Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Veterinary Culture Lab

Mistakes and unexpected outcomes are an unavoidable part of doing complex medical work. But what happens after something goes wrong can have a powerful impact on the people involved—and the culture around them.

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore research on debriefing after adverse medical events in veterinary practice. The findings suggest that simply having a debrief isn’t enough. How those conversations happen matters, with higher-quality debriefing associated with greater psychological safety, professional fulfillment, and work engagement—and lower burnout.

From shame and blame to curiosity and learning, Andi and Josh unpack what can make these conversations helpful rather than harmful and offer a practical framework veterinary teams can use when things go sideways.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why adverse medical events may be more common than the conversations that follow them
• What separates a productive debrief from a blame session
• How psychological safety and high-quality debriefing may reinforce one another
• A simple framework for talking through what happened, what contributed, and what comes next
• How every team member can help create a culture that learns when things go wrong

Because mistakes don’t define a workplace culture nearly as much as what we do next.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: Well-executed debriefings conducted after adverse medical events are associated with psychological safety, work engagement, job fulfillment, and reduced burnout in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Volume 264: Issue 2 (2026) | AVMA Journals
Authors: Lori R. Kogan PhD and Mark Rishnaw PhD
DOI: Avail. As an open article at link above

Resources to develop debrief facilitation skills:

• Quick & Free: TALK Debrief Model
• A bit more depth, a bit more investment: INFO BASICS Workshop
• Master Debrief Facilitation: VetSafe Master (veterinary specific!)

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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 

05:40 A Real Medical Error Story

07:57 What Usually Happens Next

11:38 Errors Are Culture Events

13:55 Study Overview and Stats

17:15 Debrief Quality Drives Outcomes

18:36 Key Caveats and Takeaways

26:45 Renovation One Clear Purpose

28:37 Four Fs Debrief Framework

32:36 Add a Fifth F

34:23 Everyone Can Carry Culture

36:05 Closing Culture Renovation

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore what happens when the veterinary career you worked so hard to build doesn’t quite look like the one you imagined.

Grounded in recent research exploring the experiences of newly credentialed veterinary technicians, this conversation examines the gap between the expectations people carry into the profession and the realities they encounter once they get there. From feeling simultaneously overworked and underutilized to navigating team conflict, limited opportunities for growth, and questions about long-term career sustainability, the research reveals challenges that extend far beyond the technical parts of the job.

Andi and Josh dig into what it actually means to utilize someone well, why recognition is about more than praise, and how leaders can help people see a future for themselves within veterinary medicine. Together, they explore practical ways to create workplaces where veterinary professionals feel trusted, valued, and able to keep growing.

You will hear:

• Why the transition from credentialing to practice may not match what veterinary technicians expect
• How someone can feel overworked and underutilized at the same time
• Why trust, recognition, and feeling seen matter to professional identity
• How leaders can create meaningful opportunities for growth beyond traditional management roles
• Practical ways veterinary workplaces can support more sustainable careers

This episode is an invitation to think beyond simply keeping great people in veterinary medicine—and start creating cultures where they can continue becoming the professionals they hoped they could be.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: The Newly Credentialed Veterinary Technician: Perceptions, Realities, and Career Challenges 

.Authors:Addie R. Reinhard, Victoria P. Celt, Leah E. Pilewki, and Mariel K. Hendricks 

DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1437525 

RISE 

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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 Florida Weather Catchup

05:24 Expectations Versus Reality

12:02 Study On New Techs

15:30 Utilization Means Trust

20:25 Recognition Beyond Praise

27:52 Building Growth Pathways

32:01 Alternative Paths Not Management

38:57 Wrap Up And Goodbye

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dig into something veterinary leaders hear all the time: people need more feedback. But what if the real issue isn’t how much feedback we give—but how nourishing that feedback actually is?

Grounded in research exploring strengths-based feedback, work engagement, and job crafting, this conversation looks at what happens when feedback goes beyond “good job” or “here’s what you need to fix.” The research suggests that when people receive feedback that helps them recognize and understand their strengths, they may feel more energized at work—and be more likely to proactively shape their work in ways that help them thrive.

From generic praise and corrective conversations to self-efficacy and job crafting, Andi and Josh unpack what strengths-based feedback actually sounds like and how veterinary teams can use it without ignoring performance problems or turning feedback into empty praise.

You’ll hear:

• Why more feedback isn’t necessarily better feedback
• What makes strengths-based feedback different from generic praise
• How strengths-based feedback connects to engagement and job crafting
• Why self-efficacy may influence how people respond to feedback
• Practical ways to make both positive and corrective feedback more useful

People don’t need an all-you-can-eat buffet of feedback—they need feedback with some nutritional value. When we help people understand what’s strong in them, why it matters, and where they can use it next, feedback becomes more than something we give. It becomes something people can actually use.

Resource Links: 
Episode Article:

Title: Linking Strengths-Based Supervisor Feedback to Job Crafting: The Moderating Role of Self-Efficacy

Authors: Isabeau Van Strydonck, Vincent Goossens, Arnold B. Bakker, Evangelia Demerouti, Adelien Decramer, & Mieke Audenaert

DOI: 10.1111/ijsa.70020

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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 Heatwave Catch-Up

08:12 Empty vs Nourishing Feedback

14:16 Strengths-Based Feedback Study

17:11 Key Definitions and Findings

22:22 Why Feedback Type Matters

23:58 What Strength Feedback Is

25:24 Job Crafting Energy Loop

28:03 Better Not More Feedback

29:02 Self Efficacy Surprise

36:56 Turning Research Into Practice

37:28 Upgrade Praise With Four Steps

39:35 Help Others See Strengths

41:57 Strengths In Corrective Talks

44:00 Dose Makes Poison Wrap

46:40 Closing And Call To Action

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a surprising question: what if the goal of wellbeing isn’t to eliminate adversity—but to help people navigate it well?

Grounded in research examining how cumulative lifetime adversity influences our response to future stress, this conversation explores an unexpected finding: people who had experienced moderate adversity showed more resilient responses to new stressors than those who had experienced either very little or very high adversity.

