In this episode, Dr. Brianna Armstrong sits down with Dr. Stacee Santi Longfellow — veterinarian, entrepreneur, and author of Stop Acting Like a Girl. Stacee’s book challenges women (and anyone who’s ever struggled to advocate for themselves) to unlearn the habits of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and playing small — and to start asking for what they really deserve. 

Together, they explore the pivotal moments that shaped Stacee’s leadership journey — from running her own veterinary hospital to founding and successfully exiting her tech company, Vet2Pet. The conversation dives deep into what it takes to build confidence, lead with compassion, and create psychologically safe workplaces where people can truly thrive. 

Buy Dr. Santi's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMKNQQTQ 

In this episode: 

• The story that inspired her book Stop Acting Like a Girl 

• How to advocate for yourself and ask for what you deserve 

• The power of pause in negotiation and communication 

• Balancing empathy and accountability as a leader 

• Creating a workplace culture rooted in psychological safety 

• Why being “too much” might actually be your greatest strength 

Quote worth Repeating:  

“You can’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Maybe you are a little too much — and maybe that’s exactly what the world needs.” — Dr. Stacee Santi Longfellow 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Stop Acting Like a Girl by Dr. Stacee Santi Longfellow 

• Radical Candor podcast by Kim Scott 

• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 

• Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke 

Find Stacee:  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacee-santi/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydaywonderwomenpodcast/ 
Amazon "Stop Acting Like a Girl": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMKNQQTQ 

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From cleaning kennels to owning thriving practices, from corporate buyouts to a doctoral dissertation on burnout — Dr. Gershon “Dr. G” Alaluf has lived nearly every chapter veterinary medicine has to offer. In this honest, unfiltered conversation, Dr. G opens up about what he’s learned from three decades in practice and why he believes the future of the profession depends on who we let in — and how we lead once they’re here.

He and Dr. Armstrong talk about:

• Why selling to corporate was the biggest regret of his career

• How profit-sharing, mentorship, and trust transformed his hospital culture

• The roots of burnout and why emotional intelligence may matter more than GPA

• Why “work-life balance” misses the point — and what veterinarians actually need

• How transformational leadership can rebuild the heart of vet med

• What needs to change in vet school admissions and education

• The “irreplaceable truths” about connection, culture, and fulfillment in practice

This episode is part reflection, part call to action — and a reminder that veterinary medicine can (and must) evolve to protect the people who make it possible.

Listen if you:
🐾 Lead a team or aspire to
🐾 Are questioning burnout
🐾 Believe culture and leadership can change the future of vet med

Links:

Dr. G Linkedin -

Dr. G's Burn out/Culture Survey - https://pepperdine.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8AGfyy9T47JG4dM

Follow for more: 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480229406&mibextid=LQQJ4d 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/choosepeoplelovepets?igsh=MTVzZjc4ZHE4MWd2NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/choose-people-love-pets/ 

From starting as a veterinary assistant with no experience to becoming Director of Operations at Hound and helping launch Home Love, Christian Coleman proves there’s no ceiling for veterinary technicians. His journey is a story of taking leaps of faith, finding mentors, leading with curiosity, and learning to give yourself grace along the way.

In this episode, Dr. Brianna Armstrong and Christian talk about the realities of leadership, imposter syndrome, career growth, and the power of curiosity in building strong teams. If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible for your career beyond the floor, Christian’s story will inspire you to take that next step.

