Recorded from my AirBnB while at VMX, this solo episode is an honest conversation about where veterinary medicine is headed, from my view, and why leadership, not resilience, is the real issue we need to address.In this episode, I share: • What genuinely excites me about the future of veterinary medicine • The patterns I keep seeing that lead to burnout, turnover, and frustration • Why so many leadership efforts fail to create real change • How those patterns led me to build CLARITY, the Veterinary Leadership Operating SystemI also talk about what I launched this weekend at VMX: • A 5-question Leadership Blind Spot Assessment designed to help leaders identify the one thing quietly undermining their leadership • The CLARITY Toolkit, made up of three practical tools you can use like a workbook • A sneak peek into the larger CLARITY system dropping later this yearFinally, I share what’s coming next: A 3-week small-group leadership experience starting February 10th, focused on the biggest leadership leak I see—leading peopleUpcoming speaking engagements including HiVE San Antonio, New York Vet, GVScon, and a Hound webinar An open invitation for future speaking opportunities and collaborationsThis isn’t a hype episode.It’s a clarity episode.If you’re a practice owner, manager, medical director, or emerging leader who feels like something isn’t working—but can’t quite name what—it starts here.👇 Next steps mentioned in this episode: • Take the Leadership Blind Spot Assessment • Explore the CLARITY Toolkit • Learn more about the February leadership groupThanks for being here—and for doing the work this profession is asking of us.Find Suzanne:

on IG: therealsuzannethomas

on LinkedIN: @suzannethomaslvt

LVT.VET

In this special first episode of 2026, host Suzanne Thomas welcomes Ron Sosa, a certified veterinary practice manager, neurodivergent leadership coach, and author of the upcoming book 'Rewriting the Rules.' Ron shares his journey from meeting Suzanne in 2025 to discussing important topics like masking, authenticity, and neurodivergent leadership. Emphasizing that his work is about honoring neurodivergent individuals, Ron explains how he helps professionals stop masking, prevent burnout, and lead authentically. He underscores the significance of starting the year gently, focusing on authenticity, and resisting societal pressures for perfection. The conversation also highlights Ron's companion workbook designed to support neurodivergent leaders. Packed with reflective insights and strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to redefine leadership on their own terms.00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement00:48 Ron Sosa's Journey and Mission02:17 Deep Dive into Neurodivergent Leadership05:10 Authenticity and Masking08:48 Challenges and Insights in Leadership13:07 Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals21:16 Interviewing and Hiring Practices24:51 Decision Making and Leadership Styles35:06 Psychological Safety and Team Dynamics36:33 Creating Safe Spaces for Team Disagreements39:43 The Importance of Celebrating Failures40:36 Personal Experiences with Mistakes and Learning42:54 Encouraging Authenticity and Safe Conversations44:51 Starting the New Year Gently45:54 The Pressure of New Year Resolutions48:17 Learning from Leadership Examples52:53 Understanding Motivations in Veterinary Medicine01:00:10 The Inspiration Behind 'Rewriting the Rules'01:04:25 Where to Find Ron's Work and Final Thoughts🌟 Connect with RonLinkedIn: @ronald-sosa-cvpm-ccfp-pgd-cld-53453797/www.syn-apt.meGet the Left Unattended Playbook: https://www.syn-apt.me/what-s-left-un...Pre-order Ron's book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3ehRzjCor directly with his publisher, Press49: https://www.press49.com/catalog/p/rew...Check out the Episode on Rons Podcast: Left Unattended where Suzanne was his guest:    • S1 - E1 - I’M NOT BEING DIFFICULT with Suz...  🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.Join the Leading Veterinary Teams Community: https://leading-veterinary-teams-comm...And if this episode resonates, share it with a colleague, Subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

In this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams On Air, host Suzanne Thomas welcomes Kelly Cronin, a veterinary technician specialist with over 30 years of experience across multiple roles. Kelly shares her journey from a shift lead to VTS in ECC to VP of operations, and how continuing education and community building became central to her career. She discusses the challenges and solutions in leadership, the importance of delegation and trust within teams, and how she reinvents herself through diverse entrepreneurial ventures. Highlights include Kelly's initiatives like CE on the Sea and her unique vacation rental business, which showcase her ability to integrate personal passions with professional growth. This episode offers valuable insights for veterinary leaders looking to foster a more inclusive, empowered, and dynamic work environment.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Veterinary Teams

