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In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore what happens when the veterinary career you worked so hard to build doesn’t quite look like the one you imagined. Grounded in recent research exploring the experiences of newly credentialed veterinary technicians, this conversation examines the gap between the expectations people carry into the profession and the realities they encounter once they get there. From feeling simultaneously overworked and underutilized to navigating team conflict, limited opportunities for growth, and questions about long-term career sustainability, the research reveals challenges that extend far beyond the technical parts of the job. Andi and Josh dig into what it actually means to utilize someone well, why recognition is about more than praise, and how leaders can help people see a future for themselves within veterinary medicine. Together, they explore practical ways to create workplaces where veterinary professionals feel trusted, valued, and able to keep growing. You will hear: Why the transition from credentialing to practice may not match what veterinary technicians expectHow someone can feel overworked and underutilized at the same timeWhy trust, recognition, and feeling seen matter to professional identityHow leaders can create meaningful opportunities for growth beyond traditional management rolesPractical ways veterinary workplaces can support more sustainable careersThis episode is an invitation to think beyond simply keeping great people in veterinary medicine—and start creating cultures where they can continue becoming the professionals they hoped they could be. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: The Newly Credentialed Veterinary Technician: Perceptions, Realities, and Career Challenges  .Authors:Addie R. Reinhard, Victoria P. Celt, Leah E. Pilewki, and Mariel K. Hendricks  DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1437525  RISE  Florida Woman This Week - Pants What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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 Florida Weather Catchup 05:24 Expectations Versus Reality 12:02 Study On New Techs 15:30 Utilization Means Trust 20:25 Recognition Beyond Praise 27:52 Building Growth Pathways 32:01 Alternative Paths Not Management 38:57 Wrap Up And Goodbye

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dig into something veterinary leaders hear all the time: people need more feedback. But what if the real issue isn’t how much feedback we give—but how nourishing that feedback actually is? Grounded in research exploring strengths-based feedback, work engagement, and job crafting, this conversation looks at what happens when feedback goes beyond “good job” or “here’s what you need to fix.” The research suggests that when people receive feedback that helps them recognize and understand their strengths, they may feel more energized at work—and be more likely to proactively shape their work in ways that help them thrive. From generic praise and corrective conversations to self-efficacy and job crafting, Andi and Josh unpack what strengths-based feedback actually sounds like and how veterinary teams can use it without ignoring performance problems or turning feedback into empty praise. You’ll hear: Why more feedback isn’t necessarily better feedbackWhat makes strengths-based feedback different from generic praiseHow strengths-based feedback connects to engagement and job craftingWhy self-efficacy may influence how people respond to feedbackPractical ways to make both positive and corrective feedback more usefulPeople don’t need an all-you-can-eat buffet of feedback—they need feedback with some nutritional value. When we help people understand what’s strong in them, why it matters, and where they can use it next, feedback becomes more than something we give. It becomes something people can actually use. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: Linking Strengths-Based Supervisor Feedback to Job Crafting: The Moderating Role of Self-Efficacy Authors: Isabeau Van Strydonck, Vincent Goossens, Arnold B. Bakker, Evangelia Demerouti, Adelien Decramer, & Mieke Audenaert DOI: 10.1111/ijsa.70020 Florida Man This Week - Meat Market What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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 Heatwave Catch-Up 08:12 Empty vs Nourishing Feedback 14:16 Strengths-Based Feedback Study 17:11 Key Definitions and Findings 22:22 Why Feedback Type Matters 23:58 What Strength Feedback Is 25:24 Job Crafting Energy Loop 28:03 Better Not More Feedback 29:02 Self Efficacy Surprise 36:56 Turning Research Into Practice 37:28 Upgrade Praise With Four Steps 39:35 Help Others See Strengths 41:57 Strengths In Corrective Talks 44:00 Dose Makes Poison Wrap 46:40 Closing And Call To Action

