Vet Mind Works Podcast

Curiosity Over Judgment

In this episode, host Petra Agthe is joined by Dr. Jennifer Edwards — veterinarian, former practice owner, and leadership coach — for a conversation about what it really means to suspend judgment and bring curiosity into our conversations, our leadership, and our relationship with ourselves.

The conversation explores how curiosity and judgment are, almost mutually exclusive and how curiosity connects to active listening, to humility, and to the courage it takes to admit we don't already know what someone else is thinking or feeling.

This conversation covers: 

• Why curiosity requires letting go of assumptions, and how it opens the door to deeper, more meaningful conversations
• The link between curiosity and humility — and why being willing to "not know" builds real connection
• Perfectionism in veterinary medicine, and how curiosity, rather than self-criticism, can become a gateway to growth
•  Leading diverse teams with curiosity: recognising that people think, process, and work differently — and why that's a strength, not a problem
• Practical tools for cultivating curiosity, including how to ask open-ended questions that invite people to share more
• Knowing when curiosity isn't the answer — boundaries, and when it's okay to simply end a conversation
• Turning curiosity inward: how self-compassion, rather than self-judgment, can change our relationship with ourselves — especially during burnout or moments of imposter syndrome

Ready to find out more about how curiosity can transform your life? Then listen in or read the transcript and join our conversation! 

Where to find out more about Dr Jennifer Edwards and her work:

• Jennifers website: https://drjenniferedwards.com/ 
• Jennifers Resilient Vet Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/07gFs5TqFFM5yBUNEAaHCa
• Find Jennifer on social media: 
  • Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenniferedwards/
  • Facebook https://www.facebook.com/drjenniferedwards
  • Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drjenniferedwards/

Resources you may also be interested in: 

Books: 

• Energy Leadership by Bruce Schneider
• Humble Inquiry by Edgar and Peter Schein

TV Series: Ted Lasso 

Previous Vet Mind Works Episodes related to the topic: 

• Non-violent Communication 
• The Power of Connection
• Active listening 
• Self-compassion for Imposter Syndrome
• Self-compassion

Join the conversation:

What resonated with you in this episode? Have you ever tried to approach conversations and interpersonal interactions with greater curiosity? We would love to hear your reflections. Share, rate, and send us your thoughts and suggestions for future guests and topics.

This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here.

We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook

Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/

Credits: 
Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

In this episode of the Vet Mind Works podcast, host Petra Agthe is joined by Alex Harrison, founder of Vetquity and one of the first profoundly deaf veterinary graduates in Australia, to explore a dimension of psychological safety that rarely gets airtime: disclosure.

Alex introduces the concept of disclosure culture — shifting the question from "why won't people speak up?" to "what is it about our systems, leadership, and everyday habits that makes it unsafe for people to share what's going on?" It's a reframe that moves the responsibility for inclusion from the individual to the organisation.

This conversation covers:

• The scale of the issue
• Why disclosure culture matters for retention
• How disclosure culture can be seen as the "ultimate manifestation" of psychological safety 
• The disclosure paradox
• The difference between partial and graded disclosure
• The importance of confidentiality and control
• Why a healthy disclosure culture also applies to leaders 
• The significant difference between visible vs. invisible disabilities in regard to disclosure culture
• The importance of trauma-informed disclosure
• Why strengths-based language matters
• The business case for disclosure culture

Ready to find out more about how to create safer work environments where people can truly thrive and fully contribute with their strengths? Then listen in or read the transcript and join our conversation! 

Where to find out more about Alex Harrison and his work:

• Vetquity: https://www.vetquity.com.au toolkits on disclosure safety, accessibility, inclusive hiring, policy redesign, and inclusive surveys
• Blogpost on Disclosure Culture on Vetquity: Why So Many Vets Hide: The Blind Spot in Veterinary Culture — Vetquity
• Follow Alex Harrison on LinkedIn

Join the conversation:

What resonated with you in this episode? Have you experienced disclosure — as the person sharing, or as the one receiving it? We'd love to hear your reflections. Share, rate, and send us your thoughts and suggestions for future guests and topics.

This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here.

We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook

Want to find out more about our host? Follow to Petra on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b

Credits: 
Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here.

We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook

Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/

Credits: 
Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

What does trust really mean in veterinary medicine — and why does it matter so deeply for learning, leadership, wellbeing, and patient care?

In this deep conversation, host Petra Agthe speaks with Stijn Niessen about trust as the foundation of healthy professional relationships and psychologically safe workplaces.

Drawing from decades of experience in clinical practice, leadership and education, Stijn explores how trust is built through shared values, consistency, accountability, and predictability in behaviour. Together, Petra and Stijn discuss how trust allows people to learn, grow, communicate honestly, and show up more fully as themselves within teams and organisations.

The conversation explores:

• Why trust is central to veterinary medicine and client relationships
• The link between trust, psychological safety, and effective learning
• Why threat-based teaching limits creativity, growth, and rational thinking
• The importance of consistent, value-based feedback and accountability
• Generational misconceptions around feedback and resilience
• What trust has to do with veterinary ethics and the veterinary oath
• The importance of safe, empathetic working environments
• The role of trust and values beyond the workplace

The conversation contains mentions of bullying, violence, global events and human suffering, while also emphasising the need for bringing light, meaning, and hope into a turbulent world.

Where to find Stijn:
Website of the Veterinary Information Network:  https://www.vin.com/vin/

Virtual Veterinary Interships at VIN: https://www.vin.com/VVI

Stijn's value-based telemedicine platform: https://niessenforcada.com/home

Quality of Life Tool Bank for pets: https://niessenforcada.com/quality-of-life-english

Stijn's book recommendation: Ikigai by Hector Garcia and Francesca Miralles

Other Vet Mind Works podcast episodes related to this topic: 

6. Values- with Liv Oginska

21. Petra Ponders 

This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here.

We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook

Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/

Credits: 
Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

In this episode, host Petra Agthe is joined by Dan Tipney and Jess Woolrich to explore Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and why communication matters so much for work in veterinary practice (and life in general!). Together, they unpack how the way we speak, listen, and respond directly affects psychological safety, team culture, and quality of care. The conversation also touches on emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and practical tools for communicating across difference. This is a grounded, honest conversation about moving beyond “being nice” toward communication that is both compassionate and effective.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

05:55 What Is Nonviolent Communication?

12:30 How communication styles impact psychological safety and decision-making

20:00 Why self-awareness and emotional regulation are learned skills

27:30 Incivility, threat responses & burnout

35:00 Communication Across Difference

42:30 Practical tools from Nonviolent Communication

50:00 Leadership, modelling & team trust

57:30 How does Nonviolent Communication look in the real world?

1:04:30 Resources and further information about our guests

Where to find Dan and Jess:
VetLed website:  https://www.vetled.co.uk/

Vetled on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

Compassionate Communication Course with Jess and Dan: https://www.vetled.co.uk/courses-services/compassionate-communication-open-course

Further resources on the topic:

NVC UK website: https://nvc-uk.com/

NVC trainer Cath Burke: https://www.empathymatters.net/

Book recommendation: Marshal Rosenberg - Nonviolent Communication: A language of life https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Nonviolent-Communication-by-Marshall-B-Rosenberg/9781892005281?srsltid=AfmBOoobGslbFhQYLulAsLvWoUU4hc2ykmwMq1Sm24izHXEfgDralQwR

This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here.

We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook

Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/

Credits: 
Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

What exactly is civility? Why does it matter? And how does it impact workplace culture? 

In this insightful episode, host Petra is joined by Helen Silver MacMahon for a deep dive into this topic. Together, they explore aspects such as

• What civility really means
• The historical and philosophical roots of civil behavior
• How incivility undermines safety and performance in veterinary and legal professions
• How incivility may increase error risk
• The important role of leaders in modelling civility

and much more! 

Helen's most favourite resource on the topic: 

Podcast episode with Christ Turner (co-founder of Civility Saves Life) on Helen's How To Thrive podcast: https://shows.acast.com/how-to-thrive/episodes/civility-saves-lives-chris-turner

TEDx talk about Civility with Chris Turner: https://www.tedxexeter.com/speakers/chris-turner-2/

Veterinary Incivility Toolkit by the University of Aberdeen, including downloadable 'Keeping it Civil' Guide: https://research.abdn.ac.uk/applied-psych-hf/vit/

Where to find Helen:
How To Be Human:  www.being-human.co.uk 

The How To Thrive Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-thrive/id1725114820

Find Helen on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/helen-silver-macmahon-b0b467183 and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginvetmed?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MXMyM3h6Z2pxcmJzcQ==

Tickets and more information for How to Thrive event and the next cohort of Civility in Action: https://buytickets.at/beinghumanconsultingltd1

Previous Vet Mind Works Podcast episodes related to this topic: 

Inclusion and Diversity with Georgina Sharman

Self-regulation with Crina Dragu

Self-awareness with Clive Elwood

This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here.

We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook

Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/

Credits: 
Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

"Who do I want to be in this moment?"

What would happen if we would ask ourselves this question more often? 

You can find one possible answer to this and other questions in this episode. Host Petra Agthe is joined by Julie Rosser, veterinary leader and CEO of the European Board of Specialisation, in a conversation about personal and professional growth, and about hope, agency and transformation. 

Julie offers many insights and ideas on the Why and How of deepening our connections with other people. This conversation covers the importance of meaningful relationships for collaboration, effective teamwork, job satisfaction and overall impact. Julie also explains how intentionality, self-awareness and curiosity can help us in relationship development, rather than relying solely on confidence.

Julies most favourite resources on the topic: 

Professional Relationships with Keith Ferrazi: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/never-lead-alone-relationship-revolution-powers-elite-keith-ferrazzi-14iuf/

A taster of Alison Armstrong's phenomenal work around understanding & partnership:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeAQ6Yz2-M0

Where to find Julie:
Julies Profile on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julie-rosser-34393847

EBVS website: https://www.ebvs.eu/

You can also find out more about Julie in her Veterinary Woman Profile:  https://veterinarywoman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/filpbook-cfc-2025/?page=44.

Previous episodes relating to this topic:

The Myth of Difficult People with Phil Webb

Active Listening with Mark Turner

Vulnerability with Megan Alderson

Compassion with Katherine Wakelin and Megan Davis

Self-Regulation with Crina Dragu 

Confidence with Rachel Paul

This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here.

We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook

Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/

Credits: 
Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

Consider this for a moment: What if there were no difficult people? 

What if it was more about difficult situations, circumstances and behaviours? 

What if we could all learn to deal to engage more constructively with others in these difficult situations? 

Our guest Phil Webb encourages us to do just this and he knows what he is talking about from working in a client facing role for most of his career. In the conversation with host Petra Agthe, Phil offers helpful tips and tools that have helped him and his colleagues to deal with these challenging situations more constructively – ranging from the importance of getting to know ourselves better to reframing anger. 

Books mentioned in this episode:

The Chimp Paradox, by Prof Steve Peters

The 7 Habits of Highly Effectice People, by Stephen R Covey (the circle of control)

Publications about the link between reading fiction and empathy: 

https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.1239918?sid=f192d0cc-1443-4bf1-a043-61410da39519

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3559433/#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20suggested%20that%20people%20who%20read%20a%20lot,their%20interpersonal%20skills%20%5B3%5D.

Where to find Phil:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-webb-0b42a7173/

Previous episodes relating to this topic:

Clinical communication with Helen Øvregaard

Active Listening with Mark Turner

Compassion with Katherine Wakelin and Megan Davis

Self-Regulation with Crina Dragu 

This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here.

We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook

Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/

Credits: 
Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

What if communication was the most important clinical skill we have? 

And what does communication have to do with wellbeing and job satisfaction? 

How can we learn to improve our communication skills? 

Find out the answer to these and more questions in our most recent episode on clinical communication! Host Petra Agthe and our guest Helen Øvregaard dive deep into the topic and touch on related themes such as trust, empathy, emotional intelligence, active listening, vulnerability, contextualised care and the power of a full and authentically expressed apology. 

You can find more information about Helen and this fascinating topic below. 

Communication techniques mentioned:

• The Four Habits Model
• Calgary-Cambridge Guide
• Motivational Interviewing

Books:
Skills for Communicating in Veterinary Medicine by Cindy L Adams and Suzanne Kurtz

Compassionomics by Stephen Trzeciak and Anthony Mazzarelli 

Associations and Special Interest Groups:

Relationship-centred Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationship-centred-veterinary-medicine-at-the-ontario-veterinary-college/posts/?feedView=all

Oslo Communication in Healthcare Education and Research https://ocher.no

Special Interest Group ‘Communication in Veterinary Healthcare’ as part of International Association for Communication in Healthcare: https://each.international/organisation/sigs/communication-in-veterinary-healthcare/

Where to find Helen:
Website: http://www.vettalk.no
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-øvregaard-31979151/

Previous episodes you may be interested in:

Active Listening with Mark Turner

Vulnerability with Megan Alderson

Compassion with Katherine Wakelin and Megan Davis

This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here.

We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook

Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/

Credits: 
Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

In today's episode host Petra Agthe and guest Mark Turner explore the power of an every day activity: listening. However, as so often, what seems a simple enough thing on the outside is actually a lot more difficult when we try to do it well. 

And so it turns out that active listening is a skill that requires intention and sometimes a bit of practice. However, the benefits can be huge, because active listening is essential for building trust and psychological safety. But how can we get better at it? Listen in and you can find out more! 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Books:
Speak Up: Say What Needs to Be Said and Hear What Needs to Be Heard by Megan Reitz and John Higgins https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/51966260-speak-up

The Human Moment: The Positive Power of Compassion in the Workplace by Amy Bradley https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51493034-the-human-moment

Podcast: Simon Sinek and Deeyah Khan about extreme listening https://simonsinek.com/podcast/episodes/extreme-listening-with-deeyah-khan/

Where to find Mark:
Website: https://vetqit.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-386a31111/

This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here.

We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook

Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/

Credits: 
Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

My guest on this episode is Victoria Johnson. Victoria is the Founder and CEO of VET.CT.  After graduating from Bristol Veterinary School, she worked in general practice before specialising in veterinary diagnostic imaging, becoming a European Diploma-holder in 2003.  Founded in 2009, VET.CT provides remote specialist expertise in imaging reporting to veterinary teams across the word. Victoria has grown the company into an innovative veterinary teleradiology, specialist consultancy and education company with a global team of more than 280 people, striving to make the veterinary world a better place through its services. VET.CT recently attained B Corp status and is one of only 5 veterinary businesses in the world to have achieved this.

Victoria shares thoughts on her entrepreneurial character (inflatable pyjamas?!) and her 'busy brain'. We discuss the importance of working with, and not against, technology, responsibly, and with ever present focus on people, relationships and the team.

Resources:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Dysfunctions-Team-Leadership-Lencioni/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-to-Great/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Built-Last-Successful-Visionary-Companies/

This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here.

We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook

Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/

Credits: 
Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay