Tell us a little about yourself Molly!

Hey! I'm Molly Fiander,

I'm a RVN, I and hold a certificate in ECC because I thrive in the adrenaline-charged moments. My journey in the veterinary industry has been a whirlwind of excitement and growth, and I'm loving every minute of it.For the past 6 years, I've been rocking the locum life and currently on a mission to change the mindset of everyone who thinks locums are expensive wastes of time. I love networking. I firmly believe that we're stronger when we come together, sharing stories, insights, and a good laugh or two. Which is why I love the 30 Under 30 Initiative!

How does it feel to be part of the Thirty Under 30?

The recognition that comes with it is incredibly humbling and rewarding. You know, sometimes we all battle that little voice of doubt in our heads – the imposter syndrome. But being recognised in this way has given me a resounding boost of confidence. It's like a validation that others see the value in what I'm doing and believe that I'm making a positive impact. The "30 Under 30" title comes with a sense of responsibility – a reminder that I have been given an opportunity to contribute, to inspire, and to create meaningful change. And for that, I am incredibly thankful.

How has was your last year been since you weren't was nominated?

The year since I was nominated for the 30 Under 30 has been a whirlwind, to say the least. I've taken the bull by the horns, so to speak. I didn't want to let this incredible opportunity pass me by, so it's been a busy, but oh-so-exciting journey.

One of the most fantastic aspects has been the opportunity to develop incredible new connections. Networking with like-minded individuals who share the same passion and drive has been nothing short of inspiring. I've had the privilege of meeting the other 30 Under 30 recipients, and let me tell you, gathering 30 people together isn't a walk in the park, but it's been worth every effort.

This recognition has been a significant boost for my business. It's opened doors, sparked new collaborations, and allowed me to showcase the value of what I do. Being part of the first year of this initiative fills me with excitement because I know it's just the beginning. I can see this platform growing into something truly extraordinary, not just for me but for all the talented individuals it recognizes.

In short, this past year has been a thrilling adventure. I've seized every opportunity, made meaningful connections, and watched my business thrive. The 30 Under 30 recognition has not only validated my efforts but has also lit a fire in me to continue striving for excellence.

Why is Thirty Under 30 important to the industry in your eyes?

The importance of the Thirty Under 30 initiative to me lies in its potential to address a glaring issue within our industry - the underrepresentation of young voices. It's a matter that extends beyond the veterinary field. Globally, those under 30 make up a significant portion of the population, yet their representation in decision-making bodies, such as parliaments, is astonishingly low, at just 2.6%. To put it into perspective, if this proportion were reflected in a year, the voices of those under 30 would effectively stop being heard after only nine days.

Now, consider the veterinary industry, where many of us fall into this underrepresented age group. Our perspectives, fresh ideas, and innovative thinking are vital for the industry's growth and evolution. The veterinary profession, like any other, needs to embrace diversity in age, experience, and viewpoints to thrive.

Having an initiative like Thirty Under 30 is not just a recognition of our achievements; it's a platform that amplifies our voices. I can't help but think back to my own student days, when such recognition and support were scarce. If something like Thirty Under 30 had existed back then, it would have motivated me immensely. It would have been a clear message that my contributions mattered, and my potential was acknowledged.

So, in my eyes, Thirty Under 30 is a powerful step towards rectifying the underrepresentation of young professionals in the veterinary industry. It's about inspiring and motivating the upcoming generation of professionals, letting them know that their voices are essential, and their impact can be recognized and celebrated. Ultimately, it's a catalyst for positive change and progress in our dynamic field.

What would you say to someone thinking about nominating?

I would hope you have done it by now! Nominations close on Monday!

What made you want to pursue a career in veterinary?

Oh, I am no different to probably every other veterinary professional. I knew I wanted to work with animals from a young age. Had my heart set on being a Vet until I started work experience at 13 at a vets and fell in love with nursing. Despite everything I have built I will never not be a vet nurse.

What’s the best thing about being a LOCUM?

The best thing about being a locum? Well, it's tough to narrow it down to just one, but if I had to pick, it's the incredible sense of accomplishment I get from every single shift.

As a locum, I have the privilege of working with a diverse range of teams. Whether I'm filling in for a recruitment gap or covering someone's holiday, I step into different practices with the intention to give it my all. And let me tell you, the feeling of making a difference is simply indescribable.

There's this magical spark that comes alive when I enter a practice. Maybe morale is a little low, or routines have become mundane. But when I bring my energy and expertise, I see teams light up. It's that 'aha' moment, the realisation that their work matters, that they're a part of something important, and that together, we're achieving great things.

The best part? It's not just about the clinical work. It's about fostering a positive atmosphere, boosting team spirit, and reigniting the passion for what we do. That's where the true magic happens, and it's a feeling that's addictively rewarding.

So, in a nutshell, the best thing about being a locum is the opportunity to create positive change, inspire others, and leave every practice I touch a little brighter than I found it. It's a feeling of accomplishment that keeps me coming back for more, shift after shift.

You are a LOCUM and also run Management for Locums alongside your business MolyMed Supplies, what are your top tips for a work life balance for young veterinary professionals starting in demanding industry?

You know what, unpopular opinion but I see "Work-life balance" as rigid concept where you're supposed to neatly compartmentalise your life into work hours and personal hours. But the reality is, life doesn't always fit into those neat boxes, especially in a demanding industry like veterinary medicine.

So instead I try to harmonise what I love to do. I am so passionate about my work, building businesses, networking, and also enjoy my personal life but I don’t separate them artificially. I make it all a part of my life, and embrace the beautiful chaos.

I've found that integrating work and personal life can be incredibly fulfilling. Take your laptop to the beach, respond to emails while enjoying the sun, brainstorm ideas during dinner with your partner – it's all part of the journey. In fact, involving my partner in my work has made it even more enjoyable. It's about finding that sweet spot where everything you love coexists harmoniously.

Sure, some people might call it unconventional, but I call it a life well-lived. I have got a roof over my head, a supportive partner, two thriving businesses, and the freedom to work and holiday wherever and whenever I please. That's something I am incredibly grateful for.

MolyMed and Management for Locums are both incredibly successful, congratulations! What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business, or who has an idea for one?

Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words. Starting a business can indeed be a thrilling and rewarding journey. My top pieces of advice for anyone thinking about venturing into the world of entrepreneurship:

Communication: Talk to people who have walked the path you're considering. Entrepreneurs often love sharing their experiences, both successes and challenges. Seek out mentors, advisors, or even fellow entrepreneurs who can offer guidance, insights, and valuable lessons learned.

Patience: Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. While it's crucial to move swiftly and make progress, don't expect immediate results. Research extensively, plan thoughtfully, and remember that success often takes time. There will be ups and downs; maintaining patience during the lows is key to long-term success.

Start: Perhaps the most important advice is to take the first step. Don't wait for everything to be perfect because it never will be. Start even if you don't have all the answers. You learn through doing, and sometimes that means failing, adapting, and trying again. The sooner you start, the sooner you can begin to refine your idea and build momentum.

And finally, of course what’s your favourite thing about the London Vet Show?

The vibe. You can not be in a bad mood at LVS because there is always something round the corner that will cheer you right back up. Inflatable dinosaurs, cocktails, cupcakes, music, dance floor, incredible speakers or the LVS team themselves!

It is my favourite time of the year!