Leading Veterinary Teams On Air

“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”Burnout in veterinary medicine is bigger than wellness programs — and in this episode, Cait Deppe and Suzanne Thomas unpack the leadership, communication, and systems issues that are quietly exhausting veterinary teams every day.In this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams on Air, we discuss:veterinary burnout and compassion fatigueleadership mistakes that increase team stresspsychological safety in veterinary hospitalsgrief support and emotional exhaustiontechnician utilization and trust within teamsneurodiversity in veterinary medicinecommunication breakdowns in clinicshow better leadership can reduce burnoutwhy support systems matter more than surface-level solutionsCait shares insights from her background in shelter medicine, specialty and emergency practice, ophthalmology, education, consulting, manufacturing, and veterinary distribution — offering a uniquely broad perspective on what veterinary teams actually need to thrive.This conversation is for:• veterinary technicians• veterinarians• practice managers• hospital leaders• CSRs• and anyone passionate about improving veterinary cultureIf you’ve ever felt emotionally exhausted, unsupported, overwhelmed, or frustrated by the systems inside veterinary medicine, this episode will resonate deeply.📘 Workbook: www.lvt.vet/workbookFrom Competent to Capable: https://amzn.to/4dINtvD🔗 Connect with Suzanne:Instagram: www.instagram.com/therealsuzannethomasLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/suzannethomaslvtNewsletter: https://leadingveterinaryteams.beehiiv.com/🎙️ Listen to Leading Veterinary Teams on Air: https://leadingveterinaryteamsonair.riverside.com/Leading Veterinary Teams: Website: www.lvt.vetInstagram: www.instagram.com/leadingveterinaryteams👤 Connect with Cait Deppe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitdeppe/Subscribe for more conversations on veterinary leadership, burnout prevention, onboarding, communication, technician utilization, and sustainable veterinary medicine.#VeterinaryMedicine #VetTech #Burnout #VeterinaryLeadership #CompassionFatigue #VetMed #PracticeManagement

National Receptionist Week only comes once a year, but the work receptionists do in veterinary medicine happens every single shift, every single call, every single difficult conversation at the front desk. This episode is dedicated to them.I'm joined by Caitlin Palmer, veterinary receptionist, community builder, and member of the NAAVR President's Advisory Board. We talk about what the receptionist role actually demands, the emotional labor that goes largely unacknowledged, and why the profession keeps underestimating the people holding the front of the hospital together.This is not a fluff episode about appreciating your front desk staff. It's a real conversation about imposter syndrome, career expectations, mental health, and what it looks like to build a professional identity in a role that a lot of people still treat as a stepping stone. Caitlin brings the kind of clarity and candor that this conversation has needed for a long time.If you lead a team that includes receptionists, this one is required listening.What we cover:The emotional toll of receptionist work and why it doesn't get named enoughImposter syndrome and career identity at the front deskWhat recognition actually looks like for this role versus what hospitals typically doThe mental health dimension of client-facing work in veterinary medicineNAAVR, the President's Advisory Board, and what's being built for this communityTraining, certification, and the future of the receptionist role in vet medIf this resonates, share it with every hospital manager who has ever underestimated their front desk. Subscribe for more real talk on the operational and relational work of leading in veterinary medicine.I'm Suzanne Thomas. This is Leading Veterinary Teams. Until next time, lead where you are. Even when it's uncomfortable. Especially when it's uncomfortable.Chapters00:00 The Role of Receptionists in Veterinary Medicine07:51 Navigating Social Media and Work Persona21:16 Recognition and Support for Receptionists31:02 Supporting Receptionists in Veterinary Medicine36:35 Recognizing the Emotional Labor of Receptionists44:20 The Role of NAAVR and the President's Advisory Board49:46 Empowerment and Recognition for ReceptionistsConnect with Caitlin: @thedeskwench and @desk_wench across all platformsLearn more about NAAVR: https://naavr.org/Take the CLARITY Leadership Assessment (free, 14 questions)Join the Leading Veterinary Teams CommunityGet the book, From Competent to Capable: Available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle.

What does emergency medicine teach us about leadership? More than most leadership books ever will.In this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams On Air, Suzanne sits down with Dr. Brianna Tobin, small animal emergency veterinarian, shelter medicine advocate, birth doula, yoga practitioner, and the voice behind @emergencypetvet, to talk about what it actually takes to lead in one of the most high-stakes environments in veterinary medicine.Brianna brings a perspective that is both clinically sharp and genuinely human. She shares how a rough internship with poor leadership shaped everything she wanted to become as a doctor, why psychological safety isn't just a nice-to-have in emergency medicine, and how trust between doctors, technicians, and assistants is the thing that holds a team together when a hit-by-car dog rolls in at 3am.This one covers a lot of ground: the "sink or swim" myth in emergency medicine, why hierarchy is one of the most damaging things we've imported into veterinary hospitals, what real teamwork looks like in a code situation, how she navigates compassion fatigue without losing herself, and why she thinks the most important thing we can do for this profession is let people see it honestly.She also shares why she started @emergencypetvet, what it means to lead without a title, and the one book that changed the way she thinks about meaning, resilience, and why we keep going when things get hard.If you've ever been the person in the room who knew something was off but wasn't sure if you were allowed to say it out loud, this episode is for you.Brianna's Book Recommendation: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl — https://www.amazon.com/dp/0807014273Connect with Dr. Brianna Tobin: Instagram: @emergencypetvetConnect with Suzanne + Leading Veterinary Teams:🐾 Join The Leading Veterinary Teams Community🛒 For Resources, Consulting + More: stan.store/therealsuzannethomas📊 Take the CLARITY Leadership Assessment:Have a topic you'd love Suzanne to cover, 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.

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 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.

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, 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.