Always a creative individual, I spent my younger years making crafts and selling them from roadside stalls, working takeaway shop shifts, and dog walking after school all to save up for my first car. Even then, I loved creating things, connecting with people, and putting ideas into action.

At 18, my career plans were simple: “Anywhere animals are.”

I started out with a big heart and a strong work ethic, working in retail before stepping into the veterinary world as a nurse. Those early years taught me a lot about care, resilience, teamwork, and how small details make a big difference.
By 21, after an attempt to get into vet school, I pivoted to study a Bachelor of Animal Science, first at Massey and then Lincoln University. To support myself, I worked multiple part-time jobs: vet nursing, running puppy preschools, canine hydrotherapy, mystery shopping, housekeeping, milking cows, rearing calves, A.I. technicians runs, anything to make it work. It wasn’t always glamorous, but it built resilience and drive.

Volunteering also became part of who I am, from Orana Wildlife Park, to serving as an Honorary Fisheries Officer, to today with my leadership work within the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) and involvement with the Veterinary Business Community (VBC).

After graduating, curiosity pulled me beyond the clinical work. I stepped into the corporate world, starting in animal health pharmaceuticals, and then into commercial and leadership roles across both corporate and private sectors.
I discovered I loved strategy and innovation, I loved leading people and I loved helping individuals and teams grow.
Now, back in the private sector, continuing to grow my knowledge and apply everything I’ve learned to support clinics and teams to develop and to deliver stronger services and better client outcomes. I’m also working toward my MBA, sharpening my personal strengths and broadening my perspective.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: your career is rarely a straight line. It’s made up of moments where you pivot, adapt, and need to back yourself to step into something new.

The saying “What got you here, won’t get you there” holds true, if you want change, you have to take risks and follow that internal pull.

I’m a naturally curious person and love learning. If I’m not working or studying, I’m usually listening to podcasts on a wide range of topics and interesting people. We live in an era where everything is at our fingertips. The rise of AI is one of those tools, curious about improving your well-being, learning a new skill, or launching a side hustle? Just type your thoughts in and ask for a step-by-step plan, you can have it in minutes while watching Netflix on the couch.

If I were asked who or what helped me get to today, I’d say:

Continuous self-development.
Curiosity.
And an incredible community.

Inspiring leaders who gave me space to grow.
Teammates who showed me the value of collaboration.
Mentors who challenged my thinking.
And family and friends who grounded me when things got tough.

Wherever your journey takes you, building and supporting your foundation, your people and purpose, is what truly matters.

Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm is what pulls the lever.

So take time to fill your cup every day.

Go to that morning class.

Take the dog for a walk.

Enjoy the beautiful countryside we’re so lucky to call home.

We are the youngest we'll ever be today, so if you’ve been waiting on something, take the leap. And enjoy the journey.

Written by: Lauren Gliddon
Business Unit Manager | Companion Animals at Vetlife New Zealand