020:THRIVE-ing is Built, Not Found: Lessons From Zimbabwe

This episode is best experienced IN FULL!! We recorded this live in Zimbabwe during the THRIVE veterinary wellbeing retreat—and the video version brings it all to life. From wildlife encounters to breathtaking landscapes and powerful human moments, you can watch the full experience unfold on YouTube here.In this special episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi records live from Zimbabwe during the World Wide Vets THRIVE retreat—joined by co-host Dani Herbst to explore what it really means to thrive in veterinary medicine.Grounded in research on emotional intelligence in early-career veterinarians, this conversation unpacks a powerful insight: emotional intelligence does not simply develop with experience—it is shaped by the environments we are part of.And when the research points to mental health, social support, and time spent outdoors as key drivers of emotional intelligence…this episode brings those findings to life in real time.Through conversations with veterinary professionals attending THRIVE, you will hear how connection, reflection, and stepping away from the day-to-day demands of practice can shift perspective, build emotional capacity, and create meaningful change.From honest reflections to moments of humor and insight, this episode highlights how wellbeing is not just an individual effort—it is something we build together.You’ll hear:What the research says about emotional intelligence in veterinary medicineHow social support reduces isolation and builds connectionThe impact of time outdoors on perspective and wellbeingWhy experiences like THRIVE can support real growthReflections from veterinary professionals experiencing this work firsthandWhether you are feeling energized or exhausted, this episode invites you to consider what it might look like to create the conditions that help you—and your team—truly THRIVE.Resource Links: Episode Article:Title: Improved mental health, social support, and time outdoors are associated with higher emotional intelligence in early-career veterinarians: A longitudinal studyAuthors: Tipsarp Kittisiam, DVM, PhD ; Caroline Ritter, DVM, PhD; Emily Morabito, MS; Adam Stacey, PsyD, RDPsych; Deep Khosa, BVMS, PhD; Andria Jones, DVM, PhDDOI: 10.2460/javma.23.10.0566 WorldWide Vets WWV THRIVE - February 2027 Dates and DetailsZimbabwe Man - DonkeyWhat Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] Your Hosts: Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. Timestamps:02:06 Meet Dani Herbst05:22 Mental Health Stigma08:54 Dani’s Path to Purpose13:11 Worldwide Vets Mission14:54 Inside the Thrive Retreat22:32 Emotional Intelligence Study25:46 Findings and Thrive Validation31:55 Vulnerability and Support34:49 Delegates Share 37:14 Wellbeing Skills For Leaders48:26 Safari CE And Connection51:43 Grounding Outdoors Reset54:39 Rapid Fire Delegate Takeaways59:57 Laughs And Farewell