Leadership and Business for Veterinary Professionals

Empowering veterinary professionals with the leadership and business skills to grow, lead, and thrive at every stage of their journey Leadership and Business for Veterinary Professionals is a practical, empowering guide designed to elevate veterinary professionals at every stage of their career. This comprehensive resource bridges the gap between clinical excellence and operational know-how, offering a deep dive into both soft and hard skills essential for thriving in today’s evolving veterinary landscape. With actionable insights and real-world activities woven into each chapter, readers can immediately apply what they learn—whether it’s leading with authenticity, strengthening team dynamics, or understanding the financial levers behind a successful practice. Inside, readers will explore: Core leadership concepts, from transformational and situational styles to leading through influence rather than authority Communication strategies that strengthen teams, including assertive communication and navigating difficult conversations Emotional intelligence, workplace culture, and techniques to foster wellness and belonging Career development tools such as resume writing, interviewing skills, and guidance on industry involvement Business fundamentals, including finance, compliance, team leveraging, practice growth, competitor analysis, and tax basics (including 1099 contractor insights) Written by experienced veterinary leaders who have walked the walk, Leadership and Business for Veterinary Professionals delivers clarity, confidence, and a toolkit for navigating the complex, fast-paced world of modern veterinary care. Whether you're a technician stepping into leadership, a manager refining your business acumen, or a rising professional ready to shape the future of vet med—this book is for you.

About the Author

Elizabeth Stark is a seasoned, licensed veterinary technician who began her career in general practice and teaching within veterinary technician academia. She has since transitioned into the corporate learning and development space, where she has led training and development initiatives across the veterinary industry. Elizabeth bringing her expertise in leadership training, onboarding strategy, and team development to support veterinary professionals nationwide.

Ann-Marie Montou is a veterinary operations leader with over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, operations, and leadership development, including the past decade in multi-site leadership. Known for her servant-leadership approach, she has overseen complex, multi-regional hospital portfolios and led initiatives focused on culture transformation, team development, and sustainable performance. Her work centers on building psychologically safe environments where veterinary professionals – and the practices they serve – can thrive with authenticity.