Leading Veterinary Teams On Air

What do coaching, leadership, and veterinary medicine have in common? More than you might think!In this March Madness episode of Leading Veterinary Teams On Air, Suzanne is joined by Athletic Conceptual Training Podcast host, coach, and hospital manager Ryan, along with cohost, RVT, and life coach Katelyn. The conversation moves between coaching, leadership, and the realities of working in veterinary medicine.Drawing from both athletic coaching and veterinary practice, the group explores how many of the same leadership principles apply across fields. They talk about self-reflection, recognizing when something needs to change in your career or personal life, and the importance of having people around you who support growth rather than competition.The discussion also touches on mental health in veterinary medicine, including the stigma around medication, the challenge of asking for help, and the importance of creating systems that support wellness for veterinary teams.Suzanne, Ryan, and Katelyn share perspectives on leadership communication, feedback, and how workplace culture is shaped by everyday leadership behaviors. They also discuss mentorship, training, and the importance of building communities that elevate veterinary professionals rather than gatekeeping opportunities.The episode blends humor, personal stories, and leadership insights while leaning into the slightly unpredictable energy of a March Madness conversation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to March Madness and Coaches05:46 The Impact of Coaching and Training11:30 Connecting Physical Training and Veterinary Medicine16:38 Journey into the Darkness22:13 Personal Wellness Journey27:14 Overcoming Fear and Stigma35:16 Creating a Positive Workplace Culture50:18 Navigating Assumptions and Intentions56:17 Elevating Veterinary Hospitals and TeamsConnect with KatelynIG @vetmedlifecoach Connect with RyanIG, TikTok: @coachryan925Subscribe to their Podcast:Youtube.com/@coachryan925SpotifyKatelyn's Favorite Books:Opps I Became a Manager - Amy NewfieldBrene Brown - Dare to Lead Dr Becky Kennedy - Good InsideRyan's Favorite Books:Clifford the Big Red Dog (hehe)Oops I Became a Manager - Amy NewfieldJoin the Leading Veterinary Teams CommunityHave a topic you would love Suzanne to discuss or want to be a guest? Submit here:http://www.lvt.vet/podcast-questions

This conversation with Geoffrey explores his journey into veterinary medicine, the importance of credentials, his transition into emergency medicine, and what inspired him to enter the field. Geoffrey shares why he chose to speak openly online about mental health, including the personal realization and courage it took to tell his story.Together, Geoffrey and Suzanne discuss recognizing mental health struggles, taking personal responsibility, and using a multimodal approach to support wellbeing. The episode also examines leadership responsibility in creating psychologically safe workplaces, building a positive team culture, avoiding judgment, embracing vulnerability, and supporting growth even when it is uncomfortable.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Geoffrey05:55 Reason for Sharing Online15:23 Recognizing Mental Health Struggles22:12 Multimodal Approach to Mental Health29:07 Embracing Discomfort and Growth35:43 Cultivating a Positive Work Environment41:19 Effective Communication and Collaboration49:20 Overcoming Fear and Sharing Vulnerability58:48 Books and Resources for Personal GrowthConnect with GeoffreyInstagram, TikTok: @aint.doin.rightYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aint.doin.right82Join the Leading Veterinary Teams Community:https://leading-veterinary-teams-community.mn.co/plans/1907700Have a topic you would love Suzanne to discuss or want to be a guest? Submit here:www.lvt.vet/podcast-questionsSome of Geoffrey’s Favorite BooksAtomic Habits by James ClearDare to Lead by Brené BrownExtreme Ownership by Jocko WillinkEverything is F*cked by Mark MansonThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark MansonIf you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, mental health challenges, or substance use, support is available:Immediate Support988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineCall or text 988Chat via 988lifeline.orgCrisis Text LineText HOME to 741741Substance Use SupportSAMHSA’s National Helpline1-800-662-HELP (4357)findtreatment.govVeterinary Specific SupportNot One More Vet (NOMV)notonemorevet.comNot One More Vet Support Staff (NOMV Support Staff)nomvsupportstaff.comNational Organization of Veterinary Nurses and Technicians (NOVN)novnt.orgLGBTQ+ SupportThe Trevor ProjectCall 1-866-488-7386Text START to 678678Deaf or Hard of Hearing SupportDial 711 then call 988Videophone access is also available through 988Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for conversations that challenge traditional leadership in veterinary medicine.If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague, subscribe, and leave a review to help more veterinary leaders find the show.

