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 TOGETHERperspectives. I am very quick to admit to my own ignorance in certain areas, and to ask for helpI think knowing my I am buoyed when I hear that something that Ilimitations and which ones I can push has been helpful.have implemented or said has helped someone.What has most helped and motivated you alongThat keeps me going. the way?There have been different people and systems of support that I have leaned on at different times of my career. The influence of my mentors, the support of my peers and the unwavering But equally, I have had (probably relatable) difficulties. I havecheerleading of my mum cannot be overstated! My motivation failed A LOT, and I think talking about those hard times andto just get things done has meant that I have grasped many failures resonates with people that can feel outpaced and outopportunities, and leaned into situations even when I wasnt of place. I think just being honest is all I have got, really. certain that I was experienced or clever enough to be in the Not everyone is on board with my ideas, but if you can getroom. I am buoyed when I hear that something that I have a small number of people to consider a concept, then theimplemented or said has helped someone. That keeps me going.benefits of working differently should start speaking forWhat is the best advice youve been given, or that you themselves. It depends on what motivates peopleif itswould give to someone else, about driving positive not losing money through having to plug gaps and recruitchange?endlessly, let it be that. If its because people genuinely wantI cant honestly say that I have a real mantra or Instagram to evolve and be inclusive because its morally right, thensunset quote that keeps me going. Other peoples quiet great. If its genuinely caring about animal welfarebrilliant.expressions of belief in me or my capabilities are things that I If its wanting to avoid a complaint and a stressed colleague can so easily dismiss in my head as people being nice. I think I okay. I dont mind how or why people get on board as long asshould resolve to just listen to them. Some of my lovely team at Barbietheyre openthe benefits will still come. What are your next steps to continue creating changeWhat are the biggest challenges you have encounteredfor the better?in this journey and how have you overcome them? I dont take a lot of time to relax and enjoy the benefit of a My favourite person (dog), Remy I have spent a lot of time in a lot of spaces being laughed at forfinished project, so Ill probably just crack on with whatever the things I enjoy, or think are important. hits my inbox next. With SPVS, I am working on efforts to Its natural that self-doubt can creep in when youre chippedhelp employers facilitate reasonable adjustments for all team away at like that. members, and that will be a rewarding project. In my JVP year There have been secretly satisfying times when peopleI expect to be attending a lot of conferences and meeting with who have mocked my interests suddenly need help withmembers to see how we can better serve them and help solve something, but honestly, I just have to let it go, and carry onpersistent issues in practice. I have also recently taken up the with some strength of conviction.post of Secretary of the British Veterinary Camelid Society, so Im hoping to widen our reach and help facilitate welfare I have been forced to consider that not everything I wantimprovements for camelids in the UK. Im also working on a to do is commercially viable, or at least, doable within mycouple of welfare focused clinical research projects that keep ideal internal timeline. I have learned patience (to a degree),me busy.and I have also been challenged to think about alternative 58www.veterinarywoman.co.uk'