“Leadership isn’t a title — it’s how you show up for people.” — Christian Coleman
“Give yourself grace. You’re going to make mistakes, but that’s part of leading.” — Brianna Armstrong
“You don’t have to be in a leadership position to make a difference.” — Christian Coleman

Chrisitan's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-coleman-703735203/

Homelove: www.homelove.com 

Hound: www.hound.vet

Follow for more: 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480229406&mibextid=LQQJ4d 

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LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/choose-people-love-pets/ 

💬 Memorable Quotes:

In this conversation, Dr. Ivan Zak shares his remarkable journey from veterinary school to becoming an entrepreneur in the veterinary field. He discusses the challenges he faced while building a diagnostic lab in Russia, the importance of partnerships, and the significant issue of burnout in the veterinary profession. Ivan emphasizes the need for setting goals to maintain career satisfaction and shares insights from his research on burnout among veterinarians and technicians. He advocates for creating supportive environments to help professionals thrive in their careers. In this engaging conversation, Drs. Ivan Zak and Brianna Armstrong explore the concept of flow state, the importance of setting goals and having a purpose, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. They discuss the role of leadership in shaping organizational culture and preventing burnout, as well as the innovative approach of Galaxy Vets towards employee ownership. The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency, understanding financials, and creating a supportive environment to foster a positive workplace culture in the veterinary profession.

Serenity Vet Study: The survey is now closed, and we are currently analyzing the data, but here is the page where people can sign up to receive the report: https://serenity.vet/burnout-study-among-relief-locum-veterinarians/.

In this conversation, Dr. Mark Massaro shares his unique journey through veterinary medicine, highlighting the intersection of technology and mental health. He discusses the pressures of family legacy, the challenges faced during veterinary school and internships, and the impact of COVID-19 on the profession. Mark emphasizes the importance of mentorship for new graduates and the need for balance between clinical practice and technology. His candid reflections on mental health struggles resonate with many in the veterinary community, offering insights into overcoming personal challenges and finding purpose in a rapidly evolving field. In this conversation, Dr. Mark Massaro shares his transformative journey from being a veterinarian to finding fulfillment as a veterinary technician. He discusses the challenges he faced in the veterinary industry, including mental health struggles and the impact of technology on veterinary practices. Mark emphasizes the importance of community support, the value of non-clinical careers, and the need to embrace change in the profession. His story serves as an inspiration for those navigating similar paths, highlighting that success can be redefined and that there are many ways to contribute to the veterinary field.

Contact Dr. Masarro: 

In this insightful episode, we delve into the transformative power of mentorship in veterinary medicine with Dr. Dani Rabwin, founder of Ready, Vet, Go. Discover how a simple Zoom call evolved into a national mentorship program, reshaping the future of veterinary practice. Dr. Rabwin shares her journey from associate vet to entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building a business while still in practice. Explore why true mentorship extends beyond medicine, focusing on confidence, connection, and culture. Join us for an inspiring conversation on what it truly means to love practicing veterinary medicine.

Key Takeaways:

Mentorship is crucial for bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world practice. True mentorship involves more than just medical guidance; it includes emotional and professional support. Building a supportive community can significantly enhance the veterinary profession.

Visit https://readyvetgo.co/  to learn more about the mentorship programs available. Connect with Dr. Dani Rabwin on social media @ReadyVetGo or Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-rabwin-dvm-18034b217/)  for more insights and updates.

In this conversation, Dr. Ira Gordon shares his journey from being a veterinary student to becoming an entrepreneur with the creation of Vet Prep. He discusses the challenges and successes of building a business in the veterinary education space, the importance of partnerships, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. Ira also highlights the significance of word-of-mouth marketing and the need for innovation in the animal health industry. In this conversation, Dr. Gordon discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with entrepreneurship in veterinary medicine. He emphasizes the importance of clinic culture and collaboration among veterinary professionals, particularly in the field of oncology. Dr. Gordon shares insights from his experiences in locum work and the transition from private practice, highlighting the influence of his parents and early experiences in shaping his career. He concludes with advice for aspiring veterinarians, encouraging them to embrace their interests and celebrate their milestones.

