Delve into the stories of three remarkable women who are not only inspirations in their fields but also featured speakers at the upcoming VMG Congress 2024. Gemma Barmby, Liz Daniels and Tracy Dell share their insights on the paths that led them to their current roles, offering valuable lessons and advice for those starting out on similar career paths.
Gemma Barmby BVetMed MRCVS, VMG Director and Business Consultant for Vet Dynamics
- Graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014
- Spent four years working at a two-branch practice. Became senior vet, as well as vet graduate mentor and nurse clinical coach
- Locum-ed whilst undertaking further education in leadership, project management and marketing
- Joined another practice as Clinical Director during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Joined Vet Dynamics in summer of 2021 and joined the VMG board in March 2023
What’s your greatest success?
Achieving my current role. It took a long time to get there as COVID-19 delayed my start by 15 months but I was determined to join a business whose vision I believed in. My role combines all the aspects of veterinary work and business I find most exciting and being part of a team that lives by its values and has fun along the way is fantastic!
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
This is a tricky one as we all constantly face challenges – and learn from them. Making the leap from a clinical role to a non-clinical role was perhaps the biggest challenge. It was certainly a steep learning curve – but one that I enjoyed tackling!
What did you learn from this?
I love to learn and strive to do my best but I’m my own biggest critic. Learning to accept this and show myself some kindness sometimes is important and something I need to remind myself of on an almost daily basis.
What’s your best advice for someone starting out on a similar career path?
Connect with people, talk to those who have already walked the path. Ask honest questions and look inside yourself to find your purpose and your passion. Then go try things, learn things, see what piques your interest – and don’t be afraid to take a step outside your comfort zone as you might actually quite like it!
What made you take that next step?
It was recognising and connecting with my purpose. I became a vet because I wanted to help animals. I loved science, problem solving and animals so it just seemed a no-brainer. But I locum-ed for a while and, during this time, I started to rethink what I most enjoyed about my work – and I realised that it was actually helping people, whether working with clients to get the best outcome for a patient, or training team members to become the best they could be. This was what put the biggest smile on my face. So, I found similar-minded colleagues, learned new skills and now I’m able to use my knowledge and experience to support the wider veterinary industry.
Liz Daniels, BA (Hons), Founder, Custard PR
- Worked as a freelance journalist for equestrian publications
- Appointed Marketing Manager at British Grooms Association, then Director
- Joined Loch Leven Equine Practice as Marketing Manager, then Director
- Set up Custard PR offering marketing, PR and social media
What’s your greatest success?
I find it hard to pinpoint one achievement as there have been many and, I hope, many more to come. Being a speaker at the VMG Congress 2024, however, is a huge honour and will certainly be one of my goals achieved. I felt very out of my depth when I first began my journey in the veterinary industry so, to now be in a position where I can support others, brings me immense pride.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
As I sat as a delegate at my first veterinary congress some 14 years ago, I was like a scared rabbit in the headlights. I had stumbled upon the veterinary industry completely by accident so, from the outset, I had total imposter syndrome. Getting to a stage where I feel as if I belong in the sector on merit and have something to contribute has taken me many years to achieve.
What did you learn from that challenge?
Probably to be kinder to myself and to understand the value of support, of giving yourself time to upskill, and of not being afraid to ask for help. I had wonderful backing from my great friend and colleague, Liz Somerville, and while I didn’t like the feeling that I didn’t belong, it was helpful to be able to share this in a safe, supportive environment.
What’s your advice to someone starting out on a similar career path?
Find a network of people you trust, work hard, embrace the learning and new knowledge. Say yes to opportunities and don’t be afraid to enjoy your progress. Time is such a valuable resource and one which is often overlooked when it comes to developing your skills, experience and confidence.
What made you take that next step?
Simply saying yes to opportunities that came my way. Career progression can feel daunting, but if you work hard, the results will speak for themselves.
Tracy Dell, Practice Business Manager, Cleckheaton Group Practice (Medical)
- Started her management career as a centre manager working for an HIV/AIDS charity Centre for Sexual Health then joined Brook Advisory – a contraception service for young people
- Went on to work as a practice manager in a GP surgery. Carried out associate work with NHS England and other primary care organisations one day a week in areas of special interest, mainly workforce development
- Became a primary care consultant and business manager
- Now works for the NHS, two days a week in a GP surgery. Also offers independent management consultancy services and delivers training in all aspects of primary care.
- Co-founder of Locum Practice Manager, a community for managers with portfolio careers
What’s your greatest success?
Starting my own primary care consultancy business – and being awarded Primary Care Manager of the Year 2019 by the National Association of Primary Care.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
Adapting and changing to the fast pace of general practice and primary care. Thriving not just surviving!
What did you learn from this challenge?
Work can consume you! Positive stress is good and drives me but there is a fine line and I prefer to tip the balance in favour of family rather than work these days. I also learned that you have to remain ‘live’ in primary care to truly understand it and to give authenticity to what you deliver. Things change so much and I remain grounded by continuing to work in the practice and can keep up to date. This also reassures attendees that I feel their pain and their joy as I am living it too!
What’s your advice for someone starting out on a similar career path?
Find a good professional mentor, network and lift your head up. There is a lot to be gained from seeing the working world around you. Be realistic about what you can do and learn what to say no to. My top tip is to RAG (red, amber, green) rate things and prioritise. Be assertive and don’t take on inappropriate work that can and should be done by other people or you don’t have time to do. Remember other people’s priorities are not always ours to inherit.
What made you make take that next step?
I took a leap of faith when I set up my own business and started working freelance. I wish I’d done it years ago. It gives me so much variety and brings me joy.
Hear from all these amazing speakers and many more at this year’s VMG Congress, which takes place on 25-26 April at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon.
VMG Congress is an exhilarating 2-day getaway during which you can join the leading minds from the veterinary sector and beyond for a feast of learning, sharing and personal growth. This is your chance to build on what you know—master team leadership, enhance practice performance, prioritise self-care. You’ll leave feeling empowered to reach new heights in your personal and professional life. Learn more about VMG Congress at www.vmgevents.co.uk.
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