In this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams on Air, Suzanne is joined by Dr. Desmond Coates, a practicing veterinarian and medical director in Mason, Ohio, who stepped into leadership just a few years after graduating vet school in 2022. Dr. Coates shares how his Uncle Brian inspired both his love of animals and his commitment to mentorship, and how early leadership experiences in college, vet school’s Veterinary Leadership Experience (VLE), and associate practice shaped his service-based view of leadership. Together, they explore what it means to lead with attention, build trust, and create psychological safety while still holding people accountable. Dr. Coates discusses the importance of self-reflection, consistency, follow-through, and asking for feedback, emphasizing that teams don’t expect perfection—they expect accountability. He shares communication strategies drawn from books like Crucial Conversations, Crucial Accountability, Never Split the Difference, and Stories That Stick, including entering hard conversations calmly, saying the “quiet part” out loud, and using curiosity-driven prompts like “What do you mean by that?” and “Tell me more.” Dr. Coates also reflects on repairing relationships after missteps, the strengths and challenges of early-career leadership, and how he integrates clinical diagnostic thinking with leadership problem-solving. He highlights delegation, empowering teams, and strong technician utilization as key to sustainability, describing technicians as leaders who should be trusted and utilized to the full degree of their training and licensure. Finally, he shares his view that avoidance is a root driver of burnout and cultural decline in veterinary medicine, and encourages leaders to lean into discomfort, address issues early, and seek mentorship and a strong leadership network. Dr. Coates recommends Crucial Conversations as the one book every leader should read and invites listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn.🌟 Connect with Dr CoatesLinkedIn:   / desmond-xavier-coates-dvm-802595123  🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.And if this episode resonates, share it with a colleague, Subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

Recorded from my AirBnB while at VMX, this solo episode is an honest conversation about where veterinary medicine is headed, from my view, and why leadership, not resilience, is the real issue we need to address.In this episode, I share: • What genuinely excites me about the future of veterinary medicine • The patterns I keep seeing that lead to burnout, turnover, and frustration • Why so many leadership efforts fail to create real change • How those patterns led me to build CLARITY, the Veterinary Leadership Operating SystemI also talk about what I launched this weekend at VMX: • A 5-question Leadership Blind Spot Assessment designed to help leaders identify the one thing quietly undermining their leadership • The CLARITY Toolkit, made up of three practical tools you can use like a workbook • A sneak peek into the larger CLARITY system dropping later this yearFinally, I share what’s coming next: A 3-week small-group leadership experience starting February 10th, focused on the biggest leadership leak I see—leading peopleUpcoming speaking engagements including HiVE San Antonio, New York Vet, GVScon, and a Hound webinar An open invitation for future speaking opportunities and collaborationsThis isn’t a hype episode.It’s a clarity episode.If you’re a practice owner, manager, medical director, or emerging leader who feels like something isn’t working—but can’t quite name what—it starts here.👇 Next steps mentioned in this episode: • Take the Leadership Blind Spot Assessment • Explore the CLARITY Toolkit • Learn more about the February leadership groupThanks for being here—and for doing the work this profession is asking of us.Find Suzanne:on IG: therealsuzannethomason LinkedIN: @suzannethomaslvtLVT.VET

In this special first episode of 2026, host Suzanne Thomas welcomes Ron Sosa, a certified veterinary practice manager, neurodivergent leadership coach, and author of the upcoming book 'Rewriting the Rules.' Ron shares his journey from meeting Suzanne in 2025 to discussing important topics like masking, authenticity, and neurodivergent leadership. Emphasizing that his work is about honoring neurodivergent individuals, Ron explains how he helps professionals stop masking, prevent burnout, and lead authentically. He underscores the significance of starting the year gently, focusing on authenticity, and resisting societal pressures for perfection. The conversation also highlights Ron's companion workbook designed to support neurodivergent leaders. Packed with reflective insights and strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to redefine leadership on their own terms🌟 Connect with RonLinkedIn: @ronald-sosa-cvpm-ccfp-pgd-cld-53453797/www.syn-apt.meGet the Left Unattended Playbook: https://www.syn-apt.me/what-s-left-un...Pre-order Ron's book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3ehRzjCor directly with his publisher, Press49: https://www.press49.com/catalog/p/rew...Check out the Episode on Rons Podcast: Left Unattended where Suzanne was his guest:    • S1 - E1 - I’M NOT BEING DIFFICULT with Suz...  🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.Join the Leading Veterinary Teams Community: https://leading-veterinary-teams-comm...And if this episode resonates, share it with a colleague, Subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

In this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams On Air, host Suzanne Thomas welcomes Kelly Cronin, a veterinary technician specialist with over 30 years of experience across multiple roles. Kelly shares her journey from a shift lead to VTS in ECC to VP of operations, and how continuing education and community building became central to her career. She discusses the challenges and solutions in leadership, the importance of delegation and trust within teams, and how she reinvents herself through diverse entrepreneurial ventures. Highlights include Kelly's initiatives like CE on the Sea and her unique vacation rental business, which showcase her ability to integrate personal passions with professional growth. This episode offers valuable insights for veterinary leaders looking to foster a more inclusive, empowered, and dynamic work environment.00:00 Introduction to Leading Veterinary Teams01:10 Meet Kelly Cronin: A Veterinary Powerhouse02:42 Kelly's Leadership Journey06:10 Balancing Leadership and Technical Skills08:40 The Importance of Team Dynamics13:24 Delegation and Empowerment in Veterinary Teams18:06 Navigating Leadership Challenges23:46 Self-Examination and Setting Boundaries30:42 Intent and Grace in Leadership34:48 The Impetus for Writing My First Book37:09 The Birth of CE on the Sea39:30 Impactful Experiences and Connections48:22 Reinventing Myself in the Profession52:14 Exploring Opportunities Beyond Vet Med59:26 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs01:01:26 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts01:04:08 Final Thoughts and Resources🌟 Connect with Kelly LinkedIn: @kellylynncroninhttps://linktr.ee/kellylynncroninhttps://vettechlife.com/Kelly’s Book: https://a.co/d/fxpmymTCronin’s Castles: https://croninscastles.com/VetTechLife Financial Fitness Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1565420814266226/🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.Join the Leading Veterinary Teams Community: https://leading-veterinary-teams-community.mn.co/plans/1907700And if this episode resonates, share it with a colleague, Subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

In this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams On Air, host Suzanne Thomas speaks with Lucy Nash, a seasoned RVT with diverse experiences across the veterinary field. Lucy shares her journey from clinical practice to her current role in industry, emphasizing the prevalence of burnout and the importance of recognizing and utilizing the skills of veterinary technicians. The discussion highlights the significance of open communication, team utilization, and creating a positive workplace culture. Lucy advocates for the inclusion of all team members in decision-making processes and stresses the need for understanding individual learning and communication styles to enhance employee engagement and retention.00:00 Understanding Compassion Fatigue in Veterinary Medicine00:24 Introduction to Leading Veterinary Teams Podcast01:16 Meet Lucy Nash: A Journey Through Veterinary Medicine03:17 Transitioning from Clinical Practice to Industry Roles05:11 The Importance of Skill Sets in Veterinary Medicine08:09 Leadership and Team Engagement in Veterinary Practices13:20 Feedback and Communication in Veterinary Teams24:15 Building Trust and Transparency in Veterinary Leadership34:47 Changing Feedback Methods36:39 The Importance of Timely Feedback39:24 Understanding Team Communication Styles43:58 Building a Respectful Work Culture46:36 The Role of Leadership in Large Organizations48:45 Adapting to Adult Learning Styles59:01 Exploring Non-Clinical Career Paths01:05:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts🌟 Connect with LucyEmail: Lucy@hound.vetLinkedIn: @lucynashRVTInstagram: @lucylupoprvt🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.Join the Leading Veterinary Teams Community: https://leading-veterinary-teams-community.mn.co/plans/1907700And if this episode resonates, share it with a colleague, Subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

