In this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams On Air, host Suzanne Thomas welcomes Kelly Cronin, a veterinary technician specialist with over 30 years of experience across multiple roles. Kelly shares her journey from a shift lead to VTS in ECC to VP of operations, and how continuing education and community building became central to her career. She discusses the challenges and solutions in leadership, the importance of delegation and trust within teams, and how she reinvents herself through diverse entrepreneurial ventures. Highlights include Kelly's initiatives like CE on the Sea and her unique vacation rental business, which showcase her ability to integrate personal passions with professional growth. This episode offers valuable insights for veterinary leaders looking to foster a more inclusive, empowered, and dynamic work environment.
00:00Â Introduction to Leading Veterinary Teams
01:10Â Meet Kelly Cronin: A Veterinary Powerhouse
02:42Â Kelly's Leadership Journey
06:10Â Balancing Leadership and Technical Skills
08:40Â The Importance of Team Dynamics
13:24Â Delegation and Empowerment in Veterinary Teams
18:06Â Navigating Leadership Challenges
23:46Â Self-Examination and Setting Boundaries
30:42Â Intent and Grace in Leadership
34:48Â The Impetus for Writing My First Book
37:09Â The Birth of CE on the Sea
39:30Â Impactful Experiences and Connections
48:22Â Reinventing Myself in the Profession
52:14Â Exploring Opportunities Beyond Vet Med
59:26Â Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
01:01:26Â Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts
01:04:08Â Final Thoughts and Resources
🌟 Connect with KellyÂ
LinkedIn: @kellylynncronin
https://linktr.ee/kellylynncronin
Kelly’s Book: https://a.co/d/fxpmymT
Cronin’s Castles: https://croninscastles.com/
VetTechLife Financial Fitness Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1565420814266226/
🎧 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/1907700
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.
Self-Awareness and Energy to Cultivate Thriving Veterinary TeamsIn this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams, host Suzanne Thomas engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Jennifer Edwards, a veterinarian, leadership coach, and certified success principles trainer. Dr. Edwards shares her unconventional journey from studying psychology to veterinary medicine, her extensive career, and her transition to coaching. They discuss the crucial role of self-awareness, the power of curiosity over judgment, and the significance of managing and shifting personal energy for effective leadership. Dr. Edwards provides insights into how individual and collective energy influences team culture and resilience, emphasizing the importance of movement for physical and emotional well-being. Listeners gain practical advice on fostering positive, supportive environments and the impact of conscious leadership in veterinary practices.00:00 Dr Jennifer Edwards Leading Veterinary Teams On Air01:42 Meet Dr. Jennifer Edwards03:03 Dr. Jennifer's Unconventional Journey08:05 Understanding Resilience and Energy14:31 The Importance of Conscious Leadership21:49 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth26:29 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges33:55 Realizing Self-Awareness and Letting Go34:36 The Importance of Honoring Your Emotions40:24 Movement and Emotional Wellbeing48:02 Rebuilding Energy and Taking Responsibility51:56 The Power of Books and Continuous Learning55:19 Creating a Positive Workplace Culture59:28 Conclusion and Contact Information🌟 Connect with Dr Jennifer EdwardsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenniferedwards/Website: drjenniferedwards.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjenniferedwards🎧 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 of Leading Veterinary Teams, host Suzanne Thomas welcomes Rick Albrecht, a seasoned professional with over 27 years in the veterinary field and extensive experience in education and leadership development. Rick shares his journey, from starting as a veterinary assistant to becoming a clinical educator, emphasizing the critical role of active listening in effective leadership. He explains how active listening involves empathy, validation, and understanding the root causes of issues, and highlights its impact on building trust, mentorship, and team dynamics. Rick also discusses the importance of self-awareness, growth mindset, and the value of investing time upfront to ensure long-term success. The episode is a comprehensive guide for veterinary leaders looking to refine their listening skills and foster a positive and productive team culture.
🌟 Connect with Rick
LinkedIn: Rick Albrecht
🎧 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 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 Kristin Lake, a credentialed veterinary technician with extensive experience in emergency and critical care, to talk about something that hits close to home for so many in our field — moral distress and moral injury in veterinary medicine.Kristin shares how these experiences often show up in practice, how they differ from burnout, and what leaders can do to help their teams process and prevent moral injury. We dig into real-life examples, the emotional toll of tough cases, and the importance of debriefing as a leadership tool — not just to support team wellbeing, but to build trust and psychological safety across the hospital.We also explore how financial constraints and systemic challenges contribute to moral injury, why technicians often carry a unique emotional weight, and how advocacy can be both empowering and exhausting.This is a powerful conversation for any leader who wants to understand the deeper “why” behind team fatigue — and learn how to lead through it with empathy, transparency, and action.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The difference between moral distress, moral injury, and burnoutHow moral injury shows up in day-to-day veterinary practiceThe role of leadership in recognizing and responding to team distressWhy debriefing after difficult cases builds trust and resilienceHow to navigate the emotional toll of financial and ethical constraintsPractical ways to create psychological safety within your teamEpisode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Moral Distress in Veterinary Medicine00:24 Meet Kristin Lake: Expertise and Experience02:20 Understanding Moral Injury vs. Burnout04:00 Real-Life Examples of Moral Distress10:35 Impact on Team Dynamics and Leadership15:44 Addressing Moral Injury: Solutions and Strategies23:51 Building Trust and Accountability in Leadership26:58 The Role of Technicians in Advocacy28:15 Balancing Emotions in Professional Advocacy31:53 Addressing Financial Constraints in Veterinary Care37:41 The Importance of Psychological Safety41:14 Recommended Reading for Veterinary Professionals44:24 Final Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with Kristin:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinlake/Website: https://vetmedmathtutoring.com/🎧 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.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amelia Knight Pinkston — veterinarian, integrative health and life coach, consultant, speaker, entrepreneur, and as she calls herself, a “recovered, burned-out veterinarian.”Amelia’s story is one so many of us in this profession can relate to. On the outside, she was thriving and living her childhood dream, but underneath she was anxious, exhausted, and burned out. That turning point led her to explore a different way of living and working—one rooted in compassion, curiosity, and connection. Today, she helps veterinary professionals “uninstall the malware” of hustle culture and outdated roles so they can create sustainable, authentic, and energizing lives.We get into what burnout really is (spoiler: it’s an overwhelmed nervous system), why productivity can feel safer than rest, and how shifting from judgment to curiosity changes everything—from team dynamics to self-leadership. We talk about vulnerability in leadership (why saying “today isn’t my best day” builds psychological safety), the trap of external validation, and how to reframe uncomfortable pauses as powerful opportunities for growth.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How burnout shows up in the body: fight, flight, and freeze explainedWhy rest feels so uncomfortable—and how to practice it without guiltThe “3 C’s” framework: compassion, curiosity, and connection as everyday toolsLeading by example: modeling boundaries and vulnerability for your teamHow to spot the early warning signs of burnout (in yourself and your team)Why external validation feeds burnout—and how to redefine success on your termsThe power of the pause: lessons from healing through concussion and burnout recoveryConnect with Dr. Amelia:🔗 Website: https://www.lifeboost.today/IG: @lifeboostwithameliaLinkedIn: Amelia Knight Pinkston🎙 Podcast: https://lifeboostwithamelia.buzzsprout.com/🎧 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.
In this episode, I sit down with Sharon Vaturi, MS, RVT, CVT — a credentialed veterinary technician with 20+ years in the field, scientist, educator, musician, and founder of RVT Seminars. Sharon has trained teams, led on the floor, and now delivers “keynote concerts” that blend live music with leadership teaching to strengthen culture and morale in veterinary hospitals.
We get into what it actually looks like to step up when you’re on your own: channeling that ER-level focus under pressure, turning training into muscle memory (CPR drills that actually prepare teams), and carrying the same practice mindset into tough leadership conversations. We talk psychological safety in everyday moments (yes, even “can you show me the microscope?”), why gatekeeping kills performance, and how explaining the why boosts client adherence and team follow-through.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Connect with Sharon
đź”— RVT Seminars: https://rvtseminars.com
 IG: https://www.instagram.com/rvtseminars
đź”— Keynote Concerts: https://sharonvaturi.com
 IG: https://www.instagram.com/sdv.speaker
đź”— Upcoming Book (Oct 2025):
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sdv.author
🎧 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 hit home, share it with a colleague and leave a review—it helps more hospital leaders find the show.
Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe here, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and on YouTube for more real talk about veterinary leadership.
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:đź”— Website: www.smallbusiness-dreams.comđź”— 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.
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:đź”— Website: www.writetheboat.comđź”— LinkedIn: Kate Boatright, VMDđź”— 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.
In this episode, I sit down with Alexandre Contreras, Vet Tech, Innovator, and Entrepreneur, whose path in veterinary medicine began with a childhood fascination and evolved into a career defined by creativity, resilience, and service.
From working in the kennels to launching his own dog massage therapy service, Dogapy, Alexandre has built a career that blends hands-on animal care with entrepreneurial spirit.
He’s the inventor of a pet nail trimming tool, Klip Trio, and the founder of PetTrio Charity, which supports animal welfare and educational initiatives in underserved communities.
In this episode we dive into how persistence and leadership have shaped his journey, the challenges and rewards of bringing big ideas to life, and how he balances professional goals with the responsibilities of being a single father.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Alexandre grew from kennel work to launching multiple ventures in vet med
- The origin story behind his innovative pet nail trimming tool - KlipTrio
- How PetTrio Charity is creating opportunities for education and outreach
- The leadership lessons and mindset shifts that fuel his success
Connect with Alexandre:
🎧 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.
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:Â @the_stress_and_burnout_coach
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.
When trust breaks down between leadership and the team, everything gets harder—communication, culture, even patient care.In this episode, I sit down with Lynn Blake, CVT, CVBL, FFCP—hospital manager, radically supportive leader, and the queen of “little treat culture”—to talk about what the trust gap really looks like in vet med and how to begin rebuilding it.We dig into:How to recognize when your team doesn’t trust leadership (it’s not always loud)Why micromanagement and fear-based leadership keep teams stuckHow identity, inclusion, and psychological safety play a role in team dynamicsSmall, actionable ways to start earning trust back—even if you feel like you’ve lost itThis conversation is packed with honesty, practical insight, and a lot of heart. If you’re in a leadership role—or want to be—this one’s for you.🎧 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.