Speaking, Workshops & Webinars

Retention is the new recruitment.  At least in this age of dwindling veterinary talent, where there seem to be more job openings than veterinary professionals looking to fill them.  In a profession with relatively high turnover (as much as 50% annually for some support roles!), creating workplaces the people of vet med want to stay in may be the key to healthy, productive practices.  This session explores research-backed tools for crafting a practice worth staying at.

Let's face it, in the emotionally charged, unpredictable environment that is vet med, interpersonal interactions sometimes go sideways.  From cranky clients to perturbed teammates, converting adversaries to allies might be the superpower we all need to master.  This topic, beneficial for all veterinary role inside or beyond the hospital, teaches science-tested tools for calming the brain and preparing for connection, including how to leverage our natural brain chemistry superpowers and connect with difficult people.

Clinic culture is not just a vibe—it is something your team creates every day through the way they talk, listen, and lead. From morning huddles to surgical handoffs to the way conflict is (or is not) addressed, communication is constantly shaping what your team believes is normal and acceptable. This fast-paced, practical session will explore how small, everyday messages have a big impact on connection, trust, and accountability. We will unpack some of the common communication habits that unintentionally create friction—and offer simple, repeatable ways to shift toward a more connected and collaborative culture. You will walk away with language tools, conversation starters, and leadership behaviors that help your team not just feel good, but actually work better together.

Can we be happy all the time? Should we be? This session will introduce participants to positive psychology, the scientific study of human flourishing. We’ll explore the challenges of the "Cult of Happiness" and lay out an evidence-based path for a more nuanced, psychologically healthier path to well-being. Attendees will leave inspired to cultivate their own well-being as veterinary professionals and equipped with evidence-based tools to do so. 

Some conflicts in vet med are loud and obvious—but most are quiet, sticky, and slowly eroding trust beneath the surface. When team members avoid speaking up, resort to sarcasm, or gossip instead of addressing issues directly, a new culture forms: one shaped by avoidance, not accountability. This session invites leaders to stop sidestepping discomfort and start engaging with it as a pathway to connection, clarity, and shared purpose. We will explore what conflict really means in a team setting, how leaders can shift communication norms to foster healthier, more connected teams, and what it looks like to lead with curiosity, courage, and calm. No drama required—just better conversations that help your team thrive.  Multiple Presentation Options Available. This topic can be presented in a variety of formats (online vs. in person, lecture vs. workshop, single event vs. series) to meet your needs! Please contact us for details.

How often have you felt like a chunk of your work as a veterinary leader is being a therapist for your team?  You're not a therapist, nor should you try to be - but the interpersonal tension you feel in the team is real.  And you can do something about it.  This session introduces leaders to basic conflict management and mediation tools and tactics to help you get un-stuck from the middle and empower your team to strengten connections, solve problems, and grow together.

Regardless of your title or role, you want to inspire the best in the people you lead. Research suggests the most resilient, highest achieving team members shine brightest when they believe some key things; my manager cares about me, my manager cares about my success, my team is safe for interpersonal risks. Coaching cultures cultivate all three. In this session we will explore the science of coaching psychology. You will then learn about an evidence-based framework for effective “coaching conversations” to inspire your team to be the best they can be. 

Setting meaningful goals can be a powerful mechanism to boost wellbeing and research shows that setting appropriate goals can help measure progress toward self-mastery, ignite motivation as well as promote self-efficacy. But how are “appropriate” goals set and met? In this interactive workshop, attendees will develop a deeper understanding of the science-based process associated with setting meaningful goals. They will understand the steps necessary for change and work through the steps to identify, develop and implement achievable and meaningful professional goals. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be comfortable with the process used to craft meaningful goals today and in the future. 

Too often we approach wellbeing as a "weed-management" activity.  If we just eliminate all our stressors, happiness will follow.  The science of applied positive psychology suggests a better way - cultivation.  Gardens (or in this case, wellbeing) thrive when fertile seeds are planted in nutrient-rich soil and nurtured over time.  In this session, we'll introduce an evidence-based model for psychological wellbeing called PERMA.  Participants will play with PERMA-enhancing tools based on real research and learn how to cultivate a wellbeing garden for themselves and each other.

