b'EMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, VETERINARY WOMAN CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGEACHIEVE & LEAD TOGETHER I was an elected member of the RCVSWhat motivated you to want to change things?VN Council 2016-2020 and was the ChairIve spent a lot of time over the years listening and reading of VN Council and a member of RCVSthat itll NEVER change. And I guess my motivation to drive Council 2018-2020. I became a STEMchange stemmed from me wanting to challenge this prevailing school ambassador in 2019. sentiment that change was impossible. Im one of the new programme coordinators for the Vets Now ECC Congress and were trying to makeI feel really passionately that nurses hold sure that the nursing streams are morethe potential to make significant contributions prominent than ever before.in so many different ways.And some of the challenges are starkfor example although around 14% of the working age population identity as minority ethnic, recent figures show only 3% of the veterinary professions are from such backgrounds.So, itd be easy to say, How can I possibly make a marked difference to these numbers?But its evident to me that if we want change, we cant be passive observers. We have to take an active role in pushing for the changes we want, even if the process is gradual. So, Ive learned to try and grab onto a broader perspective, envisioning a larger and more impactful profession, which has definitely inspired me over the years to try and lead fromthe front.How have you encouraged other people to get on board with your ideas?I hope those who have worked with me would say that open discussion is everything to me! I make it a priority to try and understand the obstacles others face and truly listen to their perspectives. Its not about bringing people along on your visionits instead trying to understand their own goals, then you can help guide people towards a vision that aligns with their own. So then were all on the journey together. And to get on the same path successfully, at the same time you need to learn to frame your ideas in a way that resonates with the overarching priorities of your organisation/business/veterinary practice. www.veterinarywoman.co.uk 15'