Meet Our Speakers

Michael Walker, Q.Med, is a leadership coach and professional mediator specializing in veterinary team communication and healthy conflict culture. With more than 35 years of leadership and entrepreneurial experience, Michael brings a rare blend of regulatory mediation insight, business strategy, and relational leadership expertise to veterinary conferences and clinics.

As a mediator for the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, he facilitates confidential complaint resolutions between veterinarians and clients within the Mediated Resolutions Program. This role provides direct insight into the communication breakdowns and systemic patterns that most often escalate into formal complaints — and how to prevent them.

Through the Six Functions of a High-Performing Veterinary Team™ framework, Michael equips veterinary leaders, associates, RVTs, and CSRs with practical tools to:

• De-escalate high-emotion client conversations

• Strengthen internal team accountability and trust

• Reduce complaint risk and defensiveness

• Design sustainable conflict management systems

• Improve retention, morale, and client satisfaction

Credentials

• Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) — York University

• Western University — Financial Management Certificate

• Cornell University — Hotel & Food Administration Certificate

• Formal expertise in mediation, early resolution, facilitation, and conflict systems design

Veterinary & Regulatory Experience

Mediator — College of Veterinarians of Ontario

• Facilitates confidential complaint mediations

• Applies structured dispute resolution techniques

• Supports quality improvement and communication restoration

Webinar & Podcast Host — Veterinary Business Institute

• Facilitates leadership and business-focused discussions for veterinary professionals

Signature Speaking Focus

• Six Functions of a High-Performing Veterinary Team™

• Healthy Conflict Culture in Veterinary Practices

• Communication Under Pressure & De-escalation

• Transactional vs. Relational Leadership

• Accountability, Trust & Team Alignment

Teaching Approach

Michael's sessions blend regulatory-informed case examples, practical communication frameworks, role-play application, and systems-level performance thinking. Participants leave with tools they can apply immediately in their clinics.

Core Philosophy: If we lead ourselves well, we can lead others well.