Jackie Layng

MVB, GPCertSAM, CertAVPSAS, Diploma in Leadership and Management, Diploma in Business Coaching Skills, ICF Level 1 Coaching, Cert in Veterinary Education

I graduated in 2001 and, after working for 5years in equine and small animal practices, I decided to focus my energy solely on small animals. I attained a GPCertSAM in 2011 and CertAVPSAS(ortho) in 2016. Following that I launched the small animal referral hospital in VillageVets(Ire) and worked for several years receiving orthopaedic and advanced soft tissue referrals, providing 2nd opinions on orthopaedic radiographs and providing CPD lectures and training. Feeling that I had plateau'd in my career I decided to take a career break after Covid and set off travelling with my partner on our motorcycles. During this time I launched a YouTube travel channel, and massively expanded my mind and developed my organisational, management and people skills. Returning to Ireland I was fortunate to be offered a surgical mentoring/training position and in Sept 2023 I was appointed Chief Veterinary Officer of VillageVets. Going from a clinical to a senior leadership position, during a period of expansion and restructuring was incredibly challenging. I plunged myself into personal and professional development and I was fortunate to have wonderful mentors who supported and guided me through this period. It was a really tough time, I cried and I doubted myself, I won't lie, but I came through it stronger than before. I was a finalist in Network Ireland Kildare Businesswoman of the Year Awards in the STEM category for my business achievements as CVO. I would love the opportunity to support other women in leadership, not to survive but to thrive. I'm also passionate about supporting others to manage stress and anxiety and spoke on stage at SPVS '25 about my own coping tools. Life is precious, life is short and I love supporting other women to love living every day of it. Now I have retrained as a leadership, business performance and positive mindset coach and have recently launched my own business Jackie Layng Coaching and Consulting, also offering advice, motivational speaking and leadership workshops (to come!) I truly believe that the veterinary profession is the best in the world, we are a community of special and dedicated people but it's tough and I understand why people burnout and leave. If I could be of any help or support, even to one person to help them love the profession as much as I do then I would be absolutely thrilled.