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One of our HALL OF FAME Episodes! This week on Uncharted, we're talking about how to keep veterinary staff morale up during these daunting times.

We invite you to take a peek into part of what makes the Uncharted Veterinary Community so unique: our members! We sat down to interview some of the amazing people who have joined us on our amazing journey since the first conference in 2017. This week, the spotlight is on Senani Ratnayake, winner of the 2020 Uncharted Founder's Award, founder of Motivatum Consulting and Canadian Registered Vet Tech extraordinaire! Enjoy!

For anyone who doesn’t know you, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a passionate advocate for all things vet med, a proud RVT, and a lover of animals since childhood. I always wanted a dog, and when my parents finally caved and got me a bunny, they could never have known they were setting in motion a series of events that would define my career path.

I am proud to have been a President of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians and was also the first non-DVM President of the Toronto Academy of Veterinary Medicine. I am nerdy when it comes to anything veterinary or communication-related and my interest in psychology has meant that I actually find humans as fascinating as I do animals (albeit for different reasons)!

My career has given me an incredible breadth of knowledge and experience. I have worked on the floor, in management, running a dermatology referral service, in veterinary sales, as a media spokesperson, as a consultant, and as the Director of Learning and Engagement for a group of hospitals.

I love consulting, coaching, and speaking; I believe my calling is to make veterinary medicine a desirable place to work by supporting the needs of the people who make the magic happen! I live in Waterdown, Ontario (Go Canada!) with Brendan, my best friend, and husband, who I met at an improv drop-in class! We have 2 dogs (Eleanor and Elsa), a cat (Benjamin), and a bunny (Elizabeth). Together, they are my world and my happy place is wherever they are.

What were you looking for when you joined Uncharted?

My honest answer is that I didn't know. I joined, like many of the founders, because I had promised I would. Andy told me he had an idea to have this innovative conference and asked whether, if he were to bring it to fruition, I would come. Of course I said yes and, when the dates were announced I took the leap. I was curious but had no real expectations. I have since made incredible connections and broadened my network with some of the best people in veterinary medicine. I could never have imagined what an impact it would have on me – both professionally and personally.

What are your 2 favorite groups in the Uncharted Workplace community and why?

The Vetmed Pet Parents group reminds me that I am completely normal in my obsession of my own furries and their antics. I remember getting my pet's photos with Father Christmas and immediately wanting to share them there because I know that group would just “get it!” I may not have human children, but I am very proud to be a fur-mom and that group celebrates the human-animal bond in the best way.

The other group would have to be Canadian Regional Harbour because – Canada! I love that the Canadians have their own group to share, brainstorm, support, and collaborate. Our weekly apology thread is a popular spot (just kidding!) and we feel the love constantly as the non-Canadians try to sneak into our private group… SORRY (not sorry)!

Can I add a third? Well, I'm going to. Every time a conference is coming up there is a group for the registered attendees. I love that group. It builds excitement and anticipation and makes you feel like you are truly a part of something before you have even arrived. It's a tribe within the tribe and I cannot imagine being on the outside of that group!

Who is one of your favorite people you’ve met through the Uncharted Veterinary Community and why?

Cyndie Courtney. Hands down one of the most authentic people I've ever met. Her scientific mind and self-awareness are inspiring and her drive to better the people of veterinary medicine resonates with me on a very deep level. When I first met her I was truly intimidated by her wealth of knowledge, after all… she is the Jerk Researcher. But soon we were fast friends and I realized that she was as big a fan of me as I was of her! She has become a good friend and has helped me through some incredibly trying times. I will always value her friendship and am so grateful to have met somebody who I know is going to help take veterinary medicine to another level.

What is your current work-related goal?

I originally founded my company, Motivatum Consulting, 11+ years ago but in the last few weeks have left the safety of my full time job to pursue independent consulting and coaching. I truly believe that you do Build Momentum Through Motivation (and I believe that being demotivated creates momentum too – yikes!).

I want to inspire people, helping them to discover the skills within them and supporting them as they develop tools for personal growth. I want to inspire teams so that together, they can work collaboratively and leave each workday feeling proud of the work they have accomplished.

Through conversations during the 2020 UVVC, it became obvious that I will need to find “my people” if I want to be successful. In the same way, I coach practice owners to understand their Brand and appreciate that not every pet owner is necessarily going to be a good “fit” for their practice, not every vet med professional is going to be a good fit for my services either. I believe that People are critical. I believe that without a good culture, a supportive team, empathy, accountability, and gratitude, you cannot provide the best that veterinary medicine has to offer. Not everybody will agree with me – and that's okay. They are not my people. But I am going to find my people so that I can support their goals and assist them in being the most successful they can be.

What is your favorite hobby and how did you discover it? Would you recommend it to others?