From supporting versus rescuing to the role of leaders, teams, and workplace systems, Andi and Josh unpack what this research means for veterinary medicine—and how we can help inevitable challenges become opportunities for learning and growth rather than simply another source of burnout.

You’ll hear:

• What research tells us about the relationship between adversity and resilience
• Why eliminating every challenge may not actually be the goal
• The difference between supporting someone and rescuing them
• Why resilience shouldn’t be treated as an individual responsibility
• How leaders and teams can help people process difficult experiences together
• Practical ways to create challenge that builds confidence without tipping into overload

Veterinary medicine will never be adversity-free. But while we can’t always change the challenges people face, we can shape what surrounds them—because culture renovation isn’t about eliminating adversity. It’s about making sure people don’t face it alone.

Resource Links: 
Episode Article:

Title: An Upside to Adversity? Moderate Cumulative Lifetime Adversity Is Associated With Resilient Responses in the Face of Controlled Stressors

Authors:Mark D. Seery, Raphael J. Leo, Shannon P. Lupien, Cheryl L. Kondrak, and Jessica L. Almonte

DOI: 10.1177/0956797612469210

Flourish Academy - Resilience courses for leaders and teams

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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 Adversity Chat

05:24 Wellbeing And Stress

07:35 Would You Erase Hardship

11:48 Study Setup And Methods

16:24 Moderate Adversity Wins

19:08 Leaders Shape Resilience

22:20 Support Versus Rescue

30:08 Debriefs And Mastery

35:02 Coaching After Failure

38:51 Resilience Training Plug

41:10 Florida Man Finale

42:39 Wrap Up And Goodbye

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore one of the most inevitable—and emotionally charged—parts of veterinary medicine: mistakes. Grounded in research on error management culture, psychological capital, job satisfaction, and wellbeing, this conversation examines why the way a team responds to mistakes may be just as important as the mistakes themselves.

Rather than asking how to eliminate every error, the research encourages a different question: What kind of culture do we create when mistakes happen? Through personal stories, practical leadership strategies, and evidence-based discussion, Andi and Josh explore how our responses to mistakes shape trust, learning, resilience, and the willingness to speak up in the future.

You'll hear:

• What the research reveals about error management culture and its relationship to wellbeing
• Why mistakes are powerful cultural moments that shape trust, learning, and psychological safety
• The difference between an error prevention culture and an error management culture
• Practical strategies to replace blame with curiosity, learning, and accountability
• How leaders and team members can create environments where people recover, grow, and continue contributing after mistakes

Whether you lead a veterinary team or simply want to help create a healthier workplace, this episode offers a hopeful, science-backed perspective on turning inevitable mistakes into opportunities for stronger cultures, better learning, and more resilient teams.

Resource Links

Episode Article:

Title Embracing Errors at Work – How Error Management Culture, Psychological Capital, and Job Satisfaction Relate to Individual Well-Being: 

Authors: Birgit Stephan, Matthias F. C. Hudecek, Dieter Frey, Eva Lermer

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-025-00265-7

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Positive Veterinary Leadership

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Reef Retreat 

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 Mistakes Shape Culture

08:42 Lessons From Leadership

16:16 Culture Gets Smarter or Scarier

17:16 Paper and Key Concepts

21:01 Study Design and Findings

24:32 Coddling vs Correction

26:17 Why Leaders Struggle

35:33 Curiosity Not Blame

40:33 Recovery Pathway After Errors

43:27 Choose What Teams Learn

43:57 Florida Man

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore what happens when a lifelong passion becomes a profession—and why loving horses alone is not enough to sustain a career in equine medicine.

Grounded in recent international research on employee engagement and work satisfaction in equine veterinary professionals, this conversation examines the workplace factors that help passionate people remain engaged, fulfilled, and committed to the profession. The study identifies four key drivers of engagement: pride and purpose, company culture and leadership, working conditions and compensation, and team culture and learning opportunities.

From stories about growing up as "horse kids" to conversations about identity, autonomy, mentorship, and meaningful work, Andi and Josh explore why equine medicine is both uniquely rewarding and uniquely vulnerable to sustainability challenges. Together, they unpack practical culture renovation strategies that help leaders create workplaces where passionate professionals can continue doing the work they love—without losing themselves in the process.

You will hear:

• Why equine veterinary professionals often identify as "horse kids" long before becoming veterinary professionals
• What new international research reveals about engagement and work satisfaction in equine medicine
• The four workplace factors that most strongly influence sustainable equine careers
• Why autonomy, mentorship, and learning opportunities matter more than many leaders realize
• How aligning personal values with organizational values can strengthen engagement
• Practical culture renovation ideas that support meaningful, sustainable careers for the entire veterinary team

This episode is an invitation to rethink sustainability—not as asking passionate people to care less, but as intentionally creating cultures that allow them to keep caring for the work, their patients, and their own horses for years to come.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article

Title: Engage and Enjoy: Investigating Predictors of Employee Engagement and Work Satisfaction in Equine Veterinary Professionals 

Authors: Yteke Elte, Kate Acton, Jessica Martin, Mirjam Nielen, René van Weeren, & Inga Wolframm 

DOI:10.3389/fvets.2023.1036388 

The Flourish Academy
Salt Creek VH - Daycare Solution AVMA article 
TVCL Episode 18 - Work ethic isn't dead

Florida Woman This Week - Horse DUI 

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 Welcome and weather

06:02 Horse People Identity

11:53 Passion And Exploitation

13:54 Study Overview And Scope

17:45 Four Engagement Drivers

23:17 Culture Keeps People

24:52 The Dark Side of Calling

27:38 Systems That Support Boundaries

30:30 Autonomy Versus Micromanagement

33:35 Career Stages and Balance

37:06 Culture Renovation Playbook

41:09 Values Alignment in Practice

44:58 Wrap Up and Florida Headline

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a deceptively simple question: what actually keeps people engaged at work?

Grounded in research on positive leadership, workplace climate, and employee engagement, this conversation unpacks how the everyday interactions between people shape motivation, burnout, and the decision to stay—or leave. Because it turns out that engagement is not something people bring with them to work each day. It is something that is continuously influenced by the culture around them.

