PAWSitive Leadership Podcast

Andrea and David are rolling into 2023 with Darren Osborne, the Director of Economics at the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association discussing recessions in the veterinary space. Darren reviews how the last recession affected veterinary practices and how we can protect ourselves for the next one. Darren talks about setting fees, KPIs, and so much more!  Join us, grab a cup of coffee, or pour a gla...

Andrea and David have Josh Vaisman, MAPPCP (Ph. D.), the Founder and Lead Positive Change Agent at Flourish Veterinary Consulting, back on the show for another round of PAWSitive Leadership through the lens of employee-centric practices. In this episode, Josh talks about leadership in the 21st century and how employee job satisfaction and commitment play a key role. We dig into workplace well-bein...

In this interview, Andrea & David talk with Melissa Stedman, CVPM, the Practice Manager at Brandywine Valley Veterinary Hospital about building better teams through pay equality, pay levels and pay scales. We get into what an employee-centric practice can look like through employee reviews, better work-life integration, and bottom-up leadership.  Join us, grab a cup of coffee, or pour a glass of w...

In this episode, Andrea and David interview David Miklas, with the Laws Offices of David Miklas, P.A. David is an employer-only attorney and we asked him what things is he seeing coming down the pipeline in 2023 and how the shifts in Administration might affect the veterinary profession and our practices. We chat about things we should steer clear of to keep us out of a legal pot of hot water and...

You won't want to miss this episode where Andrea & David interview Monica Dixon Perry, CVPM, Director of Veterinary Consulting Services at Burzenski & Company, and Mia Cary, DVM, CEO and Change Agent at Cary Consulting. We define and discuss DEI, how to have sensitive conversations, and make the uncomfortable more acceptable. Monica and Mia share their stories as well as expertise on how to naviga...

In this episode, Andrea and David interview Brian Macrae, the Founder & CEO at Rethink Veterinary Solutions. Brian digs into how practices can use the importance of relationships to build loyalty with clients through membership and a deeper commitment. When loyalty is done well, exclusive value is one key to client retention.  Join us, grab a cup of coffee or pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the se...

In this episode with Christine Stafford, President-Partner of Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center and Co-Disruptor with Stafford Brooks Consulting, Andrea and David dive into how she reimagines veterinary medicine. Christine, a co-disrupter, talks to us about what disrupting vet med looks like and what she and her team are doing to change practice cultures. Heading up an all-female owner and l...

In this episode, Andrea and David interview Jenny Matthews, CVT, CVPM, founder and owner of Matthews Veterinary Solutions. Jenny brings insight to several areas of the practice, including inclusive team decision-making, empowering our teams to be creative problem-solvers allowing them to do their jobs, and elevating our teams through supportive education. Jenny talks to us about how to integrate a...

Hold on to your hat in this episode when Andrea & David interview Betsy Charles, MA, DVM, Vice President of Learning and Leadership Development at Mission Veterinary Partners. Betsy discusses how being curious and taking part in creative conversations and connections can make us less likely to be judgmental, and instead, help to develop relationships. Skills that we overlook as managers in veterin...

In this CAN'T-miss episode, Andrea and David interview Meg Oliver, CVPM, Practice Manager Cicero Animal Clinic about her recent article about recessions that talks about rising costs, pricing, staff shortages, burnout, and more (see link below). Meg takes us through how inflation and the threat of recession can have an impact on our teams as well as our clients. She gives pointers on how to plan f...

This episode will get you giggling! Andrea & David talk with Caitlin Palmer, the Desk Wench, comedic actress turned Veterinary CSR at Animal Healthy Clinic in Mississippi. Caitlin shares how Practice Managers can support the front-line team. She also gives some advice on de-escalating upset clients, and when it is time to let a client go to support the rest of the team. Caitlin shares how she can...

This episode is packed with FUN as Andrea & David interview Megan Bendtzen, the founder of TheDoctorOfFun.com. Megan integrates business meetings, team training, and team-building exercises with FUN to better impact retention, learning, and engagement. Megan talks us through how to have FUN in stressful situations or when dealing with trauma and sick patients. She walks us through maximizing effec...

