Veterinary leaders often rise through the ranks without ever receiving formal training in how to define a vision, build culture, or guide a team with clarity. Dr. George Cuellar joins me to explore how aspiring entrepreneurs can step into leadership with purpose by working through three essential phases: defining the vision, sharing it effectively, and engaging the team in bringing it to life. Drawing on decades as a corporate executive, practice owner, and state veterinary leader, George explains how he discovered that true leadership is not about directing people; it’s about creating a shared sense of purpose that others want to be part of.

George shares how his own hospital’s transformation began with articulating a clear, compelling vision and pairing it with a set of values that guided every decision. He describes how leaders can evolve from simply “telling” their vision to collaborating on it by testing ideas, inviting dialogue, and using regular meetings to cultivate ownership across the team. As the culture strengthens, leaders move into phase three: engaging individual team members through development plans, outcome-based goals, and accountability structures that empower them to grow rather than depend on the leader.

The conversation also explores why leaders must resist the urge to overhelp and allow team members to struggle, fail, and ultimately succeed on their own terms. George explains how celebrating wins, learning from missteps, and trusting the team helps shift the culture from leader-dependent to self-sustaining. He leaves listeners with core reminders: everything you need to lead is already within you, growth requires compassion and grit, and no leader should go it alone. Veterinary professionals are encouraged to seek mentorship and support as they develop leadership cultures that are built to last.

What’s Inside:

• How Dr. Cuellar went from corporate leadership to building a vision-driven veterinary hospital
• Why defining a clear vision and set of values is the foundation for effective leadership
• The five stages of sharing a vision, from telling to true co-creation with your team
• How to engage staff through individualized growth plans, accountability, and meaningful consequences
• Why leaders must resist overhelping and allow room for struggle, learning, and celebration
• Practical steps to build a self-sustaining culture where aligned, motivated team members thrive

Mentioned:

Dr. George Cuellar on LinkedIn
Ready, Vet, Go
Full Circle Lab
Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn