Maybe you’ve thought, “being me, or showing up with all of my values and nuances  is… impossible… not welcome…entitled…”

Maybe as an employer, you’ve thought,
“I don’t have time to even think about that. I’m running a business.”  or…
“That doesn’t sound professional.”

I hear you. I see all of those things.  I’ve felt them too (and still do).

But please….

Stop working so hard.  Stop trying to fit into a box that wasn’t made for you.

What is there room for when you DO show up as yourself and let your values shine through?  Maybe you’ll connect with the right workplace, the right candidates, the right clients.  Maybe you’ll inspire someone else.  

Showing up true to you isn’t free of angst, or reflection, or care for how others receive you. It also doesn’t mean barreling in and hurting people with your opinions. But it is a place of opportunity.

Every day, people in our communities show who they really are.  They’re professional, successful, un-entitled.  Here’s a few from this week alone.

A workplace who joined our “Beyond Buzzwords” workshop this week showed their values of giving to the community by listing all the charitable events they support on their website with photos and a timeline; it’s one of their most commented on pages by clients, and one of the things their staff loves the most.

Our founder, Ebony Escalona, recently posted about the support from Lord Sandy Trees and the impact it had in getting VSGD started in the early days.  Lord Tress was living his values of supporting the veterinary profession. Learn more about an amazing position available here working to advance vet med.

Cherice Roth from our author’s panel coming up this week  wrote a book entitled “What does a REAL doctor look like”? in one evening (yes really) so every kid could see someone like her as the definition of a doctor.

Brent Mayabb, Global Director at Royal Canin, posted about the work of the Banfield Foundation and a colleague we’ve featured before, Dr. Sara Ritzie.

How are you showing up?  I’d love to know what you’re up to, or who’s inspired you.  Hit reply and let me know.

And if you’re less that brave today, join our communities to explore your potential together.

PS. I fully recognize the amount of privilege afforded to those of us who can show up without fear of physical harm.  On behalf of those who cannot show up as fully themselves, please take the opportunity to keep pushing the boundary of being you to normalize what is acceptable for everyone.

Recently, I shared how I hate hearing talks bashing millennials.  As tired as I am of bad mouthing “kids these days”, I’m more tired of waiting for change in our profession to happen spontaneously. 

Burnout, mental health issues, overwork, debt, a veterinary shortage, economic challenges… we have a long list of presenting complaints that gets longer by the day.

Last week, I pondered our long list of problems as I got lots of emails from people responding to my thoughts on millennials.  At the same time, I was frustrated beyond belief last week at a tough situation, and I wanted to go hide under my duvet. I realized (sigh), that no one was going to solve my problem for me, or swoop in and be the boss. Adulting sometimes really sucks right?

So, I let myself feel all the anger, frustration, and all the things.

Then I let a singular question come back to me: “I wonder if…” Applying this question is what I’ve seen change makers do as they conquered impossible problems.

Here’s what I’ll say about waiting for change: our profession, our workplaces, our career satisfaction… these things will only change if we (that’s me, you and every individual involved) make it happen. Change happens in many ways. It can happen through small actions, and through big groups and grand gestures. It can happen with a small group with little power, or with a large group with a lot of power, in institutions and in tiny, lesser known corners of our profession. It can happen when we demand change from leaders, and when we ask nicely.

But change never happens if we wait. It never happens if we ignore the nagging question, “I wonder what if…”, and definitely never if we listen to the voice that says, “People will think…”

Change ONLY happens if we act, if we try, and if we can start to see opportunity and imagine a path for those people too downtrodden to imagine it themselves.

There are about 50 or more models of how change actually happens, and frameworks of how to make change happen. Malcolm Gladwell (incidentally Canadian and from the town adjacent to mine) wrote about the idea of a Tipping Point. There’s a theory of the circle of influence, where we can each have impact even if we don’t have a leadership title.

The point I take from all of these change theories is that you never know where you are on the change model until the story is part of history.

