The Veterinary Leadership Success Show

• Nice Leaders, Toxic Teams? What VEEBS Is Telling Us with Dr. Dave Nicol and Oliver Loveday (Ep 116)

  In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, we’re pulling back the curtain on something that’s quietly sabotaging teams across the veterinary profession: disengagement.I’m joined by Oliver Loveday, our Head of Community, to talk about the early findings from our Veterinary Employee Engagement Benchmark Study (VEEBS). We’ve had over 80 practices take part already, and the results are both sobering and full of opportunity.What we’re seeing is a consistent, avoidable gap – a breakdown in day-to-day communication, appreciation, and leadership follow-through. And it’s happening in practices where the leaders genuinely care, but are overwhelmed, overstretched, or just don’t have the systems in place to stay connected.This episode is a wake-up call and a guide. We unpack the biggest blind spots that are showing up in the data, from feeling ‘too nice to lead’ to ‘trust that’s really avoidance’ and we offer practical advice to help you reconnect with your team before the wheels fall off.If you’ve ever thought “but I’m trying to lead well, so why isn’t it working?”…this episode’s for you.Episode Outline:00:00 – Why we created VEEBS and what it measures02:15 – The courage to ask hard questions04:40 – Net Promoter Score vs real engagement08:10 – What we’re learning from 80+ practices12:00 – The feedback famine: no system, no support15:00 – Growing pains: why teams break at 12–15 people18:30 – Too kind to lead? Why empathy needs boundaries21:00 – Lack of appreciation = lack of love24:00 – How to join the VEEBS study (for free!)Want more leadership tools in your corner?Follow me: @drdavenicolCheck out: Veterinary Leadership AcademyWant to take part in VEEBS? Sign up here: drdavenicol.com/get-your-enps If this episode helped you see something in a new light, leave a review on iTunes or send it to a fellow leader who might need to hear it. That’s how we build stronger teams, one small step at a time.Mentioned in this episode:Mentioned in this episode: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.

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• Ep 115: How AI Can Save Veterinary Leaders Hours Every Week with Dr. Dave Nicol

  In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m tackling a topic that’s going to shape the future of our profession, whether we’re ready or not, I’m talking about AI.Now, I know what you’re thinking. Another shiny tool, another thing to learn. But this one’s different. Used right, AI can help you cut through the chaos, free up your time, and finally start making real progress on the stuff that actually matters, like culture, strategy, and leadership.From SOPs to job ads, marketing content to performance reviews, AI can help you get more done, faster. This episode is your straight-up guide to what’s possible, what’s working, and why leaders who ignore it are going to get left behind.If you’re ready to get out of reactive mode and take back control, this one’s for you.If you want to learn more about how AI can help you and your practice, watch my free webinar now.Episode Outline:00:00 – The divide: AI adopters vs the left-behind02:30 – Life inside a practice manager’s brain04:00 – The stress of decision-making05:00 – How AI helps with hiring, HR, marketing07:00 – It’s a toolkit, not the Terminator10:45 – Ten ways AI saves you hours every week13:00 – Real-world wins: coaching, content, strategy16:35 – Webinar details and final thoughtsEpisode LinksIf you want to learn more about how AI can help you and your practice, watch my free webinar now.Want more leadership tools in your corner? Follow me: @drdavenicolCheck out: Veterinary Leadership AcademyIf this episode hit home, leave a review on iTunes and share it with someone you think could do with some help. That’s how we get better leadership into more practices, where it’s desperately needed.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.

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• Ep 114: The Hidden Cost of Corporatization - Your Stories, My Thoughts with Dr. Dave Nicol

  In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m circling back to a blog post that clearly hit a nerve—“Is Veterinary Mentorship the Greatest Casualty of Corporatization?”. The response was huge. You shared stories, frustrations, and a whole lot of heart. So today, I’m unpacking those comments, reflecting on what they really mean for our profession and exploring what we can do, practically, to turn the tide. If you care about the future of veterinary leadership (and I think you do), this one’s worth your time.From the silent regret of practice sellers, to the operational time crunch faced by independents, to the shortsightedness of corporate leadership in sidelining seasoned vets, this episode is both a call to action and a glimmer of hope. Because while the system may be creaking, the appetite for change is real, and you might just be part of the solution.Episode Outline:[00:00] – A Bold Question: What Happened to Mentorship?[03:15] – What We’re Losing Without Mentors[05:20] – The Gap Between Knowing and Doing[08:00] – Selling Up: Reflections from Former Practice Owners[10:30] – Corporatization: A Leadership Vacuum and Lost Wisdom[12:45] – Independents Aren’t Immune: Time Poverty and Clinical Addiction[15:00] – Declining Clinical Skills and Public Trust[19:30] – Are Startups the Answer? A Nuanced Look at Hope and Hype[22:15] – Your Role in the Solution: Start Now or Wait 6 YearsEpisode LinksIs Veterinary Mentorship the Greatest Casualty of Corporatization? BlogFollow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:Follow Dave: @drdavenicolExplore Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership AcademyEnjoyed this episode?Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary friends. Your voice helps others discover the show and join the leadership movement.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.

