In this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams on Air, Suzanne is joined by Dr. Desmond Coates, a practicing veterinarian and medical director in Mason, Ohio, who stepped into leadership just a few years after graduating vet school in 2022. Dr. Coates shares how his Uncle Brian inspired both his love of animals and his commitment to mentorship, and how early leadership experiences in college, vet school’s Veterinary Leadership Experience (VLE), and associate practice shaped his service-based view of leadership. Together, they explore what it means to lead with attention, build trust, and create psychological safety while still holding people accountable. Dr. Coates discusses the importance of self-reflection, consistency, follow-through, and asking for feedback, emphasizing that teams don’t expect perfection—they expect accountability. He shares communication strategies drawn from books like Crucial Conversations, Crucial Accountability, Never Split the Difference, and Stories That Stick, including entering hard conversations calmly, saying the “quiet part” out loud, and using curiosity-driven prompts like “What do you mean by that?” and “Tell me more.” Dr. Coates also reflects on repairing relationships after missteps, the strengths and challenges of early-career leadership, and how he integrates clinical diagnostic thinking with leadership problem-solving. He highlights delegation, empowering teams, and strong technician utilization as key to sustainability, describing technicians as leaders who should be trusted and utilized to the full degree of their training and licensure. Finally, he shares his view that avoidance is a root driver of burnout and cultural decline in veterinary medicine, and encourages leaders to lean into discomfort, address issues early, and seek mentorship and a strong leadership network. Dr. Coates recommends Crucial Conversations as the one book every leader should read and invites listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn.

🌟 Connect with Dr Coates
LinkedIn: / desmond-xavier-coates-dvm-802595123

🎧 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.

And 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.

In this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams On Air, host Suzanne Thomas speaks with Lucy Nash, a seasoned RVT with diverse experiences across the veterinary field. Lucy shares her journey from clinical practice to her current role in industry, emphasizing the prevalence of burnout and the importance of recognizing and utilizing the skills of veterinary technicians. The discussion highlights the significance of open communication, team utilization, and creating a positive workplace culture. Lucy advocates for the inclusion of all team members in decision-making processes and stresses the need for understanding individual learning and communication styles to enhance employee engagement and retention.00:00 Understanding Compassion Fatigue in Veterinary Medicine00:24 Introduction to Leading Veterinary Teams Podcast01:16 Meet Lucy Nash: A Journey Through Veterinary Medicine03:17 Transitioning from Clinical Practice to Industry Roles05:11 The Importance of Skill Sets in Veterinary Medicine08:09 Leadership and Team Engagement in Veterinary Practices13:20 Feedback and Communication in Veterinary Teams24:15 Building Trust and Transparency in Veterinary Leadership34:47 Changing Feedback Methods36:39 The Importance of Timely Feedback39:24 Understanding Team Communication Styles43:58 Building a Respectful Work Culture46:36 The Role of Leadership in Large Organizations48:45 Adapting to Adult Learning Styles59:01 Exploring Non-Clinical Career Paths01:05:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts🌟 Connect with LucyEmail: Lucy@hound.vetLinkedIn: @lucynashRVTInstagram: @lucylupoprvt🎧 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.

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 Episode

• The personal story behind Lanise’s passion for equity and inclusion in veterinary medicine

• How early career challenges and lack of mentorship can shape leadership identity

• The founding story and mission of the PET X Foundation

• Practical ways to start conversations about inclusion in your own hospital

• Why representation and mentorship matter for retention and belonging

• How leaders can move from awareness to meaningful, lasting change

  
  

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leading Veterinary Teams
01:06 Guest Introduction: Lanise Parnell's Journey
02:08 Early Challenges in Veterinary Medicine
04:25 Returning to Vet Med and Gaining Experience
06:40 Founding the PET X Foundation
12:30 Mentorship and Barriers in Vet Med
16:09 Addressing Bias and Inclusivity in Veterinary Practices
29:40 Starting Small: Community Inclusion
31:49 The Power of Mentorship in Vet Med
33:31 Networking: Building a Supportive Community
36:40 Opportunities and Challenges in Vet Med
44:15 Future of Diversity and Inclusion in Vet Med
49:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

🌟 Connect with Lanise

LinkedIn: Lanise Parnell
Organization: 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 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 indicator
• How to coach to behaviors and outcomes, not just metrics
• The surprising transferable skills from coaching and practice
• What every aspiring owner should study: HR, marketing, and IT basics
• How to define your values before day one and use them to guide tough calls
  

Connect 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.

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.

In this episode, I sit down with Kate Boatright, VMD: veterinarian, speaker, writer, and author of Small Animal Veterinary Mentorship Manual. With over a decade in practice, Dr. Boatright has become a leading voice on creating mentorship that works, not just for new grads, but for every role in the hospital.

We dive into why mentorship is more than onboarding or skills training, how to build a culture of support across the whole team, and what both mentors and mentees can do to make the relationship successful. From navigating burnout as a mentor to setting clear expectations from day one, Dr. Boatright shares practical tools and candid advice to make mentorship a lasting part of veterinary culture.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why mentorship should extend beyond new graduates to every hospital role

• How to set clear expectations that prevent disappointment and turnover

• The shared responsibilities of mentors and mentees

• How hospital leaders can build mentorship into culture, not just contracts

• The difference between training and mentorship, and why it matters

Connect with Dr. Kate Boatright:🔗 Website: www.writetheboat.com🔗 LinkedIn: Kate Boatright, VMD🔗 Instagram: @writetheboat

🎧 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.

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.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amber Parks—a veterinarian, speaker, and certified stress and burnout coach—to explore the deeper layers of burnout in veterinary medicine. Amber shares her own journey through burnout, including her decision to leave general practice for relief work, only to discover that the real work was internal.

We dig into the misconceptions around burnout (spoiler: it’s not just about changing jobs), why so many of us think relief work is the solution, and how shifting her relationship to stress changed everything. Today, Dr. Parks supports veterinary professionals in identifying the root causes of burnout and building lives that actually feel sustainable.

We Talk About:
💥 Amber’s personal experience with burnout in general practice
🧠 Why relief work didn’t fix the problem
🔍 The deeper personal work burnout recovery requires
🛠️ How stress management, mindset, and coaching became her turning point
🫂 Why seeking support isn’t weakness—it’s strategy

If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe relief work will fix everything,” this episode is for you.

Links & Resources:
Connect with Dr. Amber Parks on Instagram: @the_stress_and_burnout_coach