Jaime Pickett

Jaime Pickett DVM is a dynamic, accomplished, and bold Chief Executive Officer in the Veterinary Medicine field with expertise driving strategic vision, organizational effectiveness, and comprehensive care within innovative business models. She has a history of spearheading business growth—setting long-term goals and steering mission-critical planning using a blend of strategic thinking, collaboration, and adaptability.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My typical day starts early with a quick workout to energize my body and mind. Then, it’s straight to reviewing the day’s agenda, which usually includes meetings with my team, strategic planning sessions, and sometimes direct care in our veterinary clinics. I make my day productive by prioritizing tasks and ensuring that every meeting has a clear objective. I also believe in empowering my team to take ownership of projects, which boosts productivity across the board.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I bring ideas to life through collaboration and strategic execution. It starts with brainstorming sessions with my team where we all are encouraged to think boldly and creatively. Once we settle on a concept, we map out a detailed plan, define roles and responsibilities, and set milestones. Regular check-ins and adjustments keep us on track, and I ensure we have the resources needed to execute effectively.

What’s one trend that excites you?

One trend that excites me is telemedicine in veterinary care. It’s revolutionizing how we provide care, making it more accessible and efficient. This trend not only expands our reach but also allows for better patient monitoring and convenience for pet owners.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

A habit that significantly boosts my productivity is time-blocking. I allocate specific blocks of time for different activities, from emails and meetings to strategic planning and personal time. This helps me stay focused and ensures I make the most of each day.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self to worry less about the small setbacks. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. The path isn’t always straight, but the lessons learned from each detour are invaluable.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that every veterinary clinic, no matter how small, should invest in research and development. While it’s a common belief that only large corporations can fund R&D, I argue that innovation can and should be part of all veterinary practices to advance the field and improve care.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Reflect on your day. Every evening, I take time to reflect on what went well and what didn’t. This practice helps me understand my actions and decisions, ensuring continuous personal and professional growth.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I take a step back and go for a walk or engage in a brief meditation session. This break allows me to clear my mind and reassess my priorities with a fresh perspective.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Building strong relationships has been crucial. Whether it’s with my team, partners, or customers, I’ve found that nurturing these relationships creates opportunities for collaboration and growth that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

Early in my career, I expanded my business too quickly without a solid plan for scaling operations, which led to significant stress on our resources. I overcame this by stepping back to stabilize the existing operations before planning any further expansions. The lesson was clear: grow strategically, not just quickly.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A mobile app that coordinates pet care services including grooming, veterinary appointments, training, and dietary consultations. Think of it as a ‘personal assistant’ for pet owners to manage their pets’ health and wellness seamlessly.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Trello is a tool I find incredibly useful for organizing projects and tracking progress. It’s intuitive and flexible, allowing me and my team to manage tasks efficiently and collaborate in real-time.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

One book that has significantly influenced me is “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. It reshaped how I think about leadership and the importance of having a clear, compelling vision to inspire and lead effectively.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I recently enjoyed the series “The Crown” on Netflix. It’s a fascinating look at leadership under enormous pressure and the complexities of balancing personal life with public responsibilities, something I can relate to on some level.

Key learnings