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• Ep 113: Confidence-Centered Coaching with Mike Porteous

  In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m joined by Mike Porteous – a Level 3 Triathlon Coach, British Triathlon mentor, and the founder of Zig Zag Alive. Mike’s coaching journey spans over two decades, guiding athletes from wobbly first-timers to seasoned competitors with his unique approach to coaching and self-belief.But Mike’s expertise doesn’t stop at sports. He’s also a Swim England instructor teaching children with disabilities through the charity Level Water, and he’s written for the Outdoor Swimming Society, sharing his insights on preparing for big swims and other endurance challenges. Before diving into the world of Lycra and Ironman races, Mike was a social scientist with a PhD, an MBA, and a civil service career – a background that has deeply influenced his coaching philosophy.We explore the core principles of his method, 'Confidence-Centered Coaching,' and unpack how his diverse career journey informs his work with athletes today. From breaking the hamster wheel of habitual overwork to building sustainable, self-belief-driven progress, Mike shares powerful insights on how leaders in any field – including veterinary practice – can learn to coach with empathy, create space for growth, and drive genuine progress without burnout.If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of constant hustle with little reflection, or if you want to learn how to inspire lasting change in your team, this episode is a must-listen. It was a huge pleasure to bring someone who coaches me into the limelight. I hope this shines some light on a keystone subject for all leaders.Episode Outline:[00:00] – Meet Mike Porteous: Coach & Founder of Zig Zag Alive.[03:15] – From Civil Service to Triathlon.[05:30] – What Is Confidence-Centered Coaching?[08:45] – Coaching vs. Telling (aka consulting).[12:00] – Creating Space for Growth.[15:20] – The Hamster Wheel of Leadership.[19:00] – Coaching in Action.[22:30] – Confidence Through Ownership.[26:45] – Swim Coaching for Children with Disabilities.[29:30] – Beyond Belief: Mike’s Book.[33:00] – How Leaders Can Coach.[36:45] – Sustainable Success.[40:30] – Looking Forward.[44:00] – Wrapping Up.Episode Resources:Mike’s Book: Beyond Belief: The Art of Confidence-Centered Coaching by Mike PorteousConnect with Mike Porteous on LinkedinZig Zag Alive’s WebsiteBrene BrownThe Human Behind the Coach, Claire PatrickFollow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:Follow Dave: @drdavenicolLearn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership AcademyEnjoyed this episode?Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!Mentioned in this episode:Mentioned in this episode: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,...

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• Ep 112: Why Veterinary Leaders Must Make Time for What Counts with Dr. Dave Nicol

  In this reflective episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m diving into one of the most important, yet often overlooked questions we face as veterinary leaders: Are we spending our precious time wisely?Sparked by a personal experience attending the funeral of a dear friend, I explore three deep reflections that emerged—how business can be a force for good, why who you spend your time with matters more than you think, and the sobering reminder that none of us are guaranteed endless tomorrows.If you’ve ever found yourself delaying important decisions, holding off on essential conversations, or postponing dreams for "someday," this episode offers a timely nudge to re-evaluate what really matters—and to take action now.Episode Outline: [00:00] – Reflections from a Life Well Lived[02:15] – Business as a Force for Good: Why It Matters[04:40] – Escaping the Zero-Sum Game Mindset in Veterinary Practice[05:55] – Why the People You Work With Matter More Than You Think[07:10] – Building Teams That Energize, Not Drain[08:00] – Do You Really Have Time? Facing Life’s Big Question[09:00] – The Urgent Call to Act on What Truly MattersFollow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:Follow Dave: @drdavenicolLearn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership AcademyEnjoyed this episode?Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!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.

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