*This podcast episode was originally a YouTube LIVE with Q&A which you can watch on my YouTube channel ⁠here⁠. This is a series of episodes I am doing on non-traditional careers running from July to December 2025. Sign up to my shared Google Calendar ⁠here⁠ so you never miss an episode*

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Lauren Curtis, who transformed her retail pharmacy career into a thriving six-figure role as a Product Manager in health tech. Lauren shares her journey from being a stressed CVS manager to earning double her retail salary while working Monday-Friday with actual work-life balance.

Dr. Lauren Curtis is a Product Manager in health tech who started her career in retail pharmacy at CVS. Over a decade ago, she made the bold decision to send a cold email to PillPack, which completely changed her career trajectory. She now helps design healthcare technology tools while earning significantly more than her retail pharmacy days and maintaining excellent work-life balance.

💼 Understanding Health Tech Roles

• Operations Roles: Clinical operations manager, overseeing workflows and productivity
• Product Management: Shaping product direction, bridging user needs with business goals
• Entry Points: Associate Product Manager, clinical roles at tech companies

📊 Salary & Compensation (USD)

• Associate Product Manager: $100,000-$115,000
• Senior Product Manager: $160,000-$180,000+
• Leadership Roles: $200,000-$220,000+
• Additional benefits: bonuses, equity, remote work options

Best Entry Strategy:

• Gain 2-3 years clinical experience first to build your "secret sauce"
• Look for roles that leverage your clinical background
• Focus on transferable skills in applications, not just clinical achievements
• Consider starting in clinical roles at tech companies to learn the environment

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY:

This isn't your typical pharmacy newsletter - it's a weekly mentoring session delivered straight to your inbox, packed with actionable insights for ambitious pharmacy students. Each week, I share:

• Building multiple income streams while maintaining clinical practice

• Time management secrets and productivity hacks I swear by ⚡

• Systems and strategies that keep it all running smoothly ⚙️

• Personal reflections on growth, failure, and resilience

• Behind-the-scenes looks at podcast production and brand building

If you are ready to think differently about your future in pharmacy, sign up 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

PARTNERSHIPS and DISCOUNTS:

The Naked Pharmacy is a brand I LOVE and use daily. They are offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🚀 Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game. Explore Our Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH LAUREN:

LinkedIn: Lauren Curtis

CONNECT WITH JAMIE WILKEY:

This podcast series is in collaboration with Dr Jamie Wilkey, the Misfit PharmD and author of the LoveMyPharmD newsletter that over 20,000+ pharmacists read weekly. Connect with Jamie ⁠here⁠.

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