Veterinary Woman and XL Vets working together as Veterinary Women In Leadership (VWIL), were delighted to welcome over 30 delegates to a networking event in London Vet Show’s new Alumni and Community Zone, a space for delegates to have meaningful conversations with friends and colleagues as active members of community and alumni groups.
People from across the profession and industry enjoyed a coffee while meeting old friends and new connections to discuss aspects of veterinary leadership and come together to share their vision of leadership that promotes equality, a positive workplace culture and the support to help individuals fulfil their career aspirations.
Conversations were highly supportive as delegates shared experiences and advice about creating strong team dynamics, how to constructively handle disrespectful behaviour from colleagues, overcoming recruitment challenges, and how flexible working opportunities can be implemented to improve retention.
Ideas were discussed on supportive management practices. Ola Janowska MVD MRCVS, owner of Blackwater Vets in West Mersea, shared her initiative of a monthly online discussion meeting, inviting other practice leaders to a supportive space in which to review their experiences and work together to discuss solutions to challenges. Ola is happy to welcome interested individuals and can be contacted at ola@blackwatervets.co.uk.
Claire Smith at Beacon View Vets in Sandwich, 2022 winner of the Veterinary Marketing Association’s Practice Marketing and Judge’s Choice awards was asked by industry colleagues about her experience of opening a new practice and stressed the importance of effective teamwork and a shared sense of purpose in achieving goals.
Silvia Janska of Flexee, who is working to record the impact of flexible working policies in clinics to form a resource to help teams across the industry to take action, discussed how veterinary professionals can thrive in practice.
Silvia will be presenting an interactive workshop on ‘Finding flexible working solutions’ at VWIL’s upcoming online event ‘Realise Your Leadership Potential’ and Claire Smith will be amongst a diverse group of practice owners, vets, nurses, receptionists, students, government and industry professionals sharing their career stories to provide encouragement and illumination about the possibilities and rich diversity of career opportunities and paths within the profession.
‘Realise Your Leadership Potential’ takes place online on 7th December from 1-7pm (GMT), includes workshops on ‘Financial Security and Negotiation Skills’ from Paul Horwood and Katie Ford of VetYou and ‘Developing your Personal Brand’ from Hamzah Malik of Regent Animal Health. The event will allow time for networking, and aims to help empower and develop confidence in problem-solving leadership challenges.
Whether you’re new to leadership, have been in a senior role for many years, simply want to take ownership of your next career move or continue the conversation about veterinary leadership, join us at the event.
For more information and to register, visit the event website.
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