The Veterinary Culture Lab

Flourish Veterinary Consulting
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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 Consulting, each episode blends research on wellbeing and workplace culture with humor, heart, and actionable strategies. Expect practical tips you can apply right away - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

  1. 4H AGO

    017: Work Ethic Isn’t Dead: What’s Really Shifting in Vet Med Teams

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh take on one of the most common and emotionally charged narratives in veterinary medicine: “Younger generations just do not want to work.” Rather than reinforcing stereotypes or dismissing frustration, this conversation turns to the research. Grounded in a 2016 cross-temporal meta-analysis by Jean Twenge and colleagues, the episode explores what has actually shifted in generational work values — and what has not. The data show no dramatic collapse in work ethic. What has shifted, modestly but measurably, is work centrality and the value placed on leisure and balance. In a profession historically shaped by a “you must attend” mentality, even subtle recalibrations can feel seismic. Through real-world clinic stories, leadership reflection, and practical culture renovation strategies, Andi and Josh explore how redefining commitment — and modeling sustainable boundaries — may be one of the greatest leadership opportunities in modern veterinary medicine. You will hear: What the research actually says about generational work ethicWhy work centrality has shifted — and why that mattersHow confirmation bias fuels generational stereotypesThe difference between self-sacrifice and sustainable commitmentPractical ways leaders can redefine and model commitmentHow curiosity can interrupt the “kids these days” cycleThis episode invites leaders to move beyond blame and toward design — because thriving veterinary cultures are built intentionally, not nostalgically. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: Generational Differences in Work Values: Leisure and Extrinsic Values Increasing, Social and Intrinsic Values Decreasing Authors:Jean M. Twenge et. al.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206316632058 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Applied Veterinary Resilience World Wide Vets - THRIVE CE Wellbeing retreat in Zimbabwe All Creatures Great and Small (James Herriot) 1980s TV series (the best one!) Florida Man This Week - Bean Burrito Bandit  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet 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 Generational Work Myth 00:44 Meet Josh and Dalia 02:17 Airplane Jokes and Travel 02:57 Zimbabwe Thrive Retreat 04:58 Lazy Young Workers Claim 06:56 Tech Leaves at Six 10:52 Martyrdom Culture Origins 16:05 Work Values Research

    45 min

  2. MAR 24

    016:Culture Is a Drama: What Is Your Clinic Performing?

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a powerful idea: every veterinary clinic is performing a play—whether it realizes it or not. The stage is your hospital. The cast is your team. The script? That is your culture. Grounded in the evidence-based framework from Organizational Culture in Action by Gerald Driskill and Julian Mirivel, this episode unpacks how workplace culture is co-created through everyday communication, rituals, stories, symbols, and leadership behaviors. Rather than treating culture as something abstract or mysterious, this conversation makes it visible, measurable, and—most importantly—adjustable. Through real-world veterinary examples, graduate-level insight translated into practical application, and just enough theatrical metaphor to keep it interesting, this episode helps teams examine the gap between what they say they value and what they actually reward in daily practice. You’ll hear: Why culture is more than a mission statement on the wallThe difference between espoused values and enacted values—and why the gap mattersHow stories, rituals, and symbols quietly shape team behaviorWhy leaders are meaning-makers, not just decision-makersA simple 15-minute “story circle” exercise to uncover cultural strengths and pain pointsPractical ways to run small experiments that move your clinic toward alignment Whether you are a practice owner, manager, technician, or veterinarian, this episode offers a clear, science-backed way to understand your current culture and begin renovating it—one intentional shift at a time. Because thriving in veterinary medicine is not accidental. It is directed. Resources: Episode Textbook: Title: Organizational Culture in Action: A Cultural Analysis Workbook (4th edition) Authors: Gerald W.C. Driskill and Julien C. Mirivel Amazon Link to purchase: HERE Flourish Academy - Certificate in Applied Veterinary Resilience Florida Man This Week - Banana  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet 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 Introductions and Names 00:45 Passover Charo-set Story 02:02 Black Friday Smoothies 03:20 Culture as Drama 05:26 Wicked and What It's About 06:45 Webs of Significance 08:04 Organizational Culture Workbook 09:57 Applying OCA in Practice 13:59 Espoused vs Enacted Values 16:40 Wellbeing Value Gap 18:20 Culture in Stories and Rituals 20:36 Holiday Party Culture Tale 21:35 Hospital Party Ritual 23:31 Reading Culture Daily 25:01 Leaders Shape Meaning 26:41 Culture Renovation Compass 28:30 15 Minute Story Circle 31:34 Psychological Safety Tips 34:37 Culture Detective Walkthrough 35:58 Make Values Observable 38:14 Small Experiment Ripple 41:14 Key Takeaways And Offer 42:26 Florida Man Banana 43:54 Thanks And Farewell

    46 min

  3. MAR 10

    015: Burnout, Clarified: What’s Really Driving Vet Tech Burnout

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh take on one of the most talked-about—and most misunderstood—topics in veterinary medicine: burnout. Rather than adding to the noise, this conversation brings clarity by grounding the discussion in science and centering the experience of veterinary technicians and nurses. Grounded in a 2025 Delphi study led by Angela Chapman and colleagues, this episode examines what experts agree truly contributes to occupational burnout for veterinary technicians—and what organizational strategies can help prevent it. The study moves beyond assumptions to identify systemic drivers and practical, evidence-based solutions clinics can actually use. Through real-world veterinary examples, leadership reflection, and a few well-timed laughs, this episode reframes burnout as a structural signal rather than a personal failure and highlights how leadership, communication, and resilience support shape team wellbeing. You’ll hear: Why burnout is not the same as exhaustionThe workplace conditions that create systemic strain for veterinary techniciansThe most common barriers to addressing burnout in clinicsExpert-backed strategies that help prevent burnoutPractical shifts teams can make to support technician wellbeingWhether you are a technician, a leader, or part of a veterinary team navigating constant pressure, this episode offers clarity, validation, and a science-backed path forward. Resource Links Episode Article: Title: Workplace Strategies to Reduce Burnout in Veterinary Nurses and Technicians: A Delphi Study Authors: Angela Chapman, Pauleen C. Bennett, Vanessa I. Rohlf DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091257 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Applied Veterinary Resilience World Health Organization Underwater Wonders - Fort Collins, CO Self Determination Theory  (Deci & Ryan) 30 Second Dance Party Button - Shop  Florida Man This Week - Cartwheels  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet 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 Burnout in Veterinary Medicine 00:44 Weekend Plans and Personal Stories 04:15 Defining Burnout and Its Misuse 09:38 World Health Organization's Definition of Burnout 12:17 Landmark Study on Burnout in Veterinary Technicians 15:41 Barriers and Enablers in Addressing Burnout 17:48 Solutions to Combat Burnout 19:26 Implementation Challenges and Cultural Importance 20:32 Reflecting on Burnout and Leadership Support 23:36 The Power of Self-Determination Theory 27:52 Practical Steps to Alleviate Burnout 33:50 Resilience and Team Support Strategies 38:19 Florida Man and Final Thoughts

    42 min

  4. FEB 24

    014: Commitment Beats Compliance: The Leadership Shift Vet Med Needs

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore why some veterinary teams feel energized, supportive, and fully engaged - while others feel stuck just going through the motions. The difference is not talent, workload, or motivation. It is how people support one another at work. Grounded in a large meta-analysis on interpersonal support and self-determination theory, this convo unpacks how meeting core psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness shapes motivation, wellbeing, and performance across teams and leadership relationships. Through real-world veterinary scenarios, leadership reflections, and a few well-earned laughs, this episode examines why compliance-driven cultures fall short—and how commitment grows when people feel trusted, capable, and genuinely supported. You’ll hear: Why the same person can respond very differently in the same situation depending on team cultureHow autonomy, competence, and relatedness influence motivation, wellbeing, and performanceThe difference between managing for compliance and leading for commitmentWhy interpersonal support from both leaders and peers matters more than we thinkPractical leadership moves that strengthen trust, ownership, and engagementWhat this research means for veterinary teams looking to renovate culture from the inside outWhether you are leading a veterinary team, working within one, or trying to understand why energy feels high in some clinics and low in others, this episode offers science-backed insight into how everyday interactions shape commitment, connection, and thriving at work. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: Interpersonal Supports for Basic Psychological Needs and Their Relations with Motivation, Wellbeing, and Performance: A Meta-Analysis Authors:Gavin R. Slemp, James G. Field, Richard M. Ryan, Vivien W. Forner, Anja Van den Broeck, and Kelsey J. Lewis DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000459 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication Florida Man This Week - Shopping Cart Georgia Aquarium  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet 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 Building Trust and Commitment in Veterinary Teams 00:42 Casual Conversations and Personal Stories 01:18 Exciting News and Upcoming Events 03:56 Farm Life and Teamwork 05:23 Comparing Veterinary Practices 12:42 The Impact of Team Support on Motivation and Performance 23:24 Commitment Over Compliance 23:45 The Horse Metaphor for Training 24:39 Loosening the Reins in Training 25:33 Clarity Plus Coaching Equals Success 25:48 Supporting Competency Needs 27:30 Personal Story: Overcoming Challenges with Support 30:52 The Power of Peer Support 32:56 Renovating Veterinary Cultures 33:14 Autonomy Support Moves for Leaders 39:11 Competence Support Moves 42:40 Relatedness Support Moves 45:04 Florida Man: A Lighthearted Conclusion 46:48 Closing Remarks

