Howard is joined by Tracy Sheffield to discuss proper ways of increasing patient safety and the benefits associated with such practices. 

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. 

Sign up to Leaders to access the extended version of this podcast. 

Episode Description 

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 

In this week’s Veterinary Leadership Success Show, host Dr. Dave Nicol is joined by Dr. Matt Spiegle. Following a varied career path so far, Dr. Matt has taken the decision to get back into practice, but this time, as an owner.

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/ 

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.

Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, hosted by Dr. Dave Nicol. In this episode, the show explores the concept of values and their significance in our lives. The host dives into the definition of values, describing them as the defining beliefs deep at our core that determine our behaviors and interactions with the world around us.

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
• Instagram
• Twitter

In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, Brendan Howard is joined by Dr. Liz Barton to discuss how Micro-Learning can improve knowledge gain and retention in the veterinary field and beyond. 

Liz 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; a 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. 

In this episode, Liz articulates her findings from the white paper she published. She compares the traditional model of learning to the modern way. According to her, the modern model of learning allows people to gain and retain more knowledge compared to the former. She breaks down the model into three forms- on-job learning, social interaction, and educational events. 

Listen in to learn more about Liz Barton’s Ideas and how they can improve your Vet practice.

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Intro 
• [01:03] Brendan asks ‘What was your education like before you started this paper? What experience did you bring?’
• [03:10] Liz Barton gives the differences between the various types of learning and their effect on knowledge retention.
• [05:10] Liz gives her work-in-practice experience and its effect on her learning habit.
• [07:55] Explanation of how the learning and development model changed now from the one used in the 90s? 
• [10:56] Liz talks about the flip side of the micro-learning model of acquiring knowledge.
• [12:50] Ad break. Learn More
• [14:10] The episode resumes with Brendon asking how the specific goals of the learning model differ for different kinds of learners. 
• [17:46] Does micro-learning create stronger learning goals among learners?
• [19:43] Brendon and Liz discuss how the adult human brain needs periodical breaks when learning.
• [22:42] Liz explains how micro-learning improves Vet CT in the various specializations in the Veterinary field. 
• [26:39] Brendan asks ‘Do your specialists have a chance to teach?’ 
• [28:38] Closing Ad
• [29:22] The end. Learn More

In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, Brendan Howard interviews emotional intelligence expert, Karla McLaren. 

Karla has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Science from California State University where she excelled with a GPA of 4.0. In 2014, she graduated from Sonoma State University with a Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction. 

Karla McLaren, M.Ed. is an award-winning author, social science researcher, and pioneering educator whose empathic approach to emotions revalues even the most “negative” emotions and opens startling new pathways into self-awareness, effective communication, and healthy empathy. She is the founder and CEO of Emotion Dynamics LLC and EmpathyAcademy.org.

She is the author of Embracing Anxiety: How to Access the Genius of This Vital Emotion (2020), The Dynamic Emotional Integration Workbook (2018), (with Janja Lalich, PhD) of Escaping Utopia: Growing Up in a Cult, Getting Out, and Starting Over (Routledge 2017), The Art of Empathy: A Complete Guide to Life’s Most Essential Skill (2013), The Language of Emotions: What Your Feelings are Trying to Tell You (2010), and her most recent book, The Power of Emotions at Workplace (2021).

In this Episode, Karla McLaren dives into the depths of emotional intelligence in the workplace and other social settings.

Outline of this Episode:

• [00:00] Intro brief
• [01:21] The podcast starts with Brendan asking Karla McLaren how she has managed to write about emotions for so many years now
• [02:16] Karla McLaren explains how she learned about emotions from Animals
• [03:55] Karla McLaren and Brendan discuss the neurological explanation of human emotions
• [05:12] McLaren expounds on the relationship between emotions, anxiety, and intelligence. 
• [07:15] How did the book Power of Emotions at Work come about? Brendan asks McLaren to explain how and why she decided to write the book. 
• [09:45] Karla McLaren explains her ability to read the emotions of people at any workplace
• [11:28] McLaren discusses emotional regulations in the workplace and other social structures. 
• [13:25] Brendan asks McLaren to share her thoughts on why people fear sharing their feeling or discoveries in social settings
• [14:58] McLaren and Brendan joke about the joyous feeling when others lose. 
• [15:19] Ad break- Learn more here
• [16:25] The show resumes McLaren explaining the importance of developing a relevant emotional dictionary in a workplace
• [18:45] McLaren discusses her Emotional Dictionary book
• [21:10] Karla McLaren expounds on emotional intelligence abilities. 
• [23:17] Brendan asks McLaren to share her reflection on a time when she was at a place where there were high emotions and rationality. 
• [28:26] McLaren explains about setting emotional boundaries in workplaces
• [31:20] Which is the first step one should take in improving emotions at the workplace?
• [34:33] Closing Ad
• [35:28] The podcast show comes to an end

To access the extended version of this podcast episode, join our Leaders community.