Nail art. Yep, it's true! I'm a girly girl but definitely not a high maintenance one. That said, I started painting my nails because I have had a habit of biting my nails for as long as I can remember and I found that painting them meant I didn't bite them as much (because hey – I worked hard on them!). In the last few years I discovered nail art. It was a strange hobby to pick up as I'm actually not very visually artistic. I love the arts – but drama and music were always my thing. I can barely draw let alone paint tiny designs! That said, I started watching videos and creating patterns – making dots and lines with a toothpick at first! From there it's turned into an all out hobby.

Not only does it help me keep a nasty habit under control, but it's truly self-care for me. I tune out the world, pick my colours and focus. I'm most proud of my Christmas nails and Star Wars nails (galaxies and R2-D2). It's a small thing, and I may not be the best at it, but it's a wonderful way to escape from reality for a little while. The best part is, if you screw up, you can just wipe it clean and start again! I would definitely recommend it to others.

What is one thing you believe all veterinary professionals can do right now to make Vet Med even better?

Don't ignore the positives. We are so good at noticing our failures. The things that didn't go the way we wanted – even if the overall outcome was positive! We are really hard on ourselves and at the end of the day, we are often so focused on the things that went badly, we forget that there were many things that went well.

Why is it that we spend so much time angry at the people who don't vaccinate their pets, whose pets are ill with a preventable disease, or who have let their pet's vaccines lapse for years and only come in when there is a “problem”… BUT… we cannot celebrate all of the clients who come in without any problem, do their vaccines on time, agree to do the blood work we recommend or buy the food we want to send them home with and say nothing as they tap their card except to wish us well. Why are we not celebrating these amazing clients who love their pets and quietly – every day – do right by them?

If we could celebrate the positives, the preventive care, the wellness blood work, the person who came in after their pet vomited once (and not after 7 weeks of vomiting when now it's “an emergency” because there is blood), in the same way we dwell on the negatives, we would find greater joy in our work – and find greater peace at the end of each day knowing that we have truly made a difference.

Tell us a story of how another Uncharted Member has helped you.

So, let’s talk about how the Uncharted MEMBERS helped me. In my own way, I make every effort to be supportive, generous, helpful and kind. It won’t be an in-your-face approach, it will usually be in a more intimate setting, a quieter conversation in a private corner with just a few people, but I always try to contribute positively in any interaction that I have.

I am an introvert, through and through. It’s ironic because people see me on a stage or in my element coaching and talking passionately about veterinary medicine, and they assume I am an outgoing extrovert but the reality is, while I thrive in professional situations, social ones can paralyze me in self-analysis! I worry about which table to sit at because – what if they don't want to sit with me?

I worry about whether to make a joke because – what if they don't think it's that funny?! I have a hard time initiating a conversation even though I'm dying to talk to people and I hope that somebody will “pick me” so that I don't have to re-live terrible childhood memories of gym class.

Going to the conference was out of my comfort zone but, as I’ve said many times before, it is a very safe place for introverts and I’ve made so many friends. That said, it was still a huge surprise to find out that I was receiving the 2020 Founder's Award. To be chosen by my peers and to realize that my silly jokes, awkward presence, quirks, and quiet moments were enough. To realize that my advice, my knowledge, my ability to listen – REALLY listen, to support, to be empathetic, and to share my stories and experiences made an impact profound enough to be deserving of the coveted award.

Receiving the Founder's Award was a reminder to me that I am enough. That you don't have to be the most outgoing to be noticed and have a big impact. It came at a time when I needed that reminder, and in a very special way, that is how the Uncharted Members helped me.

Learn from Senani in her NEW workshop!

Don't miss Senani's upcoming LIVE workshop event on August 14! Dissect your hospital’s workflow so you can get out of the woods in 4 strategic steps. Then, talk through what it will take to get your team on board to lean into your strengths and address your weaknesses. There will be RACE and CVPM credit available for this workshop.

Join the Community

You can join the Uncharted Veterinary Community and meet people like Senani by visiting www.UnchartedVet.com and registering to become a member!

This week on the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast… What do you do when you're a new grad who was promised that you'd get to work with other doctors and now you're working solo? This isn't what you signed up for… but is it time to call it quits? Let's get into this!

Don't Miss the Get Sh*t Done Conference online!!! www.UnchartedVet.com

This week on the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss go to the mailbag to answer a question about what can be done when the staff is just hanging out. Let's get into this episode!

We invite you to take a peek into part of what makes the Uncharted Veterinary Community so unique: our members! We sat down to interview some of the amazing people who have joined us on our amazing journey since the first conference in 2017. This week, the spotlight is on Jenn Galvin, a practice owner and manager in Arizona! Enjoy!

For anyone who doesn’t know you, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm an introverted spreadsheet nerd at heart that geeks out on reading, painting, D&D, video games and my pets when I'm not at work. I started working in the veterinary industry in 1998 as a kennel attendant and haven't looked back. Though I loved the technician work I was doing, the business side of vet med was super interesting to me. I attended Northern Arizona University to obtain my business degree and started managing various clinics after graduating.

