In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh unpack the myth that success in veterinary medicine is all about grit and hustle—and offer a compelling alternative backed by research.

Grounded in leadership science and workplace psychology, this episode explores new findings from the Thriving at Work: 2023 Leadership Development Survey and connects them to veterinary teams through the powerful lens of culture renovation. With burnout on the rise and turnover rates high, the conversation challenges long-held assumptions and offers practical, doable shifts to help teams flourish.

You’ll hear:

• Why “just push through” is not a long-term strategy for wellbeing
  
  
• What the science says truly drives thriving in veterinary workplaces
  
  
• How the “20% Rule” can help teams access more meaning without overhauling their jobs
  
  
• Real-life examples of how strengths, recognition, and curiosity fuel engagement

Whether you’re rethinking leadership, rebalancing workloads, or just trying to feel less drained at the end of the day, this episode offers science-backed ideas for making veterinary work more human—and more sustainable.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article(s):

Title: Thriving at work 

Authors: Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership (2023)

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Title: Beyond the Hustle: Rethinking what it takes to thrive at work

Authors: Elisa van Dam, Susan MacKenty, Brady and Pynn Perry Wooten (2025)

URL: https://www.smartbrief.com/original/beyond-the-hustle-rethinking-what-it-takes-to-thrive-at-work

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20% Rule resource:
Title: Burnout Rate Is Lower Among Academic Physicians When Time Is Spent on Meaningful Work

Author: Lang, Les

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2009.06.013

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Florida Man This Week - Reality TV 

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. 

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Work Culture

00:57 Casual Catch-Up: Horse Troubles and Farm Life

03:35 A Day in the Life: Unexpected Calls and Mixed Emotions

05:01 Personal Stories: The Hustle Culture

10:07 Research Insights: Thriving at Work

13:40 Enablers of Thriving: Good Management and Communication

15:50 Building a Transparent and Strengths-Focused Team

17:04 The 20% Rule for Thriving at Work

19:57 Applying the 20% Rule to Cultural Renovation

21:53 Conducting an Energy Audit for Your Team

24:09 The Power of Curiosity in Leadership

28:28 Florida Man: A Humorous Interlude

30:01 Wrapping Up and Encouraging Engagement