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.

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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.

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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 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 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...