As veterinary professionals we care. A lot. About our patients, the humans attached to them, and the bond they share. And we give of our energy, effort, heart and soul to protect and celebrate that bond. That is difficult, taxing work. Sometimes it takes a toll. But pain and difficulty need not become suffering. In this session you’ll learn about the science behind compassion fatigue and burnout, two similar but distinctly different phenomenon that can befall caregivers like veterinary professionals. You’ll also learn about evidence-based tools for preventing these issues in your own work and walk away with hope in a path through to professional thriving. 

In veterinary practice, adversity comes in all shapes—difficult clients, medical complications, team tension, or just the nonstop pace of the day. But the way we interpret those moments often has a greater impact than the moments themselves.

In this session, we’ll explore the ABCs of resilience (Adversity, Beliefs, and Consequences) and how our beliefs shape our emotional responses, behaviors, and team dynamics. With relatable veterinary examples and practical tools, we’ll uncover how common thinking traps can undermine performance and wellbeing—and how small shifts in mindset can create meaningful change.

This session is for everyone in the clinic—from support staff to leadership—because psychological flexibility is not just a personal skill, it’s a team advantage. Whether you're guiding a team or navigating challenges yourself, you’ll leave with simple, research-backed strategies to respond with more clarity, confidence, and resilience. Because in veterinary medicine, how we think shapes how we lead, how we live, and how we show up for each other..

Based on the results of Josh's Master's thesis. It's challenging, hard work we do in veterinary medicine, and it can take an emotional, psychological, and physical toll. But hard work need not be depleting. In fact, research suggests we can find vitalizing fulfillment even in difficult work. In Josh's own research, he conducted a study looking at the experience of what psychologists call, "subjective vitality" among credentialed veterinary technicians. A thematic analysis uncovered specific, tangible experiences that seem to contribute to vitalizing veterinary professionals in profound ways. In this session, Josh will introduce you to his research, the common experiences that contribute to vitalizing work for veterinary professionals, and specific actions veterinary leaders can take to energize your team in the challenging work they do.

Explanatory thinking styles not only dictate our perception, they can promote growth, productivity and development. They can also contribute to worry, anxiety and pessimism. In the unpredictable and challenging field of veterinary medicine we can all benefit from a deeper understanding of the thinking styles available to us in our everyday encounters. A further understanding of the tools available within us will help each of us to reach for the right one as we navigate our day. Leaders and support staff alike can not only broaden their ability to expand a more positive outlook within themselves, they can cultivate this within their teams, clinics, and hospitals! In this session we will dive deeper into the variety of explanatory thinking styles and how they can directly influence mindset and wellbeing. We will explore the types of thinking styles, learn to recognize and combat thinking traps and create a more resilient way of showing up in the world. Attendees will enjoy playing with specific tools to empower them with these important, energizing skills. 

Your gut instinct has served you well in past hiring decisions, hasn't it? Think again! In Hiring 2.0: Hack the Process, Ditch the Bias, and Build a Veterinary Dream Team, we’ll uncover the sneaky ways cognitive biases influence everyone's hiring decisions (spoiler: they’re everywhere!). Backed by solid science, this presentation will arm you with simple, practical strategies to outsmart bias, sharpen your process, and make stronger hiring decisions. You’ll walk away with a step-by-step plan to build your dream team, boost success rates, and maybe even save a few headaches along the way! 

How we lead matters - whether the CEO, medical director, or the seasoned technician everyone goes to for advice.  Research suggests positive leaders - those who master 5 key leadership behavioral skills - have happier, higher-functioning veterinary teams with improved retention and workplace wellbeing.  Based on Josh Vaisman's best selling book, "Lead to Thrive: The Science of Crafting a Positive Veterinary Culture" this topic introduces an evidence-based leadership framework for inspiring engaged, motivated, and loyal veterinary teams. Attendees will develop a deep understanding of the five "buckets" leaders must seek to fill in their teams to cultivate a positive, high-performing hospital culture. Participants will explore immediately actionable, evidence-based tools for adding energy to each bucket and inspiring their teams to thrive in their work. 

Organizations, like the humans they are comprised of, are interesting creatures often motivated to change as an escape from "pain".  We spend exponential effort and time trying to "fix what's broken".  The problem is, studies suggest change efforts motivated by avoidance tend not to stick.  Once the pain is gone, we often revert back to old habits.  The science of appreciative inquiry - championed by academics like David Cooperrider - show a more energetic, heliotropic, "sticker" way.  This session introduces a model for looking at what's "good and right" - the strengths that exist in a team or organization - as a change methodology.  By identifying what already works and building off it we can energize a human system and sustain positive change over time.  Though this session can be delivered as an interactive lecture, it is most effective in a workshop (or multi-step consulting project) format.  Contact us for more details!

