What happens when you realize you might have been part of the problem?

Jen Cote, RVT, joins Leilani and Jillian for a candid conversation about nearly 20 years in vet med. They discuss the lessons that came from changing roles, getting uncomfortable, learning how to communicate, and becoming the kind of leader she wishes she’d had earlier in her career.

Jen’s career has taken her from general practice and emergency medicine to sales, operations, communications, program management, and industry leadership. Today, she works with NVA Canada developing programs that support veterinary teams and their clients, while also serving as President and Chair of the Ontario Association Of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT).

Along the way, they get into what it means to own your past mistakes, become a better mentor and leader, take career risks, and stay open to opportunities you never expected. They also talk about why RVT careers don’t have to follow one path, and why it matter to get more RVTs into the rooms where decisions are made.

Plus: AI scribes, the problem with pizza parties, disgust over dog saliva, and why she wants the Arkells played at her funeral.

About Jen

Jen is an RVT and veterinary industry leader with nearly two decades of experience spanning clinical practice, leadership, communications, and program management. She currently works with NVA Canada, helping develop programs that support veterinary teams and the clients they serve, and serves as President and Chair of the OAVT.

Endlessly curious and rarely short on opinions, Jen has a habit of saying yes to interesting opportunities and figuring out the details afterward. Outside of work, she loves travelling, time with her husband and friends, and managing a collection of pets, plants, and aquariums that rivals a small public exhibit.

Contact

OAVT: jenc@oavt.org

NVA Canada: jen.cote@nva.com

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