The Veterinary Leadership Success Show

By Dr Dave Nicol
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Short conversations with smart people with good ideas to help you run your veterinary practice more effectively. Each month, your host, Dr. Dave Nicol, puts a subject of importance to practice managers under the microscope with a subject matter expert to help you grapple with real-life management problems. Loosely arranged around the topics required to complete the CVPM, this show will help you with ideas and inspiration to take on some of the big problems and opportunities we all face in veterinary medicine.

  1. 1d ago

    144: Is Independent Veterinary Practice Still Worth It?

    Independent practice ownership can be one of the most rewarding things you do in veterinary medicine. It can also chew you up if you build it badly. So, is it still worth it? I think it is. But not for everyone, and certainly not if your plan is simply to buy yourself a more exhausting job. In this episode, I take an honest look at the reality of independent practice ownership, why I still believe so strongly in it, and what practices need if they're going to thrive. We get into freedom, community, leadership, profit, culture and the systems that stop everything falling back onto the owner. And I finish with some important questions to ask yourself before deciding whether ownership really is the right path for you. Done well, independent practice can still be a brilliant gig. But you've got to build it to work for you, not just everyone around you. Episode Outline:[00:00] Is independent practice still worth it? [00:10] The reality of ownership [03:10] Why I still believe in independence [06:00] The power of community [07:40] The independent advantage [10:40] What independents need to thrive [12:20] Profit has to reward the risk [16:50] Build a practice that doesn't depend on you [18:30] Reasons to pause before owning [22:45] Are you prepared to lead? Want to Build an Independent Practice That Works for You?Owning a practice shouldn't mean carrying everything yourself forever. If you own an independent veterinary practice, or you're thinking about ownership, I can help you get clearer on what you're building, what's getting in the way and where to focus. Book a call with me and let's talk about your practice. Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:Follow Dr. Dave: @drdavenicol Learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Academy Enjoyed this episode?Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

    144: Is Independent Veterinary Practice Still Worth It?

  2. Sep 2

    143: Two New Jobs Every Veterinary Practice Needs

    Everyone's talking about AI. Some people think it's the future. Others think it's overhyped. Most practice owners are somewhere in the middle, wondering what they're actually supposed to do with it. I've been thinking about AI a lot recently, and I don't believe the biggest question is which tool should you use? I think the better question is who inside your practice is responsible for making AI useful? In this episode, I introduce two new roles that I believe every veterinary practice now needs so you can adopt AI without falling for the hype. Used well, it can make your team more productive, reduce unnecessary admin, and create more space for the work that only humans can do. Used badly, it simply creates more noise. If you want your practice to benefit from AI over the next few years, this is where I'd start. Episode Outline:[00:00] AI is everywhere… now what?[02:25] Meet the Chief Robot Officer[03:50] Choosing the right tools[04:30] Does AI fit your mission?[05:00] Every workflow, mapped[06:10] Experiment before you commit[07:00] Why humans still matter[08:20] Don't stop thinking[10:00] The real future of work[11:25] My own AI workflow[14:10] Start small, win early Want to Build a Practice Ready for the Future?Technology will keep changing. The practices that thrive won't be the ones chasing every new tool. They'll be the ones with clear leadership, strong systems, and teams who know how to use technology to support - not replace - great veterinary care. If you'd like help building a more resilient, future-ready practice, I'd love to help. Book a call and let's explore where your biggest opportunities are. Book your free call: https://www.drdavenicol.com/book-your-call Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:Follow Dr. Dave: @drdavenicol Learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Academy Enjoyed this episode?Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

    143: Two New Jobs Every Veterinary Practice Needs

  3. Aug 17

    142: The Double Fracture Threatening Veterinary Medicine

    Veterinary medicine is changing. And if running your practice feels harder than it used to… it's not just you. In this episode, I explore what I believe is driving that feeling. Veterinary medicine is at a turning point, and the pressures facing practice owners today aren't isolated problems. They're symptoms of deeper changes happening across our profession. I unpack the two fractures I see emerging: the growing gap between practices and clients, and the widening disconnect between leaders and their teams. These fractures affect trust, culture and the way practices operate every day. I also introduce a concept I call leadership containment: building the clarity, ownership and accountability that stops every decision, every problem and every crisis from landing back on your desk. Because remarkable practices aren't built on leaders who carry everything themselves. They're built on systems that help great people take ownership, build trust and thrive. If you've been wondering why leadership feels heavier than it used to, this episode will help you understand what's changing - and how your practice can become stronger because of it. Episode Outline: [00:00] A profession at a turning point [01:20] Why everything feels heavier [02:54] The first fracture: trust [11:34] The second fracture: leadership [14:33] Why everything comes back to you [15:32] Leadership containment [17:47] Build systems that carry the weight [19:49] Strong practices start here Need Help Building a Practice That Doesn't Depend on You? If every problem still finds its way back to your desk, the answer probably isn't to work harder. It's to build a practice with the systems, clarity and leadership that allow great people to take ownership. Book a free call with me and we'll identify what's creating the biggest strain in your practice, where to focus first, and how to build a practice that's easier - and far more enjoyable - to lead. Book your free call: https://www.drdavenicol.com/book-your-call Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights: Follow Dr. Dave: @drdavenicol Learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Academy Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

