<p>In this episode, our host Dr. Brianna Armstrong sits down with <strong>Dr. Kelly Cooper</strong>, veterinarian, former practice owner, corporate leader, and certified leadership coach, to explore the quiet realization many leaders have but rarely name: <em>I’m not the leader I want to be—and I don’t know how to fix it.</em> </p><p>Kelly shares her journey from clinical practice to ownership, rising through the ranks at Banfield to the highest level before the C-suite, and ultimately making the difficult decision to walk away from a prestigious role to pursue coaching full-time. Not because she was failing—but because she wanted something more aligned. </p><p>Together, they unpack what coaching actually is (and what it’s not), how leaders often don’t realize they need support until something breaks, and why awareness—not perfection—is the first step toward becoming a better leader. </p><p>This is an honest, reflective conversation for veterinarians and leaders who care deeply, want to do better, and are willing to look inward. </p><p> </p><p><strong>In This Episode, We Discuss: </strong></p><ul><li><p>The moment Kelly realized she wasn’t the leader she wanted to be </p></li><li><p>Why many veterinarians struggle with leadership—and don’t know help exists </p></li><li><p>The difference between coaching, therapy, and mentorship </p></li><li><p>How coaching helped Kelly gain clarity, alignment, and confidence </p></li><li><p>What a real coaching session actually looks like </p></li><li><p>Why leadership growth often requires outside perspective </p></li><li><p>How coaching can transform not just your career, but your relationships and wellbeing </p></li><li><p>The idea that <em>pain is inevitable—but suffering is optional</em> <br> </p></li></ul><p><strong>This Episode Is For You If: </strong></p><ul><li><p>You’re a leader who cares deeply but feels stuck or stretched </p></li><li><p>You’ve ever thought, <em>“Why does this feel harder than it should?”</em> </p></li><li><p>You’re curious about coaching but unsure if it’s “for you” </p></li><li><p>You want to lead with more intention, clarity, and self-awareness <br> </p></li></ul><p><strong>About Dr. Kelly Cooper </strong></p><p>Dr. Kelly Cooper is a veterinarian and certified leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice and veterinary leadership. After owning a practice and rising to a senior leadership role at Banfield, Kelly chose to step away from corporate leadership to focus on one-on-one coaching—helping veterinarians and leaders grow into the people they want to be, not just the roles they hold. </p><p><a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[email protected]</a> </p><p>Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkellycooper/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkellycooper/</a>  </p><p>Reality Vet: <a href="https://www.realityvet.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.realityvet.com/</a>  </p><p> </p><p><strong>CPLP Podcast - Follow for more:  </strong></p><p>FB: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480229406&mibextid=LQQJ4d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480229406&amp;mibextid=LQQJ4d⁠</a>  </p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/choosepeoplelovepets?igsh=MTVzZjc4ZHE4MWd2NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">⁠https://www.instagram.com/choosepeoplelovepets?igsh=MTVzZjc4ZHE4MWd2NQ%3D%3D&amp;utm_source=qr⁠</a>  </p><p>LI: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/choose-people-love-pets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/choose-people-love-pets/⁠</a>  </p>