Building Shared Purpose in Pet Care
January 2026 | Economics of Mutuality Experts Series
A Conversation with Andrew Doyle
As the European Veterinary Corporate Business Director at Royal Canin, Andrew Doyle leads with a deep awareness that leadership is not just about results, it’s also about a shared purpose.
“I grew up in veterinary clinics,” he shares. “My father was a vet, so I have a huge passion for the industry and the profession. I like to work in a business that has a strong purpose and one I have a personal connection with.”
That early exposure to care, community, and responsibility laid the foundation for a career that has spanned multiple sectors, from confectionery and food to pet care and veterinary services.
Good Business Starts with Humility
Andrew’s approach to leadership has evolved over the years, but one principle has become increasingly central: listening. “Sometimes we think we know what’s best,” he says, “but actually, we don’t always ask the people who are in the clinic, be it the nurses, the practice managers, or the vets… we could ask them more.”
That humility, he believes, is the mark of effective leadership. “Understanding each stakeholder’s pain points, really taking the time to see things from their perspective, is critical. It’s not just good business sense; it’s the right thing to do.”
His leadership philosophy is one of long-term thinking. “I’m much more inclusive now in how I lead,” he says. “I try to bring in outside perspectives, to learn from other industries, and to focus on how we can build partnerships that last.”
Discovering the Mutual Value Lens
That sense of alignment between personal conviction and professional mission is what drew Andrew to the Economics of Mutuality Virtual Executive Education program, Leading With Purpose. For him, it was opportunity to frame his work around a philosophy that connects purpose and performance.
“I decided to get myself onto the course very quickly,” Andrew recalls. “A number of my colleagues had attended before me, and the feedback was great. It was not just about what they learned, but how they brought it into their day-to-day work.”
The experience, he says, expanded his understanding of leadership. “It really gives you a more inclusive way of thinking. I’m now focused on the long-term: how we can build partnerships and develop the business in a more sustainable way.”
The Economics of Mutuality, with its structured approach to identifying and addressing stakeholder pain points, offered him a fresh way to engage with the realities of his industry. “Understanding each pain point of each stakeholder - from the pet owner to the vet, the nurse, and our business - was a big learning for me.’
Learning Through Connection
Andrew describes the course not only as intellectually stimulating but also as deeply relational. “I went in completely on my own, but it was amazing to be there with the other participants and to learn from them along the way.”
The case studies opened new perspectives on how businesses can approach problem-solving and measure success. “I would never have thought of the angles they were putting forward, the way they broke problems down and found solutions was inspiring.”
Peer-to-peer learning became another key takeaway. “Some of us connected separately after the sessions to give each other feedback and support. That was very, very helpful,” he says, reflecting on how the alumni community continues to shape his thinking.
Leading with Long-Term Vision
When asked about how he applies these insights in his current role, Andrew points to the post-pandemic challenges facing the veterinary industry. “After COVID, we had a huge boom of pet ownership. That was amazing but now, with the cost-of-living crisis, many pet owners are feeling the pressure.”
This new landscape demands balance. “You’re trying to manage short-term targets for growth while thinking about the long-term health of the business and the profession. That kind of ambidextrous leadership is what we need.”
For Andrew, leadership today means embracing complexity and finding purpose in partnership. “Purpose is a big call-out in the Economics of Mutuality approach,” he reflects, “but it’s also something very personal. It’s what gives you the motivation to build mutual value from the inside out.”
Are you a leader with a deep conviction that business should be a force for good? Our Leading With Purpose executive education program could for you.
Delivered online over 9-weeks, the course is grounded in the practical Economics of Mutuality operating model, which has been developed with leading companies and universities including Mars and Oxford University’s Saïd Business School.
Since its inception, it has helped over 500 senior business leaders and investors integrate social and environmental impact into their core business strategy.
Applications are open for our 2026 cohort! Find out more via link below.
Program dates: April 20 – June 26
Application deadline: March 20
If you want to speak to a member of our team about joining the program, please contact Liam Sharkey at liam.sharkey@mutualvaluelabs.com
