Motivatum Consulting

Veterinary Leaders are descending upon St. John's Newfoundland - SERIOUSLY!!

For those of you who don't know, guidED is a leadership conference that I run with my incredible team at Vet Alliance. It is designed to be unique in format, experience and programming. Don't take my word for it. Explore the website. Check out our speakers and topics. Review our agenda.

We learn together - there are no tracks, we collaborate and share together, with purpose.

We get specific - practical and applicable workshops so you leave with a plan you can actually action.

We get immersed - our speakers stay for the entire event, participating (and socializing) alongside you.

We play hard - food and entertainment are included in registration, and we have some fun things planned!

We network - where else will you meet progressive, veterinary practice owners, managers, medical directors, leads and other people with a leadership mindset, excited to learn from each other.

This is not your average conference. This is an experience.

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions - I'd love for you to join us!

Senani

https://na.eventscloud.com/website/54831/home/

I have no words for what a special day this is.
One chapter completed, a new one just beginning...

Without change there is no change.
It isn't often that we can truly celebrate a monumental shift in the animal health landscape, but today, Bill 171 (Enhancing Professional Care for Animals Act) became law in Ontario. Among the many incredible changes this will bring, is the union of Veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians as veterinary professionals under one framework. It is of benefit to every single veterinary team member, and animal owner, to see this legislation come to pass. It initiates changes that will have a significant impact on the wellbeing of animals across the province. Congratulations to all in pushing the boundaries and elevating the bar for what is possible.
https://www.cvo.org/publications/new-legislation-to-govern-the-veterinary-profession
https://oavt.org/press-releases/a-historic-moment-bill-171-receives-royal-assent/

I'm back from Houston, and here's what I learned. These managers are no joke!

I absolutely loved my time with the Houston Veterinary Practice Managers Alliance! Everybody was so engaged and keen to learn and participate. We laughed, and maybe got a little teary too. I felt so humbled to be around this group of managers, who have truly come together in the spirit of all things vet med. I have seen many veterinarian, RVT and manager groups and chapters in my time, but I genuinely believe this is the most involved, collaborative and harmonious group I've encountered. They care about each other and support each other as neighbours, colleagues, and friends.

HUGE congratulations on the community that you have built. I have no doubt that your hospitals and teams are all better off for it. I am so grateful to have been a part of your CE series! Thank you for bringing me to Houston ❤

Houston... here I come!
I have been looking forward to this one for a long time, I can't believe it's finally time. If you're in the area, I hope to see you there!

Please join us on May 2, 2024 from 10-2:30 P.M. with Senani Ratnayake, BSc, RVT! She will be discussing, "Why Can't They Just?" Shifting Perceptions and Tackling Drama.

Click here to register: http://tinyurl.com/44c34snz

Or you can scan the QR code listed in the picture! We are excited to see you all there and hope you can attend!

Last week I had the opportunity to give a keynote and several general sessions at the AmeriVet Veterinary Partners Leadership Summit. I got to meet some incredible veterinary professionals from across the US, veterinarians and managers dedicated to their teams and hospitals.

It was a lot of fun meeting so many new, like-minded people. They were welcoming and engaged, and I loved the energy they brought to every session. Bonus moments were seeing some familiar faces and getting to connect with old friends!

Huge thanks to AmeriVet for bringing me to Dallas and hosting an inspiring and empowering event!

As always... shout out to my team at Vet Alliance for encouraging and supporting me to do what I do!

What did YOU get to do today?

𝐈 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝟒𝟓.

I got to see the evidence that my 2023 passion project was more than a one-hit- wonder.

I got to spend my birthday with over 250 veterinary medicine professionals from across Canada.

I got to see social media light up with teams across Canada experiencing an event we envisioned.

I got to relish in working on an incredible team of people who love what they do.

I got to support people... Some I knew well, some I've never met... But all of whom I care about deeply.

I got to see my mom and eat a cupcake she made me.

I got to eat Hakka and Momos in my comfy clothes, with my Valentine.

I got to snuggle with my Poodle (not really a poodle) and Big Bear (not really a bear).

I got to put whipped cream on my hot chocolate.

I got to reflect on the last few decades... The heartache, the loneliness, the challenges, the failures, the stresses, the worry, the hopeless moments... and realize that it's worth sharing. Things won't ever be perfect, but they've been far worse. In those moments I couldn't imagine it being better, so I thought you should know, just in case you needed to hear it.

This isn't the life I planned in my twenties, but I cannot imagine it any other way❤️

Another group of next generation Ontario RVTs... What an engaged group of VTs and students today! Our future is bright🥰
I can't believe I've been an RVT for longer than some of our participants have been alive 😂
What a wonderful profession to be a part of...
Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians - OAVT

I can't say it better, so I'll just leave this here.
I try to live my life like this, and I can only hope that you do too.

Really fun and different opportunity today! I was grateful to be invited to do a Keynote at the Certified Crop Adviser Conference! I spent the day immersed in scientific and technology driven discussions, and truly enjoyed hearing all about their world 🤓. I love what these professionals are doing to promote best practices, innovate, safeguard and support the livelihood of growers ... consequently, benefiting all of us as consumers!
Congratulations on a wonderful conference

WE DID IT… we successfully made it around the sun again! So, how do you feel?

Bringing in a new year holds different meaning for each of us.
For some, it’s a time for reflection, and learning from moments throughout the year 🌈
For others, it’s a time to celebrate and reset – an opportunity to start fresh with new goals and a positive mindset 💥
Then there are those who don’t really understand how turning over from December to January has some magical effect – it’s another day, with the same challenges that yesterday held, and the same opportunities as before 😉

You do you. Give yourself permission to do what you need, in order to be your best self for the coming months. Don’t stress about what it means for others, and don’t base how you should feel, on what your social timeline is telling you!

Whatever your jam is – I wish you another 365 days of incredible opportunities, good health, new learnings, belly-laughs, and the knowledge of knowing your positive impact on those around you.

It’s 2024 – so let’s use it as an excuse to be awesome!

Shout out to CommuniVET for hosting another incredible (FREE!) continuing education event for RVTs across the country.
What do RVTs do on a Saturday? CE! I love how many people attended my sessions today and I hope that it helped to inspire direction and confidence!

I almost forgot! Before the CommuniVET RVT PWR event, I'll be speaking for the Uncharted Culture Conference!
We're going to discuss accountability, and how to make it something everybody will embrace! See you on October 11th ❤

Next up! I'll be doing this virtual event in celebration of October... RVT month! It's FREE and I am so excited to be a part of this very special education event once again... so register now, and please tag or share with others who would benefit from participating in the CommuniVET RVT PWR session on October 21st from 12-4pm ET

RVT PWR teaser Senani This is "RVT PWR teaser Senani" by CommuniVET on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

I had an absolutely incredible time in Glendale, Arizona thanks to the hospitality of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA), and the wonderful veterinary management professionals who attended my keynote and remained engaged, and thoughtful, throughout.
While I really didn't know many people there, everybody was so welcoming and friendly. I did reconnect with a few friends, and put lower halves of bodies to two people I have zoomed with several times, but never met in person ;)
Brendan and I got to spend Saturday taking a road trip to Sedona and Flagstaff before jumping on a redeye and warping through time zones (connecting in Chicago). I am exhausted and fulfilled.
I feel privileged to have been given the gift of time with a general session that I am hoping really got people thinking... Congratulations to the VHMA for a truly wonderful event!

Special shout out to Vet Alliance for giving me the space to do what I love!

Our industry is tired.
Tired of hearing about lives lost.
Tired of worrying, struggling, and feeling a little paranoid every time somebody talks about how tough things are, and wondering if they are "okay."

When a veterinary professional dies by su***de, and our newsfeeds become full of condolences and shared posts, there is an overwhelming grief that follows. I don't know about you, but I get immersed in the comments, and I have noticed a very specific trend. These losses are often of people described as, not just gentle, but the gentlest. Not just patient, but patient beyond words. Not just compassionate, but selfless in the way they put others before them. Not just kind, but the kindest.

In the case of Dr. Fleury, who I didn't know personally, what I do know is that a great many people I DO know personally, are deeply impacted by the loss of somebody who clearly has had a great impact on every person he encountered. Through childhood years, to vet school (on both classmates and educators), to his role as a leader in his own practice, and a veterinarian for wildlife and the humane society. He gave his heart and soul. He shared his time. He shared his skills. He shared his humour. He shared his passion.