Self-Awareness and Energy to Cultivate Thriving Veterinary TeamsIn this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams, host Suzanne Thomas engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Jennifer Edwards, a veterinarian, leadership coach, and certified success principles trainer. Dr. Edwards shares her unconventional journey from studying psychology to veterinary medicine, her extensive career, and her transition to coaching. They discuss the crucial role of self-awareness, the power of curiosity over judgment, and the significance of managing and shifting personal energy for effective leadership. Dr. Edwards provides insights into how individual and collective energy influences team culture and resilience, emphasizing the importance of movement for physical and emotional well-being. Listeners gain practical advice on fostering positive, supportive environments and the impact of conscious leadership in veterinary practices.00:00 Dr Jennifer Edwards Leading Veterinary Teams On Air01:42 Meet Dr. Jennifer Edwards03:03 Dr. Jennifer's Unconventional Journey08:05 Understanding Resilience and Energy14:31 The Importance of Conscious Leadership21:49 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth26:29 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges33:55 Realizing Self-Awareness and Letting Go34:36 The Importance of Honoring Your Emotions40:24 Movement and Emotional Wellbeing48:02 Rebuilding Energy and Taking Responsibility51:56 The Power of Books and Continuous Learning55:19 Creating a Positive Workplace Culture59:28 Conclusion and Contact Information🌟 Connect with Dr Jennifer EdwardsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenniferedwards/Website: drjenniferedwards.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjenniferedwards🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

In this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams, host Suzanne Thomas welcomes Rick Albrecht, a seasoned professional with over 27 years in the veterinary field and extensive experience in education and leadership development. Rick shares his journey, from starting as a veterinary assistant to becoming a clinical educator, emphasizing the critical role of active listening in effective leadership. He explains how active listening involves empathy, validation, and understanding the root causes of issues, and highlights its impact on building trust, mentorship, and team dynamics. Rick also discusses the importance of self-awareness, growth mindset, and the value of investing time upfront to ensure long-term success. The episode is a comprehensive guide for veterinary leaders looking to refine their listening skills and foster a positive and productive team culture.🌟 Connect with Rick LinkedIn: Rick Albrecht🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

In this episode, I sit down with Lanise Parnell, a Licensed Veterinary Technician, leader, and co-founder of the PET X Foundation, to talk about something our profession still has a long way to grow into — belonging, mentorship, and equity in veterinary medicine.Lanise shares her journey from being fired from her first job to becoming recognized as a voice advocating for inclusion and representation in our field. With over 17 years of experience, she brings raw honesty, vulnerability, and hope to a conversation that challenges us to look inward as leaders.We talk about the realities of navigating racial bias and barriers to mentorship, what true allyship looks like in action, and how creating inclusive spaces starts with small, intentional choices. Lanise reminds us that leadership isn’t just about managing teams — it’s about seeing people fully and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to build a stronger, more inclusive culture — not through performative checkboxes, but through courage, accountability, and everyday leadership.💡 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe personal story behind Lanise’s passion for equity and inclusion in veterinary medicineHow early career challenges and lack of mentorship can shape leadership identityThe founding story and mission of the PET X FoundationPractical ways to start conversations about inclusion in your own hospitalWhy representation and mentorship matter for retention and belongingHow leaders can move from awareness to meaningful, lasting change⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leading Veterinary Teams01:06 Guest Introduction: Lanise Parnell's Journey02:08 Early Challenges in Veterinary Medicine04:25 Returning to Vet Med and Gaining Experience06:40 Founding the PET X Foundation12:30 Mentorship and Barriers in Vet Med16:09 Addressing Bias and Inclusivity in Veterinary Practices29:40 Starting Small: Community Inclusion31:49 The Power of Mentorship in Vet Med33:31 Networking: Building a Supportive Community36:40 Opportunities and Challenges in Vet Med44:15 Future of Diversity and Inclusion in Vet Med49:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement🌟 Connect with LaniseLinkedIn: Lanise ParnellOrganization: PET X Foundation🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