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of Vet Prep
01:58 Navigating Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship
04:54 From Idea to Product Development
09:40 The Growth of Vet Prep
13:12 Marketing Strategies and Word of Mouth
15:01 Content Development and Sourcing Questions
16:38 Balancing Internships and Entrepreneurship
19:25 Finding Joy in the Journey
26:30 The Value of Partnerships in Business
29:31 Navigating Partnerships: The Marriage Analogy
31:47 The Idea Competition: Fostering Innovation in Veterinary Medicine
34:56 Veterinary Angel Network: Supporting Entrepreneurs in Animal Health
37:58 Starting Hospitals vs. Product-Based Companies: A Comparative Analysis
40:55 Work-Life Balance: Juggling Family and Entrepreneurship
49:05 The Importance of Culture in Veterinary Practices
54:09 The Future of Veterinary Oncology: Innovations and AI
57:49 Nutritional Management in Veterinary Oncology
58:35 The Importance of Collaboration in Veterinary Medicine
01:00:15 Embracing Transparency and Admitting Mistakes
01:02:13 Learning from Clinical Mistakes
01:08:00 Fostering a Culture of Transparency
01:09:31 Exploring Locum Work in Veterinary Oncology
01:15:14 Transitioning from Private Practice to Locum Work
01:20:50 Influences and Inspirations in Veterinary Medicine
01:24:59 Advice for Aspiring Veterinary Professionals

In this conversation, Dr. Jennifer Welser shares her journey from a practicing ophthalmologist to a transformative leader in veterinary medicine. She discusses her role at Arista Advanced Pet Care, where she empowers veterinarians to become business owners and emphasizes the importance of communication, coaching, and technology in veterinary care. Dr. Welser also reflects on her experiences in corporate leadership at Mars Veterinary Health and the challenges and rewards of navigating the veterinary profession. In this conversation, Jennifer Welser discusses her journey in veterinary medicine, emphasizing the importance of relationships, the vision for her company Arista, and the integration of technology in veterinary practices. She shares insights on the evolving landscape of veterinary ownership and the future of specialists, while also highlighting the significance of innovation and entrepreneurship in the field. The discussion reflects on personal growth, leadership, and the balance between professional responsibilities and personal fulfillment.

Chapters

00:00 From Practice to Leadership: A Journey in Veterinary Medicine
07:06 The Impact of Ownership on Veterinary Professionals
13:37 Selecting the Right Veterinarians for Leadership Roles
21:18 Navigating the C-Suite: Communicating in a Non-Veterinary World
30:03 Navigating Challenges in the Veterinary Industry
36:17 Transitioning to Leadership Roles in Veterinary Medicine
36:44 New Chapter
42:25 Building Connections and Relationships in Veterinary Leadership
44:00 The Vision and Model of Arista Veterinary Group
49:38 Innovative Leadership and Ownership Models in Veterinary Practices
58:01 Optimizing Workflow in Veterinary Care
01:03:34 Understanding Client Goals in Veterinary Medicine
01:09:46 Innovative Ideas and Inventions in Veterinary Practice
01:16:11 Balancing Multiple Ventures and Finding Joy
01:21:40 Embracing Your Voice in Veterinary Medicine
01:23:15 DVM Off Script Closer.mp3

Arista Advanced Pet Care: https://aristapetcare.com/ 

Instinct: https://instinct.vet/ 

Jennifer Welser Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwelser-dvm-dacvo/ 

Jennifer's Bed and Breakfast: https://www.bakerbayretreat.com/

Can artificial intelligence actually help you hire better people? In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, Brianna and Phoebe pull back the curtain on how they’re combining gut instinct, value-driven interview questions, and AI tools like ChatGPT to make smarter, more aligned hiring decisions in their veterinary hospital.

From evaluating resumes to catching red flags in interviews, they share the exact questions they ask, how they involve their team in the process, and the surprising ways AI has helped them hire for culture, not just credentials. You’ll laugh (cutoff butt shorts at an interview?), you’ll learn, and you’ll probably leave wanting to rewrite your interview guide.

Takeaways

• Setting clear expectations is crucial in the hiring process.
• Identifying red flags can prevent future issues in team dynamics.
• Resumes should be evaluated for presentation and experience.
• Cultural fit is as important as skills and experience.
• Behavioral questions can reveal a candidate's true character.
• Curiosity in candidates indicates genuine interest in the role.
• Hiring slow and firing fast helps maintain a positive culture.
• Proactive communication is key to a successful team environment.
• Candidates should demonstrate accountability and teamwork.
• Reflecting on past interview experiences can improve future hiring practices.