My heart aches for his wife and two young sons, who will now have to bravely move forward, filled with memories, and the sadness of all of the milestones he will miss.

My heart aches for him, because I cannot imagine the incredible battle in his own mind, that led to this tragic end.

Regardless of what you believe, I can only hope that he is at peace now. I honestly am not sure what I believe... but I do know this. That rainbow bridge was FULL. A line up of welcoming creatures to receive this incredible human who gave so much to our profession, friends and family alike.

I suppose at this point, I cannot say I'm "at a loss for words." I've rambled enough... and yet... nothing I say feels "good enough" here. Good enough to truly honour another human who cared so deeply about the things I care about. I only wish I was able to know you in life Dr. Fleury. I do know, without a doubt, that the impact you have had here in life, will not go in vain.

My deepest condolences to his family, and all of my colleagues and friends who are struggling to comprehend this loss.

*edited to say: reposted to make shareable at the request of followers

Okay... who is in Arizona this week for the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) Conference?
Excited to be doing a keynote general session on Friday - let me know if you plan to attend!

Alright Manitoba friends... I'm headed your way!!!
Let me know if you plan on attending, I can't wait 🥳

If you've been holding out... It's time you make the call and register!! Our room block gives you access to the Hockey Valley Resort for only $164/night!
You won't get access to these experts in such an intimate and interactive way anywhere else.
I hope to see you there♥️

Home guidED is a benchmark offering for veterinary leadership team members. An innovative conference built on three pillars to improve foundational understanding, gain applicable knowledge and support the ex*****on of strategic next steps.

Humbled. Privileged. Excited.
I cannot wait to facilitate this panel of incredible humans on Wednesday, June 7th!
Mentorship is evolving so that we can too... see you next week!

Well, this is going to be fun! 🎉

We hope you can join us on June 7th from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ET to learn more about the past, present, and future of veterinary mentorship!

In this panel discussion, we will also discuss how mentorship is evolving to meet the unique needs of individuals within the profession.

Facilitator:
💥 Senani Ratnayake, BSc, RVT

Panelists:
🌟 Addie Reinhard, DVM, MS
🌟 Alyssa Mages, BSc, CVT
🌟 Ginger Templeton, DVM, MS
🌟 James Desir DVM, CCRP

Sign up by clicking the link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AlRpus6bTd6h8JNEYUnsvw

We hope to see you there!

So proud and grateful to be a speaker (and the only Canadian speaker!) this week for Merck Animal Health's Global Vaccine Symposium! Registration allows you to watch live or on-demand at your convenience, so you have no excuses! Free. RACE-Approved. They already have almost 20K registrants! We all know that vaccines are a critical part of pet, people AND business health, so what are you waiting for?

Merck Animal Health Merck Animal Health Canada Vet Alliance

I am not going to get caught up in the specifics, or the politics of this situation – the details continue to develop and ultimately, they don’t change the following facts.

A veterinary team member was fatally shot, while on shift.
Several team members were injured, while on shift.
The team member was left, dying, in the arms of his mother, who also works at the practice, on Mother’s Day.

It is absolutely heartbreaking to think of the team at Shively Animal Clinic in Louisville KY, and the incredibly traumatic experience they will now carry with them forever. The family and friends, who are now left to grieve.
This post is to simply, and humbly, honour a young man who has lost his life, with so much life left to live. I love veterinary medicine and I know you do too. We know there is joy, we know there is pain… but this is a different type of pain. An incredibly profound reminder of how, in a moment, everything can change.

I posted this two years ago...and don't think I can really say it any better...

Don't ever feel like you have to justify your feelings about days like this - it's different for everybody - and different is okay

Yesterday I had the privilege of presenting a full track for The Georgian Bay Veterinary Association. I made new friends and reconnected with old ones - some were real blasts from the past! It was an incredibly engaged and welcoming group and we talked about everything from workflow to recruitment to simply figuring out how to be your best self and dig into your potential. They actually voted on the topics they wanted at the beginning of our time together so we were able to dive into the things that were most interesting to the people in the room - Choose Your Own Adventure style.
I am so grateful for opportunities like this, and love being able to educate with humour and storytelling.
Huge thanks to the Board of the GBVA for inviting me, and to Vet Alliance and Merck Animal Health Canada for sponsoring, and supporting, these important conversations.