From recognition and communication to connection and purpose, this episode highlights how workplace climate is built one interaction at a time. And while leaders certainly play a role, the findings suggest that creating an engaging workplace is not reserved for those with titles—everyone contributes to the environment people experience each day.

You’ll hear:
• What the research reveals about the relationship between workplace climate, burnout, and engagement
• Why motivation is often a cultural outcome rather than an individual responsibility
• How small moments of recognition, connection, and support shape the employee experience
• The concept of relational reserves and why strong workplace relationships matter during difficult times
• Practical ways every member of the veterinary team can help create a workplace people want to be part of

Whether you are leading a team, supporting your coworkers, or simply trying to make work a little better for the people around you, this episode offers an evidence-based and hopeful perspective on what keeps people engaged—and how culture influences that more than we might think.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: Self-Determination Theory and Workplace Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis 

Authors:Martin S. Hagger & Kaylyn McAnally Star 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.70151

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Positive Veterinary Leadership

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“Lead To Thrive” by: Josh Vaisman

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:

03:01 Meaningful Work Not Enough

08:30 Self Determination Theory Paper

11:15 Core Needs Explained

13:17 Meta Analysis Findings

15:16 Takeaway Purpose Limits

19:25 Takeaway Pressure Costs

27:03 Takeaway Leaders Matter

28:40 Action Steps for Leaders

30:50 Auditing Needs in Decisions

33:51 Andi Adds Feedback Loops

36:40 Key Lesson Recap

38:47 Florida Man

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a powerful and deeply human question: what helps veterinary professionals stay emotionally connected to meaningful work — even when the work itself is hard?

Grounded in research on compassion satisfaction, resilience, psychological distress, and life satisfaction, this conversation unpacks the idea that wellbeing in veterinary medicine is not just about reducing burnout. It is also about understanding the emotional protection that can come from helping others, contributing to a team, and experiencing moments of meaning and impact in everyday practice life.

You’ll hear:

• What “compassion satisfaction” actually means — and why it matters in veterinary medicine
• Why meaningful work can feel both emotionally exhausting and deeply fulfilling at the same time
• The surprising role compassion satisfaction may play in protecting wellbeing
• How veterinary culture sometimes unintentionally rewards self-sacrifice
• Practical ways teams and leaders can build cultures that support meaning, contribution, and connection

Whether you are a veterinary technician, assistant, veterinarian, manager, student, CSR, or practice owner, this episode offers a science-backed and deeply relatable look at how meaningful work, human connection, and healthy culture can help sustain the people doing this important work.

Because compassion satisfaction is not just something veterinary professionals stumble into.
It is something healthy cultures can help create.

Resource Links:

Episode Article:

Title: Life satisfaction, psychological distress, compassion satisfaction and resilience: when the pleasure of helping others protects veterinary staff from emotional suffering

Authors: Maria Manuela Peixoto and Olga Cunha 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-024-10510-0

Blend Vet

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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:

01:53 Vet Med Paradox

04:04 Boulder Cat Case

15:06 Study Focus and Variables

16:33 Compassion Satisfaction Explained

17:41 Key Findings and Shock Absorbers

23:55 When Meaning Gets Weaponized

26:39 Building Healthier Systems

37:54 Wrap Up and Florida Man

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore what actually makes people stay in veterinary workplaces during difficult times—and why communication may be one of the most powerful retention tools we have.

Grounded in research on positive communication and The Great Resignation, this conversation unpacks how transparency, flexibility, support, and trust shape the way veterinary professionals experience stress, crisis, and connection at work. Because it turns out—people do not just remember the hard days…they remember how those hard days felt, and who they felt them with.

From COVID leadership lessons to everyday “mini-crises” inside veterinary hospitals, this episode highlights how communication is not just something teams do—it becomes part of the culture itself. And when leaders and coworkers communicate with honesty, humanity, and care, resilience becomes something people build together instead of carrying alone.

You’ll hear:
 • Why positive communication plays a major role in employee retention
 • What veterinary teams remember most during stressful or uncertain moments
 • How transparency and flexibility strengthen trust during crisis
 • Why “micro moments” of support can shape workplace culture over time
 • How structuration theory explains the way communication creates culture
 • Why most veterinary communication training misses the other 98% of workplace conversations
 • Practical ways leaders and teams can create cultures people actually want to stay in

Whether you are leading through uncertainty, navigating a difficult season with your team, or simply trying to create a workplace where people feel supported and valued, this episode offers a practical and hopeful look at how communication shapes culture—and why the way we talk to each other during hard times matters more than we think.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: The Structuration of Positive Communication Experiences: The Case of the Great Resignation 

Authors: Elizabeth A. Williams , Jennifer S. Linvill, Emeline Ojeda-Hecht, Meghan R. Cosgrove,Autumn Buzzetta, and Abby Konkel

DOI: 10.1177/23294884241263553

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication 

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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 Welcome and Catch Up

06:17 Leading Through COVID

14:58 Study Overview and Methods

21:36 Key Findings Positive Communication

23:12 Why Leaders Struggle to Be Transparent

25:41 Flexibility Builds Trust

26:47 Flexibility Builds Culture

32:35 Everyone Shapes Culture

48:09 Florida Man Finale

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a hopeful but important question: what if veterinary medicine already has many of the ingredients needed for people and teams to thrive?
Grounded in research on meaningful work, burnout, resilience, leadership, and workplace wellbeing, this conversation challenges the idea that vet med is fundamentally broken. Instead, the episode explores how purpose, connection, growth, and supportive culture already exist within the profession — and what leaders can do to intentionally build environments where those strengths can flourish.

You’ll hear:

• Why meaningful work is one of the strongest protective factors against burnout
• How leadership behaviors shape engagement, trust, and workplace wellbeing
• The role autonomy, connection, and recognition play in helping teams thrive
• Why resilience is not just an individual responsibility
• What veterinary technicians and nurses say they actually need from workplaces
• How poor culture quietly erodes even deeply passionate teams
• Practical ways leaders can strengthen thriving without waiting for a complete overhaul
• Why vet med may not need saving nearly as much as it needs renovation

Whether you are a veterinary technician, assistant, veterinarian, manager, student, or practice owner, this episode offers a science-backed and deeply human look at what thriving can realistically look like in veterinary medicine.

