One of the most powerful themes from this conversation was the idea that “medical excellence” extends far beyond clinical knowledge. Dr. Cairns challenged the notion that great medicine is only about technical skill, emphasizing the critical role of communication, psychological safety, mentorship, and operational support in delivering sustainable patient care.

Perhaps most importantly, we explored the idea that careers—and identities—evolve. Veterinary medicine may be one part of who we are, but it should never be the sole measure of our worth. 

This conversation is an honest look at leadership, growth, sustainability, and the future of our profession—and why the willingness to rethink old models may ultimately be what moves veterinary medicine forward.

Keywords: veterinary leadership, medical excellence, emotional intelligence, mentorship and burnout prevention

Key Topics:

·      Clinician to Leadership Transitions

·      Sustainable Veterinary Cultures

·      Evolution of Veterinary Education

Guest Information: Dr. Kelly Cairns

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-cairns-68425060/

Website: http://www.kellycairns.com/

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

This full Episode from Leading Out Loud is available NOW on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.

#leadership
#management
#healthcare
#mentorship
#podcast
#leadingoutloud

The conversation highlights what makes high-performing emergency teams successful—from continuous improvement and psychological safety to strong communication and leadership presence. David emphasizes the importance of showing up for teams across all shifts, especially overnight staff, while also discussing the balance between reactive problem-solving and long-term strategic thinking. 

We also share practical advice for veterinary professionals looking to grow into leadership roles, encouraging them to embrace learning, seek feedback, and focus on building sustainable systems rather than constantly putting out fires. At its core, this episode is a powerful discussion about leading people through high-pressure environments with empathy, curiosity, and consistency. 

Keywords: veterinary leadership, emergency medicine, resilience, team culture, operational leadership

Key Topics:

• Leadership in Veterinary Emergency Medicine
• Building High-Performing ER Teams
• Transitioning from Clinical Roles to Leadership

Guest Information: David Liss

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-liss-6915743b/

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

This full Episode from Leading Out Loud will be available May 19th on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.

#leadership
#management
#healthcare
#mentorship
#podcast
#leadingoutloud

Her biggest shift? Embracing vulnerability. By sharing personal experiences, she transformed how she connects with audiences—proving authenticity drives impact more than polished delivery.

Rachel also breaks down what makes a speaker effective:

• Start small and build confidence over time

• Focus on engaged listeners—not skeptics

• Adapt in real time to keep your audience connected

At its core, public speaking is about moving people. Whether in a staff meeting or on stage, your ability to communicate clearly and authentically is what drives influence.

Keywords: public speaking, leadership communication, vulnerability, audience engagement and confidence building

Key Topics:

Building Confidence in Public Speaking

The Role of Vulnerability in Communication

Engaging and Adapting to Your Audience

Guest Information: Rachel Teichberg, CVPM, CVBL, CCFP

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelteichberg/

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

This full Episode from Leading Out Loud is Available NOW on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.

#leadership

#management

#healthcare

#mentorship

#podcast

#leadingoutloud

This powerful conversation digs into what leadership actually requires today. From demystifying HR to tackling real-world challenges like employee engagement, turnover, and tough conversations, this episode is a masterclass in balancing results with humanity.

Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking better questions, communicating with clarity, and creating an environment where people feel heard, respected, and invested. You’ll hear practical insights on:

• Why transparency builds trust faster than perks ever will
• How to balance business outcomes with genuine care for your team
• The hidden cost of avoiding difficult conversations (and how to handle them well)
• Why “one-size-fits-all” leadership doesn’t work—and what to do instead
• How data, feedback, and honest dialogue can transform team performance

Artie also shares hard-earned wisdom from years in HR leadership, including the truth about engagement surveys, exit interviews, and the real drivers behind employee retention.

This episode is a reminder that leadership is not about control—it’s about connection. When you invest in your people, communicate with intention, and lead with both data and compassion, you don’t just manage teams… you build cultures that perform.

Whether you’re a new leader or a seasoned executive, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership—and give you practical tools to lead more effectively starting today.

Keywords: leadership communication, employee engagement, HR strategy, team performance, organizational culture

Key Topics:

Balancing People & Performance

Communication & Trust in Leadership

Modern HR as a Strategic Partner

Guest Information: Artie Odoms

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthuro/

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

 

#leadership
#management
#healthcare
#mentorship
#podcast
#leadingoutloud

In this candid and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Dr. Crystal Ishihara—business psychologist, author of Shitty Bosses and Asshole Employees, and (full transparency) my own dissertation chair—to unpack the real dynamics behind workplace dysfunction.

