EP 8: Leading without backup: finding strength in the silence

In this episode, I sit down with Sharon Vaturi, MS, RVT, CVT — a credentialed veterinary technician with 20+ years in the field, scientist, educator, musician, and founder of RVT Seminars. Sharon has trained teams, led on the floor, and now delivers “keynote concerts” that blend live music with leadership teaching to strengthen culture and morale in veterinary hospitals.We get into what it actually looks like to step up when you’re on your own: channeling that ER-level focus under pressure, turning training into muscle memory (CPR drills that actually prepare teams), and carrying the same practice mindset into tough leadership conversations. We talk psychological safety in everyday moments (yes, even “can you show me the microscope?”), why gatekeeping kills performance, and how explaining the why boosts client adherence and team follow-through.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to use “ER brain” (focus + delegation) without a crisisTraining that sticks: short, realistic reps more than once-a-year checklistsPsychological safety in small moments—and why “thank you” mattersTeaching vs. gatekeeping: building capability without losing controlSOPs that prevent blame culture: double-checks, estimates, and clarityWhy presence is greater than perfect words: pause, listen, then respondA creative twist: using music and storytelling to shift team cultureConnect with Sharon 🔗 RVT Seminars: https://rvtseminars.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/rvtseminars🔗 Keynote Concerts: https://sharonvaturi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/sdv.speaker🔗 Upcoming Book (Oct 2025):IG: https://www.instagram.com/sdv.author🎧 Subscribe to Leading Veterinary Teams On Air for real talk, tactical tools, and conversations that challenge the old-school way of leading in vet med. If this episode hit home, share it with a colleague and leave a review—it helps more hospital leaders find the show.Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe here, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and on YouTube for more real talk about veterinary leadership.