Because thriving in vet med is not about finding brand-new ingredients.
 It is about finally learning how to use the ones we already have.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: The Life of Meaning: A model of the Positive Contribution to Well-Being from Veterinary Work. 

Authors:Martin Cake, Melinda Ball, Naomi Bickly, and David Bartram

DOI: https://utppublishing.com/doi/pdf/10.3138/jvme.1014-097R1

Colorado Avalanche - Glass Breaking Info

The Veterinary Culture Lab - Ep. 001 North of Neutral: why positive psychology matters in vet med

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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:

00:29 Late Night Hockey

09:35 Hard Versus Meaningful

13:06 Why We Focus Negative

18:23 COVID Client Bias

22:00 Research Review

23:56 Meaningful Vet Work

24:51 Eudaimonic Wellbeing

26:22 Drivers of Thriving

27:23 Stress Satisfaction Paradox

32:06 Wellbeing Garden Metaphor

35:39 Cultivation Over Balance

37:32 Make Meaning Visible

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a question that hits a nerve for many veterinary professionals: why does feedback so often feel threatening instead of helpful?

Grounded in brand-new veterinary research on psychological safety, communication quality, and turnover intention, this episode unpacks how the way feedback is delivered can shape trust, team culture, and whether people choose to stay in a practice long term. Rather than treating feedback as simply correcting mistakes, this conversation reframes feedback as a relational and cultural tool that directly impacts psychological safety.

You’ll hear:

•  Why the phrase “Can I give you some feedback?” instantly puts many people on the defensive 
•  What psychological safety actually means in veterinary teams 
•  Why supervisor feedback has such a strong influence on retention 
•  The surprising role coworker feedback plays in shaping workplace culture 
•  How leaders create the emotional tone of a practice through everyday communication 
•  The difference between corrective feedback and growth-oriented conversations 
•  Practical ways veterinary leaders can improve feedback culture and psychological safety 

Whether you are a veterinary technician, assistant, veterinarian, manager, or practice owner, this episode offers a science-backed and deeply practical look at how communication shapes culture from the inside out.

Because thriving veterinary teams are not built through fear of feedback. They are built through conversations that create trust.

Resource Links

Episode Article

Title: A cross-sectional study exploring associations between psychological safety, employee turnover intention and feedback skills in veterinary organisations
Authors:Olivia Oginska, Michelle McArthur, Amy Zadow, Nic Gibson and Martin Cake

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.70498

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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 Why Feedback Feels Threatening

05:18 New Vet Med Study Tease

06:03 When Feedback Lands Well

07:44 Collaboration Builds Trust

10:59 Retention Beyond Pay

13:15 Study Methods and Sample

15:58 Manager Feedback Drives Retention

16:48 Coworker Feedback and Safety

21:08 Leaders Set Emotional Tone

25:27 Feedback as Relationship Tool

28:14 Culture Renovation Playbook

37:13 Closing and Sign Off

This episode is best experienced IN FULL!! 

We recorded this live in Zimbabwe during the THRIVE veterinary wellbeing retreat—and the video version brings it all to life. From wildlife encounters to breathtaking landscapes and powerful human moments, you can watch the full experience unfold on YouTube here.

In this special episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi records live from Zimbabwe during the World Wide Vets THRIVE retreat—joined by co-host Dani Herbst to explore what it really means to thrive in veterinary medicine.

Grounded in research on emotional intelligence in early-career veterinarians, this conversation unpacks a powerful insight: emotional intelligence does not simply develop with experience—it is shaped by the environments we are part of.

And when the research points to mental health, social support, and time spent outdoors as key drivers of emotional intelligence…this episode brings those findings to life in real time.

Through conversations with veterinary professionals attending THRIVE, you will hear how connection, reflection, and stepping away from the day-to-day demands of practice can shift perspective, build emotional capacity, and create meaningful change.

From honest reflections to moments of humor and insight, this episode highlights how wellbeing is not just an individual effort—it is something we build together.

You’ll hear:

• What the research says about emotional intelligence in veterinary medicine
• How social support reduces isolation and builds connection
• The impact of time outdoors on perspective and wellbeing
• Why experiences like THRIVE can support real growth
• Reflections from veterinary professionals experiencing this work firsthand

Whether you are feeling energized or exhausted, this episode invites you to consider what it might look like to create the conditions that help you—and your team—truly THRIVE.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: Improved mental health, social support, and time outdoors are associated with higher emotional intelligence in early-career veterinarians: A longitudinal study

Authors: Tipsarp Kittisiam, DVM, PhD ; Caroline Ritter, DVM, PhD; Emily Morabito, MS; Adam Stacey, PsyD, RDPsych; Deep Khosa, BVMS, PhD; Andria Jones, DVM, PhD

DOI: 10.2460/javma.23.10.0566 

WorldWide Vets
WWV THRIVE - February 2027 Dates and Details

Zimbabwe Man - Donkey

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:

02:06 Meet Dani Herbst

05:22 Mental Health Stigma

08:54 Dani’s Path to Purpose

13:11 Worldwide Vets Mission

14:54 Inside the Thrive Retreat

22:32 Emotional Intelligence Study

25:46 Findings and Thrive Validation

31:55 Vulnerability and Support

34:49 Delegates Share 

37:14 Wellbeing Skills For Leaders

48:26 Safari CE And Connection

51:43 Grounding Outdoors Reset

54:39 Rapid Fire Delegate Takeaways

59:57 Laughs And Farewell

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore the role of interpersonal curiosity—and why it might be one of the most underrated skills in veterinary medicine today.

Grounded in research on resilience in veterinary students, this conversation unpacks how curiosity shows up in the way we interpret stress, respond to challenges, and connect with the people around us. Because it turns out—resilience is not just about “bouncing back”…it is about how we make sense of what is happening in the first place.

