As I reflect on my journey as a CEO and a veterinarian in the corporate world, I am reminded of the many challenges and triumphs that have come with being a woman in leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field. Veterinary medicine, like many other industries, has seen an evolution in gender dynamics, with more women entering the profession and taking on leadership roles. However, this path has not been without its hurdles. Today, I want to share my experiences, the lessons I’ve learned, and how women can continue to push boundaries in veterinary medicine and beyond.
The Landscape of Veterinary Medicine: Progress and Challenges
Veterinary medicine has seen significant change over the past few decades, especially regarding gender representation. When I began my career, men largely dominated leadership positions in both clinical settings and corporate veterinary management. Women have since made significant strides, and now we see a growing number of female veterinarians entering the field. However, leadership roles, particularly at the executive level, are still overwhelmingly occupied by men.
As a woman entering a corporate environment, I quickly realized that while more women were becoming veterinarians, there was still a glass ceiling to break through when it came to ascending to the C-suite. Veterinary organizations, much like other industries, have historically been shaped by male leadership, making it necessary for women to work harder to have their voices heard and their contributions recognized. For me, this meant not only excelling in my technical and clinical expertise but also learning how to navigate corporate structures that weren’t necessarily built with women in mind.
Overcoming Bias and Building Confidence
One of the most significant challenges I faced in my career was overcoming implicit bias. The notion that women are less suited for leadership roles has been ingrained in many corporate cultures for far too long. Whether it was being the only woman in a boardroom meeting or having to prove myself repeatedly in decision-making scenarios, I encountered moments where my expertise and leadership were questioned. This bias wasn’t always overt, but the subtle ways it manifested could be just as damaging.
In these moments, I found it critical to develop resilience. Early in my career, I learned that confidence is key. There will always be individuals who doubt your capabilities, but as women in leadership, we must have confidence in our own skills, knowledge, and decisions. I focused on building a track record of success, staying informed about the latest trends in veterinary medicine and business management, and developing a strong professional network. With each success, I gained more confidence in my ability to lead, and over time, I found that others began to recognize and trust my leadership as well.
Building a Supportive Network
One of the most transformative aspects of my journey was realizing the importance of mentorship and support from other women. In the early stages of my career, finding female role models in leadership positions was difficult. However, as I advanced, I made it a priority to seek out mentorship and to offer guidance to other women entering the field.
Mentorship plays a pivotal role in the professional development of women in leadership. I was fortunate to connect with women who were trailblazers in their own right, and they offered invaluable advice on how to navigate the complexities of leadership in a male-dominated field. Their support and insights helped me recognize that leadership isn’t about fitting into a preconceived mold; it’s about bringing your unique strengths to the table.
I’ve also made it my mission to mentor young women aspiring to leadership roles. Creating a pipeline of future female leaders requires intentional effort, and I’ve found that providing opportunities for women to learn, grow, and excel is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership. Whether it’s through professional development programs, networking events, or informal coffee chats, I believe women supporting women is crucial for long-term change in our industry.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Leadership
One of the aspects that sets female leaders apart, particularly in veterinary medicine, is the ability to embrace a holistic approach to leadership. Veterinary care is not just about treating animals; it’s about understanding the broader ecosystem in which pets, clients, and professionals coexist. As a CEO and veterinarian, I’ve found that empathy, collaboration, and communication are just as important as technical skills in running a successful organization.
Women often bring a different perspective to leadership, one that emphasizes inclusivity and a team-oriented approach. In my experience, fostering an environment where team members feel heard and valued leads to better outcomes, both for the business and for the animals we serve. This collaborative leadership style not only benefits the internal culture of the organization but also helps us connect more deeply with our clients and patients.
The Future of Women in Veterinary Leadership
As more women enter veterinary medicine, I’m optimistic about the future of female leadership in this field. While there is still work to be done, the progress we’ve made is undeniable. Organizations are beginning to recognize the value of diverse leadership teams, and I believe that as more women take on executive roles, the culture of veterinary medicine will continue to evolve.
For those aspiring to leadership roles, my advice is to stay curious, stay confident, and never shy away from advocating for yourself and others. The path may not always be easy, but the rewards of breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women are immeasurable.
As I reflect on my own journey, I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and I’m excited for the future of veterinary medicine—a future where women are not only represented but are leading with strength, compassion, and innovation.