In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m circling back to a blog post that clearly hit a nerve—“Is Veterinary Mentorship the Greatest Casualty of Corporatization?”. The response was huge. You shared stories, frustrations, and a whole lot of heart. So today, I’m unpacking those comments, reflecting on what they really mean for our profession and exploring what we can do, practically, to turn the tide. If you care about the future of veterinary leadership (and I think you do), this one’s worth your time.

From the silent regret of practice sellers, to the operational time crunch faced by independents, to the shortsightedness of corporate leadership in sidelining seasoned vets, this episode is both a call to action and a glimmer of hope. Because while the system may be creaking, the appetite for change is real, and you might just be part of the solution.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] – A Bold Question: What Happened to Mentorship?

[03:15] – What We’re Losing Without Mentors

[05:20] – The Gap Between Knowing and Doing

[08:00] – Selling Up: Reflections from Former Practice Owners

[10:30] – Corporatization: A Leadership Vacuum and Lost Wisdom

[12:45] – Independents Aren’t Immune: Time Poverty and Clinical Addiction

[15:00] – Declining Clinical Skills and Public Trust

[19:30] – Are Startups the Answer? A Nuanced Look at Hope and Hype

[22:15] – Your Role in the Solution: Start Now or Wait 6 Years

Episode Links

Is Veterinary Mentorship the Greatest Casualty of Corporatization? Blog

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Explore Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

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