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a surprising question: what if the goal of wellbeing isn’t to eliminate adversity—but to help people navigate it well? Grounded in research examining how cumulative lifetime adversity influences our response to future stress, this conversation explores an unexpected finding: people who had experienced moderate adversity showed more resilient responses to new stressors than those who had experienced either very little or very high adversity. From supporting versus rescuing to the role of leaders, teams, and workplace systems, Andi and Josh unpack what this research means for veterinary medicine—and how we can help inevitable challenges become opportunities for learning and growth rather than simply another source of burnout. You’ll hear: What research tells us about the relationship between adversity and resilienceWhy eliminating every challenge may not actually be the goalThe difference between supporting someone and rescuing themWhy resilience shouldn’t be treated as an individual responsibilityHow leaders and teams can help people process difficult experiences togetherPractical ways to create challenge that builds confidence without tipping into overloadVeterinary medicine will never be adversity-free. But while we can’t always change the challenges people face, we can shape what surrounds them—because culture renovation isn’t about eliminating adversity. It’s about making sure people don’t face it alone. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: An Upside to Adversity? Moderate Cumulative Lifetime Adversity Is Associated With Resilient Responses in the Face of Controlled Stressors Authors:Mark D. Seery, Raphael J. Leo, Shannon P. Lupien, Cheryl L. Kondrak, and Jessica L. Almonte DOI: 10.1177/0956797612469210 Flourish Academy - Resilience courses for leaders and teams Florida Man This Week - Batman What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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 Adversity Chat 05:24 Wellbeing And Stress 07:35 Would You Erase Hardship 11:48 Study Setup And Methods 16:24 Moderate Adversity Wins 19:08 Leaders Shape Resilience 22:20 Support Versus Rescue 30:08 Debriefs And Mastery 35:02 Coaching After Failure 38:51 Resilience Training Plug 41:10 Florida Man Finale 42:39 Wrap Up And Goodbye

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore one of the most inevitable—and emotionally charged—parts of veterinary medicine: mistakes. Grounded in research on error management culture, psychological capital, job satisfaction, and wellbeing, this conversation examines why the way a team responds to mistakes may be just as important as the mistakes themselves. Rather than asking how to eliminate every error, the research encourages a different question: What kind of culture do we create when mistakes happen? Through personal stories, practical leadership strategies, and evidence-based discussion, Andi and Josh explore how our responses to mistakes shape trust, learning, resilience, and the willingness to speak up in the future. You'll hear: What the research reveals about error management culture and its relationship to wellbeingWhy mistakes are powerful cultural moments that shape trust, learning, and psychological safetyThe difference between an error prevention culture and an error management culturePractical strategies to replace blame with curiosity, learning, and accountabilityHow leaders and team members can create environments where people recover, grow, and continue contributing after mistakesWhether you lead a veterinary team or simply want to help create a healthier workplace, this episode offers a hopeful, science-backed perspective on turning inevitable mistakes into opportunities for stronger cultures, better learning, and more resilient teams. Resource Links Episode Article: Title Embracing Errors at Work – How Error Management Culture, Psychological Capital, and Job Satisfaction Relate to Individual Well-Being:  Authors: Birgit Stephan, Matthias F. C. Hudecek, Dieter Frey, Eva Lermer DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-025-00265-7 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Positive Veterinary Leadership Florida Man This Week - Bank Mistake Reef Retreat  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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 Mistakes Shape Culture 08:42 Lessons From Leadership 16:16 Culture Gets Smarter or Scarier 17:16 Paper and Key Concepts 21:01 Study Design and Findings 24:32 Coddling vs Correction 26:17 Why Leaders Struggle 35:33 Curiosity Not Blame 40:33 Recovery Pathway After Errors 43:27 Choose What Teams Learn 43:57 Florida Man

