After four fantastic years working with our CVLM students our tutor Clive Elwood is moving on. We’ve loved having him as part of our team and invited him to share his reflections on working with us before he leaves.
What attracted you to joining the tutor team at the VMG?
I moved from clinical specialisation into management and leadership and then into coaching and leadership development. And I wrote Leadership in Veterinary Medicine in 2021 as a way of sharing my thoughts on what I believed to be an essential and under-developed area in the veterinary professions. This made joining the VMG CVLM tutor team a natural next step in continuing my journey of exploration of leadership, while supporting the upcoming generation of veterinary leaders on theirs.
What have you most enjoyed about it and what has given you most satisfaction?
Working with students is, of course, the greatest reward; helping achieve those ‘Ah ha!’ moments when they see something in a new way which moves them forward. The students, who come from varied backgrounds and levels of experience, have been open to learning and willing to embrace discomfort; I’ve been incredibly impressed by them. The team ethic and support amongst the tutors, who all bring something unique to the group, has also been great.
Has anything surprised you in the role?
When I started, I reserved judgment about how useful the course might be – but the way students have to dig into their own context and their own leadership styles and use the models and theories and sense-making tools has shown me that the content is highly effective in helping them develop their leadership skills in their own way: it’s absolutely not a theory test and all the better for it!
Any amusing anecdotes or stories you’d like to share?
Anyone who shared the dance floor with me at the 2025 Congress will attest that, whilst I might be enthusiastic, singing and dancing are low on my list of talents!
What’s your message to those who are studying for the qualifications – or are considering embarking on the journey?
Go for it and be ready to be stretched. It’s about growing and learning, both from what you do well and what you could do better. As experienced leaders will know, you will never be perfect! The tutor team is fabulous so use them to the max and lean on their wisdom, guidance and support!
Amy Martin, VMG Learning and Development Manager, adds: “It’s been an absolute joy to work alongside Clive and I’m privileged that he has shared his wisdom with me and our student body over the years he has been involved with VMG. As a seasoned veterinary leader, coach and author he’s bought this wealth of knowledge to the development of the CVLM/DVLM courses at VMG and individually tutored numerous students, seeing many, many leaders become qualified veterinary leaders with his support. I want to thank Clive for his contribution and the legacy he leaves behind and wish him all the best as he changes his pace of life.
Thank you Clive for being such a fantastic part of tutor team! Good luck for your next adventure and stay in touch!”
If you are looking for support with your leadership journey, or would like to develop your skills to help your team, have a look at our educational suite of CPD, the iVLM (introduction to leadership and management), and the CVLM/DVLM. Or if you would like to connect with like-minded leaders find out more about ShareSPACE here.