Your small action, your small act of kindness or support or telling your story, or your small idea that you saw some success with… it could be part of a domino effect of influencing other change. It could actually be THE thing to tip the scales in a landslide of change. I have seen it play out so many times, and I’ve felt it.

The person who listened to my wild and crazy idea to write a blog about veterinary career paths, when I was so afraid it was a terrible idea that I couldn’t even talk about it and make eye contact, well, their kind encouragement fanned a spark that became a fire.

Here’s 4 change makers I LOVE to share the story of:

• The DVMoms group and including moms at conferences: moms in their audience complained at major conferences that there was no place to nurse, that they couldn’t pump, there was no childcare. With their lack of inclusive thought, conferences did not accommodate or welcome moms. This group of leaders said, “I wonder if…” and made their own conference that was AMAZING and also considered the needs of parents. Now, major conferences include these amenities as a given. These leaders asked nicely and didn’t get what they needed. So they made their own arena, and changed the game.
• Trillium Equine: Dr. Jenna Donaldson saw a need for equine vets to do less on call. She wondered, “What if we could…” and started Trillium Equine, and on-call only business. Going strong into 2023, she proved the model could work in Canada.
• Flexee: Dr. Silvia Janska saw how much flexible work was valued. Applying her scientific knowledge and methodology, she developed tools and data on how flexible work CAN work in the vet profession.
• Vital Animal owned by Dr. Lisa Coder: Lisa had a vision for how a clinic could work, how it could be a pillar of the community AND be inclusive. An opportunity presented itself, and within 30 days, she had a clinic and started a whole new era in her town.

There are SO many more outstanding people to share. These people are just like you and me. Just regular people who put on our pants one leg at a time. Your actions and ideas, and ability to see what MIGHT be possible will be the difference between whether our profession looks the same in 50 years or not. Let’s not wait for the big solution or the big leaders to solve it for us.

Let’s do this together, and explore the potential together.

“You can’t start a fire, you can’t start a fire without a spark” – Bruce Springsteen

Last year, I realised I hated shopping and didn’t really know what I liked or what suited me; I sat cross-legged on the living room floor, pulled my laptop over and bit the bullet. I ordered one of those “personal shopper in a box” situations. You know the ones that go and put a nice little package together, curated for you with things that someone thinks you might like. I’m in my 30’s and quite frankly…. I’ve no idea what I like or what suits me. Occasionally I go rogue…. seek a dopamine hit and end up in hot pink dungarees. Sometimes I want comfy, snuggly and reliable jumpers. The favourite that I can pull on in the morning, nuzzle into, take a deep breath and start my day. Other times I want something a little more formal and structured.

On reflection, jobs can be like that too. When we contemplate shopping and searching the job market, we aren’t always sure what truly fits. Do we go for the reliable option we are used to or explore new options and styles? Sometimes, the item thrown into a box by chance that we would have overlooked actually becomes the item that makes us feel ten feet tall. Proud. Empowered. Strong.

What IF jobs could be like this? What IF we could shop, try on for size and then decide if we keep it?

Well, we can. Over the last year, as well as trading in my scrubs for formal shift dresses, I’ve been trying on a more formal role. One to explore and consider whether it goes back into the box, is exchanged or gets to hang in the wardrobe of my CV to keep.

Here are my 10 tips of a fixed-term contract: Try the things you may not have taken a chance on.

Taking a step outside your comfort zone may feel daunting, but what if there’s something on your ”to do” list that you’d love to try but don’t want to fully jump into? Fancy a leadership role but not wanting to fully commit right now? Try it on for size. See what you like… or don’t. What you’d ideally tweak. You may well be a natural leader and thrive in the position but like me, have previously seen leadership modelled in a way you didn’t like. Why not give it a go knowing that once your fixed term is complete, you could neatly pack it back into the box declaring it a style that didn’t suit and that’s ok?

1. Explore new ensembles. Sometimes, the worry of “What if I don’t fit in?” can be a reason for people not to leave roles where they are unhappy or unfulfilled. Others are at the beginning of careers who don’t want to have multiple roles on their CV early on due to the perceived sense of judgement (we will cover this in a later blog – it’s not a thing anymore) A fixed-term contract gives the opportunity to try new things together, while having a clear end point. Try new skills together, new people, new environments. I had been really worried about working from home and losing the essence of teamwork in clinical practice. A fixed-term contract allowed me to try not only working from home but with new people outside the clinical setting. A setting I had known for the last ten years.
2. Not everything in a capsule wardrobe works. Sometimes, not everything in the box or role works and that’s totally ok. There’s an end point. We aren’t going to love everything in every role at all times. It’s to be expected. So, try on the bits you like but give everything a good go. Sometimes, an element of a role will surprise you and you may just find yourself thriving in unexpected ways. Others there will be aspects that you told yourself you “should” work brilliantly and in reality, they don’t. Working from home for example looked like it would give me the autonomy to structure my days. In reality, the lack of structure took some getting used to and I had to learn to be disciplined. I hadn’t considered how challenging this would be.
3. Size up or size down. Wanting to downsize or give something bigger a go? Unsure if it’s for you long term? A fixed-term allows an employer chance to fill short term gaps or trial new roles but it’s an excellent opportunity for candidates to size career options up with less risk, and making a big step feel smaller. When I initially applied for my recent role I perceived it to be far greater than me, prestigious even. Terrified and excited in equal measure with clear gaps in my skillset. I didn’t see myself as a candidate who identified with very formal roles. My “small town thinking” was not necessarily the voice the role required. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’m glad I took the leap and I’m even more proud to have grown into a role I would have previously excluded myself from. To ask the metaphorical tailor for alterations or my peers if a style may work for me. Simply because I perceived it to be too big for me. I’d have counted myself out and missed an opportunity.
4. Alterations are allowed. I AM vile in the mornings. I am not my best self, have far less patience and don’t bring my creativity in a way I am proud of. Pre-coffee and fresh, air the world feels a little beige at best. I know, for an employer, this isn’t the best version of myself to bring. If taking on a fixed-term, this is a great opportunity to get used to asking for adjustments. For me starting half an hour later makes the world of difference. If the fixed-term advert states a 9am start, you can still ask if there is flexibility. As with any role. I’d spent years working nights to mitigate my grinch-like mornings. Working a fixed-term allowed me to trial day shifts before fully committing. That said, 9am didn’t initially work for me to be showing up to meetings and so things were tweaked with me. In time, I adjusted with my workplace. We recalibrated together.
5. Sometimes dopamine dressing is just the lift you need. We ALL have times where we need a pick me up. Is work feeling a bit like you’ve been on the tea cups at the fair a few too many times? Do you crave some excitement and exhilaration, just for a little while? Do it! Hunt out the dopamine and return to comfortable knowing that you appreciate your role. It’s ok to go on an adventure even if you don’t want to live there. A ball gown may make you feel flipping fabulous…..you don’t need to want to wear it every day. Some fixed-terms are as short as three months. Don the hot pink dungarees and dance around your kitchen cooking up the most phenomenal career pivot.
6. Don’t add it to the floordrobe. Let’s not do this. Simply just no. If it doesn’t fit or suit you send it back. While a fixed-term contract has a clear end point, that doesn’t mean you can’t call it sooner if it isn’t working out. Send the outfit back and find a better fit. A role is only your role for as long as both parties want it.
7. Comfort doesn’t always win, but sometimes it does. Let’s be honest, it really isn’t comfortable squeezing into jeans that are far too tight! There, I said it. I know I’m not the only one who has essentially done the macarena with a whole array of colourful words to attempt to fit into jeans I’ve outgrown. Simply to be “successful” to get into the jeans and spend the entire day uncomfortable. We outgrow roles. We kid ourselves that we should continue on, ignoring the discomfort. because we’ve invested a lot in the outfit. Throw the damn jeans away. Try something new on for size. In a fixed term role, you needn’t worry about how you’ll be perceived if you leave. Complete the contract and leave knowing what’s right for you.
8. Some things are timeless (when you need to expend less brain power on work?) Nuzzled amongst your options, a simple, understated number. The “shift dress” of capsule wardrobe. Versatile. An option that works with family life, with enough wiggle room to be able to get out and about but enough structure to know what is expected day to day. One that conforms to expectation and gives you what you need. Nothing fancy. Just right. Some options really are timeless and they shouldn’t be shunned. Perhaps, after trying predictable on for size you grow to love it. No longer looking for quick fixes perhaps it’s time to settle comfortably in to timeless. A fixed-term contract may have a fixed end date initially but that doesn’t mean it can’t become the very staple you needed all along.
9. It’s ok to return to old faithfuls. And then, having explored the options, what if we realise we really did love what we had all along? While twirling in a electric blue, fancy silk gown….what if the thrill of exciting doesn’t make us happy after all? Those gorgeous aspirational heels seen in glossy magazines are quite uncomfortable and sustainable only for short periods of time. What if the models seen on daytime TV actually longed for what you had/have? What if, after playing dress-up and exploring options you find yourself reaching for what you had all along? And so, with a smile and a deep breath, you pack away your selection box of garments and career options. Wrap them up and label them, “Not for me.” What if, after reflecting on everything you never truly wanted Avant Guard, Gaga’esque options and you long to reach for that perfect cashmere jumper. What if once you return to it, nuzzle in and smile to yourself knowing it’s exactly right for you? Just enough. Just the right amount of comfy and the ability to dress it up when needed. After a fixed-term contract sometimes we appreciate what was there all along. The option we potentially looked over and didn’t truly see for what it was. A true fit for us. You know, we actually find most people in group career coaching decide exactly this: what they have might need a new scarf or a freshen up, but it is exactly where they want to be.You know, we actually find most people in group career coaching decide exactly this: what they have might need a new scarf or a freshen up, but it is exactly where they want to be.

