This panel discussion is designed to provide aspiring veterinary practice owners with an authentic, unfiltered perspective on the challenges and rewards of launching and managing an independent practice. This session will bring together experienced practice owners, industry experts, and entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated the complex process of starting their own practices. Through a panel discussion, real-world case studies, and Q&A with our experts, attendees will gain valuable insights into the practicalities of ownership, from financing and business planning to client retention and day-to-day operations.

• By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
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• Recognise the realities behind practice ownership – including the personal trade-offs, hidden pressures, and what no one tells you until you're in it.
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• Understand how to build a values-led, high-performance team – using behavioural psychology and leadership techniques that go beyond management theory.
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• Identify key elements of effective process design – and how Lean thinking can streamline operations without compromising care.
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• Evaluate what makes a practice scalable and sustainable – including client experience, team retention, and efficient decision-making.
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• Learn from real mistakes and wins – using case studies from my own journey to show what works (and what absolutely doesn’t).
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• Explore practical strategies for leading when you're not present – and how to make the business thrive without being constantly on-site.