Episode 08: “Relationship Currency” ft Pharmacist Gbone Ilukwe

Episode Summary:

Mrs Gbone Ilukwe joins Nelson in this episode. 

Mrs Ilukwe is never scared to dive into new terrains till she finds what works. We talked about starting, especially in a niche sector. She further shares the importance of building character and resilience in an industry that requires the education of core stakeholders within the value chain.

We discussed the ever-changing business landscape and preparedness for innovation through collaboration and continuous skill sharing and development.

She also shared timeless advice for young entrepreneurs starting businesses and how to approach building successful careers. 

In this episode, you will learn more about what drives her and how that ties into maintaining quality standards; enjoy!

Have questions/ comments/ concerns/ recommendations? Write us at psnypgspotlight@gmail.com

Subscribe to the podcast everywhere you listen. Remember to like and also share it if you enjoyed it.

Subscribe to Pharmabuzz, a PSN YPG Newsletter at psnypg.substack.com and follow @psnypg on Instagram and @psn-ypg on Twitter.

Episode 07: “Reaching For New Heights” ft Pharmacist Ogheneochuko Omaruaye Episode summary: In this episode, Mr O shares insights into building businesses, but with a twist. We talked about starting and sustaining businesses, with New Heights Pharmaceuticals as a major reference. From moving about cities carrying inventories to pharmacy outlets single-handedly, to transacting millions of dollars from the current operational base in Lagos, Nigeria across West Africa and the rest of the world, New Heights Pharmaceuticals has come of age. We talked about principles that have shaped his life and career, which are needed for small businesses to grow to become high traction organisations. We spoke about values, creating value, building the currency of relationship and trust, and persevering for the long haul. It’s a 20+ year journey you don’t want to miss. Have questions/ comments/ concerns/ recommendations? Write us at psnypgspotlight@gmail.com Subscribe to the podcast everywhere you listen. Remember to like and also share it if you enjoyed it. Subscribe to Pharmabuzz, a PSN YPG Newsletter at psnypg.substack.com and follow @psnypg on Instagram and @psn-ypg on Twitter.

Episode 06: “A Pacesetter’s Toolkit” ft Pharmacist (Dr) Modupe Oyawole

Episode summary:

Dr Oyawole started out like most young pharmacists today, thrown into the workforce and having to fashion their way through it. Her burgeoning desire for excellence caused her to catch on to the need for a unique identifier and pursue it. She found her footing when she discovered specialization and how it could greatly improve the health outcomes of patients that she cared for, deeply.

In this episode, we talk about her unwavering desire for excellence and how that can propel a successful career.

We discussed her childhood, growing up as part of a large family with over 30 older siblings to look up to and how that served as a stepping stone to her successes today. We went into her career as a hospital pharmacist, her foray into business and other endeavours. She drops nuggets on how to consistently show up as a pacesetter wherever you are, borrowing from her experience pioneering several initiatives some of which include starting the multidisciplinary ward rounds at LASUTH, developing a specialised diabetes care program and so much more. We also talked about the importance of showing up in different professional organizations and how to break into such spaces. I hope this episode causes you to do better in and for your career. Enjoy!

Have questions/ comments/ concerns/ recommendations? Write to us at psnypgspotlight@gmail.com

Subscribe to the podcast everywhere you listen. Remember to like and also share it if you enjoyed it.

Subscribe to Pharmabuzz, a PSN YPG Newsletter at psnypg.substack.com and follow @psnypg on Instagram and @psn-ypg on Twitter.

Episode 05: “Success: It's In the Lives Touched” ft Pharmacist Olufunto Olude Episode summary: In this episode, Pharmacist Olude bears it all. We spoke about her near-death experience as a child and how holding the mic from a young age has tied into her life and work today. We talked about moving from the private sector to civil service, discovering customer service and now ultimately working to promote patient safety. We spoke about finding clarity and identifying your purpose early. She shares timeless advice on how to do this. If you are looking to find your way, this is a conversation that may just help you define your path. She also discusses the importance of developing new connections and collaborating for impact. Enjoy! Have questions/ comments/ concerns/ recommendations? Write us at psnypgspotlight@gmail.com Subscribe to the podcast everywhere you listen. Remember to like and also share it if you enjoyed it. Subscribe to Pharmabuzz, a PSN YPG Newsletter at psnypg.substack.com and follow @psnypg on Instagram and @psn-ypg on Twitter.

Episode 04: “At the Forefront of Transforming Healthcare Businesses” ft Pharmacist Johnny Amadasun Episode summary: Pharmacist Amadasun takes us on a journey of discovering diversity and the richness of it. We talked about his over 20 years entrepreneurial and management career with a theme of continuous improvement, rapid changes and redefining policies and protocols. He sees businesses in the least of ideas and follows through till the very end. In this episode you will discover how his passion for business grew, from being an eight year old passively learning the ropes at his father’s hospital and finally taking the reins as a second year pharmacy undergraduate. His first major outing in the world of business was bringing a hospital out of a looming financial crisis as the banks were looking to foreclose on the business. We went on to discuss his strategy for starting and running businesses, acquiring talent, and his drive to empowering his team to become intrapreneurs. Pharm Amadasun likes to travel and believes that exposure from seeing new places can be transformative for both personal mindset and business. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did having it. Have questions/ comments/ concerns/ recommendations? Write us at psnypgspotlight@gmail.com Subscribe to the podcast anywhere you listen. Remember to like and also share it if you enjoyed it. Subscribe to Pharmabuzz, a PSN YPG Newsletter at psnypg.substack.com and follow @psnypg on Instagram and @psn-ypg on Twitter.

