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In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh return for Part 2 of their conversation on coaching communication—this time turning insight into action.
Building on the science from The Effectiveness of Workplace Coaching: A Meta-Analysis of Contemporary Psychologically Informed Coaching Approaches (2021), this episode explores how curiosity comes to life through Sir John Whitmore’s GROW model - a simple, powerful framework for creating confidence, motivation, and connection on veterinary teams.
From goal setting to growth mindset, Andi and Josh break down each step of GROW through a positive psychology lens—showing how just a few intentional questions can shift culture, empower teams, and bring out the best in everyone.
You’ll hear:
Whether you’re a leader, technician, or teammate, this episode gives you the tools to put curiosity into action and start creating the kind of culture every veterinary professional deserves to be part of.
Resource Links:
Episode Article:
Title: The effectiveness of workplace coaching: A meta-analysis of contemporary psychologically informed coaching approaches
Authors:Qing Wang, Yiming Lai, Jian Xu, & Almuth McDowall
DOI: 10.1108/JWAM-04-2021-0030
Coaching For Performance (6th edition) By Sir John Whitmore
GROW Coaching Worksheet - From The Flourishing Center
Ted Lasso Official Trailer (Season 1) - we wouldn’t want to give too much away now would we?
Ted Lasso - Available on Apple TV
Florida Man This Week - George Foreman Grill
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 Introduction to Part Two
00:41 Weekend Stories and Personal Anecdotes
05:56 The Importance of Curiosity in Coaching
11:24 Diving into the Grow Model
17:34 The Power of Future-Oriented Goals
18:21 Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Efficacy
19:35 Curiosity in Goal Setting
20:40 Reality Check: Balancing Barriers and Strengths
23:14 Exploring Options with Curiosity
25:10 The Impact of Asking the Right Questions
29:07 Implementing the GROW Model in Practice
35:04 Practical Tips for Leaders
36:57 Conclusion and Fun Segment
In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore what coaching really means in veterinary medicine—and why curiosity might be the most powerful tool we have to strengthen culture.
Grounded in a 2021 meta-analysis of workplace coaching, this conversation unpacks how three evidence-based approaches—GROW, Positive Psychology Coaching, and Cognitive Behavioral Coaching—can help veterinary teams build confidence, connection, and wellbeing. Andi and Josh share why coaching is not advice-giving or mentoring, but a structured, science-backed conversation that helps people clarify goals, see reality more fully, explore new options, and take meaningful steps forward.
From donuts and Ted Lasso to the science of empowerment and agency, this episode will leave you rethinking the way you talk with your team—and why “ask, don’t tell” is the secret to renovating workplace culture.
You’ll hear:
Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring a new grad, or simply hoping for more meaningful workplace conversations, this episode offers a hopeful, practical look at how coaching can change the way veterinary teams connect and thrive.
Resource Links:
Episode Article:
Title: The effectiveness of workplace coaching: A meta-analysis of contemporary psychologically informed coaching approaches
Authors:Qing Wang, Yiming Lai, Jian Xu, & Almuth McDowall
DOI: 10.1108/JWAM-04-2021-0030
Ted Lasso Official Trailer (Season 1) - we wouldn’t want to give too much away now would we?
Ted Lasso - Available on Apple TV
Florida Man This Week - Hot Pink and Naked
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 Introduction to Coaching in Veterinary Medicine
00:42 Casual Conversation and Weekend Plans
01:35 Horse Training and Competitions
04:46 Ted Lasso Fandom
07:43 The Essence of Coaching
08:56 The Importance of Coaching in VetMed
12:27 Research on Coaching Effectiveness
14:13 Popular Coaching Models
16:31 Integrating Coaching Models
20:32 Identifying Progress and Strengths
21:11 The Power of Curiosity in Coaching
22:52 Maintaining Curiosity Amidst Chaos
24:03 Practical Tips for Staying Curious
27:33 Curiosity in Veterinary Culture
34:02 Teasing the Next Episode
35:06 Florida Man and Closing Remarks
In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dive into groundbreaking new research from their friend Dr. Zach Mercurio—research that pinpoints exactly how leaders can help veterinary teams experience more meaningful work.
Grounded in a 2024 study on purposeful leadership, this conversation uncovers six specific, learnable leadership practices that boost energy, reduce burnout, and increase job satisfaction—even in high-stress environments like veterinary medicine.
