In this warm and thought-provoking episode, Kelly Cooper—veterinarian turned Coach and Consultant—joins Coach Academy Founder Nathalie Blais to explore what it really takes to lead and thrive in the world of veterinary medicine.From grappling with the emotional toll of clinical work to stepping into entrepreneurship and leadership, Kelly shares her personal evolution and the surprising ways coaching has transformed not only her life, but the lives of the practice owners and teams she now supports.Together, they explore:Why veterinary school leaves a critical gap when it comes to leadership and communicationThe emotional weight of veterinary care—and the burnout that too often followsWhat it takes to transition from clinician to business owner, and why so many struggle with that leapHow mentorship and community support can make or break your entrepreneurial journeyThe unique challenges faced by women in veterinary leadership roles—and how coaching helpsWhy creating a family-like workplace culture fosters better team dynamics and client careThe power of emotional intelligence in building trust with clients and teamsHow staying curious as a coach opens up growth—for yourself and the people you serveThis episode is a must-listen for anyone working in caregiving professions, especially those navigating high-emotion, high-stakes roles where leadership and connection matter deeply.Tune in for an honest look at what it means to step into leadership not through authority, but through empathy, communication, and the courage to grow.Leadership isn’t just about guiding others—it’s about how intentionally we guide ourselves.Chapters00:00Introduction to Kelly Cooper02:55The Journey of a Veterinarian05:54Leadership Lessons from Veterinary Practice09:08The Importance of Communication Skills11:57Shifting Leadership Perspectives15:00Building a Supportive Community17:45Transitioning to Corporate Leadership21:01Creating Family in the Workplace23:58Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship26:51The Role of Mentorship in Business29:49The Emotional Side of Veterinary Medicine30:53The Emotional Toll of Veterinary Medicine36:31The Journey to Coaching43:17Empowering Women in Veterinary Leadership49:25Navigating the Coaching Mindset55:14The Power of CoachingWhere to find Kelly: Website: https://www.realityvet.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkellycooper/Where to find Coach Academy:Canada Coach Academy: https://canadacoachacademy.com/Nathalie Instagram: / nathalieblais.ceo Nathalie LinkedIn: / nathalieblais Canada Coach Academy LinkedIn: / coach. .Listen to the “What?” Podcast on the following platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4w7QpuUsi9Lb2tSgHf9xaIApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/what/id1708030774#VeterinaryLeadership #VetMedicine #WomenInLeadership#CoachingInPractice #VetLifeBalance #EmotionalIntelligence#VeterinaryCoach #LeadershipDevelopment #CuriousCoach#BurnoutPrevention #CompassionFatigue #PracticeOwnership#MentorshipMatters #CoachingForChange #leadwithempathy