29 Jul 2025
In the first in a new series to coincide with her presidency of SPVS, Ami Sawran says it’s important managers consider what brings them joy
Ami Sawran
Job Title
Ami Sawran, president of SPVS.
I had the opportunity to speak with a group of clinical directors to ascertain how businesses can retain talented and experienced team members.
It always interests me to find out the myriad ways in which a career in the veterinary industry can be rewarding, hence one of my first questions was to find out what brings them happiness and satisfaction in their roles.
Almost invariably, the first things I heard were tantamount to:
“I just want to keep my teams happy.”
“Making sure everyone has what they need.”
I don’t need to point out to you that none of these statements told me anything about what made that individual happy; rather that we seem to be focused on the satisfaction of others.
This is, of course, delightful, but it has me wondering whether we, as leaders, may shelve our personal aspirations (clinical, operational or otherwise) in the pursuit of other’s satisfaction – and how that could cause damage.
If this is something you recognise in yourself, welcome to the club. I don’t know for sure, but I think it’s a massive one, and membership is not terribly exclusive.
Balancing the demands of starting up, growing or maintaining a thriving veterinary practice can be all-consuming, and no amount of being reminded to “prioritise yourself” helps to provide more hours in the day to remember what makes you tick, not least take steps to achieve it. Alas, I’m going to try it anyway.
Even if you consider your own growth secondary to your team, could you be persuaded to set an example to your teams by bumping your personal development up your priority list and help them to realise that career satisfaction doesn’t cease when you’re the boss?
Take everyone else out of the equation. Consider what truly brings you joy in your role. What elements of your job would you do all day – and conversely, which ones would you rather not do? Reiterate to yourself that your growth can lead to improved business performance, new or enhanced services and inspire others, as well as fulfil yourself.
Consider reaching out to business development consultants and coaches if they are not already within your practice structure, and look to organisations such as SPVS for inspiration on how to factor in your enjoyable elements into your day.
Our discussion list community, for example, could help you to hone ideas. This could be by appropriate delegation of the less desirable elements of your job, possibly fostering growth of some aspiring leaders, which we have recently discussed at SPVS Business Club, or by harnessing small gains for greater business efficiency.
The benefits of considering your own development and fulfilment as a leader extend beyond your own well-being, but it’s worth noting your happiness and fulfilment are as infectious as the absence of them, and they are essential for a thriving practice.
It is so important you recognise – as I have had to on several occasions – that your well-being can directly impact team morale. This is not to instil guilt, but to remind you of the importance of balance in your practice ecosystem.
Professional development is essential, not just to fulfil RCVS requirements, but to remain focused, inspired and effective.
When you are seen to invest in yourself, you highlight the importance of growth and personal well-being of the team that look up to you.
So please consider a mid-year resolution to consider yourself, even just for a few moments. With our busy spring season petering out, I feel I can start to come up for air and refocus on personal development, and I really hope that you can, too.