Have you tried a role on for size in a fixed term contract? What did you learn? Let us know at hello@vsgd.co If you’re inspired to look for a fixed term contract, create a profile with us today and get fabulous jobs coming to you.

We are repeatedly told the power of networking right? To some of us it comes naturally (lucky them) and to others, it can fill us with dread (we get it). The great thing is all of us can up our networking game in a way that doesn’t have to feel icky. And what if I were to tell you that both parties can walk away (or exit a zoom room) glad that they bumped into one another?

So, why do we care about networking? Well here are three reasons that massively resonate with me:

• People buy people not products or services
• To succeed in the world we have to be known by people
• Dig the well before you’re thirsty

Let’s just get super clear here, I am not saying that you need to be famous. Far from it but you will be massively helped by your network. LinkedIn research recently shared that 85% of jobs are obtained through networking! Too many of us rely on a reactive mindset when it comes to our career (myself included) and by nurturing a network NOW we can get rid of that just in time mindset!

Networking isn’t all about you though. If you take nothing else away from this article then think to yourself how you can be of service or value to others? At the end of the day, all humans crave connection and most of us find purpose in supporting others too.

There has never been a better time to reframe how we think about networking. Covid has ironically breathed fresh air into who and how we connect with one another. So, if networking is up there with top fears of public speaking, solo surgeries, insert your fear here! Then this article is for you.

What do you read?

#Opportunitiesarenowhere

Opportunities are nowhere?

Or something else?

Great networking is a strategy not to be taken for granted. Let’s supercharge your networking toolbox.

1. Who is already available to you?

Who do you know? If you are thinking no one then let’s take a mo to touch base with your world. Who do you know at your current work? Your friends and their friends? What about previous jobs and universities? Alumni networks are gold dust! What about your clients? The other departments in your organisation if you work in a larger entity? What about the online communities you are part of? Delegates that joined you at CE events? There were over 1000 at the Global Veterinary Careers Summit! Do you volunteer anywhere? I think now your circle of connections just got larger didn’t it.

2. Think about being a broker or bridge of connections

Here is an exercise for you to try. Grab a pen and paper (or a spreadsheet) and draw three columns.