The 2023 British Columbia Veterinary Technologists Association - BCVTA Spring Conference was an absolute success. It was my first time attending in person and after three years of virtual work with many practices in BC, I reveled in the experience of seeing people face-to-face, and finding out how tall they actually are 😆
I was fortunate to be given a full-day track and the participants remained engaged for hours as we navigated how to take charge of your personal and career trajectory.

We covered four topics:
*Compassion Satisfaction – Making the Most of Our Vet Med Superpower
*Are You Talent Worth Recruiting? Positioning Yourself for Success
*Negotiate to Achieve Your Goals
*When Communication Gets Complicated: Navigating the Emotions that Impact Effective Communication

In doing so, the RVTs in BC demonstrated, without a doubt that they definitely do care about their career trajectory, and developing themselves in order to be successful.
I made many new friends, put bodies to faces I've only known in virtual squares, and also got to reconnect with a few Ontario transplants who I hadn't seen in a very long time. It was a whirlwind and I loved it.
Thanks for having me and... hint hint... I'd LOVE to do it again some time

There's nothing like having a rockstar in our field like Tasha McNerd reach out and ask if you want to talk about leadership and empowering people in our industry to figure out what's possible for them in their roles... ummm, yes please!!
Huge thanks and shout out to the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds podcast for allowing me to the opportunity to talk about things I love

VAN 043- Senani Ratnayake, BSc, RVT Sometimes you hit a point in your career where you inveitibly ask, "What's next?" Often that next is a leadership position. But what if you don't want to be a manager? Or, what if you do but you done

Really excited to be headed to the BCVTA conference in April for a full day of discussion and workshop activities geared to support RVTs taking control of their mindset and trajectory

Our Spring Conference is fast approaching! In the weeks ahead, we want to show off the amazing line up of speakers and topics that we will have for this year's in-person event! ⁠
⁠
First up is Senani Ratnayake, BSc., RVT⁠
⁠
Be Your Best Self, Present Your Best Self - Taking Charge of Your Personal and Career Trajectory⁠

When you finally become an RVT, one journey is over, but another is just beginning! As a professional, you must continue to hone your personal and technical skills in order to be the best version of yourself – while remaining inspired by the various facets of our profession and all it has to offer.⁠

Over the course of the day, Senani will cover a range of topics designed to harness your best self and allow you to achieve your goals. Join her for:

"Compassion Satisfaction – Our Vet Med Superpower”
“Are You Talent Worth Recruiting? Positioning Yourself for Success” (Resume, Social Persona and Interview Considerations)
“Negotiate to Achieve Your Goals”
“When Communication Gets Complicated: Navigating the Emotions that Impact Effective Communication

Senani Ratnayake has been educating veterinary professionals since 2004, receiving multiple awards for her contributions to the profession. Her diverse career journey has allowed her a unique perspective and she is noted as a thought-provoking story-teller, providing practical tools and applicable solutions for the everyday realities of the veterinary profession. Through Motivatum Consulting and as the Director of Learning and Engagement at Vet Alliance/Globalvet, she is focused on the development of Canadian veterinarians and their teams.

Register here: https://bcvta.member365.com/public/event/details/200fdb1fc26822e63155ddba59b39daff8bdb034/1

SEND ME A PHOTO!!
If you and/or your team are coming to unitED and you have amazing photos of people being their awesome selves - PM them to me for a chance to be featured! I don't need a ton, but I want to include a few and I'd love to highlight YOU!
For attention...here's a photo of Bridget, helping me with my unitED presentation outline!

There's still time to register!
https://na.eventscloud.com/website/50895/home/

THIS IS OPEN TO ALL PRACTICES AND PRACTICE TEAMS.
unitED is my passion project. I believe it is what was missing in veterinary medicine and I am determined to support the people in our industry by developing us AS people. The concept of is important to me. I hope it's important to you as well. If you've already signed up - then thank you. If you haven't...what are you waiting for? One registration covers your entire team. Please consider what this investment of time will mean for you...your team...your practice... and the people and patients who rely on you EVERY DAY.
I hope to see you next Wednesday...

If you work in veterinary medicine - we need to talk.

Feeling exhausted or like you can't get ahead?
Hunting for meaningful CE with practical advice for you and your team?
Wanting to grow personally and professionally, but don't know how?

