Curiosity Over Judgment

In this episode, host Petra Agthe is joined by Dr. Jennifer Edwards — veterinarian, former practice owner, and leadership coach — for a conversation about what it really means to suspend judgment and bring curiosity into our conversations, our leadership, and our relationship with ourselves.

The conversation explores how curiosity and judgment are, almost mutually exclusive and how curiosity connects to active listening, to humility, and to the courage it takes to admit we don't already know what someone else is thinking or feeling.

This conversation covers:

• Why curiosity requires letting go of assumptions, and how it opens the door to deeper, more meaningful conversations
• The link between curiosity and humility — and why being willing to "not know" builds real connection
• Perfectionism in veterinary medicine, and how curiosity, rather than self-criticism, can become a gateway to growth
• Leading diverse teams with curiosity: recognising that people think, process, and work differently — and why that's a strength, not a problem
• Practical tools for cultivating curiosity, including how to ask open-ended questions that invite people to share more
• Knowing when curiosity isn't the answer — boundaries, and when it's okay to simply end a conversation
• Turning curiosity inward: how self-compassion, rather than self-judgment, can change our relationship with ourselves — especially during burnout or moments of imposter syndrome

Ready to find out more about how curiosity can transform your life? Then listen in or read the transcript and join our conversation!

Where to find out more about Dr Jennifer Edwards and her work:

• Jennifers website: https://drjenniferedwards.com/
• Jennifers Resilient Vet Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/07gFs5TqFFM5yBUNEAaHCa
• Find Jennifer on social media:
  • Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenniferedwards/
  • Facebook https://www.facebook.com/drjenniferedwards
  • Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drjenniferedwards/

Resources you may also be interested in:

Books:

• Energy Leadership by Bruce Schneider
• Humble Inquiry by Edgar and Peter Schein

TV Series: Ted Lasso

Previous Vet Mind Works Episodes related to the topic:

• Non-violent Communication
• The Power of Connection
• Active listening
• Self-compassion for Imposter Syndrome
• Self-compassion

Join the conversation:

What resonated with you in this episode? Have you ever tried to approach conversations and interpersonal interactions with greater curiosity? We would love to hear your reflections. Share, rate, and send us your thoughts and suggestions for future guests and topics.

This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here.

We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to vetmindworks@gmail.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook

Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/

Credits:
Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay