Something Funny Happened on the Mountain Bike Trail

My husband and I were riding in Sedona, AZ this weekend. He has been a huge supporter of my career and my blog/website from the beginning. Because of his support, he also likes to offer his opinion. So, as we were riding back to the resort, his comment to me was, “You have to decide whether your blog is geared only to women veterinarians; you keep focusing on women’s issues.”

I chuckled and replied, that’s the whole point. We need men to lean in with us and help push us forward. We cannot break through the glass ceiling without the support and understanding of males too. This is not just a “women’s” issue. He disagreed.

Fast forward a few days and there is Emma Watson speaking to the UN on the He for She campaign, more beautifully articulating the same issues.

Interview Series: Vetgirl’s Justine Lee’s Veterinary Career Morsels

Part 2 of Interview with Vetgirl’s Justine Lee: Veterinary Career Morsels…yummy!

1. Any survival tips for those struggling through vet school or residencies/internships.

• When in doubt, work hard; play hard (that’s her mantra!)
• Find something that makes you passionate about what you do.
• Find your escape (for both of us it is running/hiking)
• Reach out for support and exercise.
• Take the time to care for yourself.

There’s More Room at the Table: Time to Lean In More

As a huge Sheryl Sandberg fan, after reading her iconic book Lean In in January 2014, I have tried to be mindful of those times when I do not “lean in.” For those of you who have not read her book (and you must), through  major research and her own career, Sandberg believes women do not “lean in” to opportunities in their careers for a variety of reasons. Many of these reasons we do have control over.

Last week I met informally with my company’s female CEO. I noted multiple times during our conversation that I was not “leaning in.” See below.

Lean In Violation 1: Not accepting credit for a job well done.

She praised my work over my last year as manager. The morale at my location is at an all-time high, our revenue is up and client feedback is exceptionally positive. Even prior managers of the same location, were impressed with my leadership. While I may have had hand in some of these accomplishment, all I could think about was blaming others for my success and finding the imperfections. Well it could not have possibly been me?