    142: The Double Fracture Threatening Veterinary Medicine

  4. Aug 5

    141: Confidence Comes After You Begin With Dr Heather James

    What stops someone becoming a practice owner? According to this week's guest, it's rarely a lack of ability. It's the belief that you need to know everything before you begin. I'm joined by Dr Heather James, practice owner, mentor and one of the most thoughtful leaders I've had the pleasure of speaking with. We explore her journey from nervous new graduate to practice owner, and why so many talented veterinarians underestimate what they're capable of. One thing really stayed with me after this conversation. The people who make the biggest difference in our profession are rarely the ones who have all the answers. They're the ones who care enough to want things to be better. Better care for patients. Better experiences for clients. Better workplaces for their teams. That frustration is often the first sign of leadership. We spend far too much time waiting until we feel ready. The truth is, confidence doesn't come before action. It comes because we're willing to take the first step, learn as we go, and surround ourselves with people who help us grow. Heather talks openly about the mentors who shaped her career, the value of community, why ownership is never a solo endeavour, and why the future of independent veterinary practice depends on more people being willing to step forward, even before they feel completely qualified. This episode isn't really about practice ownership. It's about having the courage to back yourself. To care enough to build something better. And to recognise that imperfect action will always beat waiting for the perfect moment. If you've ever found yourself thinking, maybe one day, I hope this conversation nudges you a little closer to today. Sometimes the only thing separating the people who build remarkable practices from those who don't is that they decided to begin. [00:00] You're more ready than you think [04:00] The courage to begin [08:00] Confidence isn't first [11:00] Why own a practice? [15:00] Never build alone [19:00] Is ownership dying? [24:00] Do it anyway [27:00] Systems set teams free [31:00] Are you meant to lead? [35:00] The next generation of leaders Leadership is easier together.Inside Strategic Leaders, join Dr Dave Nicol and a community of veterinary practice owners every week for live coaching, honest conversations and practical solutions to the challenges you're facing. If you'd like to lead with more confidence and less isolation, we'd love to welcome you. Learn more about Strategic Leaders. Follow Dr Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:Follow Dr Dave: @drdavenicol Learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Academy Connect with Dr Heather James:LinkedIn: Heather James DVM Enjoyed this episode?Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues.

    141: Confidence Comes After You Begin With Dr Heather James

  5. Jul 21

    140: Why I Sold My Veterinary Practice

    For the first time in more than 20 years, I'm no longer a veterinary practice owner. That feels strange to say. Owning practices has shaped so much of my career and, if I'm honest, a big part of who I am. So when the time came to sell my final practice, it was never simply a business transaction. It was the closing of a chapter that began back in 2005. In this episode, I reflect on that journey. The fixer-uppers, the mistakes, the lessons, leading a practice from the other side of the world, rebuilding after COVID, and the incredible people who made it all worthwhile. But this isn't really a story about selling a practice. It's about stewardship. Over the years, I've become convinced that our job as leaders is to leave things better than we found them. To create opportunities for others, help people grow, and build practices where both people and pets can thrive. Too often, success is measured by the biggest exit or the highest multiple. I think there are other measures of success that matter far more. That's why I didn't sell Roundwood Vets to the highest bidder. I sold it to the people who had already earned the right to lead it. Our Medical Director, Dr Jo, and our Practice Manager, Nikki, had been showing up day after day for the team, the pets and the community. Making them the next owners simply felt like the right thing to do. If you're thinking about the future of your own practice, your leadership, or the legacy you'll leave behind, I hope this episode encourages you to think differently about what success can really look like. Because sometimes the old has to move on so something even better can flourish. Episode Outline: [00:00] A new chapter begins [01:30] My 20-year ownership journey [06:50] Why I built Roundwood Vets [11:30] Turning around a struggling practice [14:20] COVID, leadership and rebuilding [16:00] Creating a people-first culture [19:50] The changing veterinary profession [27:00] Why stewardship matters more than profit [29:00] Selling to the team, not the highest bidder [31:10] Why representation in ownership matters [32:45] Success beyond the biggest exit [33:50] Gratitude and looking ahead What legacy are you building as a leader? Whether you're planning your next phase, thinking about succession, or simply trying to build a practice that's stronger, calmer and less dependent on you, I'd be happy to help. Book a 20-minute Leadership Call with me and we'll talk through where your practice is today, what's holding it back, and the leadership shifts that can help you build the future you want. Book your Leadership Call with Dr. Dave Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights: Follow Dr. Dave: @drdavenicol Learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Academy Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

    140: Why I Sold My Veterinary Practice

  6. Jun 24

    139: Turning Your Numbers Into Better Decisions

    Last week, I shared the 11 numbers I believe every veterinary practice should be tracking. But collecting numbers is only half the job. The real value comes from knowing what those numbers are trying to tell you. Because a dashboard isn't there to give you more data. It's there to help you spot problems earlier, ask better questions, and make better decisions. In this episode, I walk through how I use those 11 numbers to identify the hidden signals inside a practice. Signals that reveal whether you're dealing with a marketing issue, a leadership issue, a team capacity problem, a pricing problem, or simply a system that's starting to strain under success. When you understand how the numbers connect, you stop guessing. And when you stop guessing, leadership becomes a lot less stressful. Episode Outline:[00:00] The numbers are only the start [01:20] Signals vs data [03:00] Is marketing the problem? [05:00] When demand isn't the issue [08:30] Spotting team strain early [12:00] The hidden communication gap [15:30] Is it time to hire? [17:15] Are you charging enough? [18:20] Three questions every leader should ask [20:00] Why dashboards change everything Want to See the Signals in Your Own Practice?For years, I ran my practices using spreadsheets. That's why I built VetDash. In just a few minutes, VetDash turns your key practice metrics into a simple dashboard that helps you spot problems earlier, identify opportunities faster, and focus on the numbers that matter most. Start your free 30-day trial and see what's really happening inside your practice. Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:Follow Dr. Dave: @drdavenicol Learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Academy Enjoyed this episode?Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

    139: Turning Your Numbers Into Better Decisions

  7. Jun 10

    138: The 11 Numbers That Matter Most in Veterinary Practice

    When everything feels urgent, how do you know what to tackle first? It's something I've wrestled with throughout my career as a practice owner. There's always another problem demanding attention. A staffing issue. An unhappy client. A dip in revenue. A packed diary. A team disagreement. The temptation is to fight the loudest fire. But the loudest fire isn't always the most important one. In this episode, I share the 11 numbers I use to understand what's really happening inside a practice. Because when you can see the signals clearly, you stop reacting to symptoms and start fixing the causes. And that's important because this isn't really about numbers. It's about creating more clarity, more confidence, and less stress in the way you lead. When you understand what's happening inside your practice, you make better decisions, build stronger teams, and create the space to focus on what matters most: building a remarkable practice at the heart of your community. Episode Outline:[00:00] Is your practice working? [02:20] The Practice Value Chain [05:15] The 11 numbers that matter [08:00] Happy clients, healthy teams [10:20] What your numbers are telling you [13:00] Why meetings become reactive [14:30] Signals vs symptoms [15:20] Stop guessing and start leading Want to See the Signals in Your Own Practice?For years, I ran my practices using spreadsheets. That's why I built VetDash. In just a few minutes, VetDash turns your key practice metrics into a simple dashboard that helps you spot problems earlier, identify opportunities faster, and focus on the numbers that matter most. Start your free 30-day trial and see what's really happening inside your practice. Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:Follow Dr. Dave: @drdavenicol Learn more about the Veterinary Leadership Academy Enjoyed this episode?Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

    138: The 11 Numbers That Matter Most in Veterinary Practice

  8. May 27

    137: Flying the Spitfire & Why Great Veterinary Practices Never Feel Generic

    The best veterinary practices are not remembered because of their ultrasound machine. They are remembered because of how they make people feel. There’s an energy to remarkable practices. A personality. A story. A sense of identity that clients trust and teams rally behind. And yet most practices completely overlook one of the most powerful tools they have to shape that perception: design. In this episode, I explore why branding is really about storytelling, meaning and emotional connection - and why the practices that win attention in the future will be the ones bold enough to stand apart. Using the story of the legendary Spitfire aircraft - and my own recent experience flying one - I unpack why some things become iconic while others are forgotten. Why beauty, emotion and storytelling matter. And why the practices that stand out in today’s veterinary market are the ones brave enough to express who they really are. We explore how great branding creates differentiation, strengthens culture, attracts the right people, and reinforces the story your practice is trying to tell every single day. Because your culture is what people feel. Your operations are what people experience. But your brand? Your brand is the visual language that makes the whole thing memorable. Episode Outline: [00:00] - Why we remember the Spitfire [02:22] - Why branding matters [05:12] - Flying a Spitfire [06:26] - Emotion creates memory [08:15] - Why icons survive [09:19] - The branding mistake [10:23] - Culture, operations & design [11:07] - What great brands do [12:14] - The danger of clichés [12:38] - What great designers do [13:42] - Brands done well [14:22] - Investing in distinction Resources & Links Mentioned Want help refining your practice vision, culture or brand positioning? The Veterinary Leadership Academy can help you clarify the story your practice is telling - and whether your brand truly reflects it. Learn more about our brand services: https://www.drdavenicol.com/brand-design Explore the Veterinary Leadership Academy: https://www.drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy Follow Dr Dave Nicol for daily leadership insights, veterinary business strategy and practical tools for leading a thriving practice. Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on iTunes and share this episode with another veterinary leader who wants their practice to stand out for all the right reasons.

    137: Flying the Spitfire & Why Great Veterinary Practices Never Feel Generic
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About

Short conversations with smart people with good ideas to help you run your veterinary practice more effectively. Each month, your host, Dr. Dave Nicol, puts a subject of importance to practice managers under the microscope with a subject matter expert to help you grapple with real-life management problems. Loosely arranged around the topics required to complete the CVPM, this show will help you with ideas and inspiration to take on some of the big problems and opportunities we all face in veterinary medicine.

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