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore what happens when a lifelong passion becomes a profession—and why loving horses alone is not enough to sustain a career in equine medicine. Grounded in recent international research on employee engagement and work satisfaction in equine veterinary professionals, this conversation examines the workplace factors that help passionate people remain engaged, fulfilled, and committed to the profession. The study identifies four key drivers of engagement: pride and purpose, company culture and leadership, working conditions and compensation, and team culture and learning opportunities. From stories about growing up as "horse kids" to conversations about identity, autonomy, mentorship, and meaningful work, Andi and Josh explore why equine medicine is both uniquely rewarding and uniquely vulnerable to sustainability challenges. Together, they unpack practical culture renovation strategies that help leaders create workplaces where passionate professionals can continue doing the work they love—without losing themselves in the process. You will hear: Why equine veterinary professionals often identify as "horse kids" long before becoming veterinary professionalsWhat new international research reveals about engagement and work satisfaction in equine medicineThe four workplace factors that most strongly influence sustainable equine careersWhy autonomy, mentorship, and learning opportunities matter more than many leaders realizeHow aligning personal values with organizational values can strengthen engagementPractical culture renovation ideas that support meaningful, sustainable careers for the entire veterinary teamThis episode is an invitation to rethink sustainability—not as asking passionate people to care less, but as intentionally creating cultures that allow them to keep caring for the work, their patients, and their own horses for years to come. Resource Links:  Episode Article Title: Engage and Enjoy: Investigating Predictors of Employee Engagement and Work Satisfaction in Equine Veterinary Professionals  Authors: Yteke Elte, Kate Acton, Jessica Martin, Mirjam Nielen, René van Weeren, & Inga Wolframm  DOI:10.3389/fvets.2023.1036388  The Flourish Academy Salt Creek VH - Daycare Solution AVMA article  TVCL Episode 18 - Work ethic isn't dead Florida Woman This Week - Horse DUI  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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 Welcome and weather 06:02 Horse People Identity 11:53 Passion And Exploitation 13:54 Study Overview And Scope 17:45 Four Engagement Drivers 23:17 Culture Keeps People 24:52 The Dark Side of Calling 27:38 Systems That Support Boundaries 30:30 Autonomy Versus Micromanagement 33:35 Career Stages and Balance 37:06 Culture Renovation Playbook 41:09 Values Alignment in Practice 44:58 Wrap Up and Florida Headline

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a deceptively simple question: what actually keeps people engaged at work? Grounded in research on positive leadership, workplace climate, and employee engagement, this conversation unpacks how the everyday interactions between people shape motivation, burnout, and the decision to stay—or leave. Because it turns out that engagement is not something people bring with them to work each day. It is something that is continuously influenced by the culture around them. From recognition and communication to connection and purpose, this episode highlights how workplace climate is built one interaction at a time. And while leaders certainly play a role, the findings suggest that creating an engaging workplace is not reserved for those with titles—everyone contributes to the environment people experience each day. You’ll hear: • What the research reveals about the relationship between workplace climate, burnout, and engagement • Why motivation is often a cultural outcome rather than an individual responsibility • How small moments of recognition, connection, and support shape the employee experience • The concept of relational reserves and why strong workplace relationships matter during difficult times • Practical ways every member of the veterinary team can help create a workplace people want to be part of Whether you are leading a team, supporting your coworkers, or simply trying to make work a little better for the people around you, this episode offers an evidence-based and hopeful perspective on what keeps people engaged—and how culture influences that more than we might think. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: Self-Determination Theory and Workplace Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis  Authors:Martin S. Hagger & Kaylyn McAnally Star  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.70151 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Positive Veterinary Leadership Florida Man This Week - Scuba “Lead To Thrive” by: Josh Vaisman What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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: 03:01 Meaningful Work Not Enough 08:30 Self Determination Theory Paper 11:15 Core Needs Explained 13:17 Meta Analysis Findings 15:16 Takeaway Purpose Limits 19:25 Takeaway Pressure Costs 27:03 Takeaway Leaders Matter 28:40 Action Steps for Leaders 30:50 Auditing Needs in Decisions 33:51 Andi Adds Feedback Loops 36:40 Key Lesson Recap 38:47 Florida Man

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a powerful and deeply human question: what helps veterinary professionals stay emotionally connected to meaningful work — even when the work itself is hard? Grounded in research on compassion satisfaction, resilience, psychological distress, and life satisfaction, this conversation unpacks the idea that wellbeing in veterinary medicine is not just about reducing burnout. It is also about understanding the emotional protection that can come from helping others, contributing to a team, and experiencing moments of meaning and impact in everyday practice life. You’ll hear: What “compassion satisfaction” actually means — and why it matters in veterinary medicineWhy meaningful work can feel both emotionally exhausting and deeply fulfilling at the same timeThe surprising role compassion satisfaction may play in protecting wellbeingHow veterinary culture sometimes unintentionally rewards self-sacrificePractical ways teams and leaders can build cultures that support meaning, contribution, and connectionWhether you are a veterinary technician, assistant, veterinarian, manager, student, CSR, or practice owner, this episode offers a science-backed and deeply relatable look at how meaningful work, human connection, and healthy culture can help sustain the people doing this important work. Because compassion satisfaction is not just something veterinary professionals stumble into. It is something healthy cultures can help create. Resource Links: Episode Article: Title: Life satisfaction, psychological distress, compassion satisfaction and resilience: when the pleasure of helping others protects veterinary staff from emotional suffering Authors: Maria Manuela Peixoto and Olga Cunha  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-024-10510-0 Blend Vet Florida Man This Week - Kitten Club  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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: 01:53 Vet Med Paradox 04:04 Boulder Cat Case 15:06 Study Focus and Variables 16:33 Compassion Satisfaction Explained 17:41 Key Findings and Shock Absorbers 23:55 When Meaning Gets Weaponized 26:39 Building Healthier Systems 37:54 Wrap Up and Florida Man