01:10 Meet Kelly Cronin: A Veterinary Powerhouse

02:42 Kelly's Leadership Journey

06:10 Balancing Leadership and Technical Skills

08:40 The Importance of Team Dynamics

13:24 Delegation and Empowerment in Veterinary Teams

18:06 Navigating Leadership Challenges

23:46 Self-Examination and Setting Boundaries

30:42 Intent and Grace in Leadership

34:48 The Impetus for Writing My First Book

37:09 The Birth of CE on the Sea

39:30 Impactful Experiences and Connections

48:22 Reinventing Myself in the Profession

52:14 Exploring Opportunities Beyond Vet Med

59:26 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

01:01:26 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts

01:04:08 Final Thoughts and Resources

🌟 Connect with Kelly 

LinkedIn: @kellylynncronin

https://linktr.ee/kellylynncronin

https://vettechlife.com/

Kelly’s Book: https://a.co/d/fxpmymT

Cronin’s Castles: https://croninscastles.com/

VetTechLife Financial Fitness Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1565420814266226/

🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.

Join the Leading Veterinary Teams Community: https://leading-veterinary-teams-community.mn.co/plans/1907700

And if this episode resonates, share it with a colleague, Subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

In this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams On Air, host Suzanne Thomas speaks with Lucy Nash, a seasoned RVT with diverse experiences across the veterinary field. Lucy shares her journey from clinical practice to her current role in industry, emphasizing the prevalence of burnout and the importance of recognizing and utilizing the skills of veterinary technicians. The discussion highlights the significance of open communication, team utilization, and creating a positive workplace culture. Lucy advocates for the inclusion of all team members in decision-making processes and stresses the need for understanding individual learning and communication styles to enhance employee engagement and retention.00:00 Understanding Compassion Fatigue in Veterinary Medicine00:24 Introduction to Leading Veterinary Teams Podcast01:16 Meet Lucy Nash: A Journey Through Veterinary Medicine03:17 Transitioning from Clinical Practice to Industry Roles05:11 The Importance of Skill Sets in Veterinary Medicine08:09 Leadership and Team Engagement in Veterinary Practices13:20 Feedback and Communication in Veterinary Teams24:15 Building Trust and Transparency in Veterinary Leadership34:47 Changing Feedback Methods36:39 The Importance of Timely Feedback39:24 Understanding Team Communication Styles43:58 Building a Respectful Work Culture46:36 The Role of Leadership in Large Organizations48:45 Adapting to Adult Learning Styles59:01 Exploring Non-Clinical Career Paths01:05:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts🌟 Connect with LucyEmail: [email protected]: @lucynashRVTInstagram: @lucylupoprvt🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.Join the Leading Veterinary Teams Community: https://leading-veterinary-teams-community.mn.co/plans/1907700And if this episode resonates, share it with a colleague, Subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

Self-Awareness and Energy to Cultivate Thriving Veterinary TeamsIn this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams, host Suzanne Thomas engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Jennifer Edwards, a veterinarian, leadership coach, and certified success principles trainer. Dr. Edwards shares her unconventional journey from studying psychology to veterinary medicine, her extensive career, and her transition to coaching. They discuss the crucial role of self-awareness, the power of curiosity over judgment, and the significance of managing and shifting personal energy for effective leadership. Dr. Edwards provides insights into how individual and collective energy influences team culture and resilience, emphasizing the importance of movement for physical and emotional well-being. Listeners gain practical advice on fostering positive, supportive environments and the impact of conscious leadership in veterinary practices.00:00 Dr Jennifer Edwards Leading Veterinary Teams On Air01:42 Meet Dr. Jennifer Edwards03:03 Dr. Jennifer's Unconventional Journey08:05 Understanding Resilience and Energy14:31 The Importance of Conscious Leadership21:49 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth26:29 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges33:55 Realizing Self-Awareness and Letting Go34:36 The Importance of Honoring Your Emotions40:24 Movement and Emotional Wellbeing48:02 Rebuilding Energy and Taking Responsibility51:56 The Power of Books and Continuous Learning55:19 Creating a Positive Workplace Culture59:28 Conclusion and Contact Information🌟 Connect with Dr Jennifer EdwardsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenniferedwards/Website: drjenniferedwards.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjenniferedwards🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

In this episode of Leading Veterinary Teams, host Suzanne Thomas welcomes Rick Albrecht, a seasoned professional with over 27 years in the veterinary field and extensive experience in education and leadership development. Rick shares his journey, from starting as a veterinary assistant to becoming a clinical educator, emphasizing the critical role of active listening in effective leadership. He explains how active listening involves empathy, validation, and understanding the root causes of issues, and highlights its impact on building trust, mentorship, and team dynamics. Rick also discusses the importance of self-awareness, growth mindset, and the value of investing time upfront to ensure long-term success. The episode is a comprehensive guide for veterinary leaders looking to refine their listening skills and foster a positive and productive team culture.

🌟 Connect with Rick

LinkedIn: Rick Albrecht

🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.

If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

In this episode, I sit down with Lanise Parnell, a Licensed Veterinary Technician, leader, and co-founder of the PET X Foundation, to talk about something our profession still has a long way to grow into — belonging, mentorship, and equity in veterinary medicine.

Lanise shares her journey from being fired from her first job to becoming recognized as a voice advocating for inclusion and representation in our field. With over 17 years of experience, she brings raw honesty, vulnerability, and hope to a conversation that challenges us to look inward as leaders.

We talk about the realities of navigating racial bias and barriers to mentorship, what true allyship looks like in action, and how creating inclusive spaces starts with small, intentional choices. Lanise reminds us that leadership isn’t just about managing teams — it’s about seeing people fully and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to build a stronger, more inclusive culture — not through performative checkboxes, but through courage, accountability, and everyday leadership.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The personal story behind Lanise’s passion for equity and inclusion in veterinary medicine

• How early career challenges and lack of mentorship can shape leadership identity

• The founding story and mission of the PET X Foundation

• Practical ways to start conversations about inclusion in your own hospital

• Why representation and mentorship matter for retention and belonging

• How leaders can move from awareness to meaningful, lasting change

  
  

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leading Veterinary Teams
01:06 Guest Introduction: Lanise Parnell's Journey
02:08 Early Challenges in Veterinary Medicine
04:25 Returning to Vet Med and Gaining Experience
06:40 Founding the PET X Foundation
12:30 Mentorship and Barriers in Vet Med
16:09 Addressing Bias and Inclusivity in Veterinary Practices
29:40 Starting Small: Community Inclusion
31:49 The Power of Mentorship in Vet Med
33:31 Networking: Building a Supportive Community
36:40 Opportunities and Challenges in Vet Med
44:15 Future of Diversity and Inclusion in Vet Med
49:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

🌟 Connect with Lanise

LinkedIn: Lanise Parnell
Organization: PET X Foundation

🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med.
If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show and join the movement toward a more inclusive and empowered profession.