Andi and Josh break down the difference between Big-P Purpose (your lofty mission) and little-p purpose (those small, meaningful moments that remind you why your work matters). They also explore how anyone—not just titled leaders—can activate purpose, foster connection, and help build veterinary cultures where people feel like they truly matter.
You’ll hear:
• Why meaningful work is essential for veterinary team wellbeing and retention
• What the research says about the link between leadership behaviors and job satisfaction
• Six powerful practices that help veterinary leaders lead with purpose
• How to deliver praise in a way that fuels purpose, not just productivity
• A real-life story about a hard moment that became worth it—because of meaning
• How to make impact visible using tools like laddering, “because” praise, and mattering moments
Whether you're a practice manager, technician, associate DVM, or just someone who cares about veterinary culture, this episode offers real-world ways to turn everyday tasks into moments that matter.
Resource Links:
Episode Article:
Title: Mapping and Measuring Leadership Practices Intended to Foster Meaningful Work
Authors: Zach Mercurio, Tamara L. Miles, Wesley G. Adams, Jeremy D. W. Clifton
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41542-023-00161-z
Check out Zach Mercurio and his two fantastic books:
Rebecca Rose
Florida Woman This Week - Fake Manager
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 Introduction: Making Work Meaningful
00:42 Casual Conversation: Sunny Days and Glasses
01:04 A Real-Life Story: Embracing Aging
03:04 Purposeful Leadership: Meeting Zach Mercurio
04:45 Big P vs. Little p Purpose
13:20 Research Insights: Leadership and Meaningful Work
23:00 The Importance of Impact Stories
24:20 Trust and Support in the Workplace
25:25 Humorous Anecdote: The Colorado Trip
26:26 Gathering and Sharing Impact Stories
28:06 Growth Equals Glue: Recognizing Potential
30:57 Purpose-First Hiring
32:08 Connection Combats Compassion Fatigue
33:09 Actionable Steps for Cultural Renovation
36:25 The Power of Praise and Recognition
39:48 Florida Woman: A Humorous Interlude
41:28 Conclusion and Call to Action
In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore the power of resilience—not just as a personal trait, but as a skill we can teach, build, and share.
Grounded in a 2017 study by Jenny Moffett and David Bartram, this conversation uncovers what happens when veterinary students receive formal resilience education early in their careers—and what it means for the rest of us who never got that kind of support.
From skepticism to mindset shifts, and from group learning to individual bounce-back moments, this episode is a hopeful look at how wellbeing education can change the trajectory of a veterinary career—and why it's never too late to learn.
You’ll hear:
Whether you’re just starting out or mid-career and building the plane mid-flight, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the science of resilience—and the role education can play in making thriving possible.
Resource Links:
Episode Article:
Title: Veterinary Students’ Perspectives on Resilience and Resilience-Building Strategies
Authors:Jenny E. Moffett and Davi d J. Bartram
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.0216-046r1
Flourish Academy - Certificate in Applied Veterinary Resilience
Flourish Academy - Introduction to Applied Veterinary Resilence
Florida Veterinary Medical Association - Inspire program - This program is FREE for ALL Florida veterinary professions regardless of status with the FVMA.
Florida Man This Week - Dog
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 Introduction to Resilience Education
00:42 Casual Conversation and Weather Talk
01:25 Horse Care in Hot Weather
03:05 Dog Days of Summer
05:30 The Joy of Dad Jokes
06:00 A Thought-Provoking Question
09:26 Hope in Veterinary Medicine
12:22 Resilience Training in Veterinary School
17:50 Skepticism and Resilience
20:53 Handling Skepticism in the Workplace
21:59 Embracing Skeptics for Better Conversations
23:56 The Importance of Wellbeing in Vet Med
25:49 Balancing Wellbeing Across Career Stages
29:21 Practical Ways to Show You Care
31:04 Making Resilience a Group Effort
34:21 Educational Opportunities for Building Resilience
38:35 Florida Man: A Humorous Conclusion
The Vet Med Circus: Why Collaboration Is the Star of the Show
In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore one of the most powerful—but often overlooked—drivers of high-functioning veterinary teams: positive communication that fuels real collaboration.
Grounded in a 2024 study on veterinary team communication, they break down 15 specific behaviors that can either build, or break, collaborative veterinary workplaces. These habits go beyond personality or work ethic and show how simple shifts in how we speak, listen, and respond can drive culture renovation.