Then join practices and team members from across the country on February 15th - as we unite - to uplift and develop the people who work in veterinary medicine.
As veterinary practices continue to struggle with overwhelmed team members and complicated team dynamics, we’ve designed an extraordinary, one-day, virtual, continuing education event to harness the power of teams. unitED promises to strategically help you achieve greater success, together.

unitED was truly designed for our people instead of our roles - this conference leaves !

There are many creative ways to engage with the content. You can take it for personal CE, choose to rotate your team through the live sessions, host a full team watch party, or perhaps have your leadership team watch so they can better support everybody.

Come ready to level up with our incredible unitED speakers, including Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, Dr. Cyndie Courtney and Senani Ratnayake, as we discuss these timely and critical topics:

👉Self-Regulation: The Foundation of Wellbeing
👉A Constructive Approach to Navigating Team Conflict
👉Finding Your Financial Gait
👉Syncing Our Perspectives to Optimize Team Effectiveness
👉Mindfulness: Every Veterinary Team Member’s Superpower

If you’re looking for a tailored approach to shared learning that will positively impact your team’s success, this unique event cannot be missed!

unitED is open to ALL veterinary practices, and one low fee creates an opportunity for your entire team to unlock their potential.

Visit the unitED website for more details on the agenda and register today! 👇
https://na.eventscloud.com/website/50895/home/

As the Director of Learning and Engagement at Vet Alliance I am quite proud of the Continuing Education we both create, and curate. unitED is a bit of a passion project for me and I am thrilled to have incredible and inspirational women like The Jerk Researcher and Dr. Marie Holowaychuk on board.

Whether you participate for your own personal CE, have a watch party with a few friends, rotate team members through different sessions or watch with your entire team (the registration covers your WHOLE practice), I want you to take part.

unitED is a one-day virtual conference that is going to allow us to make our new standard for empowering and engaging Canadian veterinary teams.

Open to ALL practices - you cannot miss this opportunity!

Don't hesitate to message me for more information - or sign up now! https://na.eventscloud.com/website/50895/home/

How are YOU doing? January 1st, 2023 and I honestly am not sure that I have any major pearls of wisdom. Another year has passed and it’s all been a bit of a blur.

I don’t post often. Partly because I have a wonderful full-time job with Vet Alliance that I work hard at…24/7. Partly because I haven’t been the picture of health this year and that’s made some day-to-day things a little more challenging, and tiring. Partly because when I do have downtime, I’ve tried not to fall into the rabbit hole of social media so that I can actually enjoy the life that is happening around me. Partly because I am so good at over-thinking each post – do people really want to hear what I have to say? I don’t want to waste anybody’s time reading a post unless it’s really valuable. So, I post when I’m doing something exciting, and I post to celebrate wins.

Remember that. I know I've said it before but, social media is a snapshot – curated content by people so you know what they want you to know. For some people, that’s everything! For some people, that’s what they eat. For some people, it’s what they are mad about…sad about…excited about. Of course, it’s okay to use it in a way that feels comfortable for you – but never base your reality on your perspective of somebody else’s. That’s dangerous.

We have all had something good happen in 2022 – and it’s important to note that “good” is a relative term. So is “bad.”
Sometimes it’s the “bad” things that lead to something better, or open the door for it. Sometimes the “good” things act like a double-edged sword, or end with our expectations not being met in the way we had hoped.

In 2023, what I hope is that we can all work to be mindful of our perspectives. Knowing that there is always more than one way to see things. Being open to learning about other perspectives. Appreciating what comes when we do so.

I am so grateful to you if you are reading this, because it means somewhere along the way you chose to “like” and/or “follow” Motivatum Consulting… me! I cannot tell you what each click has meant to me and I promise never to take your endorsement or ear for granted!

I can’t wait to tackle 2023 by applying all of the learning from the years that have passed. I wished for time in 2022 and I’ll wish for it again 😉 Mostly because what I said last year still applies… so I’ll leave it here one more time because I don’t think I can say it any better.

I wish for more time for us all… Time for more opportunities to do great things, improve, get comfortable, get uncomfortable, learn, explore, be curious, listen, collaborate, develop new relationships that spark joy, opt out of relationships that don’t!
Happy New Year to you all