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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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 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...

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, Dr. Dave Nicol dives into one of the most pressing questions faced by veterinary leaders: "How on earth do you find an extra half an hour every week to do a one-on-one meeting with every team member and not go mad?" After his 25 years of running and coaching veterinary practices to success, Dr. Dave understands the struggle of balancing clinical duties with leadership responsibilities and offers his insights on why these meetings are crucial for performance management.

Dr. Dave emphasizes that meetings, when done right, are far from useless; they are essential for ensuring that your team is aligned, motivated, and performing at their best. He goes on to break down the different types of performance meetings that every practice should implement, including annual planning meetings, quarterly reviews, and weekly BAAM (Bonding, Accomplishments, Actions, Mentoring) meetings. He shares practical strategies for managing these sessions without overwhelming you or your team. By keeping team sizes manageable and delegating non-leadership tasks, Dr. Dave explains how you can create a more structured and supportive environment for your staff. He uses real-life examples to illustrate how these practices lead to happier, more productive teams.

Dr. Dave reiterates the importance of prioritizing these one-on-one check-ins. He reminds us that effective performance management isn't just about adding more meetings to your schedule; it's about making smart use of your time to invest in your team's growth and well-being. As Dr. Dave puts it, "The key to a smooth-running practice is not just hard work but also smart work."

Tune in to learn how to implement these changes in your practice and start seeing the positive ripple effects on your team's morale and productivity today.

Episode Outline

[00:00] Introduction

[00:47] Listener Question

[02:10] The Importance of Performance Management

[03:24] Types of Performance Meetings

[06:06] Managing Team Size and Responsibilities

[09:22] The Ripple Effect of Poor Management

[12:15] Practical Tips for Implementing One-on-One Meetings

[14:00] Conclusion

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 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

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, Dr. Dave Nicol is joined by co-founder, financial advisor, and podcast host, Tom Seeko from Florida Veterinary Advisors. They discuss the importance of bringing on people whose personalities mesh with your business culture to set yourself up for success. Tom Seeko, shares insights as an official business financial guide and qualified financial advisor. Tune in for practical tips on leadership in the veterinary profession and creating a workplace where both people and pets can thrive.

Aligning benefits with the values and principles of the business not only helps in recruiting and retaining talent but also contributes to a positive work culture and environment. It fosters a sense of belonging and commitment among employees, ultimately leading to a more successful and thriving practice.

To enhance employee engagement and satisfaction, it is important to involve employees in the process of co-creating solutions. By actively engaging employees in decision-making processes and problem-solving activities, the practice can empower employees to take ownership of their work and contribute to the overall success of the practice. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among employees, leading to increased job satisfaction and retention.

In conclusion, a well-designed retention program that focuses on substantial rewards, cost recovery, creating a culture of care and value, involving employees in co-creating solutions, and active communication can significantly contribute to employee retention, job satisfaction, and overall practice success in the veterinary industry.

Episode Outline

[00:02:36] Being a business owner.

[00:05:35] Taking on good debt.

[00:07:48] Financial implications of business ownership.

[00:11:29] Common cash crunches for business owners.

[00:15:11] The three Rs in business.

[00:17:38] Rewards and recognition in business.

[00:21:29] Retention strategies and 409A rule.

[00:23:18] Retaining Key Personnel in Business.

[00:27:46] Sign-on bonuses and retention.

[00:32:26] The battle for talent.

[00:33:49] Co-creating for employee engagement.

[00:35:41] Owning your position in work.

[00:38:48] Networking in veterinary medicine.

Episode Links

Connect with Tom Seeko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomseeko/

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 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.

In this week’s Veterinary Leadership Success Show, host Dr. Dave Nicol is joined by Dr. Peter Weinstein. They discuss crucial aspects of efficient processes and productivity within veterinary practice, the importance of both visionary and performance-based leadership, and the goal of creating a workplace where both people and pets can prosper. Dr. Peter Weinstein offers critical insights on optimizing practice efficiency, allowing veterinarians to focus on their primary functions and enhancing overall productivity and effectiveness.

Efficient use of physical space is crucial in veterinary practices to enhance productivity and service quality. Dr. Peter Weinstein highlights the importance of configuring spaces to maximize utility without unnecessary expansion. He suggests increasing the number of exam rooms, which should be actively managed by both veterinarians and trained technicians. This strategy not only boosts the number of patients seen but also effectively leverages the skills of the entire team.

Eliminating redundancy in processes is critical for improving efficiency and effectiveness. Dr. Weinstein advocates for standardized processes or "recipes" for routine tasks to ensure consistency and reduce errors. For example, checklists for surgical setups or anesthetic procedures can prevent omissions and enhance safety. He also suggests cross-training staff to handle different roles, increasing staffing flexibility and helping prevent burnout by varying tasks and responsibilities.

Implementing these strategies leads to a more streamlined operation where veterinarians can maximize their productivity in critical and revenue-generating activities. When staff are trained and deployed effectively, the practice can handle a higher volume of cases without compromising quality of care, ultimately leading to increased profitability and client satisfaction.

Episode Outline

[00:03:12] The E-Myth Veterinarian book.

[00:06:02] Efficiency and productivity in business.

[00:08:26] Specialty veterinary clinics.

[00:11:55] Utilizing technicians in exam rooms.

[00:16:27] Understanding profit in veterinary practices.

[00:19:32] Online vs. In-House Pharmacy Margins.

[00:24:02] Online pharmacy integration.

[00:26:40] Effective veterinary training programs.

[00:31:52] Veterinary technician concurrent training.

[00:34:52] Process improvement in veterinary clinics.

[00:38:33] Productivity and efficiency discussion.

[00:41:09] Leveraging technology in wellness exams.

[00:45:12] Reducing workplace stress.

[00:48:24] Audiophile book recommendation.

Episode Links

Connect with Dr. Peter Weinstein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawdr/

Mentioned in this episode:

Today’s show is brought to you by Leaders, Dr Dave Nicol's Leadership training course. Are people the major pain point in your practice? If so, you are not alone; over 90% of managers report staff problems as their number one issue. At the root of this problem are usually three dysfunctions: A poorly articulated vision, toxic culture, or some form of leadership breakdown. If this sounds familiar, then do not despair. Help is at hand. We encourage you to check out ‘Leaders', a veterinary-specific Leadership training program where you will learn how to create and execute a shared vision, hire well, and build a powerful high-performance practice culture without the drama. The class is accredited, delivered online, and open for applications now. To learn more, listen to a free training webinar, or apply – visit www.drdavenicol.com/leaders today.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Podcast, Dr. Dave Nicol is joined by mentor and friend, Nancy Slessenger, discussing the importance of identifying triggers and creating a plan to manage them effectively. The conversation touches on leadership in veterinary practices and includes valuable insights and practical tips on leadership in the veterinary profession.

Nancy suggests rehearsing trigger scenarios and practicing how to respond calmly and collectedly. By visualizing potential trigger situations and planning appropriate responses, individuals can avoid impulsive reactions in the heat of the moment. This preparation allows for a more thoughtful and measured approach when faced with triggering events.

Self-awareness and seeking feedback from trusted individuals are crucial components in improving emotional intelligence. The episode highlighted the importance of being aware of one's triggers and making a plan to deal with them before they escalate. By identifying what annoys you and seeking feedback from trusted individuals, you can gain valuable insights into your emotional responses and behaviors.

Handling explosive behavior in the workplace requires self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a proactive approach to address underlying issues and prevent future incidents. By following the strategies discussed in the podcast episode, individuals can effectively manage their emotions, improve communication, and cultivate a positive and productive work environment.

Episode Outline

[00:02:23] High IQ and leadership behaviors.

[00:05:06] Managing anger and communication

[00:07:24] Destructive consequences of echo chambers.

[00:13:54] Discovering the value of communication.

[00:16:11] Emotional intelligence and feedback.

[00:19:07] Rehearsing trigger situations.

[00:24:40] Dealing with difficult conversations.

[00:26:02] Managing up in the workplace.

Mentioned in this episode:

Today’s show is brought to you by Leaders, Dr Dave Nicol's Leadership training course.

Are people the major pain point in your practice? If so, you are not alone; over 90% of managers report staff problems as their number one issue.

At the root of this problem are usually three dysfunctions: A poorly articulated vision, toxic culture, or some form of leadership breakdown.

If this sounds familiar, then do not despair. Help is at hand. We encourage you to check out ‘Leaders', a veterinary-specific Leadership training program where you will learn how to create and execute a shared vision, hire well, and build a powerful high-performance practice culture without the drama. The class is accredited, delivered online, and open for applications now.

To learn more, listen to a free training webinar, or apply – visit www.drdavenicol.com/leaders today.

Today’s show is brought to you by Leaders, Dr Dave Nicol's Leadership training course.

Are people the major pain point in your practice? If so, you are not alone; over 90% of managers report staff problems as their number one issue.

At the root of this problem are usually three dysfunctions: A poorly articulated vision, toxic culture, or some form of leadership breakdown.

If this sounds familiar, then do not despair. Help is at hand. We encourage you to check out ‘Leaders', a veterinary-specific Leadership training program where you will learn how to create and execute a shared vision, hire well, and build a powerful high-performance practice culture without the drama. The class is accredited, delivered online, and open for applications now.

To learn more, listen to a free training webinar, or apply – visit

In this week’s Veterinary Leadership Success Show, host Dr. Dave Nicol is joined by Dr. Matt Spiegle. Following a varied career path so far, Dr. Matt has taken the decision to get back into practice, but this time, as an owner.

Everyone who decides to open or buy a vet practice does so with a mix of both excitement, fear and trepidation. Dr Matt’s story is no different and is the next stage in an emotional journey. A homecoming of sorts… more on that in the episode.

If you are thinking about doing something similar then this show is well worth a listen. We cover quite a lot of ground including:

How he arrived at the decision and what fears he had along the way.

The reality of demands of starting and running a veterinary practice on family life.

Why mentorship is going to be baked into his practice from the ground up.

How technology can be used to improve life quality for veterinary teams.

This is a peek under the hood at the opposite end of the clinical life spectrum as we chew the fat with a doc very much in start-up land! A different beast indeed to the regular run of the mill practice.

I hope you enjoy our chat!

Episode Outline

• [00:01:50-00:02:01] Practice Ownership Renaissance.
• [00:05:34-00:05:44] Mentorship in veterinary medicine.
• [00:08:10] Compassion fatigue in veterinarians.
• [00:12:29-00:12:39] Career Transition Challenges.
• [00:16:38-00:16:48] Rewarding connections.
• [00:18:11-00:18:22] Mentorship in Veterinary Practice.
• [00:22:43-00:22:53] Corporate impact on veterinary medicine.
• [00:24:23-00:24:34] Practice ownership discussion.

Episode Links

Visit Dr Matt’s practice website at https://eastendvets.ca/

Connect with Dr. Matt Spiegle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewspiegle/

Mentioned in this episode:

Today’s show is brought to you by Leaders, Dr Dave Nicol's Leadership training course. Are people the major pain point in your practice? If so, you are not alone; over 90% of managers report staff problems as their number one issue. At the root of this problem are usually three dysfunctions: A poorly articulated vision, toxic culture, or some form of leadership breakdown. If this sounds familiar, then do not despair. Help is at hand. We encourage you to check out ‘Leaders', a veterinary-specific Leadership training program where you will learn how to create and execute a shared vision, hire well, and build a powerful high-performance practice culture without the drama. The class is accredited, delivered online, and open for applications now. To learn more, listen to a free training webinar, or apply – visit www.drdavenicol.com/leaders today.

Today’s show is brought to you by Leaders, Dr Dave Nicol's Leadership training course. Are people the major pain point in your practice? If so, you are not alone; over 90% of managers report staff problems as their number one issue. At the root of this problem are usually three dysfunctions: A poorly articulated vision, toxic culture, or some form of leadership breakdown. If this sounds familiar, then do not despair. Help is at hand. We encourage you to check out ‘Leaders', a veterinary-specific Leadership training program where you will learn how to create and execute a shared vision, hire well, and build a powerful high-performance practice culture without the drama. The class is accredited, delivered online, and open for applications now. To learn more, listen to a free training webinar, or apply – visit www.drdavenicol.com/leaders today.