We go beyond the usual “bad boss” narrative and dive into the uncomfortable truth: culture isn’t created by leaders alone. From micromanagement and lack of transparency to burnout, quiet quitting, and accountability, this conversation explores how both leaders and employees contribute to the environments they work in—and how to fix it.

You’ll hear powerful insights on:

• Why promoting great employees without training sets everyone up to fail
• The small leadership habits that build (or destroy) trust
• How transparency can transform even the toughest workplace dynamics
• And the mindset shift every leader needs to truly support their team

If you’ve ever had a boss that made you question everything—or caught yourself not showing up as your best at work—this episode will challenge you, validate you, and give you a better way forward.

Because leadership isn’t just about performance… it’s about people. 

Guest Information: Crystal Ishihara, Ph.D.

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cishihara/

Book Link - https://a.co/d/0b7HV8wp

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

In this episode of Leading Out Loud, we explore the critical role of psychological safety in helping early career veterinarians transition from school to practice with Dr. Dani Rabwin, the founder of Ready, Vet, Go. While new grads are clinically trained, many struggle with confidence, communication, and the realities of patient care—because, as discussed, “the shock isn’t the medicine… it’s everything around it.”

We break down what psychological safety really looks like in a clinic: a space where mistakes can be discussed openly, questions are encouraged, and learning is continuous. Because when people feel safe to speak up, team performance improves—and so does patient care.

You’ll also learn how mentorship shapes that environment, with practical insights on:

• Creating space for honest conversations
• Modeling vulnerability as a leader
• Reinforcing confidence through small wins and feedback

At its core, this episode is a reminder that great mentorship isn’t just about medicine—it’s about people. And when leaders get it right, they don’t just develop better clinicians—they build stronger, more resilient teams.

Keywords: mentorship, imposter syndrome, leadership, communication, new graduates, psychological safety, clinic culture

Key Topics:

Psychological Safety in Veterinary Practice

Mentorship & Early Career Development

Navigating Confidence & Imposter Syndrome

Guest Information: Dani Rabwin, DVM

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-rabwin-dvm-18034b217/

Ready, Vet, Go - https://readyvetgo.co

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

#leadership
#management
#healthcare
#mentorship
#podcast
#leadingoutloud

Why are veterinary professionals so vulnerable to mental health challenges? Let's unpack this.

💔 If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in your veterinary career, you’re not alone.

Veterinary medicine attracts compassionate souls who often struggle with emotional intelligence and boundary-setting. Many of us prioritize our patients over our well-being, leading to burnout and stress. The pressure to excel can be immense, with perfectionism leaving little room for mistakes or self-care. If you can relate, tag someone who needs to hear this!

Not One More Vet is addressing these issues head-on, offering support and solutions to create healthier work environments.

Together, we can foster a culture of understanding and support.

Key Topics:

Vulnerabilities of veterinary professionals to mental health challenges

The role of emotional intelligence and systemic support in well-being

Practical strategies for leadership to foster mental health

The importance of psychological safety and peer support in vet teams

Guest Information: Gigi Tsontos, LCSW, LSCSW, MPA, PCC

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigi-tsontos/

NOMV - http://www.nomv.org/

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

We explore common misconceptions about consolidation, the emotional and operational impact on owners and teams, and what truly matters beyond valuation—like culture, autonomy, and long-term alignment. The conversation also highlights the importance of preparation, transparent leadership, and choosing the right advisor to navigate this complex process.

At its core, this episode is a powerful reminder that while M&A is business, it’s also deeply personal—and when done right, it can create meaningful outcomes for owners, teams, and the future of veterinary medicine.

Guest Information: Terri Lambe, MBA

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-lambe-mba-6b4830186/

Websites: https://legacyvetadvisors.com/

https://registration.dvm360.com/fetch-nashville-2026/agenda/speakers/3880931

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

We explore common misconceptions about consolidation, the emotional and operational impact on owners and teams, and what truly matters beyond valuation—like culture, autonomy, and long-term alignment. The conversation also highlights the importance of preparation, transparent leadership, and choosing the right advisor to navigate this complex process.

