International Women's Day Special: Interview with Bolanle

What is your name?

I am Bolanle

What do you do for a living?

Pharmacist Manager

Do you do other things outside your work? Side hustle? Community commitment? Please list them.

Real estate

Describe a typical day in your life

Get my daughter ready for the day and prepare to go to work. At work, I interact with patients and other healthcare professionals. Manage the team and responsible for all activities in the pharmacy. On the side, I make contacts re real estate (that’s my side hustle :)

Are you married?

No

Do you have kids? If yes, how many?

Yes. 1

How do you manage your day-to-day activities considering all your commitments?

It’s all about time management and, to be honest, I’m getting used to the mom life and working full time. It’s all about balance. I do have a lot of family support and that’s made things a bit easier for me.

How did you get to the position of work you are in? Please provide practical steps you took to get to where you are now.

I studied pharmacy at university for five years (including pre-registration training for one year). I worked as a locum pharmacist for 3 years and I got a permanent position afterward. I’ve practiced as a pharmacist for nearly 10 years. It’s all about hard work, dedication, and tenacity.

Were there any challenges or blockers on your way to becoming who you are now? If yes, what are those challenges?

Yes. One of the challenges was fear. I decided to believe in myself more. I’m still not where I’d like to be so I’m a work in progress.

How did you overcome these challenges/blockers if any? Please share the practical steps you took.

I faced my fear and studied hard for my final exams to qualify as a pharmacist.

Who is your role model and why?

My mother. Her strength and tenacity are what I admire the most. I’m not just saying it ‘cause she’s my mother.

Do you have a mentor or a coach? If yes, which one? if not, why not?

No. I do have people I go to for advice (does that count?) :)

If you are married with/without children, how do you balance/align your home commitments with your career/side hustle workload?

I prioritize and plan ahead. I love planning though I leave some things to the last minute. I need to stop procrastinating :)

What one piece of advice would you give to other women about them stepping into their power and purpose unapologetically?

Believe in yourself and never let anyone put you down. Have good people around you and know your worth as a woman

Thank you so much for your time, Bolanle. We celebrate you today and always.

Happy International Women's Day! #iwd2023 #iwd