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore what actually makes people stay in veterinary workplaces during difficult times—and why communication may be one of the most powerful retention tools we have. Grounded in research on positive communication and The Great Resignation, this conversation unpacks how transparency, flexibility, support, and trust shape the way veterinary professionals experience stress, crisis, and connection at work. Because it turns out—people do not just remember the hard days…they remember how those hard days felt, and who they felt them with. From COVID leadership lessons to everyday “mini-crises” inside veterinary hospitals, this episode highlights how communication is not just something teams do—it becomes part of the culture itself. And when leaders and coworkers communicate with honesty, humanity, and care, resilience becomes something people build together instead of carrying alone. You’ll hear:  • Why positive communication plays a major role in employee retention  • What veterinary teams remember most during stressful or uncertain moments  • How transparency and flexibility strengthen trust during crisis  • Why “micro moments” of support can shape workplace culture over time  • How structuration theory explains the way communication creates culture  • Why most veterinary communication training misses the other 98% of workplace conversations  • Practical ways leaders and teams can create cultures people actually want to stay in Whether you are leading through uncertainty, navigating a difficult season with your team, or simply trying to create a workplace where people feel supported and valued, this episode offers a practical and hopeful look at how communication shapes culture—and why the way we talk to each other during hard times matters more than we think. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: The Structuration of Positive Communication Experiences: The Case of the Great Resignation  Authors: Elizabeth A. Williams , Jennifer S. Linvill, Emeline Ojeda-Hecht, Meghan R. Cosgrove,Autumn Buzzetta, and Abby Konkel DOI: 10.1177/23294884241263553 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication  Florida Man This Week - Cats  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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 Welcome and Catch Up 06:17 Leading Through COVID 14:58 Study Overview and Methods 21:36 Key Findings Positive Communication 23:12 Why Leaders Struggle to Be Transparent 25:41 Flexibility Builds Trust 26:47 Flexibility Builds Culture 32:35 Everyone Shapes Culture 48:09 Florida Man Finale

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a hopeful but important question: what if veterinary medicine already has many of the ingredients needed for people and teams to thrive? Grounded in research on meaningful work, burnout, resilience, leadership, and workplace wellbeing, this conversation challenges the idea that vet med is fundamentally broken. Instead, the episode explores how purpose, connection, growth, and supportive culture already exist within the profession — and what leaders can do to intentionally build environments where those strengths can flourish. You’ll hear: Why meaningful work is one of the strongest protective factors against burnoutHow leadership behaviors shape engagement, trust, and workplace wellbeingThe role autonomy, connection, and recognition play in helping teams thriveWhy resilience is not just an individual responsibilityWhat veterinary technicians and nurses say they actually need from workplacesHow poor culture quietly erodes even deeply passionate teamsPractical ways leaders can strengthen thriving without waiting for a complete overhaulWhy vet med may not need saving nearly as much as it needs renovationWhether you are a veterinary technician, assistant, veterinarian, manager, student, or practice owner, this episode offers a science-backed and deeply human look at what thriving can realistically look like in veterinary medicine. Because thriving in vet med is not about finding brand-new ingredients.  It is about finally learning how to use the ones we already have. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: The Life of Meaning: A model of the Positive Contribution to Well-Being from Veterinary Work.  Authors:Martin Cake, Melinda Ball, Naomi Bickly, and David Bartram DOI: https://utppublishing.com/doi/pdf/10.3138/jvme.1014-097R1 Colorado Avalanche - Glass Breaking Info The Veterinary Culture Lab - Ep. 001 North of Neutral: why positive psychology matters in vet med Florida Man This Week - Toilet Paper Rosel  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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: 00:29 Late Night Hockey 09:35 Hard Versus Meaningful 13:06 Why We Focus Negative 18:23 COVID Client Bias 22:00 Research Review 23:56 Meaningful Vet Work 24:51 Eudaimonic Wellbeing 26:22 Drivers of Thriving 27:23 Stress Satisfaction Paradox 32:06 Wellbeing Garden Metaphor 35:39 Cultivation Over Balance 37:32 Make Meaning Visible

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a question that hits a nerve for many veterinary professionals: why does feedback so often feel threatening instead of helpful? Grounded in brand-new veterinary research on psychological safety, communication quality, and turnover intention, this episode unpacks how the way feedback is delivered can shape trust, team culture, and whether people choose to stay in a practice long term. Rather than treating feedback as simply correcting mistakes, this conversation reframes feedback as a relational and cultural tool that directly impacts psychological safety. You’ll hear:  Why the phrase “Can I give you some feedback?” instantly puts many people on the defensive  What psychological safety actually means in veterinary teams  Why supervisor feedback has such a strong influence on retention  The surprising role coworker feedback plays in shaping workplace culture  How leaders create the emotional tone of a practice through everyday communication  The difference between corrective feedback and growth-oriented conversations  Practical ways veterinary leaders can improve feedback culture and psychological safety Whether you are a veterinary technician, assistant, veterinarian, manager, or practice owner, this episode offers a science-backed and deeply practical look at how communication shapes culture from the inside out. Because thriving veterinary teams are not built through fear of feedback. They are built through conversations that create trust. Resource Links Episode Article Title: A cross-sectional study exploring associations between psychological safety, employee turnover intention and feedback skills in veterinary organisations Authors:Olivia Oginska, Michelle McArthur, Amy Zadow, Nic Gibson and Martin Cake DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.70498 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication Florida Man This Week - Own Truck  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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 Why Feedback Feels Threatening 05:18 New Vet Med Study Tease 06:03 When Feedback Lands Well 07:44 Collaboration Builds Trust 10:59 Retention Beyond Pay 13:15 Study Methods and Sample 15:58 Manager Feedback Drives Retention 16:48 Coworker Feedback and Safety 21:08 Leaders Set Emotional Tone 25:27 Feedback as Relationship Tool 28:14 Culture Renovation Playbook 37:13 Closing and Sign Off

This episode is best experienced IN FULL!!  We recorded this live in Zimbabwe during the THRIVE veterinary wellbeing retreat—and the video version brings it all to life. From wildlife encounters to breathtaking landscapes and powerful human moments, you can watch the full experience unfold on YouTube here. In this special episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi records live from Zimbabwe during the World Wide Vets THRIVE retreat—joined by co-host Dani Herbst to explore what it really means to thrive in veterinary medicine. Grounded in research on emotional intelligence in early-career veterinarians, this conversation unpacks a powerful insight: emotional intelligence does not simply develop with experience—it is shaped by the environments we are part of. And when the research points to mental health, social support, and time spent outdoors as key drivers of emotional intelligence…this episode brings those findings to life in real time. Through conversations with veterinary professionals attending THRIVE, you will hear how connection, reflection, and stepping away from the day-to-day demands of practice can shift perspective, build emotional capacity, and create meaningful change. From honest reflections to moments of humor and insight, this episode highlights how wellbeing is not just an individual effort—it is something we build together. You’ll hear: What the research says about emotional intelligence in veterinary medicineHow social support reduces isolation and builds connectionThe impact of time outdoors on perspective and wellbeingWhy experiences like THRIVE can support real growthReflections from veterinary professionals experiencing this work firsthandWhether you are feeling energized or exhausted, this episode invites you to consider what it might look like to create the conditions that help you—and your team—truly THRIVE. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: Improved mental health, social support, and time outdoors are associated with higher emotional intelligence in early-career veterinarians: A longitudinal study Authors: Tipsarp Kittisiam, DVM, PhD ; Caroline Ritter, DVM, PhD; Emily Morabito, MS; Adam Stacey, PsyD, RDPsych; Deep Khosa, BVMS, PhD; Andria Jones, DVM, PhD DOI: 10.2460/javma.23.10.0566  WorldWide Vets WWV THRIVE - February 2027 Dates and Details Zimbabwe Man - Donkey What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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: 02:06 Meet Dani Herbst 05:22 Mental Health Stigma 08:54 Dani’s Path to Purpose 13:11 Worldwide Vets Mission 14:54 Inside the Thrive Retreat 22:32 Emotional Intelligence Study 25:46 Findings and Thrive Validation 31:55 Vulnerability and Support 34:49 Delegates Share  37:14 Wellbeing Skills For Leaders 48:26 Safari CE And Connection 51:43 Grounding Outdoors Reset 54:39 Rapid Fire Delegate Takeaways 59:57 Laughs And Farewell

