In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh return for Part 2 of their conversation on coaching communication—this time turning insight into action.

Building on the science from The Effectiveness of Workplace Coaching: A Meta-Analysis of Contemporary Psychologically Informed Coaching Approaches (2021), this episode explores how curiosity comes to life through Sir John Whitmore’s GROW model - a simple, powerful framework for creating confidence, motivation, and connection on veterinary teams.

From goal setting to growth mindset, Andi and Josh break down each step of GROW through a positive psychology lens—showing how just a few intentional questions can shift culture, empower teams, and bring out the best in everyone.

You’ll hear:

• How the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Way Forward) can transform team conversations
• Why connecting goals to personal values sparks motivation and meaning
• Ways to reframe “what’s wrong” into “what’s strong” when exploring workplace reality
• Simple curiosity-driven questions that open up new possibilities
• How small coaching moments—just a few minutes long—can reshape your culture from the inside out

Whether you’re a leader, technician, or teammate, this episode gives you the tools to put curiosity into action and start creating the kind of culture every veterinary professional deserves to be part of.

Resource Links:

Episode Article:

Title: The effectiveness of workplace coaching: A meta-analysis of contemporary psychologically informed coaching approaches
Authors:Qing Wang, Yiming Lai, Jian Xu, & Almuth McDowall

DOI: 10.1108/JWAM-04-2021-0030

Coaching For Performance (6th edition) By Sir John Whitmore

GROW Coaching Worksheet - From The Flourishing Center

Ted Lasso Official Trailer (Season 1) - we wouldn’t want to give too much away now would we?
Ted Lasso - Available on Apple TV

Florida Man This Week - George Foreman Grill

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Part Two

00:41 Weekend Stories and Personal Anecdotes

05:56 The Importance of Curiosity in Coaching

11:24 Diving into the Grow Model

17:34 The Power of Future-Oriented Goals

18:21 Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Efficacy

19:35 Curiosity in Goal Setting

20:40 Reality Check: Balancing Barriers and Strengths

23:14 Exploring Options with Curiosity

25:10 The Impact of Asking the Right Questions

29:07 Implementing the GROW Model in Practice

35:04 Practical Tips for Leaders

36:57 Conclusion and Fun Segment

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore what coaching really means in veterinary medicine—and why curiosity might be the most powerful tool we have to strengthen culture.

Grounded in a 2021 meta-analysis of workplace coaching, this conversation unpacks how three evidence-based approaches—GROW, Positive Psychology Coaching, and Cognitive Behavioral Coaching—can help veterinary teams build confidence, connection, and wellbeing. Andi and Josh share why coaching is not advice-giving or mentoring, but a structured, science-backed conversation that helps people clarify goals, see reality more fully, explore new options, and take meaningful steps forward.

From donuts and Ted Lasso to the science of empowerment and agency, this episode will leave you rethinking the way you talk with your team—and why “ask, don’t tell” is the secret to renovating workplace culture.

You’ll hear:

• Why coaching is different from advice, therapy, or mentoring
• What the research says about coaching’s impact on performance and wellbeing
• How GROW, Positive Psychology Coaching, and Cognitive Behavioral Coaching each support veterinary teams
• Why curiosity is the throughline of effective coaching conversations
• Simple ways to practice curiosity—even on busy, chaotic days

Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring a new grad, or simply hoping for more meaningful workplace conversations, this episode offers a hopeful, practical look at how coaching can change the way veterinary teams connect and thrive.

Resource Links:

Episode Article:

Title: The effectiveness of workplace coaching: A meta-analysis of contemporary psychologically informed coaching approaches
Authors:Qing Wang, Yiming Lai, Jian Xu, & Almuth McDowall

DOI: 10.1108/JWAM-04-2021-0030

Ted Lasso Official Trailer (Season 1) - we wouldn’t want to give too much away now would we?
Ted Lasso - Available on Apple TV

Florida Man This Week - Hot Pink and Naked

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Coaching in Veterinary Medicine

00:42 Casual Conversation and Weekend Plans

01:35 Horse Training and Competitions

04:46 Ted Lasso Fandom

07:43 The Essence of Coaching

08:56 The Importance of Coaching in VetMed

12:27 Research on Coaching Effectiveness

14:13 Popular Coaching Models

16:31 Integrating Coaching Models

20:32 Identifying Progress and Strengths

21:11 The Power of Curiosity in Coaching

22:52 Maintaining Curiosity Amidst Chaos

24:03 Practical Tips for Staying Curious

27:33 Curiosity in Veterinary Culture

34:02 Teasing the Next Episode

35:06 Florida Man and Closing Remarks

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dive into groundbreaking new research from their friend Dr. Zach Mercurio—research that pinpoints exactly how leaders can help veterinary teams experience more meaningful work.

Grounded in a 2024 study on purposeful leadership, this conversation uncovers six specific, learnable leadership practices that boost energy, reduce burnout, and increase job satisfaction—even in high-stress environments like veterinary medicine.

Andi and Josh break down the difference between Big-P Purpose (your lofty mission) and little-p purpose (those small, meaningful moments that remind you why your work matters). They also explore how anyone—not just titled leaders—can activate purpose, foster connection, and help build veterinary cultures where people feel like they truly matter.

You’ll hear:

• Why meaningful work is essential for veterinary team wellbeing and retention
• What the research says about the link between leadership behaviors and job satisfaction
• Six powerful practices that help veterinary leaders lead with purpose
• How to deliver praise in a way that fuels purpose, not just productivity
• A real-life story about a hard moment that became worth it—because of meaning
• How to make impact visible using tools like laddering, “because” praise, and mattering moments

Whether you're a practice manager, technician, associate DVM, or just someone who cares about veterinary culture, this episode offers real-world ways to turn everyday tasks into moments that matter.

Resource Links:

Episode Article:

Title: Mapping and Measuring Leadership Practices Intended to Foster Meaningful Work

Authors: Zach Mercurio, Tamara L. Miles, Wesley G. Adams, Jeremy D. W. Clifton

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41542-023-00161-z

Check out Zach Mercurio and his two fantastic books:

• The Invisible Leader
• The Power of Mattering
  
  

Rebecca Rose

Florida Woman This Week - Fake Manager

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Making Work Meaningful

00:42 Casual Conversation: Sunny Days and Glasses

01:04 A Real-Life Story: Embracing Aging

03:04 Purposeful Leadership: Meeting Zach Mercurio

04:45 Big P vs. Little p Purpose

13:20 Research Insights: Leadership and Meaningful Work

23:00 The Importance of Impact Stories

24:20 Trust and Support in the Workplace

25:25 Humorous Anecdote: The Colorado Trip

26:26 Gathering and Sharing Impact Stories

28:06 Growth Equals Glue: Recognizing Potential

30:57 Purpose-First Hiring

32:08 Connection Combats Compassion Fatigue

33:09 Actionable Steps for Cultural Renovation

36:25 The Power of Praise and Recognition

39:48 Florida Woman: A Humorous Interlude

41:28 Conclusion and Call to Action