Managers are encouraged to work their magic and create environments that promote thriving for their teams. While this is critical, what about the managers themselves? They often get forgotten in the hustle. Turns out, their own resilience and well-being are just as important! It's crucial to give leaders skills they need to bounce back and thrive. Because, when managers thrive, the whole team thrives.

The path to a thriving veterinary career is balanced on an assortment of building blocks. Nurturing our wellbeing, leadership skills and promoting a quality team environment fall within this gridwork of success. Nestled within the base layer of these ideas is the concept of mindset. Our mindset plays a significant role in how we maneuver through the variety of obstacles, successes and setbacks confronted daily within veterinary medicine. But what is mindset, exactly? How are we able to shape and create the mindset we desire? And most importantly…How can we further employ the research behind this crucial foundation of wellbeing to create better work, team and professional experience each day? In this session we will explore the concepts of a fixed and growth mindset, the consequences of each and why wellbeing is predicated on the development of a growth- focused mindset. Attendees will leave this session empowered with a research backed plan to create a personal and professional mindset for growth, curiosity and flourishing.  This topic may be presented on its own or as a combined session with “The Power of Praise: How Proper Feedback Can Cultivate Veterinary Superheroes” for a 90-120 minute interactive introductory keynote/lecture. 

Veterinary work asks a lot of us—our energy, our heart, our focus. And when the pressure is high, it can feel like we’re supposed to just tough it out on our own. But the truth is, resilience does not have to be a solo project.

In this session, we will explore the science of social resilience—the kind that grows when we feel seen, supported, and safe with others. Drawing from research on High Quality Connections (HQCs), psychological safety, and positive psychology, we will uncover how even small moments of genuine connection can protect us from burnout and help us thrive through challenge.

With interactive exercises, real veterinary stories, and practical tools, you’ll learn how to build the kind of workplace relationships that fuel growth, spark energy, and remind every person on your team (including you)! Whether you’re a leader, a teammate, or someone simply trying to keep your spark alive in hard seasons, this session will help you connect with more intention—and more impact.

This topic encourages all veterinary professionals to discover how taking a coaching approach to situations in which people have different perspectives, potential conflict, or toxic interactions can, in turn, create collegiality. We will explore the science behind coaching psychology, illustrating how it fosters effective communication, empathy, and collaboration among all veterinary professionals. By navigating the intricate dynamics of egos and fostering productive dialogue, even when disagreements exist, attendees will be empowered to reconcile differences, share knowledge, and even encourage different points of view. After all, that IS how we can improve the quality of care we provide our patients.

With this highly interactive topic we will explore the science of coaching psychology and how it relates to empowerment, motivation and accountability. Attendees will be introduced to the concept of the GROW model for effective coaching, test out some of the skills in the ‘coach’s toolbox, and walk away with an actionable plan to implement these skills into their professional life.

The practice of veterinary medicine is an interesting mix of engaging, meaningful work and unpredictable times of difficulty that challenge our resilience. The age of COVID-19 has shown how strong and courageous veterinary professionals can be. It has also taught us the value of Resilient Leadership. This session introduces the concept of team resilience, describes the 4 key characteristics of resilient teams, and explores the 3 pillars of resilient leadership in times of crisis. Attendees will leave with a simple, 2-step plan for boosting their team's resilience just when they need it most. 

Calling all veterinary professionals who may be feeling the weight of our profession’s challenges. In this engaging session, we'll delve into the foundational concepts of defining purpose and uncover its tangible benefits within the demanding landscape of vet med. We'll acknowledge the challenges of veterinary medicine, and explore how maintaining a strong sense of meaning and purpose can serve as a source of resilience, passion and motivation. Through insightful and evidence-based examples, you'll be equipped with invaluable tools to infuse meaning and fulfillment into your career, even during the most challenging times.

This workshop, geared toward all veterinary professionals in any role within or outside the veterinary hospital, introduces the science of positive psychology and related fields. Evidence-based tools for cultivating psychological resilience, functional optimism, and general personal and professional well-being are explored. Attendees will gain an understanding of personal and professional well-being and what science shows support both. Participants will leave engaged by and empowered with a clear, evidence-based plan for fostering their own sustainable well-being. 