Epsisode References: 

• Resumes & Team Appreciation (Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4bwguh7E3Ut65VNN1wCUub?si=yHLxYjD0RHOi79VaKlirPA)
• DVM Off Script: Dr. Jill Clark (Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MAFB23SQ4M2cEX44Gvag1?si=b9MYQP0rQzaDFdXixMP0MA)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Interviewing Red Flags
02:38 Pre-Interview Considerations
13:37 Evaluating Resumes
16:52 Interview Techniques for Cultural Fit
21:25 Red Flags in Candidate Responses
23:42 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Hiring
28:53 Green Flags in Interviews

In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, host Brianna Armstrong interviews Dr. Jack Murray, a recent veterinary graduate who has successfully navigated a non-traditional career path. Dr. Murray shares his journey of paying off student loans in just 10 months, launching a luxury dog crate company, and providing in-home euthanasia services. The conversation explores themes of entrepreneurship, emotional resilience in veterinary practice, and the importance of supportive relationships. Dr. Murray emphasizes the need for veterinarians to challenge traditional career paths and pursue what truly brings them joy and fulfillment.

Dr. Jack Murray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-murray-3b2303237/

Murray Kennel Company: https://murraykennelcompany.com/password 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jack Murray's Journey
02:51 Pursuing Dreams and Passion Projects
05:29 Navigating Emotional Well-being in Veterinary Medicine
08:33 Exploring Non-Traditional Veterinary Paths
11:39 The Gratitude of In-Home Euthanasia
14:21 Balancing Work and Life as a Relief Veterinarian
17:05 Transitioning from General Practice to Relief Work
19:58 Building Confidence in Veterinary Practice
23:04 Financial Strategies for New Graduates
25:56 The Importance of Mentorship and Support
28:55 Launching the Murray Kettle Company
32:21 From Idea to Prototype
39:06 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship
45:11 Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear
50:05 Financial Freedom and Smart Investments
01:04:13 Redefining Success in Veterinary Medicine

In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, Brianna Armstrong, DVM, and Phoebe Valdez, hospital manager and mom, unpack the tricky—but vital—question: How do you know when a team member’s behavior needs to be addressed?

They explore:

• The difference between a bad day and a behavior pattern

• The importance of early conversations and how to avoid big issues later

• How to spot red flags like impact on clients, team morale, and culture

• What to do when multiple people are reporting a concern

• The value of feedback that leads with care, curiosity, and clarity

You’ll hear practical strategies, personal experiences, and a “leadership insider challenge” at the end to help you take action in your hospital this week.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• One time = mistake. Two times = message. Three times = pattern.

• Check your gut—if it’s keeping you up at night, it’s time to talk.

• Feedback should never be shameful; it should be intentional, compassionate, and values-based.

• Addressing small things early builds trust and prevents burnout.

💡 Leadership Challenge:
What’s something you’ve been tolerating that needs a conversation? Go have it.

Dr. Jill Clark is on a mission — not to maintain the status quo, but to revolutionize veterinary medicine. In this episode, she shares her winding path from the film industry to founding Ignite, why she’s fiercely dedicated to elevating veterinary receptionists, and how she’s learned to lead with honesty, integrity, and courage.

We talk about:

• The “frozen chicken” moment that launched her vet med career

• Why CSRs deserve education, recognition, and investment

• How to fire with compassion — and why it matters

• Creating cultures where people stay, grow, and thrive

• The power of magical moments in client experience

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone who cares about leadership, culture, and doing vet med better.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections
03:05 Mission and Revolution in Veterinary Medicine
05:59 Elevating Veterinary Receptionists
09:02 The Importance of Education in Veterinary Practices
12:01 Career Path and Transition to Veterinary Medicine
21:05 Lessons from the Film Industry
28:02 Leadership and Accountability in Veterinary Medicine
35:11 The Importance of Honest Conversations
39:25 Building a Strong Team Culture
41:27 Hiring for Cultural Fit
46:11 Interviewing Strategies for Success
49:52 Creating Exceptional Client Experiences
01:04:54 The Journey of Building Ignite
01:15:46 Expanding Horizons: Innovative Learning Solutions
01:21:40 Setting Boundaries: Preventing Burnout in Veterinary Practice
01:26:18 Cultivating Culture: The Importance of Hiring
01:30:15 Navigating Leadership: The Art of Firing
01:36:02 Core Values: Building a Strong Team Culture