From initial skepticism around wellbeing strategies to meaningful mindset shifts, this episode highlights how perspective-taking, support systems, and self-awareness are not just personal tools—they are cultural ones. And when curiosity is present, everything from communication to coping starts to change. You’ll hear:

•  Why curiosity plays a critical role in how we experience stress and resilience
• What veterinary students revealed about how resilience actually develops
• How simple perspective shifts can change the way we respond to challenges
• Why support systems and connection are essential to thriving—not optional
• What this means for teams trying to build healthier, more sustainable cultures

Whether you are navigating a tough case, a tense conversation, or just trying to make it through a busy day, this episode will challenge you to pause, get curious, and consider what might be possible if we replaced assumption with understanding.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: Interpersonal curiosity as a tool to foster safe relational spaces: a narrative literature reviewAuthors:Melanie Letendre Jauniaux & Heather L. Lawford

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1379330

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication 

Florida Man This Week - Time Travel 

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 Curiosity Sets the Stage
00:42 Names and Nicknames
02:01 Colorado Weather Whiplash
06:15 Hospital Story Sideways Curiosity
09:57 Vet Clinic Assumptions Lesson
13:16 Courage to Ask Deeper
15:31 Paper Intro Interpersonal Curiosity
18:17 Overt vs Covert Curiosity
21:09 Relational Safety vs Psychological Safety
22:28 Curiosity Builds Trust
23:09 Curiosity As Culture
25:00 Covert Coaching After Error
28:39 Affiliative Intent First
32:17 Overt Versus Covert
37:28 Repetition Builds Muscles
38:51 Vet Team Ideas In Action
46:21 Wrap Up And Thanks

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh take on one of the most talked-about concepts in veterinary medicine: work-life balance.

Truth is that most practices already have work-life balance policies. PTO exists. Sick days exist. Flexibility exists. And yet - burnout persists.

So, what is actually going on?

Grounded in science, this episode explores a powerful and often overlooked idea: work-life balance policies are only effective if people can actually use them - without guilt, stigma, or unintended consequences.

Through honest storytelling, real veterinary examples, and practical culture renovation strategies, we unpack the gap between what organizations say they offer and what teams experience day to day.

You will hear:

• Why work-life balance policies often fail—even when they look great on paper
• How guilt, fear, and staffing assumptions quietly block access to time off
• The hidden role leaders play as gatekeepers (and how to shift that)
• Practical ways to redesign systems so balance becomes usable, not theoretical
• How small structural changes can reduce burnout across multiple dimensions of work

This episode reframes balance as something that must be designed, protected, and modeled at the cultural level.

Because thriving veterinary teams are not built on policies alone—they are built on systems people can trust and use.

Resource Links

Episode Article:

Title: How Effective Are Work-Life Balance Policies? The Importance of Inclusion
Authors:Wendy J. Casper; Shelia A. Hyde; Shona G. Smith; Faezeh Amirkamali; Julie Holliday Wayne

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-110622-050544

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Positive Veterinary Leadership - Masterclass
                                Intro to Cultivating Positive Team Communication - On Demand

TVCL Episode 2 – DRAMMA Needs

Maslach & Leiter Six Areas of Worklife

Florida Man Shark

What Do You Think? Reach out 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 Monday Mindset

06:21 Defining Work Life Balance

10:32 Paper Overview 

14:52 Detachment and Recovery

17:09 Always On Leadership Trap

21:30 Policies vs Access

24:32 Good Leaders, Call outs and Coverage 

31:15 Recovery Standards That Stick

34:10 Time Off on Good Days

38:27 Make Access Visible 

39:42 Fully Staffed to Covered

43:58 Train Leaders to Kill Stigma

45:27 Florida Man and Wrap Up

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 ethic
• Why work centrality has shifted — and why that matters
• How confirmation bias fuels generational stereotypes
• The difference between self-sacrifice and sustainable commitment
• Practical ways leaders can redefine and model commitment
• How curiosity can interrupt the “kids these days” cycle

This 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

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 wall
• The difference between espoused values and enacted values—and why the gap matters
• How stories, rituals, and symbols quietly shape team behavior
• Why leaders are meaning-makers, not just decision-makers
• A simple 15-minute “story circle” exercise to uncover cultural strengths and pain points
• Practical 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

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 exhaustion
• The workplace conditions that create systemic strain for veterinary technicians
• The most common barriers to addressing burnout in clinics
• Expert-backed strategies that help prevent burnout
• Practical shifts teams can make to support technician wellbeing

Whether 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

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 culture
• How autonomy, competence, and relatedness influence motivation, wellbeing, and performance
• The difference between managing for compliance and leading for commitment
• Why interpersonal support from both leaders and peers matters more than we think
• Practical leadership moves that strengthen trust, ownership, and engagement
• What this research means for veterinary teams looking to renovate culture from the inside out

Whether 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
Self Determination Theory - (2017) https://doi/10.1521/978.14625/28806

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

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 relationships
• The top three communication behaviors most predictive of thriving teams
• Why positivity, shared effort, and healthy conflict repair matter more than we realize
• How these behaviors meet core human needs for belonging, care, and influence
• What this research means for veterinary leaders and teams who want to renovate their culture intentionally

Whether 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

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 other
• The science behind perceived listening — and why it predicts performance, adaptability, and wellbeing
• How feeling “seen” fuels confidence, motivation, and commitment
• The role of curiosity in high-quality listening (and why it matters more than perfect phrasing)
• Practical, low-lift ways to build listening into your culture

Whether 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

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 experience
• What research reveals about the link between leader presence, team wellbeing, and client care
• How everyday micro-moves (#goinginwiththem) build trust and connection.
• The hidden barriers that keep leaders stuck in the office — and how to break through them
• Practical ways to demonstrate care, shield your team, and close communication loops

Whether 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

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 conversations
• Why connecting goals to personal values sparks motivation and meaning
• Ways to reframe “what’s wrong” into “what’s strong” when exploring workplace reality
• Simple curiosity-driven questions that open up new possibilities
• How small coaching moments—just a few minutes long—can reshape your culture from the inside out

Whether 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

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore what coaching really means in veterinary medicine—and why curiosity might be the most powerful tool we have to strengthen culture.

Grounded in a 2021 meta-analysis of workplace coaching, this conversation unpacks how three evidence-based approaches—GROW, Positive Psychology Coaching, and Cognitive Behavioral Coaching—can help veterinary teams build confidence, connection, and wellbeing. Andi and Josh share why coaching is not advice-giving or mentoring, but a structured, science-backed conversation that helps people clarify goals, see reality more fully, explore new options, and take meaningful steps forward.