Although it may seem counterintuitive, the fuel for high-performing, resilient, and fulfilled veterinary teams often comes from what is un-said, what is withheld.  Creating workplaces where voice is welcome, encouraged, celebrated, and acted upon is essential to unlock the full potential of any team.  But data suggests as much as 75% of veterinary teams report feeling safer staying quiet than speaking up.  They lack what researchers call, "psychological safety".  This session introduces what psychological safety is (and isn't), why it's the essential nutrient in any thriving team, and how to begin assessing and cultivating it in YOUR team.  This session can be combined with a Psychological Safety Index Scan, an evidence-backed assessment tool to measure psychological safety in your team - contact us for more details!

Dedicated teams promote positivity and productivity. Each of your team members bring a unique mix of strengths that allow them to make a wonderful contribution everyday. Develop awareness and promote empowerment to craft a team that goes above and beyond all while taking ownership of the hospital’s goals. This custom Sensational Strengths Workshop Experience uses the science behind a strength based approach to build the successful and motivated hospital team you are looking for. This interactive experience can be provided in person or virtually in a half day or a full day format.

For many of us, working in veterinary medicine doesn’t just feel like a full-time job. It feels like a job we never leave. Our sense of obligation, strong desire to help, and struggles with letting go can contribute to us feeling like we are ‘always on’. No wonder so many of us burn out! It need not be that way. In this session you will learn evidence-based tools and practices for setting healthy boundaries, saying no, and integrating both work and life in a way that contributes to your well-being. 

It’s the most discouraging nod ever. Your recommendation is clear and compelling yet your client gently nods with a look of disinterest. Immediately, you know, “they’re declining.” So frustrating! Learn how to turn client compliance into a

cornerstone of your hospital's success with science. This engaging session explore evidence-backed strategies and emotionally resonant communication to drive stronger client buy-in, resulting in healthier patients, happier clients, fulfilled veterinary professionals and improved financial performance. Discover how simple, actionable tactics can help your entire team foster trust, overcome objections, and build lasting connections with clients.

Spoiler alert: turnover is rarely all about pay—more often it’s about a lousy “culture.” And here’s the thing..culture isn’t crafted in policies; it’s spoken into being.  In this punch-packed keynote, we expose the silent killers of veterinary culture and hand you six communication power-ups that flip them on their heads. Through the split-screen saga of Sophie and Claire, you’ll see how one clinic’s words ignite loyalty while another’s ices out talent. Backed by hard data from communication guru Julien Mirivel and positive-psych research, you’ll learn to supercharge  greetings, curiosity, compliments, disclosures, encouragements, and high-quality listening to speak the culture people want to work in. No kumbaya fluff—just quick hacks, interactive case-studies to practice with, and a blueprint for turning “small” talk into a conflict-managing, retention-enhancing strategy for both team and client interactions.

As a member of the veterinary healthcare team we are just that… a team. A team that works together in a variety of situations to strive toward a common goal. When we reach that goal we are proud of our teammates and want to show them appreciation. Give them a verbal ‘pat on the back’...offer praise! Praise is a good thing… isn’t it? In this session we will dive deeper into the concept of praise and how it directly influences mindset and wellbeing. We will explore the types of praise and the scientific evidence for the most mind-set enhancing form. Attendees will enjoy playing with specific tools to empower them with this important, energizing skill.  This topic may be combined with our topic, “Master your Mindset: Channel Your Inner Superpowers,” for a 90-120 minute interactive introductory keynote/lecture.

Leadership is a wonderful burden. It can be challenging, depleting, and difficult. It can also be fulfilling and contribute to a thriving professional life. Often, the balance between the wonder and the burden lies in our ability to develop healthy, sustaining, positive leadership practices. In this session we’ll explore the burden of leadership through the prism of professional burnout. We’ll follow this with an introduction to the four pillars leaders call upon to cultivate their own professional well being. Attendees will leave with a variety of evidence-based tools to alleviate the burden of leadership and thrive in their role. 

Sure does suck working in a hospital where everyone acts like a jerk, doesn't it? The experiences we have with our colleagues, teams, and clients can make or break how enjoyable our work is. That's not just your feelings, it's science! The best work cultures are filled with positive relationships built by small, meaningful interactions. Psychologists call these positive interactions 'high-quality connections'. In this lecture, you'll learn about the science of high-quality connections and walk away with simple, evidence-based tools to help you build more of them in your hospital. Backed by science and practice, you'll be able to supercharge your hospital culture and make each day more positive for you, your colleagues, and your clients.