Leadership Interview

Strengths Based Leadership (VETE 3112-011)

Tarleton University
Jenni Hranek

Leadership Interview

Bethany Heldt, LVT

I knew immediately that I would be doing
this assignment on Bethany Heldt. Being
as sweet as she looks, she agreed without
hesitation to be interviewed by me one day
at work.
Bethany graduated from Brigham Young University
(BYU) in May of 2010 with a B.S. in Biology (with an
emphasis in animals and specialized in mammals)

While I have known her for less than 1 year,

Bethany has become an inspiration for me. I
admire her as a boss, a leader, a veterinary
technician, and a friend.

Bethany mentioned that honesty, confidence,

commitment, and good communication are the
most important characteristic/personality traits for
a successful leader to have.

Leadership Interview

Leadership Style
Q: What type of leadership style do you most
identify with: Authoritarian, Democratic, or
Laissez-faire?
BH: I would say that I am a mixture of
Democratic and Laissez-faire. I appreciate
input from others because I know that my
way might not always be the best way. I enjoy
working with others to achieve a goal and
respect that other people have strengths that I
dont. I like to utilize Laissez-faire when
possible because I believe it helps develop
people- helps them to become decisive,
prioritize, and make decisions as they see
appropriate

Leadership Interview

Q: What occupational/technical skills are important to be a

successful leader in the veterinary industry?
BH: Working well with animals and people, the
ability to make decisions, problem-solving, being
able to manage yourself and others
Q: What is your greatest accomplishment since having been
in a leadership position for the past 3 years?
BH: Helping others achieve their personal and
professional goals and seeing their growth and
progression

Leadership Interview

Q: What is your best leadership quality

and one that needs improvement?
BH: Honesty and patience! I could always be
more patient, but I dont think I need
improvement on my honesty!
Q: What is something you look for in a
person when seeking to fill a leadership
position?
BH: Qualification, honesty, confidence, trust,
commitment, and good communication. If a person is
not qualified for the job, they wont get it. If you cant
trust the person and they arent honest, you cant
commit to them and they likely wont do the same.
Trust is a major factor when it comes to leadership.

Leadership Interview

Q: Does being a leader come naturally for you, or do you have

to/did you have to work hard at it to become so successful?
BH: This was definitely something I have had to, and continue to,
work hard at to be successful. By nature, I am a follower. Stepping
into this position was a hard transition for me, and I am definitely
not perfect at it. However, I continue to look onward and upward
in my leadership development
Q: What are some helpful pointers to remember when
trying to help others grown and learn?
BH: Have patience and stay positive because it is not
always easy to grown and learn. Being a leader and
learning requires a lot of patience!

Leadership Interview

Q: Do you think that leadership is a natural-born gift or

something that can be taught/learned?
BH: Both! I definitely think that some people are naturalborn leaders, but I believe that anyone can develop
themselves to become what they want to be!

Leadership Interview

Q: Do you have any advice for people in the veterinary industry

that want to become leaders but dont quite know how or might
be afraid to speak up?
BH: As clich as this sounds, dont give
up. Develop your talents and improve
your skills. Talk to your manager or boss
about your desires and career goals.
Create short AND long term goals for
yourself. Biggest thing of all is to enjoy
the journey. Its not aptitude, but
attitude that determines altitude.

Leadership Interview

Q: What do you love the most about your job?

BH: I love people and animals. I love that I can come
to work every day and be so many different things
a phlebotomist, dental hygienist, anesthesiologist,
radiologist, pharmacist, receptionist, practice
manager, and of course being someone that people
look up to!

Leadership Interview

Q: Who is someone that inspires you as a leader?

BH: My dad. He is not just an amazing leader, but
a person that you want to be around. He is
uplifting, positive, and always leaves you better
than before. He is kind, patient, motivational, and
stands up for what is right and good.

Leadership Interview

If your actions inspire others to dream

more, do more, and become more, you are a
leader J.Q. Adams

This interview was conducted on Friday, February 27, 2015. Bethany currently lives in
Hewitt, TX with her husband, Shaun (pictured above) and is expecting their first child on
March 6, 2015! She is currently the Practice Manager at Banfield Pet Hospital in Waco, TX.