Leadership is an essential element for the success of any business venture. In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success podcast, Dr. Dave Nicol, a veterinarian and leadership expert, discusses the definition and importance of leadership in veterinary practice. He emphasizes the need for a practical definition of leadership and highlights the process of bringing people together to work towards a shared objective sustainably.  

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 

• Email
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter

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...

In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, Brendan Howard holds a candid conversation with Roger Haston on ‘How People Choose and Perceive Quality of Veterinary Services in Relation to Prices’. 

Roger Haston is an economic expert with over 20 years of experience in various fields, including the veterinary industry. He has previously served as the President at Point Source Consulting, Executive Director at Animal Assistance Foundation, Chief of Analytics at PetSmart Charities, and currently serves as the President at The Institute for Animals. 

In this episode, Roger Haston discusses his thoughts on How People Choose and Perceive Quality of Veterinary Services in Relation to Prices, mostly based on the findings in his research paper Simulation of the effect of low-cost companion animal clinics on the market for veterinary services. Haston explains how the entrance of low-cost clinics in the veterinary field can actually boost the profits of other clinics offering services at a relatively higher rate. 

Episode Outline: 

• [00:00] Introductory Ad
• [02:26] The show starts with Roger Haston giving his thoughts on the fear effect of low-cost services in the market for the veterinary field
• [03:50] What are the simulations you did and what were their results in the research?
• [06:20] Roger Haston explains a third attribute influencing consumer behavior
• [07:50] Brendon asks Haston if, through his simulation, found or assumed that average consumers are price insensitive
• [12:36] Roger Haston explains how low-cost options mean high profits and higher price practices.
• [14:13] Ad Break. Learn More
• [15:29] How does the entrance of non-profit charities affect the veterinary field?
• [20:32] Roger Haston explains profitability differences between veterinary ventures with and those without a specific niche in the market
• [23:00] Can low-cost facilities make profits in low consumer volume areas?
• [25:00] Roger Haston elucidates on the studies he uses to back his thoughts and ideas
• [26:34] Haston explains why it is important for all veterinary ventures, for-profit and non-profit, to create awareness of the need for veterinary services 
• [28:00] Haston provides his contact details
• [28:46] Closing Ad
• [29:26] The end: Join our Leaders community

In this week's episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show, Brendan Howard is joined by Carolyn Coughlin to discuss our inner capacities for strength.

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.

Sign up to Leaders to access the extended version of this podcast. 

Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. In this episode, our host Brendan Howard is joined by Elycia Degenhardt to discuss veterinary education and how best practices can enhance learning and development amongst their employees.

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. 

In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Aditya Simha to discuss leadership traits as exhibited in the popular Harry Potter novels. 

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.

Welcome to the [first] Veterinary Leadership Success Show. Today's show reveals a brand new format, a change in the guard of the presenter and a slightly tweaked name.

"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.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, Dr. Dave Nicol sits down with Dr. Peter Weinstein to tackle a critical issue in veterinary practice: leadership (or the lack of it).

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.

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode?

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Mentioned in this episode:

Is managing conflict and stress within your team becoming a daily struggle? Are strained relationships and unresolved tensions holding your veterinary practice back? For many practice owners, navigating the complexities of team dynamics can be overwhelming. Without the right skills, stress and conflict can quickly escalate, affecting your practice’s culture and performance. At the Veterinary Leadership Academy, we specialize in helping practice owners develop the skills to manage conflict and reduce stress. Our program will teach you effective communication strategies, how to handle difficult conversations, and ways to foster a positive, collaborative team environment. With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll receive ongoing support to address these challenges head-on. The course is fully online, accredited, and...

Are inventory managers the unsung heroes of veterinary clinics? 