At its core, this episode is a powerful reminder that while M&A is business, it’s also deeply personal—and when done right, it can create meaningful outcomes for owners, teams, and the future of veterinary medicine.

Guest Information: Terri Lambe, MBA

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-lambe-mba-6b4830186/

Websites: https://legacyvetadvisors.com/

https://registration.dvm360.com/fetch-nashville-2026/agenda/speakers/3880931

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

In this conversation with change expert Evie Staples, we unpack a critical truth: change isn’t just operational—it’s deeply human. What feels like a straightforward shift to leadership can feel overwhelming, uncertain, or even unsafe to your team.

We explore how great leaders approach change differently—leading with empathy, intentional communication, and a deep awareness of how people actually experience transition. Because when you create the right environment, resistance softens, trust builds, and progress accelerates.

We also dig into what many leaders miss: change management isn’t just a “people issue”—it’s a business driver. Get it wrong, and you risk disengagement, attrition, and stalled results. Get it right, and you unlock performance at scale.

If you want to lead change without creating friction—and actually bring your team with you—this episode is for you.

Guest Information: Evie Staples

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eviestaples/

Empower the Future - empowerthefuture.net 

To Schedule a Talk, email Evie@empowerthefuture.net

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

In this conversation with change expert Evie Staples, we unpack a critical truth: change isn’t just operational—it’s deeply human. What feels like a straightforward shift to leadership can feel overwhelming, uncertain, or even unsafe to your team.

We explore how great leaders approach change differently—leading with empathy, intentional communication, and a deep awareness of how people actually experience transition. Because when you create the right environment, resistance softens, trust builds, and progress accelerates.

We also dig into what many leaders miss: change management isn’t just a “people issue”—it’s a business driver. Get it wrong, and you risk disengagement, attrition, and stalled results. Get it right, and you unlock performance at scale.

If you want to lead change without creating friction—and actually bring your team with you—this episode is for you.

Key Topics:

Change is a Human Experience - Not Just a Strategy

Leading Change with Empathy and Intention

The Hidden Business Impact of Change Management

Guest Information: Evie Staples

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eviestaples/

Empower the Future - empowerthefuture.net 

To Schedule a Talk, email Evie@empowerthefuture.net

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

We explore the physical and cognitive symptoms that often go unrecognized, the hidden cost to organizations when these challenges are ignored, and why awareness matters for both employees and leaders. Renee also offers practical strategies for creating more supportive workplaces—from normalizing conversations to redesigning systems that prioritize well-being and retention.

If you care about workplace culture, leadership, and supporting women through critical life transitions, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Watch the full episode to learn how organizations can better support women—and why it matters for everyone.

Keywords: perimenopause, workplace well-being, women's health, mental health, burnout, advocacy, organizational support, systemic change

Key Topics:

Perimenopause and its impact on women in the workforce

Workplace culture and psychological safety

Strategies for advocacy and self-advocacy during health transitions

Guest Information: Renee Machel, CPC, CYT, MBSR

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneemachel/

Websites:

reneemachel.com

penniecompanion.com

getmotiveted.com 

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

This full Episode from Leading Out Loud is available now on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.

#leadership
#management
#healthcare
#mentorship
#podcast
#leadingoutloud

In this episode of Leading Out Loud, Jose Izarpate shares his inspiring journey from a 15-year-old veterinary assistant in East Los Angeles to becoming a Senior Talent Acquisition Manager helping to shape the future of the profession. His story challenges the common belief that clinical work is the only meaningful path in veterinary medicine—and reveals the vast ecosystem of roles that quietly keep the industry moving forward.

Through his experience on both sides of the profession, Jose offers a candid look at the realities of veterinary recruiting, breaking down common misconceptions about talent acquisition and explaining why hiring isn’t about simply filling positions—it’s about building the right cultural fit for both the individual and the organization.

This conversation explores the power of self-investment, the importance of aligning personal values with workplace culture, and how open, two-way conversations during the hiring process can transform careers and clinics alike.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a candidate truly stand out, how recruiters actually evaluate cultural fit, or whether there are alternative paths beyond clinical practice, this episode offers valuable insight from someone who has navigated multiple layers of the profession.

Veterinary medicine is bigger than most people realize—and sometimes the most impactful roles happen behind the scenes.