In this episode, Andrea & David chat with Bill Schroeder the owner of InTouch Practice Communications about all things digital marketing for the veterinary practice. Bill talks to us about what the heck some of these marketing terms mean, how to handle some of the more complicated parts of digital marketing, and getting the basics done. This is the "How-To Guide" by the expert.  Join us, grab a cu...

In this episode Andrea & David interview Mary Lopez, BHS, BBM, MOL, the Practice Manager, and Area Manager for NVA. Mary talks about the importance of employee engagement, culture building, and empowering the team in her veterinary practices. She shares the how-to motivate our teams and sees a successful commitment to the organization through positive culture and environment. When our workplace is...

This episode is all about training the veterinary team with Dr. Sanjay Mangabhai, the founder of the VETT Method. Andrea & David chat with Dr. Sanjay about why he sees team training as the most important investment in the practice.  Living and practicing in the UK is not so different from the US, and Dr. Sanjay shares some of the similarities and differences, and what can we learn from each other....

In this episode, Andrea & David interview Jayde Quigley, MBA, CVT, CVPM, SPHR, the Chief Operations Officer at Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota. Jayde tells us the BIG problems she faces at her huge specialty practice. She also shares the small obstacles as well - something we all face as practice managers, regardless of the size of our practices. Jayde describes how she holds her...

Andrea and David interview, Eric Garcia, Co-Founder of SimplyDONE Tech Solutions and Fidu, social media, digital marketing, and branding guru. In this episode, Eric shares how to handle negative reviews and how to properly solicit positive reviews. He breaks down digital marketing like a boss, how he does a digital detox, and the best way to use social media for client education. Eric is the Co-Fo...

This episode is all about efficiency in the veterinary practice. Andrea and David have a chat with Bret Canfield, BFA, the Director of Organizational Development at Summit Veterinary Referral Center.   Bret dives into the areas we submerge ourselves in on a daily basis and how we can be more efficient in our practices. We talk about broken processes, how to make them right, and what steps we need...

Hold on to your pharmacy until you listen to this interview Andrea & David have with Bruce Dell, DPh with Covetrus Compounding. Bruce tells us all about what compounding is, the regulations that govern us around compounding, and how to make compounding a MUST have in your pharmacy toolbox for clients and patients. We talk about the hot topics surrounding compounding, successful marketing and pract...

Sharpen your pencil and get ready to take some notes in this interview Andrea and David have with Robin Brogdon, MA, the CEO of Blueprints Marketing Group. As a previous Practice Administrator and a marketing guru, Robin talks about the difference between marketing and branding and why we need either one as busy as our practices are right now. As fast as the digital marketing era moves, Robin shar...

In this episode, Andrea & David speak with Terry O’Neil, CPA, and Partner at KSM. Terry is a former practice owner, administrator and now serves veterinarians and managers as a CPA in the veterinary department for KSM accounting. He consults and provides guidance to veterinary hospitals in all aspects of accounting, finance, and operations. We chat about managing employee labor, dealing with risin...

In this episode, Andrea and David interview Dr. Ivan Zak, CEO of Galaxy Vets and Veterinary Integration Solutions. Dr. Zak speaks on DVM compensation models, consolidation, compensation, and its effect on our teams and managing work-life balance as a veterinarian, entrepreneur, and business owner. Dr. Zak is highly influential and has produced some academic work on veterinary burnout and strives f...

In this episode, Andrea and David chat with Tom and CJ of Florida Veterinary Advisors about all things business and personal finance. 401Ks, IRAs, cash flow management, oh my! So many practice managers and owners are not taking advantage of planning for current and future (think retirement) financial needs. Tom and CJ’s expertise in this area is invaluable and they specialize in the veterinary ind...

In this episode, learn all about training the veterinary team as Andrea & David interview Amy Newfield, MS, RVT VTS-ECC, Director of Veterinary Nursing Leadership at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), owner of Veterinary Team Training, & author of “Oops, I Became a Manager”. Amy discussed the importance of good team training and the benefits training brings to the practice and the individuals. Amy...

In this knowledge-packed episode, Andrea & David interview Melissa Mauldin, CVPM, SHRM-SCP, Manager of HR Engagement for Encore. Melissa shares about coaching techniques that will propel high-performing teams towards positive outcomes, leading teams by being inquisitive, and diving into the WHY instead of spouting protocol and laws. Join us, grab a cup of coffee or pour a glass of wine, enjoy the...