When Leadership Training Isn’t Enough

Some leadership problems aren’t caused by lack of effort.
They’re caused by unclear systems, misaligned expectations, and leaders carrying responsibility that was never designed to sit with one person.

This work exists for organizations that know something deeper needs to change.

WHAT THIS WORK ACTUALLY IS

This is facilitated leadership systems work.

We start by understanding how leadership is currently functioning, not how it’s supposed to work on paper.

From there, we build clarity around:

  • Decision-making authority

  • Leadership roles and expectations

  • Behavioral standards

  • Accountability structures

  • Communication norms

  • Cultural operating principles

This work focuses on how leadership behaves under pressure, because that’s where culture is actually formed.

WHO THIS WORK IS FOR

I work with veterinary organizations that are ready to address leadership at the structural level, not just the individual one.

This work is a fit for:

  • Practices experiencing chronic culture strain

  • Organizations navigating growth, transition, or consolidation

  • New ownership or leadership changes

  • Leadership teams stuck in reactivity or avoidance

  • Hospitals where “good people” keep burning out

  • Executives who know training alone won’t fix this

If you’re looking for quick fixes or surface-level culture work, this will not be a fit.

WORK WITH SUZANNE

  • I don’t drop in with pre-built solutions.

    Every engagement begins with:

    • Listening before leading

    • Assessment before action

    • Clarity before culture

    I work directly with owners, executives, and leadership teams to:

    • Name what’s actually happening

    • Identify where systems are failing people

    • Design structures that support accountability without burnout

    • Build leadership capacity instead of dependence

    This is collaborative, direct, and grounded in reality.

  • This is not:

    • Therapy

    • Mediation

    • Conflict counseling

    • Ongoing venting

    • Outsourced leadership

    • A substitute for accountability

    I do not fix teams for leaders.
    I work with leaders who are ready to lead differently.

  • Engagements vary based on organizational need and readiness.
    Common formats include:

    • Short-term leadership facilitation

    • Multi-month leadership and culture transformation

    • Executive partnership and advisory support

    Scope and structure are determined after alignment, not before.

  • This work requires:

    • Leadership buy-in

    • Willingness to look at existing patterns

    • Capacity for change

    • Respect for the process

    If leadership is not ready, no amount of facilitation will help.
    Readiness matters more than urgency.

A woman with long, wavy hair wearing green glasses, a white t-shirt, and light blue jeans crossed her arms, revealing tattoos on her left arm, and smiling at the camera.

NEXT STEP

If this page feels grounding rather than intimidating, we should talk.

The next step is a brief alignment conversation to determine fit.
This is not a sales call.
It’s a clarity check.

Request a Conversation

FINAL WORD

Leadership was never supposed to feel this heavy.
But it does when systems are unclear and responsibility is misplaced.

This work exists to bring steadiness back into leadership so teams can function, leaders can breathe, and organizations can move forward without burning people out.

If you’re ready for that kind of work, I’m here.

Suzanne Thomas - Founder and CEO | Leading Veterinary Teams

Suzanne is a passionate leader and advocate for the veterinary profession with over two decades of experience in veterinary leadership, coaching, and team development. As the Founder and CEO of Leading Veterinary Teams, Suzanne is dedicated to helping veterinary leaders build strong, cohesive teams and foster leadership that inspires growth and success in their practices.

Suzanne is a credentialed veterinary technologist (LVT & CVT) and holds certifications in Veterinary Business Leadership (CVBL) and Certified Compassionate Veterinary Professional (CCVP). She combines her technical expertise with a deep understanding of leadership dynamics to provide practical coaching and mentoring to veterinary professionals.

Before founding Leading Veterinary Teams, Suzanne held several senior leadership roles across the veterinary and business sectors, with a special focus on team performance, wellness, and operational excellence. She is passionate about elevating the role of credentialed veterinary technicians and fostering inclusive, diverse environments within veterinary medicine.

With her extensive background in multi-site management, team training, and business operations, Suzanne’s focus is on veterinary leaders reaching their full potential, make lasting changes, and drive sustainable growth for their practices. Her mission is to ensure every veterinary team member feels valued, heard, and supported while delivering exceptional care to their clients and patients.

Outside of her work with Leading Veterinary Teams, Suzanne enjoys mentoring other professionals, speaking at industry events, and advocating for better work-life balance in veterinary careers. She is also committed to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment for the veterinary community. When Suzanne is not working to advance leaders in veterinary medicine, she is hiking with her dog Mavi, spending time with her twins, Declan and Teagan, or relaxing with her husband, Patrice.