Empowering Women in Pharmacy: The Benefits of Standing for a Board Position in Professional Leadership

Empowering Women in Pharmacy: The Benefits of Standing for a Board Position in Professional Leadership

?

As women, we face unique challenges in our careers, and healthcare leadership is no exception. The underrepresentation of women in leadership positions can be discouraging, but it doesn't have to be the end of the story. Standing for a board position in healthcare leadership offers women a chance to not only make a meaningful impact in their profession but also to develop personally and professionally. In this article, we'll explore the features and benefits of standing for a board position, specifically tailored to the needs of women aspiring to become leaders.

As a woman in healthcare, you play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry. However, despite progress, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions. According to a study by Rock Health, women hold only 23% of leadership positions in healthcare, and even fewer in high-ranking positions. This lack of representation can make it challenging for women to advance their careers and influence the direction of the industry. By serving on a board position, you can help to increase diversity and inclusion in healthcare leadership while advancing your own personal and professional growth.

Pharmacy leadership is a field that has historically been male dominated, but the times are changing. Women are taking on more prominent roles in pharmacy, but there is still work to be done to ensure gender diversity and equality in leadership. Standing for a board position in professional leadership offers women in pharmacy a chance to make a meaningful impact in their profession while developing their skills and experience. In this article, I will explore the unique features and benefits of standing for a board position in pharmacy professional leadership tailored to the needs and desires specifically of women aspiring to become leaders.

Joining a board position can be a game-changer for women in healthcare leadership. It can provide opportunities to break down barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and increase representation in the industry. By serving on a board position, you can make your voice heard, advocate for change, and help to create a more inclusive and diverse healthcare industry. As a woman in healthcare, you have a unique perspective and valuable insights that can contribute to the success of the organisation.

One of the most significant benefits of standing for a board position in healthcare leadership is the opportunity to develop your leadership skills. As a board member, you will be responsible for setting the direction of your organisation, working collaboratively with other leaders, and making decisions that will impact the lives of patients and colleagues. These experiences will help you develop valuable skills that can be applied to any leadership role, including communication, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution.

Benefits of Joining a Board Position

1. Expand Your Network - By joining a board position, you can connect with other industry leaders, establish relationships, and build your network. Your connections can help you advance your career, provide mentorship, and support your personal growth.
2. Develop Leadership Skills - Serving on a board position can provide opportunities to develop your leadership skills, such as decision-making, communication, strategic planning, and conflict resolution. These skills can benefit you both personally and professionally.
3. Make a Positive Impact - By serving on a board position, you can influence the direction of the industry, advocate for important issues, and make a positive impact on the lives of patients and healthcare professionals.
4. Gain Recognition - Serving on a board position can increase your visibility and recognition in the industry. This can open up new career opportunities, enhance your personal brand, and increase your influence.

Standing for a board position in pharmacy professional leadership can be a daunting task, but there are resources available to help support women in this process. Professional organisations, mentoring programs, and leadership training courses offer tailored support to women who are seeking to develop their leadership skills and stand for board positions.

Diversity and inclusion are critical factors in creating successful pharmacy organisations. By standing for a board position in pharmacy professional leadership, you will have the opportunity to help drive diversity and inclusion initiatives. As a woman, you bring a unique perspective that can help ensure that the needs of all staff and patients are considered.

Balancing your personal and professional life can be challenging, but standing for a board position in pharmacy professional leadership can offer greater work-life integration by providing flexible scheduling and the opportunity to work remotely. Additionally, by developing your leadership skills, you will be able to better manage your time and work more efficiently.

Case Study:

Meet Lindsey, a passionate locum community pharmacist who stood for a board position in pharmacy professional leadership. Lindsey wanted to develop her leadership skills and make a meaningful impact in her profession and also represent the sector of pharmacy that by many lacked the recognition it deserved in the “hierarchy”. ?By standing for a board position, Lindsey was able to work collaboratively with other leaders in the pharmacy industry, advocate for the needs of patients and staff, and help develop policies and programs that addressed the unique challenges faced by women and locums in the pharmacy workforce. Lindsey not only achieved this but she was also elected as the first female chair of the English Pharmacy Board, becoming an inspiring role model and highly respected leader.

Case Study:

Rachael, a young pharmacy technician, stood for a board position in the first ever Royal Pharmaceutical Society national pharmacy boards and was elected to the position as the only pharmacy technician member and in the minority of females at the table. As a board member, she worked collaboratively with other leaders to advocate for the needs of patients and colleagues, resulting in the development of new policies and programs that addressed the unique challenges faced by women in pharmacy. She also had the opportunity to network with other leaders and professionals and raise the profiles of pharmacy technicians as a newly recognised and regulated pharmacy professionals in their own right. As well as this being totally out of her comfort zone, imposter syndrome kicking in as she stood against the president of her own professional leadership body, it was an opportunity to contribute to innovative change and progression for pharmacy in its entirety. It was one of the proudest and rewarding moments of her career empowering her professionally and personally and to prove that minorities are and will always be valuable assets to any boardroom.

?

Case Study:

Sarah is a healthcare professional with years of experience in her field. Despite her accomplishments, she felt like her leadership potential was not fully utilised. She decided to apply for a board position in her national professional leadership organisation, and it was a game-changer for her. Sarah gained valuable skills, made new connections, and had a positive impact on the industry. She also discovered that serving on a board position was a way to enhance her personal and professional growth.

?Need some further inspiration and encouragement then listen to Reena Barai talk about her role on the NPA board

https://youtu.be/F-6I_fhSQAA

Conclusion:

Serving on a board position can be a powerful way for women in healthcare leadership to enhance their personal and professional growth, connect with other industry leaders, and make a positive impact on the industry. By joining a board position, you can help to increase diversity and inclusion in healthcare leadership, increasing female visibility and credibility, and making a difference in the lives of patients and colleagues, while advancing your own personal and professional growth. We encourage you to take the next step towards applying for a board position and making your voice heard in the industry.

Call to action!

Ready to take your career to the next level and make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes? Stand for a board position in pharmacy professional leadership today. Don't wait for the opportunity to come to you – take the first step towards advancing your career and making a difference in the lives of patients. Apply now and join the ranks of successful pharmacy leaders who are shaping the future of the profession.

Just a few national board level roles to look out for include the National Pharmacy Association, The Royal Pharmaceutical Society, The Association of Pharmacy Technicians, The General Pharmaceutical Council, The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee BUT also think about using your experience and expertise to stand for local prescribing committees, charities and non-executive director roles ?and even non pharmacy related areas who equally will value your unique experience and expertise ?

#PharmacyLeadership

#WomenInPharmacy

#ProfessionalLeadership

#PatientOutcomes

#CollaborationInHealthcare

#CareerAdvancement

#MedicationTherapyManagement

#MedicationSafety

#HealthcareCollaboration

#BreakingDownSilos

#LeadershipDevelopment

#EmpoweringWomen

#BoardPosition

#PharmacistLeaders

#PharmacyProfession