Ep 83: Scaling Goodness: Why Leadership Still Matters in Vet Med with Dr. Bob Lester
In this episode, I’m joined by a truly impactful voice in veterinary medicine—Dr. Bob Lester. If you’ve ever wondered how to build something big without losing the soul of the work… Bob’s your guy.
A veterinarian, entrepreneur, and systems thinker, Bob’s career spans small-town mixed animal practice, the founding of Banfield Pet Hospitals, academic leadership at Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and now, his role as co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of WellHaven Pet Health—a company that’s quietly redefining what good corporate veterinary care can look like.
From scaling national brands and reimagining vet school education to leading with optimism, Bob brings a rare blend of clarity, compassion, and straight-talking wisdom. In this wide-ranging conversation, we go deep on what it really takes to lead—without burning out, selling out, or tuning out.
We talk about the messy middle between toxic positivity and chronic catastrophizing, how to build trust inside veterinary teams, and why who leads your practice matters more than what it looks like on paper. Plus, we explore mentorship, the future of GP care, and why now is actually a brilliant time to be in veterinary medicine—if we’re brave enough to lead with care and courage.
This one is full of strategic insight and grounded humanity. Bob is proof that you can scale without losing your heart. Grab a notepad—and maybe a shot of optimism—and dig in.
Episode Highlights
[00:01:00] Why Leadership in Vet Med Feels Broken (and How to Fix It)
[00:05:15] The Power (and Choice) of Optimism
[00:10:00] Trust, Toxic Positivity, and Real Talk in Teams
[00:14:30] What Actually Happens When You Get a Board Complaint
[00:24:12] From Blue-Collar Kid to C-Suite Vet Leader
[00:33:16] The Banfield Origin Story and Scaling Through PetSmart
[00:41:00] The Case for General Practice as the Hub of Vet Care
[00:50:01] How to Scale Leadership Without Killing Culture
[01:01:00] Why Taking Care of People Comes First
[01:08:24] Mentorship, Ownership, and What Really Works
[01:21:00] Distributed Vet Schools, Communication Skills & Hope for the Future
[01:23:15] Starting WellHaven: A Second Act With Heart
[01:27:00] Career Reflection: Building, Teaching, and Lifting Others
[01:33:19] Best Career Advice: Say Yes, Stay Curious, and Enjoy the Ride
Episode Links
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