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore the role of interpersonal curiosity—and why it might be one of the most underrated skills in veterinary medicine today. Grounded in research on resilience in veterinary students, this conversation unpacks how curiosity shows up in the way we interpret stress, respond to challenges, and connect with the people around us. Because it turns out—resilience is not just about “bouncing back”…it is about how we make sense of what is happening in the first place. From initial skepticism around wellbeing strategies to meaningful mindset shifts, this episode highlights how perspective-taking, support systems, and self-awareness are not just personal tools—they are cultural ones. And when curiosity is present, everything from communication to coping starts to change. You’ll hear:  Why curiosity plays a critical role in how we experience stress and resilienceWhat veterinary students revealed about how resilience actually developsHow simple perspective shifts can change the way we respond to challengesWhy support systems and connection are essential to thriving—not optionalWhat this means for teams trying to build healthier, more sustainable culturesWhether you are navigating a tough case, a tense conversation, or just trying to make it through a busy day, this episode will challenge you to pause, get curious, and consider what might be possible if we replaced assumption with understanding. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: Interpersonal curiosity as a tool to foster safe relational spaces: a narrative literature reviewAuthors:Melanie Letendre Jauniaux & Heather L. Lawford DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1379330 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication  Florida Man This Week - Time Travel  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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 Curiosity Sets the Stage 00:42 Names and Nicknames 02:01 Colorado Weather Whiplash 06:15 Hospital Story Sideways Curiosity 09:57 Vet Clinic Assumptions Lesson 13:16 Courage to Ask Deeper 15:31 Paper Intro Interpersonal Curiosity 18:17 Overt vs Covert Curiosity 21:09 Relational Safety vs Psychological Safety 22:28 Curiosity Builds Trust 23:09 Curiosity As Culture 25:00 Covert Coaching After Error 28:39 Affiliative Intent First 32:17 Overt Versus Covert 37:28 Repetition Builds Muscles 38:51 Vet Team Ideas In Action 46:21 Wrap Up And Thanks

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh take on one of the most talked-about concepts in veterinary medicine: work-life balance. Truth is that most practices already have work-life balance policies. PTO exists. Sick days exist. Flexibility exists. And yet - burnout persists. So, what is actually going on? Grounded in science, this episode explores a powerful and often overlooked idea: work-life balance policies are only effective if people can actually use them - without guilt, stigma, or unintended consequences. Through honest storytelling, real veterinary examples, and practical culture renovation strategies, we unpack the gap between what organizations say they offer and what teams experience day to day. You will hear: Why work-life balance policies often fail—even when they look great on paperHow guilt, fear, and staffing assumptions quietly block access to time offThe hidden role leaders play as gatekeepers (and how to shift that)Practical ways to redesign systems so balance becomes usable, not theoreticalHow small structural changes can reduce burnout across multiple dimensions of workThis episode reframes balance as something that must be designed, protected, and modeled at the cultural level. Because thriving veterinary teams are not built on policies alone—they are built on systems people can trust and use. Resource Links Episode Article: Title: How Effective Are Work-Life Balance Policies? The Importance of Inclusion Authors:Wendy J. Casper; Shelia A. Hyde; Shona G. Smith; Faezeh Amirkamali; Julie Holliday Wayne DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-110622-050544 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Positive Veterinary Leadership - Masterclass                                 Intro to Cultivating Positive Team Communication - On Demand TVCL Episode 2 – DRAMMA Needs Maslach & Leiter Six Areas of Worklife Florida Man Shark What Do You Think? Reach out and let us know at [email protected] 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 Monday Mindset 06:21 Defining Work Life Balance 10:32 Paper Overview  14:52 Detachment and Recovery 17:09 Always On Leadership Trap 21:30 Policies vs Access 24:32 Good Leaders, Call outs and Coverage  31:15 Recovery Standards That Stick 34:10 Time Off on Good Days 38:27 Make Access Visible  39:42 Fully Staffed to Covered 43:58 Train Leaders to Kill Stigma 45:27 Florida Man and Wrap Up