    48 min

  5. FEB 10

    013:The Top 3 Communication Behaviors Behind Every Unicorn Clinic: Why Relational Maintenance Matters

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dig into what really sits behind so-called “unicorn clinics”—and it turns out it is not luck, perks, or fairy dust. It is communication. Grounded in a 2012 study by communication scholars Paul Madlock and Melanie Booth-Butterfield, this conversation explores relational maintenance: the everyday communication behaviors coworkers use to stay connected, supported, and resilient at work. Through real veterinary examples, leadership reflections, and a few well-placed dad jokes, this episode breaks down the science behind thriving teams and highlights the top three communication behaviors most strongly linked to job satisfaction, commitment, and wellbeing. You’ll hear: What people actually mean when they talk about a “unicorn clinic”The seven relational maintenance strategies coworkers use to sustain strong relationshipsThe top three communication behaviors most predictive of thriving teamsWhy positivity, shared effort, and healthy conflict repair matter more than we realizeHow these behaviors meet core human needs for belonging, care, and influenceWhat this research means for veterinary leaders and teams who want to renovate their culture intentionallyWhether you are searching for a unicorn clinic—or hoping to build one from the inside out—this episode offers science-backed insight and practical perspective on how small, everyday communication choices can transform the way veterinary teams work, connect, and thrive. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: The influence of relational maintenance strategies among coworkers Authors: Paul Madlock and Melanie Booth-Butterfield DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0021943611425237 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication Florida Man This Week - Opossum Oura ring - www.oura.com Portlandia (TV series 2011-2018)  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet 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: Building a Unicorn Clinic 00:54 Personal Anecdotes and Oura Ring Insights 02:33 3D Printing Adventures 06:21 The Magic of Unicorn Clinics 13:45 Relational Maintenance Strategies 23:20 Real-Life Application of Team Strategies 24:34 Transformative Experience with a Surgery Team 27:29 The Role of Leaders in Team Dynamics 39:27 Practical Steps for Conflict Management 45:47 Unusual Florida Man Story 47:10 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

    48 min

  6. JAN 27

    012: Are You Even Listening?: How High-Quality Listening Transforms Veterinary Team Communication and Culture

