Veterinary medicine is evolving faster than ever, and many leaders are struggling with the same challenge: how do you guide your team, embrace technology, and still protect the heart of our profession? In this episode of the Uncharted Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark welcomes Dr. Dave Nicol, veterinarian, practice owner, and international thought leader on veterinary leadership. Over his 20-year career, Dave has led multi-doctor teams on different continents, owned and managed four practices, and built a reputation for helping veterinary professionals find success and happiness in their work. He is also the founder of the Vet Leadership Academy and host of the Blunt Dissection Podcast, where he’s interviewed Olympians, cancer survivors, and some of the most transformative voices in and outside of veterinary medicine. Andy and Dave dig into the realities of leadership in modern practice: the risks and rewards of technology like AI in veterinary medicine, the generational shift away from “vocation” as a driving force, and how leaders can create practice cultures that actually stick. If you’ve ever worried about your team disengaging, about overreliance on technology, or about how to keep veterinary medicine meaningful in a changing world, this episode offers both inspiration and practical takeaways. Let’s get into this episode!Uncharted Team Leads Summit 2025Step into leadership with confidence and clarity. The Uncharted Team Leads Summit is designed for veterinary supervisors and team leads who want to improve communication, inspire their staff, and handle tough conversations without burning out. In this hands-on, one-day event, you’ll learn how to take control of your role instead of letting it control you, channel team frustrations productively, and even test out new AI tools for everyday practice challenges. With RACE-approved CE, interactive workshops, and a community of peers who get exactly what you’re going through, this summit will help you grow as a leader and build stronger connections. Secure your spot here: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/team-leads-summit-2025Uncharted Get Sh*t Done: Financial EditionDoes your clinic’s money management need a reset? Join us on October 29, 2025, for Uncharted’s Get Sh*t Done: Financial Edition, a one-day online conference packed with practical strategies to get your practice numbers under control. From inventory management and pricing strategies to setting achievable financial targets, you’ll leave with tools you can put to work immediately. Expert facilitators, small-group discussions, CE credit, and actionable resources make this event the ultimate financial tune-up for busy veterinary leaders. Registration is limited, don’t wait to grab your seat: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/products/live_events/gsd-2025Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/eventsAll Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVetDo you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related