In this episode of Hitting Your Stride, Dr. Mike Pownall (DVM, MBA) joins Tracey for a spirited discussion on the state of equine veterinary care in the industry and how he as co-owner of McKee-Pownall Equine Services is seeking to change things for the better. This is pretty far from where Mike thought he’d be, having grown up a city kid in Montreal with no interest in horses – until a thoughtful gift changed his future.
Mike discusses the details of what currently faces vets today: high-stress demands and compassion fatigue have led to some of the most alarmingly high rates of burnout and suicide of any profession. But to help look after those who work for McKee-Pownall and to best serve horse owners and preserve their peace of mind when it comes to healthcare decisions, Mike and his wife, Melissa, have put a focus on creating a culture of ‘people first’ when it comes to caring for their employees.
Mike shares that he found his passion for horses when a friend gifted him lessons and he saw it snowball from there. In going from a Concordia graduate with a degree in communications to a farrier to a vet who sports an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at Western, it’s safe to say that his journey has been as varied as it has been inspiring.
One of Mike’s guiding principles is giving back, acknowledging that so many doors were opened for him along his path that for him to not pay it forward would be a great act of selfishness. Many people in the horse industry have had a mentor and someone supporting them, and he considers it an honour to return that supportive experience.
And for someone whose life has become a detailed balancing act, Mike points out that you need a clear vision from the start to make your goals become reality. Part of that is showing strength in self-leadership, including both the sense of humility in your service to others and a strong emotional intelligence where you are aware of your impact on others and how that affects your personal growth.
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