In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, Brianna and Phoebe dive into the complexities of judgment, compassion, and client interactions in veterinary medicine. Sparked by a team conversation about hospital values, they explore how judgment is natural—but how we act on those judgments is where our culture is defined.

They unpack:

• Why “not judging” isn’t realistic—and why that’s okay

• How giving the benefit of the doubt can embody compassion

• The difference between emotional intelligence and poor behavior (hint: boundaries still matter!)

• Practical examples of how values translate to day-to-day team behaviors

From “compassionate no’s” to redefining what it means to show up for clients and coworkers, this episode is an honest look at what it takes to build a culture rooted in understanding—not perfection

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Cindy Trice joins us to talk about carving your own path in veterinary medicine—and life. From working in film production to becoming a nationally recognized relief veterinarian, Cindy shares how following her instincts (and curiosity) led her to build Relief Rover, co-found Kick It Pajamas, and advocate for mental health and belonging in the profession.

Cindy’s story is one of creativity, compassion, and courage. She opens up about her recovery after a traumatic car accident, her cancer diagnosis, and how her personal experiences shaped her approach to leadership and entrepreneurship.

This episode is full of powerful reflections for anyone who’s ever wondered: What if the traditional path doesn’t fit?

💡 Key Topics Covered

• The unexpected path from Hollywood to veterinary school

• How relief work became a gateway to freedom and opportunity

• Founding Relief Rover to build community and structure for relief vets

• Why she launched Kick It Pajamas—and how grief inspired it

• Facing life-altering events: car accidents, cancer, and what came next

• The creative edge of veterinary careers

• The importance of support, self-expression, and showing up as yourself

🔗 Resources & Mentions

• Relief Rover

• Kick It Pajamas

• https://cervivor.org/ 

• One website design option mentioned in the episode: squarespace.com 

🐾 Connect with Dr. Cindy Trice

• LinkedIn: Cindy Trice, DVM

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Subscribe to DVM Off Script on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review if this episode resonated with you!

Your team is getting more comfortable giving feedback—awesome. But now comes the next level: finessing those conversations. In this episode, we dig into how to train your team to give feedback that’s not just honest, but helpful.

We break it down into three essential questions:

1. Have you done your homework?

2. Is it an individual issue or a systemic one?

3. Are you being intentional with how you deliver the message?

And at the heart of it all? Curiosity. Approaching conversations with curiosity instead of assumptions is what keeps feedback constructive—and keeps your culture thriving. Join us as we discuss recent conversations that have helped us keep our team on track and in a positive mindset when it comes to holding each other accountable. 

Financial conversations in the exam room can be tough — but they don’t have to be. In this episode, we talk about how to simplify these moments by leading with medicine, not assumptions. We break down how to confidently recommend the gold standard, clearly explain the "why" behind your plan, and save the cost conversation for the right time. When budgets come into play, we share tips on how to prioritize care with respect and empathy — including how and when to use low-cost partners. And most importantly, we remind you to stand tall in the value your hospital provides. You’re worth it.

In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, we uncover the critical role Client Service Coordinators (CSCs) play in the success of a veterinary hospital. From setting the tone of client interactions to managing the daily flow of appointments, CSCs are the frontline of patient care and team efficiency. We discuss how a great CSC can elevate the client experience, boost retention, and create a positive work environment—while a poor fit can lead to frustration, lost revenue, and team burnout. Tune in to learn how to hire, train, and empower CSCs who truly make a difference!