In this episode of *Unfiltered Vet Discussions*, the panel explores the essential role of veterinary practice managers and how their leadership impacts every aspect of a clinic. From handling everything from HVAC issues to client care, practice managers juggle a wide range of responsibilities that keep operations running smoothly. The conversation highlights the value of certified managers, the importance of delegation versus doing it all, and the need for clear job descriptions, trust, and mutu...
Jun 27, 2025•35 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions , the panel explores how employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) surveys can provide valuable insights into team engagement and workplace culture. They share how anonymous feedback reveals both strengths and areas for growth—like communication and accountability—and how outside perspectives can help translate survey results into real improvements. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proactive leadership and continuous feedback in building a supp...
Jun 20, 2025•35 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores how workplace culture shapes everything from patient outcomes to team dynamics. The conversation covers the importance of defining values, building psychological safety, and taking intentional actions to create a positive and productive environment. With insights on balancing business metrics with team well-being, the panel highlights how small, consistent gestures from leadership can have a lasting impact on trust, engagement, an...
Jun 13, 2025•42 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores the mindset shift from "one day" to "day one" when it comes to personal and professional growth—especially in veterinary marketing. Host Kelly initiates a conversation with Jenni, Beth, and David about the common hesitation veterinary professionals feel when asked to step in front of the camera. They discuss how today’s video-driven culture, especially among younger generations, makes short-form content a vital marketing tool. The...
Jun 13, 2025•37 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores how veterinary professionals can navigate today’s ever-changing world by taking decisive action and fostering internal stability. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clear goal-setting, team involvement, and proactive marketing—even amid uncertainty. Panelists discuss how small, incremental improvements and community engagement efforts can drive lasting impact. From aligning staff around shared values to creating a colla...
May 30, 2025•30 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team dives into the realities of veterinary entrepreneurship with a firsthand account of building a practice from the ground up. They explore the journey of starting and growing a veterinary business, the challenges of leadership, and the balance between passion and practicality. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, honesty, and work-life balance in sustaining a successful career. They also discuss the rewards of giving ba...
May 23, 2025•37 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions , the team explores strategies for managing veterinary teams during economic uncertainty. They discuss how supporting employees and maintaining strong client retention are key to weathering a slowing economy. Insights include leveraging personal referrals, improving operational efficiency, and using AI tools for business planning. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive planning and a 12-month marketing strategy to ensure profitabilit...
May 16, 2025•35 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team explores how personal values influence both your legacy and online reputation. One panelist reflects on a recent funeral, discussing how conversations about someone's life and legacy can inspire us to think about the impact we leave behind. The team connects this to Google reviews, emphasizing how client feedback shapes the reputation of a veterinary practice. They discuss strategies for encouraging positive reviews, handling negative ones,...
May 09, 2025•39 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team explores the future of veterinary medicine with Jules Benson, chair of the Veterinary Innovation Council. They discuss the council’s focus on AI in radiology and scribing, improving practice efficiency, and the financial impact of pet care on pet acquisition. The conversation highlights the importance of client trust, high-touch care, and sustainable business models while debating traditional metrics like average client transactions (ACT). ...
May 02, 2025•48 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores the transformative concept behind the book Let Them and how it can shift your perspective in both personal and professional settings. Drawing inspiration from author Mel Robbins, they reflect on what it means to release control, embrace emotional boundaries, and focus on what truly matters. Through honest discussion, the panel shares how adopting the “Let Them” mindset can reduce stress, increase clarity, and ultimately help veter...
Apr 25, 2025•53 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores the impact of adding a new team member to a veterinary practice. They discuss the importance of effective onboarding, with an emphasis on structured processes, training teams, and proficiency checklists. The panel shares different approaches, including shadowing and staged integration, to ensure a smooth transition. They also tackle the challenges of virtual onboarding, utilizing tools like Zoom and Slack. The conversation covers ...
Apr 18, 2025•23 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel delves into operational efficiency in veterinary practices, focusing on improving appointment processes. They discuss the challenges of appointment flow, emphasizing the need for better team coordination and resource integration. The conversation highlights the importance of starting with the end goal in mind when creating efficient processes. The panel also previews an upcoming Vet Partners resource on team utilization, aimed at improving...
Apr 11, 2025•22 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores the rising costs of veterinary care and its impact on both pet owners and practices. They discuss the challenges of adjusting fees to reflect increasing costs, including employee raises and vendor markups, while also addressing the lack of insurance subsidies for pet care. The conversation emphasizes that pet owners are often focused on their own expenses rather than practice profit margins. The panel shares insights on balancing ...
Apr 04, 2025•25 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores the economic shifts impacting veterinary medicine, focusing on VCA’s decision to close 17 urgent care facilities. They discuss the decline in transactions and revenue, signaling a potential tipping point for hospital sustainability. The conversation highlights how post-COVID capacity improvements have enabled general practices to absorb urgent cases, reducing the need for standalone urgent care. The panel emphasizes the importance...
Mar 28, 2025•25 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the hosts dive into the complexities of communication and emotional responses, both in everyday life and within the veterinary profession. They explore how personal stories and perceptions shape reactions, the importance of pausing before responding, and the psychological toll of handling difficult client interactions. The discussion highlights the need for emotional resilience, leadership support, and workplace training to help veterinary teams man...
