What if the most effective way to innovate in veterinary medicine isn't to start something new, but to take something that already works and make it work better?

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak explore insights from Luke Hedlund, the Founder of Tucannon Partners, about exactly that approach. Luke is looking for one business within vet med to manage and make a majority investment in. He is open to vet clinics, but he’s more focused on vendors to vet clinics.

Luke shares his approach to fixing the issues that frustrate everyone - ineffective meetings, unclear communication, and poor decision-making processes. He also discusses the risks of chasing inflated valuations over product-market fit, and explains why imaging and workflow improvements hold untapped potential for better pet care and business performance.

Learn more about Tucannon Partners.

Luke Hedlund recommends “The Manager's Handbook: Five Simple Steps to Build a Team, Stay Focused, Make Better Decisions, and Crush Your Competition” by David Dodson for practical leadership frameworks.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Dr. Michael Blackwell from the University of Tennessee, and the Director of AlignCare Health Inc., about the increasing challenges families face in accessing veterinary care and how the One Health model offers a transformative solution. 

Dr. Blackwell explains that many of the barriers to care stem from human social and financial realities, not just veterinary logistics. By integrating veterinary services with human healthcare, social work, and community resources, One Health creates a holistic, family-centric approach that supports underserved families, mitigates the risks of zoonotic disease, and reduces long-term public health costs. The episode explores how AlignCare — a One Health initiative led by Dr. Blackwell — has the potential to reshape national veterinary service delivery and ensure no pet or family is left behind.

Learn more about AlignCare Health Inc.

Dr. Michael Blackwell recommends using all advances in AI for its transformative potential across sectors, including veterinary healthcare.

Veterinary clinics are facing growing pressure from chaotic workflows, missed calls, scattered forms, and burned-out front-desk teams. 

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak sit down with James Merchant, co-founder of ClinicWise, to explore how deeply integrated, AI-powered tools are helping practices streamline client communication, automate repetitive tasks, and reclaim hours of staff time each week. James shares how ClinicWise was co-designed with busy hospitals to ensure it solves real, everyday problems — from pre- and post-appointment workflows to personalized education and smart intake.

Learn more about ClinicWise.

James Merchant recommends “Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage“ by Alfred Lansing.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak connect with Cory Pinegar from Teem about how veterinary clinics can reduce overhead and improve reliability by outsourcing administrative tasks to remote teams. Cory shares how Teem’s model uses structured training, real-time performance data, and an empathy-first approach to create scalable support without sacrificing service quality, even as staffing costs and turnover continue to rise.

Learn more about Teem's Virtual Assistants.

Cory Pinegar recommends “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business” by Gino Wickman.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Lea-Ann Germinder, Founder and President of Germinder & Associates, Inc. They chat about the complex challenges and transformative potential of Responsible AI (RAI) in veterinary medicine. Drawing from her PhD research and presentation at Cornell’s SAVY Symposium, Germinder outlines the ethical gaps, legal gray areas, and educational challenges shaping AI adoption in vet med. She also breaks down what clinics must know before adopting AI and why ignoring it isn’t an option anymore.

Learn more about Germinder & Associates.

Discover more about Goodnewsforpets.com.

Lea-Ann Germinder recommends “AI Ethics“ by Mark Coeckelbergh.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak talk with Mark Hines from baxtr about how veterinary clinics can use technology to streamline their operations and improve access to care. Mark shares how baxtr’s software helps independent practices create custom subscription wellness plans with predictable monthly payments, automated communication, and less administrative burden. 

He also introduces their new Monthly Payment Guarantee feature, which ensures clinics are paid even if clients miss a payment. You will gain insights into how automated wellness programs can stabilize revenue, improve client satisfaction, increase compliance with preventive care, and reduce burnout for veterinary professionals.

Learn more about baxtr.

Mark Hines recommends Youtube - What Being a Veterinarian Really Takes | Melanie Bowden, DVM | TEDxCoeurdalene.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Steve Castillo from Profit Solver about how veterinary practices can uncover hidden profits through precise, evidence-based pricing strategies. Steve shares how his patented software — already implemented in over 3,700 clinics — uses real financial data and time-motion studies to optimize service fees, boost EBITDA, and create a sustainable path to practice growth.

Learn more about Profit Solver.

Steve Castillo recommends “The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome James Kademan from Veterinary Receptionists to discuss how his specialized virtual receptionist service is helping veterinary clinics overcome staffing shortages, reduce front desk burnout, and improve client communication.

James also shares how AI tools like real-time transcription and chatbots are being used behind the scenes, and why bold, strategic decisions are essential in today’s fast-changing veterinary landscape.

Discover more about "The BOLD Business Book: A strategy guide to start, run and love your BOLD business" by James Kademan.

James Kademan recommends ”Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect Hardcover” by Will Guidara.

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak chat with Maria Morgan, co-founder of Passpaw, about how veterinary teams can turn international pet travel documentation from a time-consuming task into an efficient, team-led, and profitable service.

As more clients travel with their pets post-pandemic, many practices either avoid these certificates entirely or undercharge for the work involved. Maria shares how her workflow management software aims to eliminate the administrative burden of health certificates and enhance team member utilization, freeing veterinarians to focus on patient care.

Learn how practices can turn a traditionally frustrating service into a team-led revenue stream that improves client experience and practice profitability: Passpaw.

Maria Morgan recommends Freakonomics podcast - "Should America be Run by Trader Joe's (Update)" and Adam Grant's TED talk - "How to stop languishing and start finding flow".

This week, Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak sit down with Dr. Kemba Marshall, veterinarian, DEI expert, and author of “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine”, to explore how psychological safety — the #1 trait of high-performing teams and the focus of the P chapter of her new book — drives innovation, improves patient care, and reduces burnout.

Dr. Marshall shares real-life examples of how inclusive environments lead to smarter diagnostics, stronger teams, and better patient outcomes. Discover why DEI isn't just about who you hire — it's about saving animal lives and fulfilling the veterinary oath.

Learn more about  “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine“ by Kemba Marshall.