What do you do when the veterinary feedback you’re getting feels personal, unfair, or downright mean? In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss unpack a real letter from a mother in veterinary medicine whose daughter, a new CSR, is struggling with harsh feedback and unkind coworkers in her first clinic job. From the painful moment she was told, “I don’t like your face,” to an unsettling “I don’t care” during an emergency, Andy and Stephanie explore how to tell the difference between helpful feedback and toxic communication. They dive into how leaders can model emotional intelligence, why not all feedback deserves equal weight, and how to coach young professionals to grow stronger without losing their confidence. If you’ve ever questioned how to handle criticism, balance empathy with accountability, or create a healthier feedback culture in your veterinary team, this conversation is for you. Let’s get into this episode!Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026Unlock 2026 like never before! If you don’t claim your spot at the Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026 on January 16 in Orlando, you’ll watch others pull ahead while you stay stuck where you are. This is not another passive CE day. It’s a one-day, high-intensity experience designed for veterinary professionals ready to lift their anchor and steer into the boldest phase of their career. Expect interactive leadership audits, hands-on workshops with top-tier experts like Andy Roark, and game-changing connections with peers who refuse to settle for status quo. Seats are reserved exclusively for our community and they’re ticking away. Show up or get left behind. Register here: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026Upcoming 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

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

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