In this episode, I sit down with Kristin Lake, a credentialed veterinary technician with extensive experience in emergency and critical care, to talk about something that hits close to home for so many in our field — moral distress and moral injury in veterinary medicine.Kristin shares how these experiences often show up in practice, how they differ from burnout, and what leaders can do to help their teams process and prevent moral injury. We dig into real-life examples, the emotional toll of tough cases, and the importance of debriefing as a leadership tool — not just to support team wellbeing, but to build trust and psychological safety across the hospital.We also explore how financial constraints and systemic challenges contribute to moral injury, why technicians often carry a unique emotional weight, and how advocacy can be both empowering and exhausting.This is a powerful conversation for any leader who wants to understand the deeper “why” behind team fatigue — and learn how to lead through it with empathy, transparency, and action.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The difference between moral distress, moral injury, and burnoutHow moral injury shows up in day-to-day veterinary practiceThe role of leadership in recognizing and responding to team distressWhy debriefing after difficult cases builds trust and resilienceHow to navigate the emotional toll of financial and ethical constraintsPractical ways to create psychological safety within your teamEpisode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Moral Distress in Veterinary Medicine00:24 Meet Kristin Lake: Expertise and Experience02:20 Understanding Moral Injury vs. Burnout04:00 Real-Life Examples of Moral Distress10:35 Impact on Team Dynamics and Leadership15:44 Addressing Moral Injury: Solutions and Strategies23:51 Building Trust and Accountability in Leadership26:58 The Role of Technicians in Advocacy28:15 Balancing Emotions in Professional Advocacy31:53 Addressing Financial Constraints in Veterinary Care37:41 The Importance of Psychological Safety41:14 Recommended Reading for Veterinary Professionals44:24 Final Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with Kristin:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinlake/Website: https://vetmedmathtutoring.com/🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med. If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amelia Knight Pinkston — veterinarian, integrative health and life coach, consultant, speaker, entrepreneur, and as she calls herself, a “recovered, burned-out veterinarian.”Amelia’s story is one so many of us in this profession can relate to. On the outside, she was thriving and living her childhood dream, but underneath she was anxious, exhausted, and burned out. That turning point led her to explore a different way of living and working—one rooted in compassion, curiosity, and connection. Today, she helps veterinary professionals “uninstall the malware” of hustle culture and outdated roles so they can create sustainable, authentic, and energizing lives.We get into what burnout really is (spoiler: it’s an overwhelmed nervous system), why productivity can feel safer than rest, and how shifting from judgment to curiosity changes everything—from team dynamics to self-leadership. We talk about vulnerability in leadership (why saying “today isn’t my best day” builds psychological safety), the trap of external validation, and how to reframe uncomfortable pauses as powerful opportunities for growth.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How burnout shows up in the body: fight, flight, and freeze explainedWhy rest feels so uncomfortable—and how to practice it without guiltThe “3 C’s” framework: compassion, curiosity, and connection as everyday toolsLeading by example: modeling boundaries and vulnerability for your teamHow to spot the early warning signs of burnout (in yourself and your team)Why external validation feeds burnout—and how to redefine success on your termsThe power of the pause: lessons from healing through concussion and burnout recoveryConnect with Dr. Amelia:🔗 Website: https://www.lifeboost.today/IG: @lifeboostwithameliaLinkedIn: Amelia Knight Pinkston🎙 Podcast: https://lifeboostwithamelia.buzzsprout.com/🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med. If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague and leave a review—it helps more veterinary leaders find the show.

