In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall is joined for a second episode with Dr. Tovah Caldwell to further discuss how mindfulness impacts the work-life of veterinarians. Together, they discuss three common themes developed in Tovah’s research: professional identity development, perspective taking and the mind-body connection

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss how to identify a toxic boss, how to address them and things leaders can do to attract and retain veterinary staff. Articles Mentioned: How to Tell Leaders They’re Not as Great as They Think They Are 10 Things Your Corporate Culture Needs to Get Right  

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline are joined by Dr. Tovah Caldwell to discuss mindfulness tools for health, wellbeing, and longevity in veterinary practice.

In this podcast episode, Joop Loomans of Oculus Insights is joined by Dr. Melissa Mckee and Dr. Philippe Benoit to discuss the 2021 Equine Regenerative Medicine and Orthobiologics Online Summit. From PRP to Bone Edema, learn how the Summit assists in everyday equine vet practice and what topics to look forward to for the 2021 summit. For more information, visit www.equineregenerativesummit.com   

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss the impact toxic employees have on the bottom line, how to deal with them and how to help them with direct feedback. Articles Mentioned Nine traits of a toxic employee It’s Better to Avoid a Toxic Employee than Hire a Superstar How to Work with Someone Who Creates Unnecessary Conflict How to Manage a Toxic Employee Productivity Hacks Slack Apple Watch – Monitoring Sleep

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss the different components, processes, and benefits of completing a Human Resource Audit for your veterinary practice. Articles Mentioned: Google employees who opt to work from home may earn less than they did before  

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline are joined by Dr. Bob Van Der Heijden to discuss a new and exciting method of staff training called Gamification. Gamification focuses on improving team performance through online and offline activities with added game elements to encourage behavioural changes in the workplace.   Learn more about our Gamification services: https://www.oculusinsights.net/staff-training

In today’s episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss what your vet practice can do to keep the team you have, rather than find new staff members by managing workload and client expectations. Articles Mentioned: The Customer Is Not Always Right: Here Are Five Reasons Why HR Wins: Iceland tested a 4-day workweek. Employees were productive — and happier, researchers say. Tour de France 2021

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss why staff are hesitant to give feedback and what you can do to get employees to be more open to providing feedback. Articles Mentioned: The Courage to Be Candid How To Encourage Candid Employee Feedback: 14 Tips For CEOs The ROI of Anonymous Employee Feedback Build Your Reputation as a Trustworthy Leader Productivity Hacks: Reminder App - remind by location Regular exercise time

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline address the unwillingness of people returning to work and the impact that minimum wage rates have on this. Following many articles, we discuss work environment, living wages, how other industry rates impact the veterinary profession and the importance of respect, stability and meaning in a job. Articles Mentioned: Those $300 pandemic checks aren’t the only reason restaurant employees might not want to go back to work What Your Future...

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss performance management, progressive discipline and a few helpful tips and guidelines for ending employment.   Articles Mentioned: Why progressive discipline doesn’t work (and what to do instead5 Reasons Business Owners Don't Fire Bad Employees--and 5 Bigger Reasons Why They're WrongFiring With Compassion   Productivity Hacks: Blinkist Having the ability to say NO

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss five tips that will help your veterinary staff and practice as everything begins to reopen. We will be discussing leadership, communication, appreciation for staff, workload and future thinking. HR Wins & Fails: Footage reveals Ohio state senator driving during Zoom call Canada’s new entrepreneurs, ineligible for government assistance, are bearing the brunt of lockdowns goodnews_movement

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss a common challenge in many vet practices, dealing with a high performer colleague that is also disruptive or difficult to handle. We discuss tips for dealing with this type of personality, why this person is this way, and methods to ensure you are hiring people that align with your workplace culture and core values. Stay tuned for the end of the episode, where we share some productivity hacks that can make your life...