You do not need a big budget or fancy retreat to improve your veterinary culture—just a few intentional moments of respect, empathy, and action-oriented communication can spark real change.
You’ll hear:
Whether you are managing a clinic, working the treatment floor, or leading from the front desk, this episode offers practical tools to support thriving, high-functioning veterinary teams—one conversation at a time.
Resources:
Episode Article:
Title: Positive Communication Practices for Enhancing Collaboration
Author: Amy E. Mickel
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23294884241263552
Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication
Puppy Songs
Florida Man This Week - Cars
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 Introduction to Collaboration in Vet Med
00:40 Casual Chat: Smoothies and Pets
03:45 The Importance of Collaboration in Vet Med
06:20 A Real-Life Example of Effective Collaboration
09:58 Key Communication Practices for Collaboration
13:05 Respect and Empathy in Teamwork
22:05 Practical Steps to Enhance Collaboration
26:45 Florida Man: A Humorous Conclusion
Seen, Valued, Energized: How Micro-Connections Build Thriving Veterinary Teams
In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dive into one of their favorite culture renovation tools: high-quality connections (or as we like to say, micro-connections that pack a punch).
Inspired by the stories of MVP Joey Votto and NBA star Steph Curry, and grounded in the research of organizational psychologist Dr. Jane Dutton, this conversation explores how fleeting, positive moments between team members can change everything—from mood and motivation to retention and resilience.
In a profession where time is short and stress runs high, veterinary teams need more than coffee and courage. They need connection. And the best part? You do not need a retreat or a big budget to make it happen.
You’ll hear:
Whether you manage a clinic or assist in surgery, this episode shows how a little intentionality can spark a whole lot of wellbeing.
Resource Links
Episode Articles:
Title: The Power of High-Quality Connections
Author: Jane E. Dutton
Access URL (PDF from Center for Positive Organizations):
https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/HighQualityConnections.pdf
Title: Joey Votto and Steph Curry Found a Secret to Workplace Happiness. You Can, Too.
Author: Rustin Dodd
URL: https://theathletic.com/5480823/2025/05/22/joey-votto-steph-curry-happiness/
(Subscription may be required)
Florida Man This Week - Horse
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 Introduction to High Quality Connections
00:40 Casual Conversation and Personal Updates
02:30 Excitement for Today's Topic
02:47 Defining High Quality Connections
03:23 Real-Life Examples of High Quality Connections
04:26 Exploring High Quality Connections in Professional Settings
06:28 Research and Articles on High Quality Connections
07:51 Stories of Joey Vato and Steph Curry
09:46 The Science Behind High Quality Connections
11:34 Personal Stories of High Quality Connections
13:10 The Impact of High Quality Connections in Vet Med
14:48 The Power of Using Names
15:38 High Quality Connections in Fast-Paced Environments
17:38 The Importance of Connection During Stressful Times
20:17 Building a Resilient Culture
21:36 Practical Tips for Creating High Quality Connections
27:49 Celebrating High Quality Connections
28:38 Florida Man Segment
30:39 Conclusion and Call to Action
In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore the power of communication in shaping how a workplace feels and why that feeling matters more than we think.
Drawing on new research from the University of Michigan, the conversation dives into how intentional leadership communication transformed workplace climate, decreased burnout, and boosted engagement - all during a time of crisis.
With vet med facing its own climate challenges, this study offers a blueprint for change: small communication shifts that create big ripple effects. From high-quality connections to building relational reserves, this episode connects the dots between leadership behavior and team wellbeing.
You’ll hear:
Whether you lead a team or simply want your clinic to feel more human, this episode offers science-backed insight into what makes veterinary workplaces thrive from the inside out.
