Joan Hendricks has blazed a trail in the field of veterinary medicine – starting from when only a small “quota” of women were allowed into vet school, and ultimately serving as the first woman dean of the distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Joan shares how she got the courage to lead despite the obstacles in her path, including self-sabotage. And she reveals how anger has fueled her passion and drive – inviting us all to consider how we can harness the power of anger as a superpower. Now retired, Joan also reminds us of the importance of seeking joy and rocking our own unique brand of weird. Do not miss this empowering, eye-opening, and often funny interview with a true pioneer!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• [3:15] Quotas, “tokes,” and Title IX: When women weren’t welcome in veterinary medicine
• [7:24] On being an “army brat” and crucial fatherly support
• [11:20] Constructive rage and the catalyzing power of being underestimated
• [13:46] How allies helped amplify Joan’s voice
• [16:45] Why Joan initially avoided becoming the first woman dean at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
• [23:40] Why women are dominating veterinary medicine today
• [27:32] Balancing family and career with the help of a supportive partner
• [29:34] Making a “joy list”
• [32:29] Joan’s one tip to rock it

Links from this episode:

• Penn Vet: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/
• Penn Vet’s Bellwether magazine issue honoring Dean Joan Hendricks: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/about/news-room/bellwether/bellwether-magazine/bellwether-spring-2018
• Penn Vet’s Bellwether magazine article focused on trailblazing women veterinarians: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/about/news-room/bellwether/bellwether-magazine/bellwether-winter-2015/penn-vet-pioneers
• Info about Title IX: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_IX
• The Nobel Prize-winning scientists Joan worked with: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2017/press-release/

She Rocked It is a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. We are eager to learn from, listen to, and lift one another up — driven by the belief that women’s voices are essential. On our podcast and Instagram Live interview series, She Rocked It host/founder and creative entrepreneur Karen Gross gets trailblazing women leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to reveal how they rock it – and their insights may surprise you. Their behind-the-scenes stories, best-kept secrets to success, and actionable tips are sure to inspire the rockstar in all of us!

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