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss how to properly set attainable soft skill and hard skill goals based on performance reviews. Articles Referenced In This Episode: Popular Goal Setting Techniques Managers Should Avoid Why We Set Unattainable Goals HR Wins: Kitchener mom's book on diversity inspired by bullied 5-year-old, who says 'all colours are beautiful' HR Fails:  London, Ont., meat plant shut for 2 weeks amid COVID-19 outbreak affecting 82 workers 

Referencing Forbes article A Psychologist’s Secrets To Holding Tough Conversations by Kevin Kruse and the book Difficult Conversations: How To Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss the elements of having difficult conversations and what you can do to make them easier and more effective.  Fails: Federal Court approves class-action lawsuit claiming RCMP  doctors sexually assaulted recruits Amazon's denial of workers urinating in bottles puts...

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss how to receive feedback as an employee and as a leader. Following the book, Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen, we discuss the three triggers that govern how we react to feedback and how to change behaviour on a surface level vs. changing your overall mindset. We also refer to the article, How Leaders Can Get Honest, Productive Feedback by Jennifer Porter where we talk about the importance of modelling the...

In today’s episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline are joined by Dr. Ivan Zakharenkov to discuss further research on why the veterinary profession experiences severe burnout and how corporate groups buying veterinary practices can do great things for the profession. Dr. Ivan “Zak” Zakharenkov is a veterinarian and an entrepreneur committed to creating products that empower the healthcare team to live their passion. It was Ivan’s own personal journey from practicing veterinary medicine...

In today's episode with Dr Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline, the conversation surrounds articles that discuss how sandwiching criticism between compliments is confusing and counterproductive and how voicing your good intentions can help soften how others receive negative feedback.  The Simple Way to Make Giving Feedback Easier Stop Softening Tough Feedback

In today’s episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss burnout and reference the below podcast episode and article. Why Burnout Happens — and How Bosses Can Help https://pca.st/episode/5832032f-0310-426c-9fbe-969b361c6fc2 Christina Maslach has been studying the causes of burnout, and its impact, for decades. She says that, in a year when everyone feels overwhelmed and exhausted, it’s more important than ever for managers to recognize when and why employees are suffering and...

In today’s episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss a topic close to both of their hearts,  employee performance reviews. The foundation of the discussion surrounds two articles, each with a different approach to employee performance reviews. For more information or to connect with us please follow us on social media or  visit www.oculusinsights.net   Are Peer Reviews the Future of Performance Evaluations? Why this manager put workers in charge of their own raises, career...

In today's episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss the premise that the customer is not always right!  The discussion begins with an article about customer entitlement and the effect that has on staff, drawing comparisons to the veterinary industry. The second article talks about how some overworked practices are trying to reduce the number of problem clients on their books. As always if you have any questions or would like to hear us discuss a topic please reach out to...

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss their Human Resources Wishlist for 2021 in lieu of a Year in Review of 2020. Let us know your thoughts!  As always please reach out to us at [email protected] or on all of our social media channels.  www.oculusinsights.net https://www.facebook.com/OculusInsights https://www.instagram.com/oculusinsights    

In this episode, Dr Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss gratitude and appreciation and how it can help employees to focus on what matters, according to behavioural experts. They talk about the value of gratitude and having a culture of Thank You! Wins and Fails Articles: Building a Better Workplace Starts with Saying “Thanks” The science behind gratitude at work O.C. Tanner’s Global Culture Report: How pats on the back can improve workplace culture  

In today's episode, Katie Ardeline and Dr. Mike Pownall talk about developing resiliency in veterinary medicine. They introduce a new service, Advice by Oculus, which provides online, personal, performance coaching and business advisor sessions that are convenient, accessible, and confidential for the veterinary profession.  Please reach out to us on social media or at [email protected] with any questions or ideas! Wins and Fails Articles: How to train for resilience To Build Grit, Go...

In this episode, Dr Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline discuss articles surrounding responsible leadership. If you have any questions or topics you would like discussed please reach out to [email protected] or reach out on social media.   Articles: 4 Reasons Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Impact the Bottom Line Today’s Leaders Need Vulnerability, Not Bravado Heavy drinking, sex tapes, and a pyramid scheme: Yelp insiders speak out about the company's high-pressure sales culture