Every now and then, I hear a thoughtful question from women in the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession:
“Why are so many of the high-level roles still held by men even when the profession is mostly female?”
It is a great question and one worth exploring.
After nearly three decades as an executive recruiter in this field, I have worked closely with thousands of Animal Health and Veterinary professionals and hundreds of Animal Health and Veterinary organizations. I have had a front-row seat to the evolving demographics of the Animal Health industry and the Veterinary profession, and I’ve seen incredible progress in many areas. But I have also seen missed opportunities, especially when it comes to helping more talented women step into leadership roles.
Let me be clear: this is not because women are not qualified. In fact, they are more than ready. But during interviews, the conversations men and women have—and how they frame them—can look very different. And those differences can influence how employers perceive leadership potential.
As both a recruiter and a woman who has raised five children while building a business and leading a full-time executive search practice, I understand the delicate balance women often manage. And I believe with the right mindset, preparation, and communication tools, we can turn the tide.
A Female-Dominated Profession with Room to Grow at the Top
Let us celebrate how far we have come:
- Since 2005, more than three-quarters of U.S. Veterinary students have been women.
- Nearly 70% of practicing veterinarians are female, and the class of 2027 is over 80% women.
- Around the world, women are the majority in Veterinary medicine in over thirty countries.
This is extraordinary progress. But leadership roles have not caught up yet.
A global study of 720 Veterinary schools found that while 90% of students were women, only about a third of leadership positions were filled by women. In the U.S., women still remain underrepresented in roles like CEO, senior partner, and hospital director.
Women Ask Different Questions and That’s Not a Bad Thing
One powerful observation I have made over the years is that women approach interviews with a high degree of thoughtfulness, empathy, and awareness of the broader impact of their career decisions. These are leadership traits, yet they can sometimes be misunderstood.
Let me give you some examples of questions that I have personally heard from women in interviews. These are questions that reflect conscientiousness, responsibility, and emotional intelligence.
1. “Will you reimburse the maternity leave I already used at my last employer?”
Women consider their commitments, and that includes commitments to their current employer, their family, and their future team. That is maturity and integrity.
2. “What if the team members who applied for this role feel disappointed if I’m hired?”
This is compassion in action. Great leaders think about team morale and how to lead with empathy.
3. “Am I really ready for this?”
This self-reflection is often a sign of humility and a desire to grow. Women tend to seek alignment between their qualifications and the responsibilities ahead, which often makes them more thoughtful leaders.
4. “Who will watch my kids when I travel?”
This is practical planning. Women often manage more logistics outside of work and asking these questions ensures success at home and at work.
5. “Let me check with my husband before confirming dinner plans after the interview.”
Respecting family schedules or preferences does not signal a lack of independence. Instead, it shows mutual support and healthy boundaries.
6. “How would household responsibilities shift if I take this role?”
Women often think through the ripple effects of career decisions. That is not hesitation, but strategy.
7. “What if I’m not fully qualified?” (Even when they are.)
Women tend to apply only when they meet nearly all of the listed requirements. Men are more likely to apply with partial matches. But readiness often lies in mindset, not just checklists.
These are not weaknesses. These are strengths. They show a strong sense of stewardship, foresight, and consideration for everyone involved.
The Power of Reframing
The way these questions are framed can make all the difference. When presented with confidence and clarity, they become indicators of leadership maturity, not liabilities.
Below are some examples.
Instead of: “I need to check if I can travel.”
Try: “I have a solid support system at home and want to plan travel well in advance to ensure success in both areas.”
Instead of: “I’m not sure I’m ready.”
Try: “This role excites me because it challenges me to grow and I’m confident in my ability to rise to the opportunity.”
Instead of: “What if others are upset that I got the job?”
Try: “I care about building strong relationships with the team and I’m already thinking about how to lead in the best way possible.”
Framing is not about hiding real concerns. It is about presenting them in a way that aligns with your values and your readiness to lead.
Confidence Is a Game-Changer
Here is something I want every woman to hear: You do not need to be perfect to be a leader.
Confidence is one of the key differentiators I see in interviews. Men are often comfortable promoting themselves and owning their ambition. Women sometimes second-guess their readiness, even when they are more than qualified.
Start practicing your own highlight reel. Share your accomplishments with pride. Saying “I led a team that increased clinic revenue by 18%” is not bragging. It is information that helps employers see what you bring to the table.
Advice for Candidates: Lean In With Intention
If you are preparing for a leadership interview, consider these positive approaches:
- Speak from strength. Highlight what excites you about the role and how your experiences have prepared you.
- Frame personal logistics professionally. Employers respect clarity and proactive planning.
- Ask thoughtful questions. Inquire about the organization’s leadership development, mentorship, and support for career growth.
- Practice self-advocacy. Celebrate your achievements. Leadership is earned—and you’ve earned it.
Advice for Employers: Recognize Talent in Every Form
To truly build effective leadership teams, hiring managers can support this shift by:
- Asking open-ended questions that invite candidates to share vision and values.
- Recognizing that empathy, planning, and self-awareness are leadership strengths.
- Creating space for women to discuss logistics and family responsibilities without fear of judgment.
- Looking beyond bravado and focusing on substance, integrity, and team impact.
Reframe Your Personal Realities
So, no man ever said that? Women ask questions that men do not ask during interviews and salary negotiations. I have seen it firsthand for close to three decades.
After 28 years in executive search, here’s what I know: true leadership is about stewardship, integrity, and authenticity. Not bravado. You have earned your place, not despite of your life, but because of it.
So be confident, trust in your skills and abilities, and take proactive steps toward building the career you want and deserve. As you pursue new opportunities, be mindful of how you present yourself in interviews. Make sure to reframe your personal realities in a way that will show that you have leadership potential . . . because you do!
Stop yourself from downplaying your qualifications or expressing fear about stepping into a position with more responsibility. You are capable, prepared, and ready to take the next step.
So, take that next step with confidence and grow your career!
RESOURCES:
https://www.myvetcandy.com/blog/breaking-down-barriers-for-women-in-Veterinary-leadership
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drrachelcezar-martinez_the-2024-Veterinary-industry-stats-you-need-activity-7265027792235315200-SKYx/
https://www.Veterinary-practice.com/article/the-role-of-women-veterinarians-in-shaping-the-future-of-the-profession
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8045563/
https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-02-26/veterinarians-women-rural-shortages
https://utppublishing.com/doi/10.3138/jvme-2023-0092
https://news.vin.com/default.aspx
https://www.Veterinary-practice.com/article/bridging-the-gap-in-gender-representation-a-call-for-research-and-reform-in-Veterinary-leadershiphttps://www.kynetec.com/women-in-Veterinary-medicine-why-more-women-doesnt-equal-more-equality