Guest Information: Jose Izarpate, RVT, CCFP, HRM, ACIR

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-izarpate-rvt-ccfp-hrm-acir-b11971187/

Host Information: Bridget Rollins

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

In the next episode, Shawn McVey moves beyond why difficult conversations matter and dives into how leaders actually handle them in real time. From the subtle mistakes that escalate conflict to the leadership behaviors that create true psychological safety, this conversation reveals what separates clinics that struggle with tension from those that build resilient, high-trust teams.

If you’ve ever wondered what to say in the moment when emotions run high—or how great leaders turn conflict into growth—you won’t want to miss Part 2 – Available NOW!

Because the hardest conversations in veterinary medicine are often the ones that shape the strongest teams.

Guest Information: Shawn McVey, MA, MSW

Veterinary Ownership Accelerator

LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/gGzbyuY9

Veterinary Growth Partners - https://lnkd.in/gMNQ7JVT

Host Information: Bridget Rollins, EMBA, PhD Candidate

LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/gyuhby9U

Kings Consulting - https://lnkd.in/gjH48K7r

What if the biggest leadership challenge in veterinary medicine isn’t medicine at all—but communication?

In this powerful conversation, Shawn McVey unpacks why so many veterinary teams struggle with difficult conversations and what leaders can do about it. From emotional intelligence to conflict resolution, explore essential strategies that help teams communicate more effectively, build psychological safety, and navigate the tough moments that inevitably arise in high-stress clinical environments.

If you’ve ever avoided a hard conversation, watched conflict quietly damage a team, or wondered how great leaders create cultures of trust—this episode offers practical insights that can transform the way veterinary teams work together.

Because in veterinary medicine, better communication doesn’t just strengthen teams—it changes the culture of the clinic.

Keywords: Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Emotional Intelligence, Veterinary Medicine, Team Building, Communication Skills, Workplace Culture

Key Topics:

The importance of emotional intelligence in veterinary leadership

Strategies for managing conflict and difficult conversations

Building trust and psychological safety within teams

Guest Information: Shawn McVey, MA, MSW

Veterinary Ownership Accelerator

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawngmcvey/

Veterinary Growth Partners - https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterinary-growth-partners/posts/?feedView=all

Host Information: Bridget Rollins, EMBA, PhD Candidate

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-rollins

Kings Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kings-consulting-brollins/about/?viewAsMember=true

Keywords: leadership, authentic leadership, team culture, management, emotional intelligence, veterinary industry, leadership tips, organizational change.

Key  topics:

Authentic leadership and its impact

Managing through organizational change

Building trust and psychological safety

The importance of self-awareness and authenticity in leadership

Guest Information: Amanda Dunaway

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-dunaway

In this powerful conversation, Shawn McVey unpacks why so many veterinary teams struggle with difficult conversations and what leaders can do about it. From emotional intelligence to conflict resolution, explore essential strategies that help teams communicate more effectively, build psychological safety, and navigate the tough moments that inevitably arise in high-stress clinical environments.

If you’ve ever avoided a hard conversation, watched conflict quietly damage a team, or wondered how great leaders create cultures of trust—this episode offers practical insights that can transform the way veterinary teams work together.

Because in veterinary medicine, better communication doesn’t just strengthen teams—it changes the culture of the clinic.

Keywords: Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Emotional Intelligence, Veterinary Medicine, Team Building, Communication Skills, Workplace Culture

Key Topics:

The importance of emotional intelligence in veterinary leadership

Strategies for managing conflict and difficult conversations

Building trust and psychological safety within teams

Guest Information: Shawn McVey

Veterinary Ownership Accelerator

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawngmcvey/

Veterinary Growth Partners - https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterinary-growth-partners/posts/?feedView=all

This full Episode from Leading Out Loud will be available March 10th on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.

#leadership
#management
#healthcare
#mentorship
#podcast
#leadingoutloud

Guest Information: Jill Clark, DVM

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillclarkdvm/

Ignite – https://www.ignitevet.com/

North American Association of Veterinary Receptionists – NAAVR.org

Guest Information: Shandell Maxwell, PhD

Byrd & Maxwell Coaching Institute - https://byrdmaxwell.com/

Chioma Healing Group - https://www.instagram.com/chiomahealinggroup

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/shandellmaxwell

Guest Information: Amanda Dunaway

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-dunaway

🚨The first three episodes drop March 3rd! 🚨

#leadership #management
#healthcare
#mentorship
#podcast
#leadingoutloud