When You Realize You’re Not the Leader You Want to Be: Leadership Coaching with Dr. Kelly Cooper

In this episode, our host Dr. Brianna Armstrong sits down with Dr. Kelly Cooper, veterinarian, former practice owner, corporate leader, and certified leadership coach, to explore the quiet realization many leaders have but rarely name: I’m not the leader I want to be—and I don’t know how to fix it. 

Kelly shares her journey from clinical practice to ownership, rising through the ranks at Banfield to the highest level before the C-suite, and ultimately making the difficult decision to walk away from a prestigious role to pursue coaching full-time. Not because she was failing—but because she wanted something more aligned. 

Together, they unpack what coaching actually is (and what it’s not), how leaders often don’t realize they need support until something breaks, and why awareness—not perfection—is the first step toward becoming a better leader. 

This is an honest, reflective conversation for veterinarians and leaders who care deeply, want to do better, and are willing to look inward. 

 

In This Episode, We Discuss: 

• The moment Kelly realized she wasn’t the leader she wanted to be 

• Why many veterinarians struggle with leadership—and don’t know help exists 

• The difference between coaching, therapy, and mentorship 

• How coaching helped Kelly gain clarity, alignment, and confidence 

• What a real coaching session actually looks like 

• Why leadership growth often requires outside perspective 

• How coaching can transform not just your career, but your relationships and wellbeing 

• The idea that pain is inevitable—but suffering is optional 
   

This Episode Is For You If: 

• You’re a leader who cares deeply but feels stuck or stretched 

• You’ve ever thought, “Why does this feel harder than it should?” 

• You’re curious about coaching but unsure if it’s “for you” 

• You want to lead with more intention, clarity, and self-awareness 
   

About Dr. Kelly Cooper 

Dr. Kelly Cooper is a veterinarian and certified leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice and veterinary leadership. After owning a practice and rising to a senior leadership role at Banfield, Kelly chose to step away from corporate leadership to focus on one-on-one coaching—helping veterinarians and leaders grow into the people they want to be, not just the roles they hold. 

drkellycooper@realityvet.com 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkellycooper/  

Reality Vet: https://www.realityvet.com/  

 

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