Thirty inspiring women from across the pharmacy sector came together for the latest RxWomen event, hosted by Brabners, the purpose-led, independent law firm, at their Manchester office on 30 October.
The afternoon was full of vibrant discussion, learning, and connection, bringing together pharmacy superintendents, business owners, and emerging leaders, as well as industry service providers to explore two powerful themes: The Journey from Manager to Owner and The Power of your Personal Brand.
Real-world insight
The first panel, From Manager to Owner, led by ChiChi Nwator, Associate Sales Director at RxBridge, sparked a dynamic exchange around ambition, opportunity, and the realities of leadership.
Panellists shared candid reflections on navigating challenges, building confidence, and seizing the right moment to step into senior management.
Reflecting on her journey from Superintendent Pharmacist at McKesson UK (LloydsPharmacy) to creating her own consultancy, Steelier Ltd, Victoria Steele shared an honest insight: “Forced change was good for me — although that doesn’t mean it was comfortable.”
As the group explored the traits that make a lasting difference in leadership, Shilpa Shah, CEO of the North East London Local Pharmaceutical Committee, spoke about the value of truly listening.
She noted that her voluntary work has helped her develop this skill - one she believes is vital for any leader who wants to inspire and empower others.
The second panel, The Power of Your Personal Brand, facilitated by Thorrun Govind, The Legal Pharmacist, shifted focus to individual visibility, authenticity, and influence. Contributors explored how women in pharmacy can shape their professional identity - not just within their workplace, but across the wider sector and how valuable your professional network is.
The room agreed that staying authentic was important to your personal brand, but that it can be challenging.
Conversations turned to the realities of social media - the visibility it brings, the vulnerability that comes with it, and how to use it effectively, but in a way that reflects comfortably.
And whilst using social media such as LinkedIn requires a personal leap of faith, Luvjit Kandula, Director of Strategy from FRPharmS, shared her belief that organisations and contractors/business owners can leverage social media and digital tools very positively to support their business, raise the profile of their organisations and showcase the great work taking place.
Connection and community
After the formal sessions, guests enjoyed a relaxed networking buffet and drinks reception - a chance to connect directly and continue the conversations sparked earlier in the day.
The atmosphere was one of shared experience and mutual encouragement. From seasoned leaders to those just beginning their career, every conversation underscored the same message: that women in pharmacy are stronger when they support, champion, and learn from one another.
Empowering the next generation women leaders
Women make up most of the pharmacy workforce, yet representation in ownership and senior leadership still lags behind. RxWomen exists to help close that gap — by creating opportunities to learn from others, share experiences, and build the confidence and skills to lead.
Looking ahead
With the success of the events this year, momentum is building. The appetite for community, collaboration, and leadership development among women in pharmacy has never been clearer.
Events are planned through to the Spring, with the next activity a Christmas celebration.
If you’re a woman working in pharmacy and want to be part of this growing movement, visit rxwomen.co.uk to join future events and conversations. If you are a pharmacy sector service provider and would like to collaborate to support the community next year, please contact clare@tradrebridge.com or lou@tradebridge.com
