Collaboration makes everything better

I am thrilled to introduce my colleague and friend, Devan Swank, to this platform.

Devan and I first crossed paths nearly five years ago when we both served as DVM recruiters for a corporate group. We connected immediately. She was outspoken (in a good way) and among the kindest individuals I had ever met. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure those around her have the resources they need to succeed, often prioritizing their needs over her own. Her background is more diverse than mine. She held positions in other professions prior to joining vet med, I started while I was still in high school. She will tell you about them soon.

We bonded over our spirit of adventure, shared dreams and Hogwarts Houses. She swears she's a Gryffindor, but we know she's a Slytherin and she has the hat to prove it. In case you're curious about me, Ravenclaw all the way!

We spent several blissful years working there with an amazing group of teammates. Even though we all worked remotely, we were able to connect on teams' meetings and in person at conferences, corporate events and yes, sometimes just to get together. We grew really close as a recruiting team, but Devan and I clicked on a personal level too. We became each other's touchstone when things were challenging and each other's biggest supporter when good things happened at work and in our lives. We even saved a man's life together. No really, but I'll save that story for another post.

As often happens, the structure of the company changed, the collaborative and welcoming environment that once was had begun to diminish. Roles changes, people left, others were very unhappy and it lost the magic it used to have. That's not a new situation in corporate America. It's one many know better than I do since this was my first position not directly interacting with clients, patients or students. During that time, Devan and I were able to help each other through those challenges. When it seemed we were up against something trying to push us away, we held fast. And that is how I discovered that the pressures on the other side were much the same as they are in practice. Performance metrics, infighting, feelings of worthlessness or abandonment. And of course everyone's favorite, Imposter Syndrome. The burnout I, no, we suffered there was to me, the same feeling as I had found in practice. I knew then that there had to be more than this to life. And I set out to figure out how to help others face these challenges. In doing so I think I saved my own life. Until I was on the other side, I didn't realize how burnt out and chronically depressed I had been. Thank goodness for Devan. Even on the darkest days, she could make me laugh and more importantly, think.

We all need someone like Devan in our lives. As you can see from the photo above, she's unashamedly herself, even while watching Golden Girls. For those who don't have someone like her, I'm thrilled to share her with you. Devan will be joining me on this journey of healing and creating a safe space for those in need. I'm so grateful she's chosen to stay by my side, even from two time zones away. She will introduce herself to you next week, but I wanted to take a moment to brag about her before she joins us. I love her dearly, and I'm sure you will too.

Heather