In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, Dr. Dave Nicol is joined by co-founder, financial advisor, and podcast host, Tom Seeko from Florida Veterinary Advisors. They discuss the importance of bringing on people whose personalities mesh with your business culture to set yourself up for success. Tom Seeko, shares insights as an official business financial guide and qualified financial advisor. Tune in for practical tips on leadership in the veterinary profession and creating a workplace where both people and pets can thrive.

Aligning benefits with the values and principles of the business not only helps in recruiting and retaining talent but also contributes to a positive work culture and environment. It fosters a sense of belonging and commitment among employees, ultimately leading to a more successful and thriving practice.

To enhance employee engagement and satisfaction, it is important to involve employees in the process of co-creating solutions. By actively engaging employees in decision-making processes and problem-solving activities, the practice can empower employees to take ownership of their work and contribute to the overall success of the practice. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among employees, leading to increased job satisfaction and retention.

In conclusion, a well-designed retention program that focuses on substantial rewards, cost recovery, creating a culture of care and value, involving employees in co-creating solutions, and active communication can significantly contribute to employee retention, job satisfaction, and overall practice success in the veterinary industry.

Episode Outline

[00:02:36] Being a business owner.

[00:05:35] Taking on good debt.

[00:07:48] Financial implications of business ownership.

[00:11:29] Common cash crunches for business owners.

[00:15:11] The three Rs in business.

[00:17:38] Rewards and recognition in business.

[00:21:29] Retention strategies and 409A rule.

[00:23:18] Retaining Key Personnel in Business.

[00:27:46] Sign-on bonuses and retention.

[00:32:26] The battle for talent.

[00:33:49] Co-creating for employee engagement.

[00:35:41] Owning your position in work.

[00:38:48] Networking in veterinary medicine.

Episode Links

Connect with Tom Seeko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomseeko/

Mentioned in this episode:

Today’s show is brought to you by Leaders, Dr Dave Nicol's Leadership training course. Are people the major pain point in your practice? If so, you are not alone; over 90% of managers report staff problems as their number one issue. At the root of this problem are usually three dysfunctions: A poorly articulated vision, toxic culture, or some form of leadership breakdown. If this sounds familiar, then do not despair. Help is at hand. We encourage you to check out ‘Leaders', a veterinary-specific Leadership training program where you will learn how to create and execute a shared vision, hire well, and build a powerful high-performance practice culture without the drama. The class is accredited, delivered online, and open for applications now. To learn more, listen to a free training webinar, or apply – visit www.drdavenicol.com/leaders today.

In this week’s Veterinary Leadership Success Show, host Dr. Dave Nicol is joined by Dr. Peter Weinstein. They discuss crucial aspects of efficient processes and productivity within veterinary practice, the importance of both visionary and performance-based leadership, and the goal of creating a workplace where both people and pets can prosper. Dr. Peter Weinstein offers critical insights on optimizing practice efficiency, allowing veterinarians to focus on their primary functions and enhancing overall productivity and effectiveness.

Efficient use of physical space is crucial in veterinary practices to enhance productivity and service quality. Dr. Peter Weinstein highlights the importance of configuring spaces to maximize utility without unnecessary expansion. He suggests increasing the number of exam rooms, which should be actively managed by both veterinarians and trained technicians. This strategy not only boosts the number of patients seen but also effectively leverages the skills of the entire team.

Eliminating redundancy in processes is critical for improving efficiency and effectiveness. Dr. Weinstein advocates for standardized processes or "recipes" for routine tasks to ensure consistency and reduce errors. For example, checklists for surgical setups or anesthetic procedures can prevent omissions and enhance safety. He also suggests cross-training staff to handle different roles, increasing staffing flexibility and helping prevent burnout by varying tasks and responsibilities.

Implementing these strategies leads to a more streamlined operation where veterinarians can maximize their productivity in critical and revenue-generating activities. When staff are trained and deployed effectively, the practice can handle a higher volume of cases without compromising quality of care, ultimately leading to increased profitability and client satisfaction.

Episode Outline

[00:03:12] The E-Myth Veterinarian book.

[00:06:02] Efficiency and productivity in business.

[00:08:26] Specialty veterinary clinics.

[00:11:55] Utilizing technicians in exam rooms.

[00:16:27] Understanding profit in veterinary practices.

[00:19:32] Online vs. In-House Pharmacy Margins.

[00:24:02] Online pharmacy integration.

[00:26:40] Effective veterinary training programs.

[00:31:52] Veterinary technician concurrent training.

[00:34:52] Process improvement in veterinary clinics.

[00:38:33] Productivity and efficiency discussion.

[00:41:09] Leveraging technology in wellness exams.

[00:45:12] Reducing workplace stress.

[00:48:24] Audiophile book recommendation.

Episode Links

Connect with Dr. Peter Weinstein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawdr/

Mentioned in this episode:

Today’s show is brought to you by Leaders, Dr Dave Nicol's Leadership training course. Are people the major pain point in your practice? If so, you are not alone; over 90% of managers report staff problems as their number one issue. At the root of this problem are usually three dysfunctions: A poorly articulated vision, toxic culture, or some form of leadership breakdown. If this sounds familiar, then do not despair. Help is at hand. We encourage you to check out ‘Leaders', a veterinary-specific Leadership training program where you will learn how to create and execute a shared vision, hire well, and build a powerful high-performance practice culture without the drama. The class is accredited, delivered online, and open for applications now. To learn more, listen to a free training webinar, or apply – visit www.drdavenicol.com/leaders today.

Episode Description

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Podcast, Dr. Dave Nicol is joined by mentor and friend, Nancy Slessenger, discussing the importance of identifying triggers and creating a plan to manage them effectively. The conversation touches on leadership in veterinary practices and includes valuable insights and practical tips on leadership in the veterinary profession.

Nancy suggests rehearsing trigger scenarios and practicing how to respond calmly and collectedly. By visualizing potential trigger situations and planning appropriate responses, individuals can avoid impulsive reactions in the heat of the moment. This preparation allows for a more thoughtful and measured approach when faced with triggering events.

Self-awareness and seeking feedback from trusted individuals are crucial components in improving emotional intelligence. The episode highlighted the importance of being aware of one's triggers and making a plan to deal with them before they escalate. By identifying what annoys you and seeking feedback from trusted individuals, you can gain valuable insights into your emotional responses and behaviors.

Handling explosive behavior in the workplace requires self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a proactive approach to address underlying issues and prevent future incidents. By following the strategies discussed in the podcast episode, individuals can effectively manage their emotions, improve communication, and cultivate a positive and productive work environment.

Episode Outline

[00:02:23] High IQ and leadership behaviors.

[00:05:06] Managing anger and communication

[00:07:24] Destructive consequences of echo chambers.

[00:13:54] Discovering the value of communication.

[00:16:11] Emotional intelligence and feedback.

[00:19:07] Rehearsing trigger situations.

[00:24:40] Dealing with difficult conversations.

[00:26:02] Managing up in the workplace.

Mentioned in this episode:

Today’s show is brought to you by Leaders, Dr Dave Nicol's Leadership training course.

Are people the major pain point in your practice? If so, you are not alone; over 90% of managers report staff problems as their number one issue.

At the root of this problem are usually three dysfunctions: A poorly articulated vision, toxic culture, or some form of leadership breakdown.

If this sounds familiar, then do not despair. Help is at hand. We encourage you to check out ‘Leaders', a veterinary-specific Leadership training program where you will learn how to create and execute a shared vision, hire well, and build a powerful high-performance practice culture without the drama. The class is accredited, delivered online, and open for applications now.

To learn more, listen to a free training webinar, or apply – visit www.drdavenicol.com/leaders today.

Today’s show is brought to you by Leaders, Dr Dave Nicol's Leadership training course.

Are people the major pain point in your practice? If so, you are not alone; over 90% of managers report staff problems as their number one issue.

At the root of this problem are usually three dysfunctions: A poorly articulated vision, toxic culture, or some form of leadership breakdown.

If this sounds familiar, then do not despair. Help is at hand. We encourage you to check out ‘Leaders', a veterinary-specific Leadership training program where you will learn how to create and execute a shared vision, hire well, and build a powerful high-performance practice culture without the drama. The class is accredited, delivered online, and open for applications now.

To learn more, listen to a free training webinar, or apply – visit