VHMA Manager to Manager

About VHMA Manager to Manager

For over 30 years, the Veterinary Hospital Managers Assn has worked to offer support and education for those who manage veterinary practices. The VHMA M2M podcast series is designed to tackle timely situations that are universal in practice. Listen for this month's advice from experts in the trenches.

Publisher

Veterinary Hospital Managers Association

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Aug 2020

Latest episode

10 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

90 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Imposter Syndrome: When You Don't Feel Ready, but You're Running the Clinic

   Have you ever looked around your practice and thought, "Wait…they actually expect me to know what I'm doing?" If so, you're definitely not alone, and in this episode, I am joined by Laurie Auger, Practice Manager at Crazy Mountain Vet in Montana, to talk about something I think nearly every veterinary manager has experienced at some point: imposter syndrome. Laurie's path into management wasn't exactly a straight line. She worked a variety of jobs, including in a taxidermy shop, before taking a part-time position at a small veterinary clinic. From there, she gradually became the person who did "whatever the vet needed besides practicing medicine" and eventually stepped into practice management. We talk about how she found herself in leadership, even though managing a team was never something she originally planned to do. Listen as Laurie and I get very real about some of the challenges that came with that transition for her, including delegation, the desire to prove yourself, learning to trust your team, and figuring out what leadership looks like when there isn't a blueprint to follow. We also talk about the mistakes we've made along the way and how those mistakes can lead to better protocols, better training, and better patient and client care. We discuss the importance of being willing to say, "I don't know," asking for help, finding mentors, and surrounding yourself with people who will give you honest feedback, and Laurie shares how continuing education and connections with other managers have helped her grow, ultimately leading her to earn her CVPM in 2026. Most importantly, we talk about how our definition of a great manager can change over time. It's not about being the person with every answer but is rather about helping the people around you recognize their own strengths and become better because you're there, so, again, if you have ever questioned whether you're really ready for the responsibility you've been given, this conversation will remind you that you probably know more than you give yourself credit for! Show Notes: [0:35] - Today's sponsor is CareCredit! [2:32] - Hear how Laurie's career path unexpectedly led her into veterinary management and a natural leadership role. [4:46] - Veterinary leaders often arrive through different paths, brought together by their ability to embrace leadership. [6:04] - Laurie reflects on having struggled with delegation, proving herself, and establishing responsibilities as the practice grew and evolved. [9:33] - We talk about how effective delegation empowers teams to function independently while reducing manager burnout and reinforcing strong leadership. [12:37] - Laurie expresses enthusiastic gratitude for her strong support system. [15:49] - Early imposter syndrome taught Laurie to communicate her limitations openly and establish clear expectations. [17:27] - Vulnerability, mentorship, and learning from mistakes can all help leaders overcome imposter syndrome and build confidence. [19:46] - Mistakes can transform into opportunities to create protocols that prevent recurring problems and strengthen the entire clinic. [22:54] - Laurie and I discuss how strong leadership means embracing employees' ideas and investing time in thorough training to improve team performance. [25:37] - Effective leadership continuously evolves and focuses on helping employees recognize and develop their strengths. [28:09] - What advice would Laurie offer her younger, less experienced self? [31:21] - Laurie advises listening leaders to stay curious and eager to always learn more. Thank you for listening. Remember you are not in this alone. Visit our website for more resources. Links and Resources: VHMA Web Page VHMA Coronavirus Resources VHMA Facebook VHMA Twitter VHMA on Linkedin Crazy Mountain Vet - Laurie Auger Crazy Mountain Vet Web Page Sponsor: CareCredit

2. 

   13 Aug 2026

   Why CVPM Matters: Building Leadership That Lasts

   I am happy to welcome Brenda Tassava Medina, CVPM, CVJ, MVLCE to the show today! Brenda is the president of Encore Veterinary Consulting (https://encorevet.com/), and she comes on the show to help me explore how the CVPM credential creates opportunities for veterinary leaders in both corporate and private practice, and she shares her own journey to earning the designation, why it transformed her confidence as a leader, and how it continues to open doors throughout her career. We also talk about why pursuing a CVPM isn't just about adding letters after your name; it's about strengthening the knowledge and skills that help you lead with purpose! Our conversation centers on the unique advantages corporate practice managers have when they can spend less time buried in bookkeeping and more time analyzing financials, building action plans, and supporting hospital growth. Brenda and I discuss how understanding key performance indicators, working with financial experts, and presenting thoughtful business cases can help managers advocate for the resources that their teams need and how, whether you're requesting additional staff, new equipment, or operational changes, preparation and financial insight can make so much difference! We also spend some time discussing communication and why transparency is one of the most valuable leadership tools that a good manager can have. Brenda offers some practical advice on becoming the connection between corporate leadership and your hospital team by understanding the "why" behind decisions and communicating that purpose with confidence. The two of us also discuss how strong relationships with medical directors, proactive conversations with corporate leaders, and consistent professionalism help build trust throughout an organization. Brenda and I also reflect on the similarities between corporate and private practice, reminding listeners that while the environments might look different, great leadership principles remain the same. No matter where you work, earning your CVPM strengthens your ability to think strategically, advocate for your team, and grow as a leader, soif you have ever wondered whether the credential is worth the investment, then this episode is one that you definitely do not want to miss! Show Notes: [0:35] - Today's sponsor is CareCredit! [2:25] - Earning a CVPM strengthens leadership skills and equips managers to drive improvements in practice. [5:23] - I argue that CVPM certification empowers veterinary managers with preparation, credibility, and professional growth opportunities. [7:24] - Brenda explains how corporate settings allow CVPMs to focus less on policies and more on team growth. [10:50] - We discuss how CVPMs help strengthen leadership partnerships by earning trust, credibility, and better decision-making skills. [13:25] - Hear how Understanding finances helps veterinary managers lead effectively. [16:37] - I point out how transparency and explaining the "why" behind changes helps build trust between teams and leadership. [19:21] - It's important for CVPMs to communicate professionally while supporting and engaging their teams. [22:54] - Brenda reveals how CVPMs strengthen proposals. [24:31] - CVPMs justify investments by demonstrating financial impacts, staffing benefits, and practice growth. [26:36] - Brenda believes that pursuing CVPM certification enhances leadership skills regardless of practice ownership structure. [28:25] - CVPMs have expanding opportunities, with the potential to even reach executive veterinary leadership roles! [30:04] - Brenda, in closing, states that CVPM certification provides professional growth and validation that managers consistently value. Thank you for listening. Remember you are not in this alone. Visit our website for more resources. Links and Resources: VHMA Web Page VHMA Coronavirus Resources VHMA Facebook VHMA Twitter VHMA on Linkedin Brenda Tassava Medina, CVPM, CVJ, MVLCE on LinkedIn Lakeview Animal Clinic Web Page Encore Vet Group Web Page Encore Vet Group on LinkedIn Sponsor: CareCredit

3. 

   9 Jul 2026

   Managing with Positivity in a Challenging Veterinary Culture

   Join me in welcoming Ericka Taipalus, CVPM CVT to the show for this episode! Ericka is one of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association's 2026 Emerging Leaders and manages a team of two doctors and eight staff members at Lakeview Animal Clinic in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and she joins me for this episode to discuss what it really takes to create a healthier workplace culture in veterinary medicine. She shares her journey from veterinary technician to practice manager and reflects on stepping into leadership during one of the most challenging periods our profession has faced- the COVID-19 pandemic. We also talk about the realities of burnout, staffing shortages, uncertainty, and the lingering effects of working in environments where people are focused on simply getting through the day. Ericka really highlights trust, consistency, and emotional intelligence. Rather than relying on top-down management, she explains how involving team members in decision-making, encouraging open communication, and creating psychological safety helped change her practice's work culture. We talk about the importance of helping employees understand the "why" behind changes and creating an environment where people feel comfortable voicing their concerns, ideas, and mistakes, and Ericka shares some practical insights into change management, including lessons learned from major transitions and how leaders can reduce fear and uncertainty by listening before acting. We explore why positivity is often misunderstood and why, from Ericka's perspective, it is less about maintaining a cheerful attitude and more about remaining steady, solution-focused, and consistent during especially challenging times. In addition, the two of us spend some time discussing a topic which Ericka is deeply passionate about: mentorship. Recognizing that many practice managers enter leadership roles without the support systems commonly available to veterinarians, she developed a mentorship program designed to provide guidance, confidence, and connection for emerging leaders. I hope that you enjoy this insightful conversation with Ericka Taipalus! Show Notes: [0:58] - Today's sponsor is CareCredit! [2:30] Ericka reflects on having built a collaborative, psychologically safe culture after leading through COVID challenges. [4:44] - Managing during COVID meant constant uncertainty, making leadership transition especially difficult. [6:05] - Hear how, following new ownership, Ericka's team improved culture by involving staff in coming up with solutions. [9:55] - Emotional intelligence and self-awareness helped shape Ericka's collaborative, growth-focused approach to leadership. [12:39] - A collaborative leadership style leads to psychological safety and helps reduce burnout. [15:37] - I point out how strong trust and shared goals help teams embrace change and stay engaged. [16:36] - Ericka explains how team buy-in grew via trust, consistency, transparency, and employee involvement. [19:18] - Ericka argues that effective change management depends on trust, even when teams can't influence decisions. [21:34] - Ericka reflects on how consistent kindness and emotional intelligence created trust, improving collaboration and communication. [24:49] - Managing client concerns requires emotional regulation and avoiding making assumptions about their reactions. [27:07] - For Ericka, positivity means staying steady and believing that challenges are temporary. [29:28] - Hear about how, to support new leaders, Ericka created a mentorship program for practice managers. [33:13] - Mentorship and peer support can make future practice managers' journeys so much easier! [34:43] - Ericka reminds us that we are not alone on our leadership journeys. Thank you for listening. Remember you are not in this alone. Visit our website for more resources. Links and Resources: VHMA Web Page VHMA Coronavirus Resources VHMA Facebook VHMA Twitter VHMA on Linkedin Lakeview Animal Clinic Web Page Lakeview Animal Clinic on LinkedIn Sponsor: CareCredit

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

17 ratings

Spotify

4.3 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

64

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

85

Shows with a similar audience

• 

  The Uncharted Veterinary Podcast

• 

  The Veterinary Leadership Success Show

• 

  VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

• 

  The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast

• 

  SmartLess

• 

  The Bird Bath