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dig into one of the simplest—yet most underestimated—forces shaping veterinary culture: the experience of feeling genuinely heard at work. Grounded in a massive meta-analytic review on perceived listening, they unpack how the quality of our listening predicts our workplace wellbeing. The punchline? Listening may be one of the most powerful (and affordable) culture renovation tools in vet med. You don't need another meeting, a new communication policy, or a wellness budget to make this shift. Just a few intentional moments of curiosity, presence, and genuine interest can change how people show up — and how they show themselves in your hospital. You’ll hear: Why veterinary teams listen beautifully in the exam room but struggle to listen to each otherThe science behind perceived listening — and why it predicts performance, adaptability, and wellbeingHow feeling “seen” fuels confidence, motivation, and commitmentThe role of curiosity in high-quality listening (and why it matters more than perfect phrasing)Practical, low-lift ways to build listening into your cultureWhether you lead a hospital, manage a shift, or support your team from the treatment floor, this episode offers practical steps to strengthen trust, reduce friction, and create a workplace where people genuinely feel heard. Resource Links  Episode Article Title: A Meta-analytic Systematic Review and Theory of the Effects of Perceived Listening on Work Outcomes Authors:Kluger, Avraham N. et al. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-023-09897-5 Introduction to Cultivating Positive Team Communication On Demand Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication Flourish Masterclass  Florida Woman This Week - Contest What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet 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 Intro: The Power of Being Heard 01:01 Office Upgrades and WFH Problems 04:31 The Importance of Listening in Veterinary Medicine 06:07 Imagining a Practice with Genuine Listening 10:07 The Science Behind High-Quality Listening 12:16 The Impact of Listening on Team Performance 14:09 Listening as a Tool  16:41 Personal Reflections on Listening and Validation 19:27 Misunderstandings in Clinical Practice 20:33 A Day in the Life of a Busy Vet Clinic 22:38 Reflecting on the Near Miss 23:28 The Importance of Listening 24:14 Curiosity as a Listening Skill 26:03 Implementing Listening Practices 27:27 Measuring and Training Listening Skills 28:33 Observable Behaviors of Listening 33:05 Systematizing and Rewarding Listening 36:11 Florida Woman's Challenge 38:24 Conclusion and Farewell

    40 min

  7. JAN 13

    011: Care Flows Forward: How Supporting Your Team Elevates Patient Care in Vet Med

    Care Flows Forward: How Supporting Your Team Elevates Patient Care in Vet Med In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a simple but powerful truth: teams do not feel your intentions — they feel your behaviors. Using a human healthcare study on manager caring and patient experience, they dig into how presence, visibility, and small supportive actions ripple outward to strengthen culture and elevate care. You’ll hear: Why leaders often feel caring but struggle to show it in ways teams can experienceWhat research reveals about the link between leader presence, team wellbeing, and client careHow everyday micro-moves (#goinginwiththem) build trust and connection.The hidden barriers that keep leaders stuck in the office — and how to break through themPractical ways to demonstrate care, shield your team, and close communication loopsWhether you manage a whole hospital or support a busy shift, this episode offers grounded, usable strategies to show up for your team in the moments that matter most. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: The Relationship Between Staff Nurses’ Perceptions of Nursing Manager Caring Behaviors and Patient Experience: A Correlational Study Authors:Kotich, Kelly Find it: This article is a PhD dissertation submitted to UMKC in 2020. Unfortunately there is no current DOI. Please contact us with any questions.  Research surrounding 'Leader Rounds'  Florida Man This Week - Excavator Flourish Academy Masterclass - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet 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 Secret to Outstanding Patient Care 01:01 Casual Conversation: Taxes and Business Ventures 02:11 The Importance of Demonstrating Care in Leadership 04:03 Research Insights: Manager Behaviors and Patient Experience 04:53 Personal Experiences: Good and Bad Managers 09:26 Study Breakdown: Manager Caring and Visibility 14:09 Challenges in Veterinary Leadership 18:56 The Importance of Visibility in Leadership 19:47 Effective Communication and Supportive Behaviors 20:27 Implementing Culture Renovation Strategies 20:43 Micro Moves: Small Actions with Big Impact 26:11 Leader Rounds and Percentage Checks 28:09 Walk with Me Coaching Moments 31:38 Fast Shield Protocol and Closing the Loop 34:04 Conclusion and Florida Man Story

    37 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    010: Ask, Don't Tell: Coaching Skills to Boost Connection in Your Vet Med Culture (PART 2)

    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: How the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Way Forward) can transform team conversationsWhy connecting goals to personal values sparks motivation and meaningWays to reframe “what’s wrong” into “what’s strong” when exploring workplace realitySimple curiosity-driven questions that open up new possibilitiesHow small coaching moments—just a few minutes long—can reshape your culture from the inside outWhether 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 Info@flourish.vet 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

    39 min
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About

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 Consulting, each episode blends research on wellbeing and workplace culture with humor, heart, and actionable strategies. Expect practical tips you can apply right away - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

Information

  • Creator
    Flourish Veterinary Consulting
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Flourish Veterinary Consulting
  • Show Website
    The Veterinary Culture Lab