Episode 03: “Moving with Direction” ft Pharmacist Adeshina Opanubi Episode summary: In this episode Nelson speaks with Pharm Shina Opanubi, Project Catalyst of Pharmalliance Network, a network of retail pharmacies changing the Nigerian community pharmacy landscape. Pharm Opanubi’s work currently focuses on trumping the challenges that bedevil retail and industrial pharmacy in Nigeria. We talk about his journey from Pfizer, leaving and moving on to build from the ground up. Today, he has led the introduction of the Moxie brand, setting the pace for premium locally produced pharmaceuticals. Highlights Early life, growing up, pharmacy school 00:01:50 Early career and rising through the ranks at Pfizer 00:14:02 Tips for Medical Sales/Marketing Representatives 00:28:31 The Pharmalliance Story 00:34:05 The Moxie Story 00:49:53 Branding 101 00:57:22 Navigating remuneration as a young professional 01:09:30 Wins and Lessons 01:20:35 Rapid fire questions 01:24:44 Have questions/ comments/ concerns/ recommendations? Write us at psnypgspotlight@gmail.com Subscribe to the podcast anywhere you listen. Remember to like and also share it if you enjoyed it. Subscribe to Pharmabuzz, a PSN YPG Newsletter at psnypg.substack.com and follow @psnypg on Instagram and @psn-ypg on Twitter.

Episode 02: “Challenges: Opportunities or Limitations?” with Dr. Margaret Ilomuanya Episode summary: Dr. Ilomuanya walks us through her prolific 2-decade long career in the pharmaceutical space, some of which she spent in the hospital setting before heading on to academia. In this episode, you will learn how she built this career founded on intentionality and deliberateness. She believes that vision shapes actions and describes how you can craft one effortlessly. Dr. Ilomuanya is multifaceted; a master sportsperson, a polyglot, a lover of music, and highly family-oriented. She lives with a mindset of endless possibilities and shares some of her thought processes and systems with Nelson. Rest assured, you're in for an experience. Highlights Introductions 00:00:58 Growing up and early life 00:07:00 Early career 00:14:30 Accessing opportunities 00:19:23 Major breakthrough 00:41:45 Challenges, hurdles and support systems 00:47:45 Finding Balance and staying grounded 00:51:53 Rapid-fire questions 01:02:27 Have questions/ comments/ concerns/ recommendations? Write us at psnypgspotlight@gmail.com Subscribe to the podcast anywhere you listen. Remember to like and also share it if you enjoyed it. Subscribe to Pharmabuzz, a PSN YPG Newsletter at psnypg.substack.com and follow @psnypg on Instagram and @psn-ypg on Twitter. You can find Dr. Ilomuanya on LinkedIn or email her at milomuanya@unilag.edu.ng

Episode 01: "Big Break vs Many Mini Breaks" with Pharmacist Abimbola Adebakin Episode Summary: Abimbola Adebakin speaks to Nelson Ukor about her journey through life, being a primary school entrepreneur, repeating her third year of pharmacy school, and landing her choice job after graduation. She forayed out of pharmacy at different points but has returned to reshape the perception of pharmacy in Nigeria. Travelling on a path shaped by Resilience, Openness to learning, Integrity, and Authenticity, she shares timeless advice for young pharmacists and other young professionals alike. Have questions/ comments/ concerns/ recommendations? Write us at psnypgspotlight@gmail.com Major Talking Points: Abimbola Adebakin is versatile. She has worn many different hats and still currently wears many. Presently CEO of Advantage Health Africa, she is reshaping the pharmacy landscape in Nigeria. She is ecosystem-driven and believes that change has to happen all around a system to achieve any significant long-term sustainable gain. In this episode, I spoke to her about her journey through life and career. We talk about her evolution from agitation to problem-solving, her drive for niche-based action, a constant cycle of learning, and the early birth of the entrepreneur in her. Not one without challenges, berated by her geography teacher in secondary school for failing, repeating her third year in pharmacy school, and much more. She gives a blueprint to bouncing back from setbacks. She shares timeless advice that is relevant for every young professional today ranging from relevant multi-sectoral skills for success, finding mentors, getting exposure, and if you should be considering a side hustle, a “Japa” plan, and much more. A major takeaway from this conversation is the need to consistently learn from preexisting frameworks and experiences. I was excited and completely blown away from start to finish, and I am convinced her story will either challenge, impact or propel you to take action. Subscribe to the podcast anywhere you listen. Remember to like and also share it if you enjoyed it. Subscribe to the PSN YPG Newsletter via https://psnypg.substack.com and follow @psnypg on Instagram and @psn-ypg on Twitter. You can find Pharmacist Abimbola Adebakin on Twitter @AOAdebakin

Spotlight is a podcast by the Pharmacists' Society of Nigeria Young Pharmacist Group (PSN-YPG). Join host Nelson Ukor for thought-provoking and career-shaping conversations- from career advice in and out of pharma, life stories, and everything in between- in the company of exceptional pharmacists who are thriving in their careers.