Potentially… 

In this week's episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, host Brendan Howard interviews inventory guru, Nicol Clausen.  

Nicole Clausen, CSSGB, CCFP has over 14 years of experience in the veterinary industry with 10 years in small animal practice. She worked her way up from receptionist to Operations Manager in various clinics and understands the intricacies and internal workings of a successful practice. She now is the founder and consultant at Veterinary Care Logistics, a consulting firm specializing in inventory management for veterinary professionals.

Since its inception, Nicole and Veterinary Care Logistics have helped hundreds of veterinary practices, from coast to coast, create sustainable, lasting inventory management strategies in their veterinary practices.

Nicole Clausen is also the founder of the Veterinary Inventory Strategy Network, a community and educational platform dedicated to inventory management, the host of the Inventory Nation Podcast, the founder of Inventory Ally, the first-ever inventory management software for veterinarians, and a regular speaker on inventory management.

In the episode, Nicole discusses the role of an inventory manager, the common concerns and problems with inventory, and how to find help if you need it!

Certified executive coach and former DVM360 Head of Content, Marnette Falley, is back again for another episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show. 

For those of you who don’t know Marnette, she 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 coaches corporate clients to boost employee engagement and help leaders and teams grow into their potential.

In this episode host Brendan Howard, gets advice from Marnette Falley, on practice culture. 

Join us as Marnette goes into detail about what culture is, who in the practice should decide on it, and how can leaders and their employees can maintain a good practice culture.

Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. In this episode, our host Brendan Howard sits with Dr. Jeff Rothstein to discuss business ownership, management, and controlling employee expectation.

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.

Is your team pulling in the same direction, or are you stuck in a tug-of-war?

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Mentioned in this episode:

Are you finding it impossible to carve out time for leadership tasks in your veterinary practice? Do you feel like you’re always putting out fires instead of leading your team? You're not alone. Many practice owners face the challenge of balancing clinical work with the demands of leadership, often leaving little time to work on the business rather than just in it. The Veterinary Leadership Academy is here to help. Our program is designed specifically for busy practice owners like you. We teach you how to streamline your operations, delegate effectively, and make time for the leadership tasks that drive growth. With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll get practical advice on managing your time and staying on track. The course is online, accredited, and ready for your application. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy to learn more. Stop letting time slip away and start leading your practice with intention. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy today.

Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. In this episode, we are joined by Eric Miller - the Co-Owner and Chief Financial Advisor of Econologics Financial Advisors - to discuss financial management in veterinary businesses.

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.

Sign up to Leaders to access the extended version of this podcast. 

Connect with Eric Miller

Website

LinkedIn

Twitter

Episode Description 

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."

Mentioned in this episode:

Today’s show is brought to...

In today's episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, our host - Brendan Howard - sits with Garth Jordan to discuss a new platform where all veterinarians share their ideas on how to improve the mental well-being of staff in the veterinary field. 

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

Sign up to Leaders to access the extended version of this podcast. 

Connect with Garth Jordan 

LinkedIn

Twitter

Website

Thinking of opening your own practice? Don’t let fear hold you back.

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Mentioned in this episode:

Are you finding it impossible to carve out time for leadership tasks in your veterinary practice? Do you feel like you’re always putting out fires instead of leading your team? You're not alone. Many practice owners face the challenge of balancing clinical work with the demands of leadership, often leaving little time to work on the business rather than just in it. The Veterinary Leadership Academy is here to help. Our program is designed specifically for busy practice owners like you. We teach you how to streamline your operations, delegate effectively, and make time for the leadership tasks that drive growth. With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll get practical advice on managing your time and staying on track. The course is online, accredited, and ready for your application. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy to learn more. Stop letting time slip away and start leading your practice with intention. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy today.

Mentioned in this episode:

Is managing conflict and stress within your team becoming a daily struggle? Are strained relationships and unresolved tensions holding your veterinary practice back? For many practice owners, navigating the complexities of team dynamics can be overwhelming. Without the right skills, stress and conflict can quickly escalate, affecting your practice’s culture and performance. At the Veterinary Leadership Academy, we specialize in helping practice owners develop the skills to manage conflict and reduce stress. Our program will teach you effective communication strategies, how to handle difficult conversations, and ways to foster a positive, collaborative team environment. With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll receive ongoing support to address these challenges head-on. The course is fully online, accredited, and open for applications now. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy to apply today. Don’t let conflict and stress undermine your practice. Equip yourself with the tools to lead a harmonious, high-performing team. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy now.

In today’s episode of That Vet Life Podcast, we are joined by Walnut Lake Animal Hospital and Madison Veterinary Hospital founder, Dr. W. Andrew Rollo.

Dr. Andy’s journey into veterinary medicine began at Michigan State University, where he gained his veterinary doctorate in 2004. Andy then worked as a veterinarian for four years before making the decision to buy two practices.

Andy has been on the Veterinary Economics advisory board for the past several years, as well as being a contributing author to the journal. He also does speaking engagements on veterinary health topics. He specializes in stem cell therapy⁠—an alternative form of treatment for a variety of conditions in animals such as arthritis.

Despite worrying about how much time finally buying a practice would be, two opportunities bubbled up at once, and Andy lept at the opportunities, buying both practices! This is his story of what that looked like as the strange pandemic years shook up plans, squeezed already rough hiring problems, and affected his and his team members’ lives.

Outline of this episode:

[00:22] The episode kicks off with an introduction to Andy Rollo.

[01:19] Andy introduces himself and his road to practice ownership.

[05:04] Andy reflects on taking on two business opportunities simultaneously four years ago.

[06:44] Life turned upside down due to COVID. How did Andy thrive during the past two turbulent years?

[09:35] Why did nobody complain when Andy chose to scale back working hours?

[12:34] Andy explains his hiring strategy as his practice scaled.

[19:09] What to consider when hiring or providing internships to new grads.

[20:27] Ad break - Join our veterinary leadership program.

[21:42] What differentiates Andy’s practice from the rest?

[25:04] Has Andy’s overall staff morale been shaken since the onset of COVID?

[27:58] The importance of mental and emotional employee wellbeing?

[30:32] Andy discusses his areas focus for the business for the next five years.

[36:22] The episode wraps up.

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In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, Brendan Howard sits with Liz Barton to discuss how menopause affects the careers of women in the veterinary field. 

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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Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. Today, we are joined by Dr. Virginia Corrigan, as she discusses the outline of the new Bachelor's degree program she founded in Veterinary Technology at Appalachian State University. 

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

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Feedback is an essential part of any team’s growth. People have to constantly be evolving from reviews and feedback.

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.

Welcome to another episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show. Today we are joined by Janet Hoy-Gerlach to discuss the scope of veterinary social work and its relevance to the industry.

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.

Episode Description

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."

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.

Episode Description

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...

In today's episode of the Veterinary Business Success Show, we are joined by Dr. Gregg Kuehnel, a small animal veterinary practitioner, and author. 

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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Episode Description 

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...

In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, host Brendan Howard is joined by veterinary practice owner, blogger, YouTuber, and entrepreneur, Dr. Krista Magnifico.

Dr. Krista is a second career veterinarian, with 17 years of experience as the owner of a small animal practice “where wearing your heart on your sleeve and kissing every patient is our norm. We are a dedicated, compassionate group of women who work hard to make as many happy endings as fate will allow.” 

Before getting into veterinary medicine, Krista was a merchant mariner and after graduating from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, she sailed for 10 years as Chief Mate of cable laying ocean-going vessels!

Alongside her veterinary duties, Kirsta is a blogger, YouTuber, and veterinary entrepreneur with the aim to provide more access to affordable care for all pets in need. She also recently returned from Ukraine, where she helped provide veterinary care to animals displaced from the war.

In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, Brendan Howard is joined by Jeffrey Davis to discuss the concept of Wonder and its effects on one’s personal and professional life. 

Jeffrey Davis helps teams and individuals stay flexible, buoyant, and genuinely connected in this new world of work. He is an author, team culture consultant, innovation & thought leader strategist, speaker, and CEO of Tracking Wonder Consultancy. His latest book TRACKING WONDER: Reclaiming a Life of Meaning and Possibility in a World Obsessed with Productivity (Sounds True, 2021) is a Next Big Idea Club Finalist. For over 25 years, Jeffrey has worked with and inspired thousands of change-makers, creatives, and teams to unlock their best ideas through the pursuit of curiosity, innovation, and wonder. His ideas on wonder at work have been featured in publications as diverse as Fast Company, MindBodyGreen, and Spirituality & Health. He writes for Psychology Today and other outlets. He lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with his wife and two daughters. To learn more, visit trackingwonder.com

This episode gives an in-depth explanation of the concept of wonder. Jeffrey issues ideas not only based on his life experiences and also on findings from his studies in the field of psychology. 

Tune in to gain an insight into the six facets of Wonder and how they impact daily life.

Episode Outline

• [00:00] Intro
• [01:20] The episode starts with Howard Brendon asking Jeffery to describe what exactly Wonder means. 
• [03:09] Jeffery Davis explains how wonder psychologically results in both positive and negative emotions. 
• [04:04] Brendon asks Jeffery to explain how he came up with the concept of wonder and how he thinks it affects not only people’s personal life but also their professional efficiency. 
• [07:44] Jeffery explains how he started the concept of wonder after experiencing unexpected adversities in life. 
• [09:20] Brendan asks: what are your findings on how creative people weather through difficult moments?
• [12:22] Jeffery elucidates on when a wonderful event or activity in one’s life becomes sharable with others. 
• [14:00] Jeffery and Brendon discuss how “Wonder” is both a verb and a noun.
• [14:24] Ad break. Learn More
• [15:40] The episode resumes with Brendon asking Jeffery the role of curiosity and wonder in the formation of relationships among people. 
• [16:20] Jeffery explains the six facets of Wonder.
• [20:08] Brendon and Jeffery discuss curiosity and natural biases in places of work
• [26:35] Jeffery explains and gives instances where the thought of issuing a fast solution to people is either positive or negative
• [30:16] What’s the one piece of advice you give to people who are bored or tired of their job?
• [35:37] Outro. 

To listen to the extended version of this episode, join our leader community here. 

In today’s episode of The Veterinary Business Success Show, host Brendan Howard is joined by VetX’s very own ‘Head of Veterinary Partnerships and Research’, Dr. Dermot McInerney, and our founder and CEO, Dr. Dave Nicol, to discuss everything you need to know about their Leadership and Culture Study: Leadership Actions and Their Effects On Veterinary Practice Culture.

Research from the study found a definitive link between leadership and practice culture. The study, carried out during SPVS-VMG Congress 2020 (UK), and FetchDVM360 Conference (USA), collected data from veterinary leaders (practice owners, managers, etc) to establish whether their ability to address toxic behaviors, install practice values, hire/retain staff, and/or manage their own time impacted the overall culture of their practice. With the aim to establish what steps leaders could take to run successful clinics amid global workforce shortages.

About the authors: Dr. Dermot McInenery is the lead author of the report and undertook much of the data collection and analysis. Dr. Dermot joined VetX in 2021. He is a graduate of the University of Bristol and has worked in Surrey and Northern Ireland as a Veterinary Surgeon. He, alongside Dr. Dave Nicol (the CEO and founder of VetX International), coauthored the study. Dr. Dave has more than 20- years of veterinary clinical practice expertise. He has owned or part-owned multiple veterinary practices and consults widely at a board level with veterinary businesses globally. Dr. Nicol has published three books, written hundreds of articles, and hosts the Blunt Dissection Podcast. In 2019 he won the VMX practice management speaker of the year award.

Tune in to learn more about what the study is all about, what the findings were, and where you can download your own copy. 

Outline of this episode:

• [01:13] The episode kicks off with Brendan introducing the pair and asking why they decided to launch the study and who was it aimed at. 
• [03:30] Did Dave and Dermot (and all participants) have a clear vision of what workplace culture was?
• [07:44] Does culture matter and is it controllable?
• [11:17] What were the other four pillars in the study?
• [12:58] How did the study come about?
• [17:38] Ad break - join Leaders. 
• [18:31] Brendan asks Dermot if he was shocked by the results because of his own experiences?
• [20:07] How did time management come into the vision of culture?
• [27:57] What did they find about toxic behavioral issues in practices?
• [30:18] Brendan asks Brendan and Dave about their approach to toxic employees. 
• [34:45] The episode wraps up to an end.

In this Veterinary Leadership Success Podcast episode, we're taking a practical approach to bring your practice's core values to life. Values aren't just words on a page; they're the foundation of a thriving workplace culture. Join us as we explore 10 actionable ways practices are integrating their values into their day-to-day operations.

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 

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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