From donuts and Ted Lasso to the science of empowerment and agency, this episode will leave you rethinking the way you talk with your team—and why “ask, don’t tell” is the secret to renovating workplace culture.

You’ll hear:

• Why coaching is different from advice, therapy, or mentoring
• What the research says about coaching’s impact on performance and wellbeing
• How GROW, Positive Psychology Coaching, and Cognitive Behavioral Coaching each support veterinary teams
• Why curiosity is the throughline of effective coaching conversations
• Simple ways to practice curiosity—even on busy, chaotic days

Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring a new grad, or simply hoping for more meaningful workplace conversations, this episode offers a hopeful, practical look at how coaching can change the way veterinary teams connect and thrive.

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

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 - Hot Pink and Naked 

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 Coaching in Veterinary Medicine

00:42 Casual Conversation and Weekend Plans

01:35 Horse Training and Competitions

04:46 Ted Lasso Fandom

07:43 The Essence of Coaching

08:56 The Importance of Coaching in VetMed

12:27 Research on Coaching Effectiveness

14:13 Popular Coaching Models

16:31 Integrating Coaching Models

20:32 Identifying Progress and Strengths

21:11 The Power of Curiosity in Coaching

22:52 Maintaining Curiosity Amidst Chaos

24:03 Practical Tips for Staying Curious

27:33 Curiosity in Veterinary Culture

34:02 Teasing the Next Episode

35:06 Florida Man and Closing Remarks

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dive into groundbreaking new research from their friend Dr. Zach Mercurio—research that pinpoints exactly how leaders can help veterinary teams experience more meaningful work.

Grounded in a 2024 study on purposeful leadership, this conversation uncovers six specific, learnable leadership practices that boost energy, reduce burnout, and increase job satisfaction—even in high-stress environments like veterinary medicine.

Andi and Josh break down the difference between Big-P Purpose (your lofty mission) and little-p purpose (those small, meaningful moments that remind you why your work matters). They also explore how anyone—not just titled leaders—can activate purpose, foster connection, and help build veterinary cultures where people feel like they truly matter.

You’ll hear:

• Why meaningful work is essential for veterinary team wellbeing and retention
 • What the research says about the link between leadership behaviors and job satisfaction
 • Six powerful practices that help veterinary leaders lead with purpose
 • How to deliver praise in a way that fuels purpose, not just productivity
 • A real-life story about a hard moment that became worth it—because of meaning
 • How to make impact visible using tools like laddering, “because” praise, and mattering moments

Whether you're a practice manager, technician, associate DVM, or just someone who cares about veterinary culture, this episode offers real-world ways to turn everyday tasks into moments that matter.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: Mapping and Measuring Leadership Practices Intended to Foster Meaningful Work

Authors: Zach Mercurio, Tamara L. Miles, Wesley G. Adams, Jeremy D. W. Clifton

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41542-023-00161-z

Check out Zach Mercurio and his two fantastic books:

• The Invisible Leader
• The Power of Mattering 
  
  

Rebecca Rose

Florida Woman This Week - Fake Manager 

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: Making Work Meaningful

00:42 Casual Conversation: Sunny Days and Glasses

01:04 A Real-Life Story: Embracing Aging

03:04 Purposeful Leadership: Meeting Zach Mercurio

04:45 Big P vs. Little p Purpose

13:20 Research Insights: Leadership and Meaningful Work

23:00 The Importance of Impact Stories

24:20 Trust and Support in the Workplace

25:25 Humorous Anecdote: The Colorado Trip

26:26 Gathering and Sharing Impact Stories

28:06 Growth Equals Glue: Recognizing Potential

30:57 Purpose-First Hiring

32:08 Connection Combats Compassion Fatigue

33:09 Actionable Steps for Cultural Renovation

36:25 The Power of Praise and Recognition

39:48 Florida Woman: A Humorous Interlude

41:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore the power of resilience—not just as a personal trait, but as a skill we can teach, build, and share.

Grounded in a 2017 study by Jenny Moffett and David Bartram, this conversation uncovers what happens when veterinary students receive formal resilience education early in their careers—and what it means for the rest of us who never got that kind of support.

From skepticism to mindset shifts, and from group learning to individual bounce-back moments, this episode is a hopeful look at how wellbeing education can change the trajectory of a veterinary career—and why it's never too late to learn.

You’ll hear:

• Why resilience education matters in vet med (and why it’s not just for students)
• What the research says about resilience as a learnable skill
• How one workshop changed the way students saw themselves and their capacity to cope
• The social power of building resilience together—not alone
• What this means for long-time professionals who never got this training early on

Whether you’re just starting out or mid-career and building the plane mid-flight, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the science of resilience—and the role education can play in making thriving possible.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: Veterinary Students’ Perspectives on Resilience and Resilience-Building Strategies
Authors:Jenny E. Moffett and Davi d J. Bartram

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.0216-046r1

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Applied Veterinary Resilience
Flourish Academy - Introduction to Applied Veterinary Resilence
Florida Veterinary Medical Association - Inspire program - This program is FREE for ALL Florida veterinary professions regardless of status with the FVMA.  

Florida Man This Week - Dog 

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 Resilience Education

00:42 Casual Conversation and Weather Talk

01:25 Horse Care in Hot Weather

03:05 Dog Days of Summer

05:30 The Joy of Dad Jokes

06:00 A Thought-Provoking Question

09:26 Hope in Veterinary Medicine

12:22 Resilience Training in Veterinary School

17:50 Skepticism and Resilience

20:53 Handling Skepticism in the Workplace

21:59 Embracing Skeptics for Better Conversations

23:56 The Importance of Wellbeing in Vet Med

25:49 Balancing Wellbeing Across Career Stages

29:21 Practical Ways to Show You Care

31:04 Making Resilience a Group Effort

34:21 Educational Opportunities for Building Resilience

38:35 Florida Man: A Humorous Conclusion

The Vet Med Circus: Why Collaboration Is the Star of the Show

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore one of the most powerful—but often overlooked—drivers of high-functioning veterinary teams: positive communication that fuels real collaboration.