Column one = people who have been influential in your career

Column two= who did I meet them through

Column three= who did I introduce to them

We can all be enablers and brokers and exert our influence. If we think about networking from this angle then it begins to change the notion of networking from what can I get to what can I give. That middle column is going to show you the bridges and brokers in your career- these are people worth reconnecting with. If you have lots of different people in this column or if column three is full of people then you are likely a bridge or broker already. So, a big thank you on behalf of all the career explorers you have helped.

3. Reengage with old connections without putting the pressure on

Here are some email/text templates you can personalise to get you started. How about sending them to three of your previous career brokers right now!

“Hey X, I hope you’re well. I would love an update on how Y was for you. Things here have been great since Z. No rush on replying as I know you are busy with Y and doing a great job for Z.”

Or you could also try

“Hey X hope you are well. As you are well connected in Y industry I wondered if you had a connection I could speak to to pick their brains on Z. No rush at all.”

4. Networking No-Nos

Here are some GREAT pieces of advice I wish I had channelled earlier in my career

Don’t hide behind email! Care re relying on one form of communication. We all have different preferences. You can build greater rapport by moving from email/LinkedIn/text to a call or zoom and also less room for misinterpretation of the words on the page!

Refrain from making the meeting request all about you! How can you make it a win-win conversation?

Sticking with people we know. We all need fresh perspectives – register for an online event outside your sector and connect with new people.

Not asking for action or confirming the next steps – keep momentum and manage the expectations so all parties can make an informed decision about whether they are in a position to help you right now.

Fearful of rejection – when people don’t reply straight away it doesn’t mean they are ignoring you. They may have forgotten or your note got lost in spam. Be pleasantly persistent.

5. Making the most of events

A compilation that can be used for in-person and online events. What else would you add to the mix?

A simple one that often gets ignored. Know why you are attending? What does success look like? By getting clarity here you can hone in on your networking requirements.

Check out who will be there, both speakers and exhibitors. Who would you like to connect with? Who interests you? Who can you help?

Connect with people before the event before the “noise” sets in and make sure to build in context that is significant to them when you reach out.

Add updates in your social media status that you are checking into an event. It is a great way for people to connect with you!

Use your consultation skills! Many people worry about what to say when you connect. If you are genuinely interested in someone else, the conversation will flow. Trust me! A networking mantra to remember: “Be interested over interesting!” Listen to what lights that person up. Arm yourself with some powerful questions.

Use poignant questions – what brings you here? What do you do for kicks? Listen to the backstory and use the three Ps of conversation to channel positive, personal and pride-evoking moments.

If you have met them before introduce yourself and remind them of your name and where you first met. Not everyone is good with names (my hands are up) and this breaks the ice.

Body language and lighting (for online events)! The secret ingredients to building rapport and trust. Open up, maintain eye contact, show active listening and as most of us are online make sure your camera is clean and focused on your face and torso to enable hand gestures to be captured. Check your lighting is on your face and that the background isn’t too busy!

Act like the host – If you see people are quiet or not involved in a conversation, reach out as you never know where that connection may lead.

Don’t plan too much. A lot of new connections can be made through serendipitous path crossings – from exhibitor halls to online community chats!

6. Work on a memorable intro

You will be asked to introduce yourself so get comfortable with showcasing yourself. Let’s make it memorable though. What anecdote, or part of your story can you bring to the fore? Practice saying it out loud and make sure it fits. Just like when you try on new clothes, these words need to make you feel comfortable, approachable and looking sharp!

Check out this super article How to introduce yourself so you’ll be unforgettable (in a good way) by TED ideas. I have been using a variation of this when I meet with people outside of the veterinary sector:

“I’m Ebony and I am on a quest to showcase the humans behind healthcare. Vets are my current muse (I also work as one). I love shining spotlights on people’s stories alongside science to support healthy careers for the ones that care. There are too many wounded healers who burn out before they have a chance to shine.”

7. Fanning the flames & prepping for leverage

Keep the momentum by messaging people you have appreciated connecting with within 48 hours of meeting.

“It was great to meet you! You now have me thinking about X. I hope Y goes well”

Think of creative ways to stay in touch. I can hear you saying that is all good and well but how?

If you have connected on social media you will have access to their birthday and personal news. Send them an email a day before their birthday and that will show how observant and caring you are.

Text them if you notice a big life event such as new job, marriage, promotion etc

Share events or articles that you think would interest them based on the conversations you have had. It will help to broaden their horizon too and I guarantee they will appreciate it. I certainly do!

Use voice notes – I often overthink what I am going to write so voice notes allow me to bring my authentic self to the fore and is super time efficient too.

Keep a Rolodex! Log your contacts – this is for you spreadsheet lovers! I am struggling to keep all my contacts in my head so this is a way to ensure I nurture and keep up to date with my network.

So, what should you record? Have a column for the name, where you met them, contact info, useful info from your conversations, significant events coming up for them such as presenting at a conference. You can then set reminders in your calendar to send them a good luck note.

All of these tips will help to foster responsibility, accountability, discipline, courage and humility. All great traits that your future employers, collaborators and partners will thank you for.

So, what do you read now? #Opportunitiesarenowhere

Opportunities are now here! Go get em tiger!

I like being awesome at things.  I choose things I’m awesome at to do frequently.  I don’t enjoy being terrible at things; it’s uncomfortable and it sucks. And when I try new things, I’m NOT awesome at the new skill, and that makes me uncomfortable.

 There I said it.  

Any other perfectionists in the room?  Maybe you’re the same?    

My coach and I talked about this narrative, and how to combat it when we developed my learning plan.  She recommended that I seek out situations where I’m uncomfortable as a matter of importance. Ugh!  No!!  

Like anyone else, I have to challenge myself to enter growth and change mode, where I won’t be the expert and I may not be good at navigating it. But the act of learning something new and sitting with the discomfort of not being the expert and risk of failure is what makes us good at doing more new things.  It’s the same feeling right?  Surviving and thriving in frequent low stakes new situations allows us to adapt to change more easily.  We’re able to scaffold, or build upon the experience we had where we tried something new and nothing disastrous happened. We can actively build upon our experiences with more and more confidence in ourselves.

 Essentially, “Ah right, I could handle discomfort of change and practicing a new skill, so in this similarly uncomfortable situation, I will draw upon the skills I learned to get through the other scenarios.”  

Sounds amazing, but how do you do that?  I’d like to suggest something I’ve been trialing out: taking time to revel and sit in spectacular mediocrity in a safe space.

I have a group of neighbours where we often meet up to be perfectly mediocre at things.  We go for cross-country ski sessions that are slow.  We make imperfect macrame.  We make hilarious mugs. It’s fun, and I love spending time with them. Two weeks ago, we did a class on watercolour marker mandala. The lady who taught us is a high school teacher. She teaches at a school where students live in as they attend high school and recover from addictions. Her focus with us, like it must be with her students, was on playing with the colors.  On finding cool combinations.  And learning, exploring, and trying.  

The mandalas were imperfect with flaws everywhere. Despite this, I felt energized and my work and resilience was high for the next week.

Upon reflection, any time I have taken time to be spectacularly mediocre (or very bad in some cases), I’ve built my resilience to be able to try bigger things, and felt SO much more ready and less stagnant and afraid.  Believe me, I’ve been mediocre at many many things including ukulele, podcast editing, dog obedience (see community posts about bad dog), beekeeping, woodworking, skiing, snowboarding, and now watercolour markers.) 

I’m going to continue to fulfill my prescription and try new skills simply so I can be mediocre at them and break down my aversion to it.  It seems to be a pretty important prescription for my personal growth.  Wanna join me?  

What ways do you practice discomfort?  What have recently learned and been “spectacularly mediocre” at? 

If you are feeling challenged with the discomfort of taking the next step in your career, high five, you’ve joined the club.  You may find support within our communities (free to join), or like I do, with a coach.  

Happy exploring,

Melanie