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh take on one of the most common and emotionally charged narratives in veterinary medicine: “Younger generations just do not want to work.” Rather than reinforcing stereotypes or dismissing frustration, this conversation turns to the research. Grounded in a 2016 cross-temporal meta-analysis by Jean Twenge and colleagues, the episode explores what has actually shifted in generational work values — and what has not. The data show no dramatic collapse in work ethic. What has shifted, modestly but measurably, is work centrality and the value placed on leisure and balance. In a profession historically shaped by a “you must attend” mentality, even subtle recalibrations can feel seismic. Through real-world clinic stories, leadership reflection, and practical culture renovation strategies, Andi and Josh explore how redefining commitment — and modeling sustainable boundaries — may be one of the greatest leadership opportunities in modern veterinary medicine. You will hear: What the research actually says about generational work ethicWhy work centrality has shifted — and why that mattersHow confirmation bias fuels generational stereotypesThe difference between self-sacrifice and sustainable commitmentPractical ways leaders can redefine and model commitmentHow curiosity can interrupt the “kids these days” cycleThis episode invites leaders to move beyond blame and toward design — because thriving veterinary cultures are built intentionally, not nostalgically. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: Generational Differences in Work Values: Leisure and Extrinsic Values Increasing, Social and Intrinsic Values Decreasing Authors:Jean M. Twenge et. al.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206316632058 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Applied Veterinary Resilience World Wide Vets - THRIVE CE Wellbeing retreat in Zimbabwe All Creatures Great and Small (James Herriot) 1980s TV series (the best one!) Florida Man This Week - Bean Burrito Bandit  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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 Generational Work Myth 00:44 Meet Josh and Dalia 02:17 Airplane Jokes and Travel 02:57 Zimbabwe Thrive Retreat 04:58 Lazy Young Workers Claim 06:56 Tech Leaves at Six 10:52 Martyrdom Culture Origins 16:05 Work Values Research

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a powerful idea: every veterinary clinic is performing a play—whether it realizes it or not. The stage is your hospital. The cast is your team. The script? That is your culture. Grounded in the evidence-based framework from Organizational Culture in Action by Gerald Driskill and Julian Mirivel, this episode unpacks how workplace culture is co-created through everyday communication, rituals, stories, symbols, and leadership behaviors. Rather than treating culture as something abstract or mysterious, this conversation makes it visible, measurable, and—most importantly—adjustable. Through real-world veterinary examples, graduate-level insight translated into practical application, and just enough theatrical metaphor to keep it interesting, this episode helps teams examine the gap between what they say they value and what they actually reward in daily practice. You’ll hear: Why culture is more than a mission statement on the wallThe difference between espoused values and enacted values—and why the gap mattersHow stories, rituals, and symbols quietly shape team behaviorWhy leaders are meaning-makers, not just decision-makersA simple 15-minute “story circle” exercise to uncover cultural strengths and pain pointsPractical ways to run small experiments that move your clinic toward alignment Whether you are a practice owner, manager, technician, or veterinarian, this episode offers a clear, science-backed way to understand your current culture and begin renovating it—one intentional shift at a time. Because thriving in veterinary medicine is not accidental. It is directed. Resources: Episode Textbook: Title: Organizational Culture in Action: A Cultural Analysis Workbook (4th edition) Authors: Gerald W.C. Driskill and Julien C. Mirivel Amazon Link to purchase: HERE Flourish Academy - Certificate in Applied Veterinary Resilience Florida Man This Week - Banana  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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 Introductions and Names 00:45 Passover Charo-set Story 02:02 Black Friday Smoothies 03:20 Culture as Drama 05:26 Wicked and What It's About 06:45 Webs of Significance 08:04 Organizational Culture Workbook 09:57 Applying OCA in Practice 13:59 Espoused vs Enacted Values 16:40 Wellbeing Value Gap 18:20 Culture in Stories and Rituals 20:36 Holiday Party Culture Tale 21:35 Hospital Party Ritual 23:31 Reading Culture Daily 25:01 Leaders Shape Meaning 26:41 Culture Renovation Compass 28:30 15 Minute Story Circle 31:34 Psychological Safety Tips 34:37 Culture Detective Walkthrough 35:58 Make Values Observable 38:14 Small Experiment Ripple 41:14 Key Takeaways And Offer 42:26 Florida Man Banana 43:54 Thanks And Farewell