Grounded in a 2024 study on veterinary team communication, they break down 15 specific behaviors that can either build, or break, collaborative veterinary workplaces. These habits go beyond personality or work ethic and show how simple shifts in how we speak, listen, and respond can drive culture renovation.

You do not need a big budget or fancy retreat to improve your veterinary culture—just a few intentional moments of respect, empathy, and action-oriented communication can spark real change.

You’ll hear:

• What true collaboration in veterinary teams looks like—and what it is not
  
  
• Why communication often matters more than work ethic in vet med
  
  
• The 4 core categories of collaborative behaviors (with real-world examples)
  
  
• Why respect in veterinary teams is the top behavior linked to success
  
  
• How to turn empathy and curiosity into culture-building tools
  
  
• Action steps to boost trust, psychological safety, and team morale

Whether you are managing a clinic, working the treatment floor, or leading from the front desk, this episode offers practical tools to support thriving, high-functioning veterinary teams—one conversation at a time.

Resources: 

Episode Article:

Title: Positive Communication Practices for Enhancing Collaboration

Author: Amy E. Mickel

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23294884241263552

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication

• For Leaders 
• For Teams
  

Puppy Songs 

Florida Man This Week - Cars 

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 Collaboration in Vet Med

00:40 Casual Chat: Smoothies and Pets

03:45 The Importance of Collaboration in Vet Med

06:20 A Real-Life Example of Effective Collaboration

09:58 Key Communication Practices for Collaboration

13:05 Respect and Empathy in Teamwork

22:05 Practical Steps to Enhance Collaboration

26:45 Florida Man: A Humorous Conclusion

Seen, Valued, Energized: How Micro-Connections Build Thriving Veterinary Teams

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dive into one of their favorite culture renovation tools: high-quality connections (or as we like to say, micro-connections that pack a punch).

Inspired by the stories of MVP Joey Votto and NBA star Steph Curry, and grounded in the research of organizational psychologist Dr. Jane Dutton, this conversation explores how fleeting, positive moments between team members can change everything—from mood and motivation to retention and resilience.

In a profession where time is short and stress runs high, veterinary teams need more than coffee and courage. They need connection. And the best part? You do not need a retreat or a big budget to make it happen.

You’ll hear:

• What high-quality connections actually are—and why they matter in vet med
• How micro-interactions shift team energy and culture
• Why these connections are essential during stress and chaos
• The 3 science-backed pathways that make a connection “high-quality”
•  Practical ways to create, model, and celebrate these moments at work

Whether you manage a clinic or assist in surgery, this episode shows how a little intentionality can spark a whole lot of wellbeing.

Resource Links 

Episode Articles:

Title: The Power of High-Quality Connections
Author: Jane E. Dutton
Access URL (PDF from Center for Positive Organizations):
https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/HighQualityConnections.pdf

Title: Joey Votto and Steph Curry Found a Secret to Workplace Happiness. You Can, Too.
Author: Rustin Dodd
URL: https://theathletic.com/5480823/2025/05/22/joey-votto-steph-curry-happiness/

(Subscription may be required)

Florida Man This Week - Horse 

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 High Quality Connections

00:40 Casual Conversation and Personal Updates

02:30 Excitement for Today's Topic

02:47 Defining High Quality Connections

03:23 Real-Life Examples of High Quality Connections

04:26 Exploring High Quality Connections in Professional Settings

06:28 Research and Articles on High Quality Connections

07:51 Stories of Joey Vato and Steph Curry

09:46 The Science Behind High Quality Connections

11:34 Personal Stories of High Quality Connections

13:10 The Impact of High Quality Connections in Vet Med

14:48 The Power of Using Names

15:38 High Quality Connections in Fast-Paced Environments

17:38 The Importance of Connection During Stressful Times

20:17 Building a Resilient Culture

21:36 Practical Tips for Creating High Quality Connections

27:49 Celebrating High Quality Connections

28:38 Florida Man Segment

30:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore the power of communication in shaping how a workplace feels and why that feeling matters more than we think.

Drawing on new research from the University of Michigan, the conversation dives into how intentional leadership communication transformed workplace climate, decreased burnout, and boosted engagement - all during a time of crisis.

With vet med facing its own climate challenges, this study offers a blueprint for change: small communication shifts that create big ripple effects. From high-quality connections to building relational reserves, this episode connects the dots between leadership behavior and team wellbeing.

You’ll hear:

• What “workplace climate” really means—and how it differs from culture
• How leadership communication became a lever for change
• Why positive climate matters more than pay when it comes to retention
• How to build resilience before the next crisis hits
• Practical micro-practices you can use to shape climate on purpose

Whether you lead a team or simply want your clinic to feel more human, this episode offers science-backed insight into what makes veterinary workplaces thrive from the inside out.

Resource Links

Episode Article:

Article Title: Positive Leadership within Breast Imaging: Impact on Burnout, Intent to Leave, and Engagement

Authors: Amy Young, Jennifer J. Gruber, and Nima Aghdassi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2024.01.023

Flourish Academy Masterclasses:

• Certificate in Positive Veterinary Leadership 
• Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication 

Florida Man This Week - Convenience Store 

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 Impact of Communication at Work

00:43 Team Dynamics and the Importance of Key Members

02:24 Climate and Culture in the Workplace

05:03 Leadership Styles and Their Effects

10:08 Positive Leadership and Workplace Climate Study

15:34 Communication as Leverage in Leadership

19:04 Transparency in Leadership

19:49 The Impact of Workplace Climate

20:50 Effective Leadership Interventions

22:22 Building Relational Reserves

23:34 Intentional Connections in Teams

25:29 Cultural Renovation Strategies

30:03 Transparency and Communication

33:37 Florida Man: Gator Adventure

35:17 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh unpack the myth that success in veterinary medicine is all about grit and hustle—and offer a compelling alternative backed by research.

Grounded in leadership science and workplace psychology, this episode explores new findings from the Thriving at Work: 2023 Leadership Development Survey and connects them to veterinary teams through the powerful lens of culture renovation. With burnout on the rise and turnover rates high, the conversation challenges long-held assumptions and offers practical, doable shifts to help teams flourish.

