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

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore the power of resilience—not just as a personal trait, but as a skill we can teach, build, and share.

Grounded in a 2017 study by Jenny Moffett and David Bartram, this conversation uncovers what happens when veterinary students receive formal resilience education early in their careers—and what it means for the rest of us who never got that kind of support.

From skepticism to mindset shifts, and from group learning to individual bounce-back moments, this episode is a hopeful look at how wellbeing education can change the trajectory of a veterinary career—and why it's never too late to learn.

You’ll hear:

• Why resilience education matters in vet med (and why it’s not just for students)
• What the research says about resilience as a learnable skill
• How one workshop changed the way students saw themselves and their capacity to cope
• The social power of building resilience together—not alone
• What this means for long-time professionals who never got this training early on

Whether you’re just starting out or mid-career and building the plane mid-flight, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the science of resilience—and the role education can play in making thriving possible.

Resource Links:

Episode Article:

Title: Veterinary Students’ Perspectives on Resilience and Resilience-Building Strategies
Authors:Jenny E. Moffett and Davi d J. Bartram

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.0216-046r1

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Applied Veterinary Resilience
Flourish Academy - Introduction to Applied Veterinary Resilence
Florida Veterinary Medical Association - Inspire program - This program is FREE for ALL Florida veterinary professions regardless of status with the FVMA.

Florida Man This Week - Dog

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 Resilience Education

00:42 Casual Conversation and Weather Talk

01:25 Horse Care in Hot Weather

03:05 Dog Days of Summer

05:30 The Joy of Dad Jokes

06:00 A Thought-Provoking Question

09:26 Hope in Veterinary Medicine

12:22 Resilience Training in Veterinary School

17:50 Skepticism and Resilience

20:53 Handling Skepticism in the Workplace

21:59 Embracing Skeptics for Better Conversations

23:56 The Importance of Wellbeing in Vet Med

25:49 Balancing Wellbeing Across Career Stages

29:21 Practical Ways to Show You Care

31:04 Making Resilience a Group Effort

34:21 Educational Opportunities for Building Resilience

38:35 Florida Man: A Humorous Conclusion

The Vet Med Circus: Why Collaboration Is the Star of the Show

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore one of the most powerful—but often overlooked—drivers of high-functioning veterinary teams: positive communication that fuels real collaboration.

Grounded in a 2024 study on veterinary team communication, they break down 15 specific behaviors that can either build, or break, collaborative veterinary workplaces. These habits go beyond personality or work ethic and show how simple shifts in how we speak, listen, and respond can drive culture renovation.

You do not need a big budget or fancy retreat to improve your veterinary culture—just a few intentional moments of respect, empathy, and action-oriented communication can spark real change.

You’ll hear:

• What true collaboration in veterinary teams looks like—and what it is not
  
  
• Why communication often matters more than work ethic in vet med
  
  
• The 4 core categories of collaborative behaviors (with real-world examples)
  
  
• Why respect in veterinary teams is the top behavior linked to success
  
  
• How to turn empathy and curiosity into culture-building tools
  
  
• Action steps to boost trust, psychological safety, and team morale

Whether you are managing a clinic, working the treatment floor, or leading from the front desk, this episode offers practical tools to support thriving, high-functioning veterinary teams—one conversation at a time.

Resources:

Episode Article:

Title: Positive Communication Practices for Enhancing Collaboration

Author: Amy E. Mickel

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23294884241263552

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication

• For Leaders
• For Teams
  

Puppy Songs

Florida Man This Week - Cars

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 Collaboration in Vet Med

00:40 Casual Chat: Smoothies and Pets

03:45 The Importance of Collaboration in Vet Med

06:20 A Real-Life Example of Effective Collaboration

09:58 Key Communication Practices for Collaboration

13:05 Respect and Empathy in Teamwork

22:05 Practical Steps to Enhance Collaboration

26:45 Florida Man: A Humorous Conclusion

Seen, Valued, Energized: How Micro-Connections Build Thriving Veterinary Teams

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dive into one of their favorite culture renovation tools: high-quality connections (or as we like to say, micro-connections that pack a punch).

Inspired by the stories of MVP Joey Votto and NBA star Steph Curry, and grounded in the research of organizational psychologist Dr. Jane Dutton, this conversation explores how fleeting, positive moments between team members can change everything—from mood and motivation to retention and resilience.

In a profession where time is short and stress runs high, veterinary teams need more than coffee and courage. They need connection. And the best part? You do not need a retreat or a big budget to make it happen.

You’ll hear:

• What high-quality connections actually are—and why they matter in vet med
• How micro-interactions shift team energy and culture
• Why these connections are essential during stress and chaos
• The 3 science-backed pathways that make a connection “high-quality”
• Practical ways to create, model, and celebrate these moments at work

Whether you manage a clinic or assist in surgery, this episode shows how a little intentionality can spark a whole lot of wellbeing.

Resource Links

Episode Articles:

Title: The Power of High-Quality Connections
Author: Jane E. Dutton
Access URL (PDF from Center for Positive Organizations):
https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/HighQualityConnections.pdf

Title: Joey Votto and Steph Curry Found a Secret to Workplace Happiness. You Can, Too.
Author: Rustin Dodd
URL: https://theathletic.com/5480823/2025/05/22/joey-votto-steph-curry-happiness/

(Subscription may be required)

Florida Man This Week - Horse

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 High Quality Connections

00:40 Casual Conversation and Personal Updates

02:30 Excitement for Today's Topic

02:47 Defining High Quality Connections

03:23 Real-Life Examples of High Quality Connections

04:26 Exploring High Quality Connections in Professional Settings

06:28 Research and Articles on High Quality Connections

07:51 Stories of Joey Vato and Steph Curry

09:46 The Science Behind High Quality Connections

11:34 Personal Stories of High Quality Connections

13:10 The Impact of High Quality Connections in Vet Med

14:48 The Power of Using Names

15:38 High Quality Connections in Fast-Paced Environments

17:38 The Importance of Connection During Stressful Times

20:17 Building a Resilient Culture

21:36 Practical Tips for Creating High Quality Connections

27:49 Celebrating High Quality Connections

28:38 Florida Man Segment

30:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore the power of communication in shaping how a workplace feels and why that feeling matters more than we think.

Drawing on new research from the University of Michigan, the conversation dives into how intentional leadership communication transformed workplace climate, decreased burnout, and boosted engagement - all during a time of crisis.

With vet med facing its own climate challenges, this study offers a blueprint for change: small communication shifts that create big ripple effects. From high-quality connections to building relational reserves, this episode connects the dots between leadership behavior and team wellbeing.

You’ll hear:

• What “workplace climate” really means—and how it differs from culture
• How leadership communication became a lever for change
• Why positive climate matters more than pay when it comes to retention
• How to build resilience before the next crisis hits
• Practical micro-practices you can use to shape climate on purpose

Whether you lead a team or simply want your clinic to feel more human, this episode offers science-backed insight into what makes veterinary workplaces thrive from the inside out.

Resource Links

Episode Article:

Article Title: Positive Leadership within Breast Imaging: Impact on Burnout, Intent to Leave, and Engagement

Authors: Amy Young, Jennifer J. Gruber, and Nima Aghdassi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2024.01.023

Flourish Academy Masterclasses:

• Certificate in Positive Veterinary Leadership
• Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication

Florida Man This Week - Convenience Store

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: The Impact of Communication at Work

00:43 Team Dynamics and the Importance of Key Members

02:24 Climate and Culture in the Workplace

05:03 Leadership Styles and Their Effects

10:08 Positive Leadership and Workplace Climate Study

15:34 Communication as Leverage in Leadership

19:04 Transparency in Leadership

19:49 The Impact of Workplace Climate

20:50 Effective Leadership Interventions

22:22 Building Relational Reserves

23:34 Intentional Connections in Teams

25:29 Cultural Renovation Strategies

30:03 Transparency and Communication

33:37 Florida Man: Gator Adventure

35:17 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh unpack the myth that success in veterinary medicine is all about grit and hustle—and offer a compelling alternative backed by research.

Grounded in leadership science and workplace psychology, this episode explores new findings from the Thriving at Work: 2023 Leadership Development Survey and connects them to veterinary teams through the powerful lens of culture renovation. With burnout on the rise and turnover rates high, the conversation challenges long-held assumptions and offers practical, doable shifts to help teams flourish.

You’ll hear:

• Why “just push through” is not a long-term strategy for wellbeing
  
  
• What the science says truly drives thriving in veterinary workplaces
  
  
• How the “20% Rule” can help teams access more meaning without overhauling their jobs
  
  
• Real-life examples of how strengths, recognition, and curiosity fuel engagement

Whether you’re rethinking leadership, rebalancing workloads, or just trying to feel less drained at the end of the day, this episode offers science-backed ideas for making veterinary work more human—and more sustainable.

Resource Links:

Episode Article(s):

Title: Thriving at work

Authors: Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership (2023)

***

Title: Beyond the Hustle: Rethinking what it takes to thrive at work

Authors: Elisa van Dam, Susan MacKenty, Brady and Pynn Perry Wooten (2025)

URL: https://www.smartbrief.com/original/beyond-the-hustle-rethinking-what-it-takes-to-thrive-at-work

***
20% Rule resource:
Title: Burnout Rate Is Lower Among Academic Physicians When Time Is Spent on Meaningful Work

Author: Lang, Les

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2009.06.013

***
Florida Man This Week - Reality TV

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.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Work Culture

00:57 Casual Catch-Up: Horse Troubles and Farm Life

03:35 A Day in the Life: Unexpected Calls and Mixed Emotions

05:01 Personal Stories: The Hustle Culture

10:07 Research Insights: Thriving at Work

13:40 Enablers of Thriving: Good Management and Communication

15:50 Building a Transparent and Strengths-Focused Team

17:04 The 20% Rule for Thriving at Work

19:57 Applying the 20% Rule to Cultural Renovation

21:53 Conducting an Energy Audit for Your Team

24:09 The Power of Curiosity in Leadership

28:28 Florida Man: A Humorous Interlude

30:01 Wrapping Up and Encouraging Engagement