In this episode, I sit down with Sharon Vaturi, MS, RVT, CVT — a credentialed veterinary technician with 20+ years in the field, scientist, educator, musician, and founder of RVT Seminars. Sharon has trained teams, led on the floor, and now delivers “keynote concerts” that blend live music with leadership teaching to strengthen culture and morale in veterinary hospitals.We get into what it actually looks like to step up when you’re on your own: channeling that ER-level focus under pressure, turning training into muscle memory (CPR drills that actually prepare teams), and carrying the same practice mindset into tough leadership conversations. We talk psychological safety in everyday moments (yes, even “can you show me the microscope?”), why gatekeeping kills performance, and how explaining the why boosts client adherence and team follow-through.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to use “ER brain” (focus + delegation) without a crisisTraining that sticks: short, realistic reps more than once-a-year checklistsPsychological safety in small moments—and why “thank you” mattersTeaching vs. gatekeeping: building capability without losing controlSOPs that prevent blame culture: double-checks, estimates, and clarityWhy presence is greater than perfect words: pause, listen, then respondA creative twist: using music and storytelling to shift team cultureConnect with Sharon 🔗 RVT Seminars: https://rvtseminars.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/rvtseminars🔗 Keynote Concerts: https://sharonvaturi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/sdv.speaker🔗 Upcoming Book (Oct 2025):IG: https://www.instagram.com/sdv.author🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med. If this episode hit home, share it with a colleague and leave a review—it helps more hospital leaders find the show.Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe here, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and on YouTube for more real talk about veterinary leadership.

In this episode, I sit down with Claire Pickens, EMBA, CVPM: certified veterinary practice manager, entrepreneur, and business strategist with over 30 years in animal health. Claire has helped countless veterinary owners turn big ideas into bank-ready business plans, while leading operations across the country with expertise in leadership, HR, and practice management.We dive into what it really takes to shift from managing someone else’s playbook to writing your own as an owner. From opening a practice before ever managing one, to defining values that hold steady through recessions and pandemics, Claire shares candid lessons, practical strategies, and the people-first approach that’s guided her success.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why people, not KPIs, are the only true leading indicatorHow to coach to behaviors and outcomes, not just metricsThe surprising transferable skills from coaching and practiceWhat every aspiring owner should study: HR, marketing, and IT basicsHow to define your values before day one and use them to guide tough callsConnect with Claire Pickens:🔗 Website: www.smallbusiness-dreams.com🔗 LinkedIn: Claire Pickens, CVPM🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.

In this episode, I sit down with Kate Boatright, VMD: veterinarian, speaker, writer, and author of Small Animal Veterinary Mentorship Manual. With over a decade in practice, Dr. Boatright has become a leading voice on creating mentorship that works, not just for new grads, but for every role in the hospital.We dive into why mentorship is more than onboarding or skills training, how to build a culture of support across the whole team, and what both mentors and mentees can do to make the relationship successful. From navigating burnout as a mentor to setting clear expectations from day one, Dr. Boatright shares practical tools and candid advice to make mentorship a lasting part of veterinary culture.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why mentorship should extend beyond new graduates to every hospital roleHow to set clear expectations that prevent disappointment and turnoverThe shared responsibilities of mentors and menteesHow hospital leaders can build mentorship into culture, not just contractsThe difference between training and mentorship, and why it mattersConnect with Dr. Kate Boatright:🔗 Website: www.writetheboat.com🔗 LinkedIn: Kate Boatright, VMD🔗 Instagram: @writetheboat🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.

In this episode, I sit down with Alexandre Contreras, Vet Tech, Innovator, and Entrepreneur, whose path in veterinary medicine began with a childhood fascination and evolved into a career defined by creativity, resilience, and service.From working in the kennels to launching his own dog massage therapy service, Dogapy, Alexandre has built a career that blends hands-on animal care with entrepreneurial spirit. He’s the inventor of a pet nail trimming tool, Klip Trio, and the founder of PetTrio Charity, which supports animal welfare and educational initiatives in underserved communities.In this episode we dive into how persistence and leadership have shaped his journey, the challenges and rewards of bringing big ideas to life, and how he balances professional goals with the responsibilities of being a single father.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- How Alexandre grew from kennel work to launching multiple ventures in vet med- The origin story behind his innovative pet nail trimming tool - KlipTrio- How PetTrio Charity is creating opportunities for education and outreach- The leadership lessons and mindset shifts that fuel his successConnect with Alexandre:www.kliptrio.comwww.pettriocharity.orginstagram.com/kliptrioinstragram.com/pettriocharitywww.linkedin.com/in/dogapy🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old school way of leading in vet med.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amber Parks—a veterinarian, speaker, and certified stress and burnout coach—to explore the deeper layers of burnout in veterinary medicine. Amber shares her own journey through burnout, including her decision to leave general practice for relief work, only to discover that the real work was internal.We dig into the misconceptions around burnout (spoiler: it’s not just about changing jobs), why so many of us think relief work is the solution, and how shifting her relationship to stress changed everything. Today, Dr. Parks supports veterinary professionals in identifying the root causes of burnout and building lives that actually feel sustainable.We Talk About:💥 Amber’s personal experience with burnout in general practice🧠 Why relief work didn’t fix the problem🔍 The deeper personal work burnout recovery requires🛠️ How stress management, mindset, and coaching became her turning point🫂 Why seeking support isn’t weakness—it’s strategyIf you’ve ever thought, “Maybe relief work will fix everything,” this episode is for you.Links & Resources:Connect with Dr. Amber Parks on Instagram: @the_stress_and_burnout_coach

What if branding wasn’t about being loud, but about being real?In this episode, I sit down with Danielle K Lambert, founder of The Snout Group and veterinary branding queen of no BS, for a straight-up conversation about what it actually takes to build a brand, a voice, and a leadership presence that matters.This isn’t a fluff piece about colors and logos. We’re talking about:- The difference between confidence and ego in leadership- Why people-pleasing waters down your message—and your mission- How to build a brand that walks the talk (not just lipstick on a pig)- What to do when it feels like no one’s watching—but you’re still showing up- The myth of overnight success and the power of consistencyand Personal lessons we’ve learned the hard way about visibility, boundaries, and staying true to yourselfWhether you’re leading a hospital, growing a platform, or figuring out how to be seen without losing yourself, this conversation is packed with honesty, clarity, and permission to do it differently.🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and the kind of leadership convos you won’t find in a management textbook.

When trust breaks down between leadership and the team, everything gets harder—communication, culture, even patient care.In this episode, I sit down with Lynn Blake, CVT, CVBL, FFCP—hospital manager, radically supportive leader, and the queen of “little treat culture”—to talk about what the trust gap really looks like in vet med and how to begin rebuilding it.We dig into:How to recognize when your team doesn’t trust leadership (it’s not always loud)Why micromanagement and fear-based leadership keep teams stuckHow identity, inclusion, and psychological safety play a role in team dynamicsSmall, actionable ways to start earning trust back—even if you feel like you’ve lost itThis conversation is packed with honesty, practical insight, and a lot of heart. If you’re in a leadership role—or want to be—this one’s for you.🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old school way of leading in vet med.

We’re back! In this solo kickoff episode, Suzanne shares where she’s been, what she’s been building behind the scenes, and what to expect from Season 2 of Leading Veterinary Teams (LVT) On Air. From technician utilization to trust-building and leadership that actually works, this season is about showing up real, messy, and ready to lead. Episodes drop every second and fourth Tuesday—hit follow and let’s get to work.