In this episode, I sit down with Kristin Lake, a credentialed veterinary technician with extensive experience in emergency and critical care, to talk about something that hits close to home for so many in our field — moral distress and moral injury in veterinary medicine.Kristin shares how these experiences often show up in practice, how they differ from burnout, and what leaders can do to help their teams process and prevent moral injury. We dig into real-life examples, the emotional toll of tough cases, and the importance of debriefing as a leadership tool — not just to support team wellbeing, but to build trust and psychological safety across the hospital.We also explore how financial constraints and systemic challenges contribute to moral injury, why technicians often carry a unique emotional weight, and how advocacy can be both empowering and exhausting.This is a powerful conversation for any leader who wants to understand the deeper “why” behind team fatigue — and learn how to lead through it with empathy, transparency, and action.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The difference between moral distress, moral injury, and burnoutHow moral injury shows up in day-to-day veterinary practiceThe role of leadership in recognizing and responding to team distressWhy debriefing after difficult cases builds trust and resilienceHow to navigate the emotional toll of financial and ethical constraintsPractical ways to create psychological safety within your teamEpisode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Moral Distress in Veterinary Medicine00:24 Meet Kristin Lake: Expertise and Experience02:20 Understanding Moral Injury vs. Burnout04:00 Real-Life Examples of Moral Distress10:35 Impact on Team Dynamics and Leadership15:44 Addressing Moral Injury: Solutions and Strategies23:51 Building Trust and Accountability in Leadership26:58 The Role of Technicians in Advocacy28:15 Balancing Emotions in Professional Advocacy31:53 Addressing Financial Constraints in Veterinary Care37:41 The Importance of Psychological Safety41:14 Recommended Reading for Veterinary Professionals44:24 Final Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with Kristin:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinlake/Website: https://vetmedmathtutoring.com/🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med. If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague and leave a review — it helps more veterinary leaders find the show.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amelia Knight Pinkston — veterinarian, integrative health and life coach, consultant, speaker, entrepreneur, and as she calls herself, a “recovered, burned-out veterinarian.”Amelia’s story is one so many of us in this profession can relate to. On the outside, she was thriving and living her childhood dream, but underneath she was anxious, exhausted, and burned out. That turning point led her to explore a different way of living and working—one rooted in compassion, curiosity, and connection. Today, she helps veterinary professionals “uninstall the malware” of hustle culture and outdated roles so they can create sustainable, authentic, and energizing lives.We get into what burnout really is (spoiler: it’s an overwhelmed nervous system), why productivity can feel safer than rest, and how shifting from judgment to curiosity changes everything—from team dynamics to self-leadership. We talk about vulnerability in leadership (why saying “today isn’t my best day” builds psychological safety), the trap of external validation, and how to reframe uncomfortable pauses as powerful opportunities for growth.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How burnout shows up in the body: fight, flight, and freeze explainedWhy rest feels so uncomfortable—and how to practice it without guiltThe “3 C’s” framework: compassion, curiosity, and connection as everyday toolsLeading by example: modeling boundaries and vulnerability for your teamHow to spot the early warning signs of burnout (in yourself and your team)Why external validation feeds burnout—and how to redefine success on your termsThe power of the pause: lessons from healing through concussion and burnout recoveryConnect with Dr. Amelia:🔗 Website: https://www.lifeboost.today/IG: @lifeboostwithameliaLinkedIn: Amelia Knight Pinkston🎙 Podcast: https://lifeboostwithamelia.buzzsprout.com/🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med. If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague and leave a review—it helps more veterinary leaders find the show.

In this episode, I sit down with Sharon Vaturi, MS, RVT, CVT — a credentialed veterinary technician with 20+ years in the field, scientist, educator, musician, and founder of RVT Seminars. Sharon has trained teams, led on the floor, and now delivers “keynote concerts” that blend live music with leadership teaching to strengthen culture and morale in veterinary hospitals.

We get into what it actually looks like to step up when you’re on your own: channeling that ER-level focus under pressure, turning training into muscle memory (CPR drills that actually prepare teams), and carrying the same practice mindset into tough leadership conversations. We talk psychological safety in everyday moments (yes, even “can you show me the microscope?”), why gatekeeping kills performance, and how explaining the why boosts client adherence and team follow-through.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to use “ER brain” (focus + delegation) without a crisis
• Training that sticks: short, realistic reps more than once-a-year checklists
• Psychological safety in small moments—and why “thank you” matters
• Teaching vs. gatekeeping: building capability without losing control
• SOPs that prevent blame culture: double-checks, estimates, and clarity
• Why presence is greater than perfect words: pause, listen, then respond
• A creative twist: using music and storytelling to shift team culture

Connect with Sharon

🔗 RVT Seminars: https://rvtseminars.com

 IG: https://www.instagram.com/rvtseminars

🔗 Keynote Concerts: https://sharonvaturi.com

 IG: https://www.instagram.com/sdv.speaker

🔗 Upcoming Book (Oct 2025):

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sdv.author

🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med. If this episode hit home, share it with a colleague and leave a review—it helps more hospital leaders find the show.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe here, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and on YouTube for more real talk about veterinary leadership.