Leadership Training: Empowering veterinary leaders across Europe

Leadership is more than a title – it’s about building trust, making tough decisions, and inspiring teams to grow. This philosophy was at the heart of VetFamily’s International Leadership Training, held over three transformative days in Marbella, Spain. Bringing together approximately 30 clinic owners and managers from across Europe, the training provided a dynamic platform for participants to refine their leadership skills, exchange experiences, and develop strategies for long-term success as independent clinics.

Shaping leadership through reflection and connection

The first two days of the training were led by Bart Bremer, Head of People at Vimian Group, who guided participants through an introspective journey of leadership development. A key exercise encouraged attendees to reflect on the qualities of role models who had shaped their careers. Identifying the leadership traits they admired, and those they aspired to cultivate, set the foundation for personal growth.

Beyond the structured sessions, the training underscored the importance of peer support. Leading a veterinary clinic can be a lonely role, with constant concerns about team well-being and business sustainability. This gathering provided an invaluable opportunity for clinic leaders to connect, share their struggles, and gain reassurance from others facing similar challenges.

The core elements of effective leadership

Drawing from his extensive experience across various industries, Bart outlined the fundamental qualities of a strong leader:

• Trust: A two-way street that takes time to build but can be lost in an instant.
• Drive: The ability to push through challenges and maintain momentum despite setbacks.
• Courage and Risk-Taking: The willingness to innovate and make bold decisions, even if they are unpopular.
• Accountability: Leadership comes with tough decisions – prioritizing sustainability over likability is key.
• Generosity: Effective leaders invest their time and attention in their teams.
• Resilience: Wearing the ‘rubber suit’ – absorbing challenges without letting them take over – helps leaders remain strong and effective.
• Balance: Confident yet humble, calm yet ambitious – leaders must navigate the dualities of their role.
• Focus: Knowing where to direct energy ensures the most significant impact.

One thought-provoking discussion revolved around handling difficult conversations. Some participants found that addressing challenging topics while walking side by side reduced tension, while others preferred a more structured approach. Bart’s advice? Avoid autopilot – leaders should assess what feels right for their personal style.

Conflict management is an inevitable part of leadership. The training covered practical strategies for handling disputes within teams, distinguishing between managing and resolving conflicts. Leaders learned the importance of facilitating conversations rather than imposing solutions and ensuring all parties feel heard.

Building a strong clinic culture

A clinic’s success is deeply rooted in its culture, shaped by norms and behaviors. Participants explored how to identify and reinforce positive workplace norms by sharing their own experiences. Small actions – such as a daily morning greeting or team huddles – can foster a sense of unity. However, clinics must also ensure follow-through on great ideas by assigning clear responsibilities and deadlines.

Additionally, experts from MSD Animal Health and Hill’s Pet Nutrition shared their insights on change management and leading through clinic values, reinforcing that successful leadership extends beyond operations – it’s about creating a vision that guides teams through evolving challenges.

Innovation: Preparing for the future

Innovation is vital for long-term clinic sustainability. Bart provided insights into fostering a culture that embraces new ideas. Whether incremental or transformative, innovation should always add value. A key takeaway? The best way to have a great idea is to generate many ideas – leaders must encourage diverse perspectives and foster environments where experimentation is embraced.

Discussions also highlighted upcoming industry shifts, such as AI’s increasing role in veterinary practice. From AI-powered scheduling to smart diagnostic tools, leaders were urged to stay ahead of trends rather than react to them.

Boosting results – with effective KPI management

On the final day, Hanne Herstad, Services Director at VetFamily, took the stage to delve into the financial side of leadership. She emphasized that success doesn’t happen by chance – you have to measure to manage! To achieve financial stability and growth, clinic leaders must set clear goals and track the right KPIs. Hanne demonstrated how effective KPI management enables informed decision-making, optimizes financial performance, and drives sustainable growth. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants gained practical insights into selecting, analyzing, and acting on key metrics to achieve their clinic’s strategic objectives.

A community of stronger leaders

The VetFamily International Leadership Training wasn’t just about developing skills; it was about strengthening a community of veterinary leaders who support and inspire one another. By fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and enhancing financial acumen, VetFamily is empowering clinic leaders to navigate the complexities of modern veterinary practice with confidence.

As the participants returned to their clinics, they carried with them not just new knowledge, but also renewed motivation to lead with purpose, resilience, and vision. After all, great leadership isn’t just about managing a clinic – it’s about shaping the future of veterinary care.