Mar 21, 2025•37 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team explores the power of knowing your audience—whether you're Disney, LEGO, or a veterinary practice. They discuss how businesses that deeply understand their customers create lifelong loyalty and how veterinary hospitals can apply the same principles to attract and retain the right clients. From tailoring communication methods to identifying ideal demographics, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to market smarter, not harde...
Mar 14, 2025•28 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team explores leadership, resilience, and teamwork through the incredible story of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. David shares why Shackleton’s survival journey resonates so deeply and the surprising parallels between managing a veterinary practice and leading a stranded crew through adversity. The discussion shifts to the power of perspective, practicing gratitude, and how small workplace frustrations can sometimes overshadow the big...
Mar 07, 2025•24 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Peter, David, and Jenni explore trends in veterinary practice ownership for 2025, examining the balance between corporate and private ownership. The conversation highlights a resurgence of interest in private practice ownership among veterinarians seeking autonomy, community connection, and innovative business models. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field, from navigating financial barriers to countering misconceptions ab...
Feb 28, 2025•18 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Jenni, Peter, and David discuss predictions for the veterinary profession in 2025, focusing on key themes like economics, education, and public relations. They explore the increasing economic pressures on veterinary practices, the impact of digital advertising dominated by large corporations, and the need for the industry to better market its services. The conversation highlights the importance of grassroots outreach, community involvement, a...
Feb 21, 2025•21 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Stacee, and Jenni discuss Stacee’s new book, Stop Acting Like a Girl, which empowers women to challenge societal norms that often hold them back. Written in a conversational style, the book draws on Stacee’s experiences managing women, navigating corporate spaces, and mentoring her nieces, addressing issues like imposter syndrome and over-apologizing. The group reflects on how these challenges stem from ingrained childhood norms and share per...
Feb 14, 2025•43 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Jenni, and David tackle the complex dynamics between veterinary practice managers and doctor-owners. They explore common issues, such as miscommunication, lack of defined roles, and the challenges of collaboration. Jenni shares insights from her unique role as a practice manager and co-owner, emphasizing the importance of regular communication, clear job descriptions, and mutual respect. The discussion highlights the pitfalls of poor planning...
Feb 07, 2025•24 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Jenni, and David explore what drives value in veterinary practices, going beyond profitability to include culture, team stability, and client relationships. They discuss how intangible factors like long-term staff, exceptional patient care, and client trust contribute to a practice's financial health and long-term value. David emphasizes the importance of regular practice evaluations as a "financial wellness exam," while Kelly highlights the ...
Jan 31, 2025•24 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the hosts shift from their usual format to a conversational deep dive into fundamental practice management and marketing principles. They emphasize the importance of establishing a budget, maintaining an up-to-date website, and seeking expert advice rather than attempting to handle everything solo. Both hosts share anecdotes highlighting outdated practices, such as reliance on Yellow Pages, and stress the need for adapting to technological advanceme...
Jan 24, 2025•23 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the focus is on staff retention and creating a thriving workplace culture in veterinary practices. The conversation emphasizes the importance of viewing team members as individuals, recognizing their strengths, and fostering a supportive and empowering environment. Panelists share personal strategies, such as celebrating milestones, promoting autonomy, and addressing fears as leaders. They highlight the joy and fulfillment that comes from genuinely ...
Jan 17, 2025•26 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions , the conversation focuses on an innovative mental health initiative for veterinary professionals in Florida. The episode introduces Inspire by FVMA , a program designed to provide free access to veterinary-informed mental health professionals and equip veterinary workplaces with tools to foster well-being at individual, team, and organizational levels. Backed by support from Blue Buffalo and the FVMA, this initiative includes three free mental healt...
Jan 10, 2025•24 min
The podcast episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions delves into New Year's resolutions and goal-setting, exploring why resolutions often fail and how to make meaningful, achievable goals. The hosts highlight the importance of writing goals down, breaking them into smaller, actionable steps, and tying new habits to existing routines. They emphasize the need for realistic expectations, self-compassion, and leveraging personal strengths to ensure success. They also advocate for focusing on goals that...
Jan 03, 2025•24 min
In this rerun of Unfiltered Vet Discussions , Kelly, Jenni, and David tackle the critical topic of unity in the workplace and society. They share insights into creating safe, inclusive environments where team members feel valued, respected, and heard. Jenni recounts her approach to fostering open communication, including monthly culture-focused meetings and encouraging active listening. The hosts emphasize the importance of vulnerability, respect, and rekindling the art of meaningful conversatio...
Dec 20, 2024•24 min
In a recent episode of the "Unfiltered Vet Discussions" podcast, host Kelly Baltzell introduced Kim Delaney, a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), to discuss the emotional aftermath of selling a veterinary practice. Delaney, with decades of experience in the industry, shared her personal journey of working in her family’s practice from childhood through its eventual sale. The conversation focused on the often overlooked emotional challenges faced by practice managers and staff after a ...
Dec 13, 2024•45 min
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel revisits the topic of business transitions, diving deeper into the "after-afterlife" of a business sale, focusing on the impact on the remaining ecosystem—particularly the employees left behind. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting staff, who often feel abandoned after the sale, even though they played a crucial role in the business's success. The group discusses whether business owners should do more to...
Dec 06, 2024•25 min•Ep. 50
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel delves into the final phase of a veterinary business's lifecycle: the transition from ownership to life after selling or stepping away from the practice. We discuss the emotional and mental challenges of letting go, including the loss of identity that often accompanies leaving a business. The conversation highlights the importance of preparing for this transition, staying connected with the community, and finding new ways to define one's p...
Nov 29, 2024•22 min
