What do you do when you're promoted, unsupported, and then demoted? That’s the raw question tackled by Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss in this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast. In veterinary medicine, leadership failure can feel deeply personal, especially when it looks like a promotion followed by radio silence and eventual disappointment. This episode dives into what it means to be set up to fail in leadership, how to recover emotionally, and how to turn that painful experience into fuel for future growth. If you’ve ever felt let down by leadership or struggled to find your way after a professional blow, this conversation is for you.

You Don’t Have to Carry It All

Feeling like everything at the clinic falls on you? You’re not alone. The Uncharted Veterinary Community is where overwhelmed veterinary professionals find support, strategy, and their people. From real conversations to resources that actually help, we’re here to make leadership less lonely. Ready to stop going it alone? Head to learn.unchartedvet.comand jump in.

Overwhelmed but Still Getting It Done? This Is for You.

If you’re the one who keeps the clinic running, Get Sht Done* is the virtual workshop that’ll help you do exactly that—with less stress and more strategy. You’ll walk away with tools you can actually use, a community that speaks your language, and a much-needed burst of motivation. Whether you’re leading the front, wrangling tech schedules, or spinning a dozen plates at once, this session is built for you. Check it out at learn.unchartedvet.com

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Veterinary clinics are evolving and so are the people leading them. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita take on a deceptively simple mailbag question: “Non-medically trained practice manager?” It sparks a deep dive into one of the profession’s biggest shifts, the rise of the non-medical practice manager and the new dynamics of clinic leadership. From breaking down the growing divide between medicine and operations to offering hard-won insights from Maria’s own journey as a manager without a medical background, this episode explores how veterinary teams can rethink leadership for the better. Let's get into this episode!

Don’t Navigate Vet Med Alone

Running a practice or leading a team shouldn’t feel isolating. The Uncharted Veterinary Community brings together forward-thinking veterinary professionals for real talk, expert learning, and endless support. From live events to practical training, this is your space to grow and connect. Dive in here: learn.unchartedvet.com

Join us for the Team Leads Summit

The Uncharted Team Leads Summit is a one-day virtual event designed to empower veterinary team leads with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Through interactive workshops and real-time collaboration with peers, your leads will gain practical tools they can use immediately to support your team and strengthen your practice. Whether they oversee the front desk, the tech team, or daily operations, this summit will help them grow as leaders and drive your practice forward.

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

What do you do when your team is great on paper, skilled, kind, even gets along well, but when things get busy, the plan collapses and everyone starts freelancing? In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle a leadership scenario that’s as frustrating as it is familiar: what to do when the team keeps going rogue. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why won’t they just follow the plan?” this episode is for you. Let’s unpack what’s really going on and walk through what you as a leader can do to bring alignment, structure, and calm back to your practice. Let's get into this episode!

You Don’t Have to Navigate Vet Med Alone

Feeling overwhelmed in your veterinary role? You’re not the only one. The Uncharted Veterinary Community is where practice managers, technicians, and DVMs come together to share real talk, real tools, and real growth. Join a network of professionals who understand the challenges of vet med and are here to help you thrive—not just survive. From leadership development to daily problem-solving, it’s your go-to space for support. Explore more at: learn.unchartedvet.com

Leadership Training Designed for Veterinary Team Leads

Looking for leadership development tailored to your team leads? The Uncharted Team Leads Summit is a live, one-day virtual event crafted specifically for veterinary professionals who manage the daily operations of your clinic. From CSRs and head techs to inventory coordinators and team captains, this summit delivers practical training they can use right away. Boost their confidence, sharpen their communication, and help them lead effectively. Learn more here: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Anthony Pierlioni, VP of the Turtle Room and Manager of Training & Facilitation at VCA, to talk about his book, Veterinary Leadership Through Fresh Eyes. This heartfelt, candid conversation offers fresh insight into veterinary leadership from someone who took the long road to management, bringing empathy, emotional intelligence, and a social worker’s mindset into the veterinary world. Whether you’re new to veterinary practice management or mentoring the next generation of leaders, this episode delivers powerful reminders about how to lead with heart and hold accountability with compassion. Let's get into this episode!

