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:

• How to use “ER brain” (focus + delegation) without a crisis
• Training that sticks: short, realistic reps more than once-a-year checklists
• Psychological safety in small moments—and why “thank you” matters
• Teaching vs. gatekeeping: building capability without losing control
• SOPs that prevent blame culture: double-checks, estimates, and clarity
• Why presence is greater than perfect words: pause, listen, then respond
• A creative twist: using music and storytelling to shift team culture

Connect with Sharon

🔗 RVT Seminars: https://rvtseminars.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/rvtseminars

🔗 Keynote Concerts: https://sharonvaturi.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sdv.speaker

🔗 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:🔗 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.

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.