You’ll hear:

• Why “just push through” is not a long-term strategy for wellbeing
  
  
• What the science says truly drives thriving in veterinary workplaces
  
  
• How the “20% Rule” can help teams access more meaning without overhauling their jobs
  
  
• Real-life examples of how strengths, recognition, and curiosity fuel engagement

Whether you’re rethinking leadership, rebalancing workloads, or just trying to feel less drained at the end of the day, this episode offers science-backed ideas for making veterinary work more human—and more sustainable.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article(s):

Title: Thriving at work 

Authors: Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership (2023)

***

Title: Beyond the Hustle: Rethinking what it takes to thrive at work

Authors: Elisa van Dam, Susan MacKenty, Brady and Pynn Perry Wooten (2025)

URL: https://www.smartbrief.com/original/beyond-the-hustle-rethinking-what-it-takes-to-thrive-at-work

***
20% Rule resource:
Title: Burnout Rate Is Lower Among Academic Physicians When Time Is Spent on Meaningful Work

Author: Lang, Les

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2009.06.013

***
Florida Man This Week - Reality TV 

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. 

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Work Culture

00:57 Casual Catch-Up: Horse Troubles and Farm Life

03:35 A Day in the Life: Unexpected Calls and Mixed Emotions

05:01 Personal Stories: The Hustle Culture

10:07 Research Insights: Thriving at Work

13:40 Enablers of Thriving: Good Management and Communication

15:50 Building a Transparent and Strengths-Focused Team

17:04 The 20% Rule for Thriving at Work

19:57 Applying the 20% Rule to Cultural Renovation

21:53 Conducting an Energy Audit for Your Team

24:09 The Power of Curiosity in Leadership

28:28 Florida Man: A Humorous Interlude

30:01 Wrapping Up and Encouraging Engagement

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore a surprising twist on workplace drama—one that could actually improve veterinary wellbeing. Spoiler: it is not the gossip-filled kind of drama, but the science-backed DRAMMA model, a powerful framework built on six core psychological needs that support human flourishing at work.

Grounded in recovery science and positive psychology, this conversation unpacks how detachment, relaxation, autonomy, mastery, meaning, and affiliation can transform your team’s culture from overwhelmed and burnt out to energized and engaged.

You’ll hear:

• Why the DRAMMA model offers a practical path to better wellbeing at work
• How small changes—like five-minute mental breaks—can reduce stress and improve team dynamics
•  What “mastery” looks like in a veterinary setting (spoiler: it involves #RollieAF veins)
• A real-world example of how brushing a horse’s tail became a built-in moment of detachment 

Whether you're leading culture renovation or just trying to recharge between shifts, this episode delivers science-backed strategies to help your veterinary team thrive—one need at a time.

Resource Links:

Episode Article

Title: Need Satisfaction and Optimal Functioning at Leisure and Work: A Longitudinal Validation Study of the DRAMMA Model

Authors: Miika Kujanpää, Christine Syrek, Dirk Lehr, Ulla Kinnunen, Jo Annika Reins, Jessica de Bloom (2020) 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-020-00247-3

Mihály Csíkszentmihályi on Flow
Florida Man This Week - Boat Fiasco

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. 

 Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Workplace Drama
 00:48 – A Strange Celery Stalker
 01:48 – Defining Drama in Vet Med
 02:19 – Exploring Psychological Needs
 03:55 – Loving the Job at Flourish
 06:21 – The DRAMMA Model Explained
 09:20 – Applying the DRAMMA Model to Vet Med
 10:07 – Detachment and Relaxation
 10:44 – Personal Detachment Strategies
 16:15 – Mastery and Skill Development
 17:07 – Understanding Flow States
 17:49 – Applying Flow States in Veterinary Practice
 18:07 – The Importance of Mentorship
 18:36 – Stretch Skills in Veterinary Practice
 22:03 – Autonomy and Control in the Workplace
 23:31 – Meaning and Affiliation at Work
 24:34 – Implementing Culture Renovation
 25:03 – Micro Breaks and Human Connection
 28:55 – Ask Me Anything Sessions
 32:43 – Florida Man Story
 34:21 – Conclusion and Farewell

North of Neutral: why positive psychology matters in vet med

In this first episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, hosts Andi and Josh go deep on the science that underpins everything they do at Flourish: positive psychology.

What is positive psychology—really? And what isn’t it? Spoiler: it is not toxic positivity, it is not ignoring suffering, and it is definitely not “just think happy thoughts.” Grounded in the work of Dr. Martin Seligman, this conversation unpacks how the science of human flourishing can help veterinary professionals move beyond burnout, beyond “meh,” and into more meaningful, sustainable wellbeing.

You’ll hear:

• A real-life story that perfectly illustrates Corey Keyes’ concept of languishing
  
  
• Why positive psychology in veterinary medicine is more than “good vibes”
  
  
• A breakdown of the common myths—like “isn’t this just positive thinking?”
  
  
• The surprising power of language: why swapping “but” for “and” matters
  
  
• A laugh-out-loud Florida Man story involving a blowtorch and some questionable decision-making

Whether you’re leading a veterinary team or just trying to make it through the week with purpose, this episode offers science-backed insights and practical takeaways for thriving in vet med—without ignoring the hard stuff.

Resource Links:

Episode Article:

Title: Positive psychology: FAQs.
Authors: Seligman, M. E. P., & Pawelski, J. O. (2003).
DOI: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1449825

The Upside of your Darkside - Todd Kashdan and Robert Biswas-Diener

Florida Man This Week - ATM Blowtorch

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 Positive Psychology

00:49 Weekend Stories and Dad Jokes

03:57 Discussing Languishing and Personal Experiences

11:36 The Science of Positive Psychology

16:11 Common Questions About Positive Psychology

17:05 Reflecting on Positive Psychology FAQs

17:46 The Misconception of 'Happyology'

18:49 The Role of Discomfort in a Meaningful Life

20:30 Balancing Positive and Negative Emotions

22:42 The Value of Pessimistic Thinking

24:30 Practical Applications in Veterinary Medicine

31:03 Leadership and Positive Psychology

32:55 Florida Man: A Humorous Conclusion