Resource Links
Episode Article:
Article Title: Positive Leadership within Breast Imaging: Impact on Burnout, Intent to Leave, and Engagement
Authors: Amy Young, Jennifer J. Gruber, and Nima Aghdassi
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2024.01.023
Flourish Academy Masterclasses:
Florida Man This Week - Convenience Store
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 Introduction: The Impact of Communication at Work
00:43 Team Dynamics and the Importance of Key Members
02:24 Climate and Culture in the Workplace
05:03 Leadership Styles and Their Effects
10:08 Positive Leadership and Workplace Climate Study
15:34 Communication as Leverage in Leadership
19:04 Transparency in Leadership
19:49 The Impact of Workplace Climate
20:50 Effective Leadership Interventions
22:22 Building Relational Reserves
23:34 Intentional Connections in Teams
25:29 Cultural Renovation Strategies
30:03 Transparency and Communication
33:37 Florida Man: Gator Adventure
35:17 Conclusion and Resources
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:
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)
***
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
***
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
***
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
In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore a surprising twist on workplace drama—one that could actually improve veterinary wellbeing. Spoiler: it is not the gossip-filled kind of drama, but the science-backed DRAMMA model, a powerful framework built on six core psychological needs that support human flourishing at work.
Grounded in recovery science and positive psychology, this conversation unpacks how detachment, relaxation, autonomy, mastery, meaning, and affiliation can transform your team’s culture from overwhelmed and burnt out to energized and engaged.
You’ll hear:
Whether you're leading culture renovation or just trying to recharge between shifts, this episode delivers science-backed strategies to help your veterinary team thrive—one need at a time.
Resource Links:
Episode Article
Title: Need Satisfaction and Optimal Functioning at Leisure and Work: A Longitudinal Validation Study of the DRAMMA Model
Authors: Miika Kujanpää, Christine Syrek, Dirk Lehr, Ulla Kinnunen, Jo Annika Reins, Jessica de Bloom (2020)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-020-00247-3
Mihály Csíkszentmihályi on Flow
Florida Man This Week - Boat Fiasco
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 to Workplace Drama
00:48 – A Strange Celery Stalker
01:48 – Defining Drama in Vet Med
02:19 – Exploring Psychological Needs
03:55 – Loving the Job at Flourish
06:21 – The DRAMMA Model Explained
09:20 – Applying the DRAMMA Model to Vet Med
10:07 – Detachment and Relaxation
10:44 – Personal Detachment Strategies
16:15 – Mastery and Skill Development
17:07 – Understanding Flow States
17:49 – Applying Flow States in Veterinary Practice
18:07 – The Importance of Mentorship
18:36 – Stretch Skills in Veterinary Practice
22:03 – Autonomy and Control in the Workplace
23:31 – Meaning and Affiliation at Work
24:34 – Implementing Culture Renovation
25:03 – Micro Breaks and Human Connection
28:55 – Ask Me Anything Sessions
32:43 – Florida Man Story
34:21 – Conclusion and Farewell
North of Neutral: why positive psychology matters in vet med
In this first episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, hosts Andi and Josh go deep on the science that underpins everything they do at Flourish: positive psychology.
What is positive psychology—really? And what isn’t it? Spoiler: it is not toxic positivity, it is not ignoring suffering, and it is definitely not “just think happy thoughts.” Grounded in the work of Dr. Martin Seligman, this conversation unpacks how the science of human flourishing can help veterinary professionals move beyond burnout, beyond “meh,” and into more meaningful, sustainable wellbeing.
You’ll hear:
Whether you’re leading a veterinary team or just trying to make it through the week with purpose, this episode offers science-backed insights and practical takeaways for thriving in vet med—without ignoring the hard stuff.
Resource Links:
Episode Article:
Title: Positive psychology: FAQs.
Authors: Seligman, M. E. P., & Pawelski, J. O. (2003).
DOI: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1449825
The Upside of your Darkside - Todd Kashdan and Robert Biswas-Diener
Florida Man This Week - ATM Blowtorch
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 Introduction to Positive Psychology
00:49 Weekend Stories and Dad Jokes
03:57 Discussing Languishing and Personal Experiences
11:36 The Science of Positive Psychology
16:11 Common Questions About Positive Psychology
17:05 Reflecting on Positive Psychology FAQs
17:46 The Misconception of 'Happyology'
18:49 The Role of Discomfort in a Meaningful Life
20:30 Balancing Positive and Negative Emotions
22:42 The Value of Pessimistic Thinking
24:30 Practical Applications in Veterinary Medicine
31:03 Leadership and Positive Psychology
32:55 Florida Man: A Humorous Conclusion
From the publisher's feed
The Veterinary Culture Lab is your science-backed, real-world blueprint for culture renovation in veterinary medicine. Hosted by Andi and Josh, Positive Change Agents from Flourish Veterinary…

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