In 2012 I joined forces with the bad-ass veterinarian you all know, Erika Cartwright, to open Advanced Animal Care. I'm a bit of a jack of all trades and can be found all over my clinic helping with blood draws, fixing technology, counseling team members, and of course working the numbers. I am obsessed with beagles, staff engagement and satisfaction, the client experience, and finding ways for employees to earn a higher living wage. I love teaching and mentoring others – it fills my cup!

What were you looking for when you joined Uncharted?

Uncharted found me, but I didn't realize at the time how much I needed it. I stayed after a lecture that Andy gave in San Diego and we got to shoot the sh*t for a little while. I got a phone call from him a few weeks later asking if I'd like to be a part of something awesome. I was not disappointed, was 100% in then and I'm 100% in now. Back when Uncharted was founded I was looking for connections. The first conference I attended I hunted down a few members of UVC that I just knew would be awesome to have as mentors, advice-givers, and friends. Those connections have only gotten stronger as time has passed.

What are your 2 favorite groups in the Uncharted Workplace community and why?

Practice Owners and Management. Practice Owners Group is a great place to go when I need to get advice from people in similar situations (I mean, how many times can you call Bruce Francke a week before he blocks your number?). I always feel accepted, validated, and I know that I am not alone. I love the Management Group because I get to nerd out with other practice managers and help them solve issues which makes me feel pretty great.

Who is one of your favorite people you’ve met through Uncharted and why?

There are SO many people that I could talk about. If I have to choose my most favorite is Stephanie “Gives the Best Hugs” Goss. She has become my “phone a friend” when I need anything management/spreadsheet related. She's great at talking me off ledges, making me feel like our brand of crazy is normal, encouraging me and supporting me to be the best leader I can be. Stephanie has become one of my closest friends in my personal life and I just can't imagine her not in it. Though there are a ton more – honorable mentions would be Jamie Holms for knowing when I'm not my normal self and need help, Mike Falconer for letting me stalk him at the first UVC and being a reliable source of advice, Tracy Sands for helping me feel not alone, Bruce Francke for helping me continue to take over the world, and last but certainly not least, Saye Clement for having my back – always!

What is your current work related goal?

Surviving the current COVID times and finding another associate are high on the to-do list. Ongoing goals are always prioritizing my awesome staff and making them feel appreciated, challenged, and engaged.

What is your favorite hobby and how did you discover it? Would you recommend it to others?

Painting for sure and in all forms. Paint by number? Check! Pour a bunch of random paint on a canvas? Check! Paint miniature D&D figures? Check! Paint a rock? Check!

I would recommend everyone try it at least once. It can be an awesome, creative outlet and help focus your mind into almost a meditation. Plus you get to display your awesome artwork on the wall or send it to friends and relatives when you forget to buy them a gift!

What is one thing you never thought you could do (or were afraid to try) that you’ve done since joining Uncharted?

Speaking. I have mentored some managers before but I never thought I knew enough to speak and do workshop presentations, and I was quite afraid to try it for the first time. Boy, was I wrong and I'm so glad that Andy convinced me to do it. I LOVE teaching people and have so much to share. I have found in our amazing community WE ALL DO. It's truly awesome to discover what each of us knows.

What is one thing you believe all veterinary professionals can do right now to make Vet Med even better?

If I'm being honest? Pay your people more – pay them what they are worth. If you aren't in charge of that, ask about being paid what you're worth. I love Vet Med, it's such a cool place to be where we get to do incredible work every day. We've dug ourselves in a bit of a hole as far as paying the bad-ass folks that work in the industry enough and it's high time that changed.

Tell us a story of how another Uncharted Member has helped you.

I was struggling so much with the recent loss of my dog. She was my very first beagle and lived to be fourteen. I had to euthanize her back in June and it felt like my soul was broken (it still feels that way most of the time). With the stress of COVID and being short-staffed I was not in a good place and Jamie, who is so observant, noticed that I was not my normal self on Workplace. She immediately reached out and talked to me about what I could do to be in a better place and we came up with a plan together. I felt really alone before I talked to her. Jamie was my hero that day (and a lot of other ones too).

Have you ever worked outside of the veterinary field? What was it like?

I have volunteered for senior care facilities, the Boys and Girls Club, and have done some camp art activities for kids. I like helping people (if you didn't already notice), so it was really a nice way for me to feel like I was making a difference.

Where is one place in the world you would love to see?

I have always wanted to see a rocket launch. Is that weird? I really want to stay in those glass igloos they have in Alaska where you can watch the Northern Lights from your bed.

Do you have a dream for your career? What is it?

Maybe this is super lame, but I'm sort of living my dream already. I want to be a practice owner that makes a difference in client's and their pet's lives while running a profitable practice with happy employees. It's super challenging and the work never stops. I also want to occasionally speak at conferences so I can inspire others to do the same if that's their thing.

Is there anything we haven’t asked you about that you would like to talk about?

I'm stubborn. It's my worst trait. I don't like to ask for help and time and time again I have to relearn that lesson. Asking for help doesn't mean you aren't capable or weak.

You can join the Uncharted community and meet people like Jenn by visiting www.UnchartedVet.com and registering to become a member!