Don’t Navigate Vet Med Alone

Running a practice or leading a team shouldn’t feel isolating. The Uncharted Veterinary Community brings together forward-thinking veterinary professionals for real talk, expert learning, and endless support. From live events to practical training, this is your space to grow and connect. Dive in here: learn.unchartedvet.com

Join us for the Team Leads Summit

The Uncharted Team Leads Summit is a one-day virtual event designed to empower veterinary team leads with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Through interactive workshops and real-time collaboration with peers, your leads will gain practical tools they can use immediately to support your team and strengthen your practice. Whether they oversee the front desk, the tech team, or daily operations, this summit will help them grow as leaders and drive your practice forward.

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Guest Bio: I have published 5 books - one on veterinary leadership and the other four on turtles. In addition to being a veterinary leader and former practice manager, I am a turtle conservationist. My focus in life is people, helping to support them in vet med and to help bridge gaps in species conservation. Even as animal people, it has to be about people of we hope to be successful at all.

Is your boss the reason morale is low and turnover is high? In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, hosts Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss unpack a heartbreaking mailbag letter from a veterinary practice manager stuck in a toxic situation. The letter details an emotionally draining reality: a practice owner whose yelling, micromanagement, and disparaging gossip have left the team completely demoralized. If you’re facing a similar dynamic with a practice bully, you’re not alone. Stephanie and Andy offer practical guidance and powerful mindset shifts to help veterinary leaders navigate workplace toxicity, especially when the bad behavior comes from the top.

Don’t Go It Alone in Vet Med

Feeling like you're carrying the weight of the practice on your shoulders? You’re not the only one. The Uncharted Veterinary Community is your place to connect with smart, supportive veterinary professionals who get it. From hands-on learning to honest conversations, we’re all about helping you grow your skills—and your sanity. Ready to stop doing this solo? Start here: learn.unchartedvet.com

Team Leads, This One’s for You

Your team leads keep the wheels turning—and they deserve tools and training that meet them where they are. The Uncharted Team Leads Summit is a one-day virtual experience built just for leads in vet med. We’re talking actionable workshops, live connection with peers, and leadership tools they can start using right away. Whether they run the front desk, manage techs, or juggle all the things behind the scenes, this summit helps them level up and lead with confidence. Get the details: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

In this episode Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss respond to a mailbag letter about a sensitive workplace issue: management silencing employees. What happens when team members are told not to express emotions, especially when they’re feeling overwhelmed by clients or coworkers? With heart, humor, and unflinching honesty, Andy and Stephanie dive into the philosophical, emotional, and tactical layers of this challenge. From espresso mishaps to kung-fu chiropractor visits (yes, really), they set the stage for a deep conversation on venting, psychological safety, and leadership’s role in workplace culture. Let’s get into this episode!



In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Roy Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Blue River Pet Care, to explore how veterinary practice operations can be scaled across 210 hospitals without losing what makes each clinic special. If you're a veterinary practice owner who's ever thought about selling your clinic, or simply scaling your operations more effectively, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical takeaways. Tune in as Roy Jain breaks down the operational strategies they use to honor legacy, build trust, and drive growth. Let’s get into this episode!

This episode is brought to you ad-free thanks to Blue River Pet Care!

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita unpack a tricky, heartfelt mailbag letter from a practice manager stuck between supporting her aspiring technicians and honoring the clinic’s limitations. The episode offers practical leadership strategies to communicate a “no” with empathy, inspire continued growth, and thoughtfully advocate for veterinary technician school support—even when funding isn’t possible right now. If you’ve ever felt caught between advocating for your team’s development and managing budget constraints, this episode hits home. And if you’re a veterinary leader wondering how to retain ambitious talent while navigating tough conversations, this one’s a must-listen. Let's get into this episode!

Don’t Navigate Vet Med Alone

Running a practice or leading a team shouldn’t feel isolating. The Uncharted Veterinary Community brings together forward-thinking veterinary professionals for real talk, expert learning, and endless support. From live events to practical training, this is your space to grow and connect. Dive in here: learn.unchartedvet.com

Master the Many Hats of Leadership

Being a medical director means balancing medicine, mentorship, and management—and you shouldn’t have to figure it out alone. The Uncharted Medical Director Summit is your one-stop virtual event for expert-led learning, practical tools, and real connection with fellow veterinary leaders. Grow your skills, build your network, and say “yes we can!” with confidence. Register now: unchartedvet.com/events/medical-director-summit

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag