When Greg Bishop, a veterinarian, writer, and cartoonist, first learned nonviolent communication in veterinary medicine, it transformed how he dealt with difficult clients. What once felt like a precarious challenge became an opportunity to turn clients from ferocious lions into purring kitties.

Nonviolent communication is about staying aware of your own emotions during interactions. As Greg says, "Keep it Vertical." Acknowledge that "I have needs, you have needs—let’s work together to meet them." This mindset protects you from harmful comments, allowing you to stay focused on helping the client.

Greg shares real-life stories, including one where he took over a case involving a critically ill puppy. The client’s first phone call started with a tirade of complaints. Instead of getting triggered, Greg paused and thought, What does she need? By coaching the client to stay calm, he helped the team deliver life-saving care.

New to nonviolent communication? Greg suggests:

• Be patient and understanding
• Be as self-confident as possible
• Stay aware of your feelings and emotions

Clear communication and emotional awareness are key. If you listen, your client will tell you what matters to them, creating a richer experience for both of you.

You can follow Greg’s cartoons, blog, and more at his website, Sasquatch Paw.

What’s Inside:

• What is nonviolent communication?
• Steps to get started with nonviolent communication techniques.
• How nonviolent communication can impact client cases.
• Being emotionally self-aware and listening can tell you all you need to know right away.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Sasquatch Paw
Full Circle Lab
Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Dr. Glenn Robinson is a clinical coach and consultant who supports veterinary leaders, especially with clinic finances. Often, leaders are hesitant to discuss money, but finances play a crucial role in supporting your staff. Whether you’re experiencing a downturn in clients, facing equipment expenses, or looking to give your team a raise, being open and candid about clinic financials can help leaders put a plan in place to use money as the TOOL that it is.

Debunking Myths and Red Flags in Clinic Financials:

• Money is a dirty word: The biggest mistake is avoiding conversations about finances—especially about setting goals.
• Working harder = more money: Initially, yes, but over time it can lead to burnout and create other problems that may actually result in financial loss.
• Increasing prices, seeing more pets, and keeping costs low: These three common “levers” aren’t the real answer. Understanding clinic financials is more nuanced than that.

Finances aren’t just a leadership issue. When you get everyone involved in the financial goals, you can motivate the team to buy in and take ownership of the clinic's success. Dr. Glenn shares excellent examples of how to provide thorough, thoughtful care while compensating for lost revenue. It’s a win for both the client and the clinic—better care almost always correlates with better financials.

What’s Inside:

• How can clinic leaders get there team involved in clinic financials?
• How clinic finances impact your staff and clients.
• 3 “Myths” about clinic financials.
• Why better care equals better financials.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Southwest Veterinary Solutions
Dr. Glenn Robinson on LinkedIn
Full Circle Lab
Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Dr. Jennifer Edwards has lived what I call a full-circle life, combining her passions for conscious leadership and veterinary medicine. Before addressing how to "wake up" in your life, we explore the concept of living on autopilot—a condition affecting many. Jennifer describes the symptoms as dissatisfaction, feeling stuck, disempowerment, and a resignation to a “sucky life.” We dissect the disempowering phrase, “it is what it is.”

But what if you reject that mindset? What if you connect with yourself, wake up to your life, and realize you have a conscious choice? This is the heart of our conversation: taking responsibility for your life and every choice you make. Jennifer highlights the obstacles that often prevent people from embracing this—energy blocks (limiting beliefs) and guilt (imagined consequences of our choices).

Authenticity and responsibility are gifts, not only to yourself but to others. By seeking help, whether through a coach, therapy, or self-improvement books, you empower yourself to navigate challenges. Responsibility doesn’t just solve problems—it defines your life, placing your happiness firmly in your own hands instead of others'.

What’s Inside:

• Taking accountability and responsibility for the choices in your life.
• Obstacles and barriers to making conscious choices.
• How taking responsibility for our lives can impact everyone around us.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Dr. Jennifer Edwards
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Crystal Stokes, MA, LMFT - Full Circle Lab | LinkedIn