Behind The Counter: Pharmacy Podcast

In this episode, we explore one of the most critical and least discussed phases of pharmacy ownership the stage around five years in, where the realities of running a pharmacy begin to surface more clearly and the pressure of ownership often feels heavier rather than easier.Joining us is Olamide Olakanmi, pharmacy contractor, owner, and superintendent pharmacist at Coal Pharmacy, who shares an honest and reflective account of his journey from working in community pharmacy to owning his first pharmacy, and eventually expanding to a second branch.Our guest Olamide takes us through his early decisions, including launching his first pharmacy around 2020, initially experimenting with a distance-selling model as an entry point into ownership. Although it offered a quicker and seemingly easier start, he reflects on why it limited long-term growth and how that realization led him to transition into a brick-and-mortar pharmacy a move that came with operational, financial, and personal challenges.As the conversation unfolds, we discuss what it truly means to grow beyond the first pharmacy. Olamide shares how running COVID vaccination services forced him to step away from daily operations for the first time, and how seeing the business function effectively in his absence became a pivotal moment that gave him the confidence to expand into a second branch.This conversation breaks down what pharmacy owners often don’t anticipate at this stage, including:• Why pharmacy ownership doesn’t necessarily get easier with time and why the five-year mark can feel heavier than the early years.• The shift from survival mode to building systems, processes, and a clear long-term vision.• Learning when and how to step away from day-to-day operations without losing control of the business.• The importance of investing in technology, audit trails, and structured stock ordering and knowing when over-investment becomes a risk.• How leadership evolves with ownership, including the challenge of trusting people, delegating responsibility, and allowing room for mistakes.• The financial realities of ownership, such as rising drug costs, cash-flow pressure, and the difference between being profitable and being financially stable.• The personal sacrifices owners often make, including time, energy, and dipping into personal savings to support the business.• Navigating external pressures such as NHS changes, drug pricing, staffing costs, and national insurance increases.• The importance of mentorship, peer learning, and seeking advice from those who have walked the path before you.• Why can pharmacy be more than a dispensary, and how can ownership become a platform for other opportunities when set up correctly.Throughout the episode, Olamide reflects on how his leadership style has changed over time, the value of investing in people, and the importance of protecting personal health to avoid burnout. He also shares whether he believes pharmacy is still a good business today and the advice he would give his younger self as he reflects on his journey so far.Whether you are in the early years of ownership, approaching the five-year turning point, or considering pharmacy ownership in the future, this episode offers practical insight, honest lessons, and real-world perspective on building a pharmacy that can grow, evolve, and stand the test of time because at this stage, there truly is a lot to learn.

The Truth About Pharmacy Ownership in ScotlandIn this episode, we step into the Reality Stage, where the excitement of pharmacy ownership fades and the real challenges begin.Our guest, Emmanuel Umezulike, is a pharmacist and pharmacy contractor who has owned pharmacies in Scotland for nearly two years. Having lived, studied, and practiced in Scotland for over 11 years, Emmanuel shares honest insight into pharmacy ownership within the Scottish funding and contract system and how different it is from England.We discuss:• How Emmanuel went from never considering ownership to running two pharmacies• Going into ownership without guidance and learning on the job• How NHS Scotland funding works, including advance payments and activity-based income• Why understanding your numbers and adding services matters• The realities of staffing, operations, and building the right team• The personal and mental toll of ownership in the first year• Whether pharmacy ownership is still a good business in Scotland and EnglandThis episode is a real, practical conversation for pharmacists considering ownership, new owners navigating chaos, and anyone curious about the business side of pharmacy.🎧 Listen now and step into the reality stage of pharmacy ownership.

Before You Buy a Pharmacy | The Real Buying Journey. In this episode, we explore the real and often overlooked journey of buying a pharmacy.Opeyemi Lasore shares her honest experience navigating the process from long timelines and funding challenges to emotional pressure, fear, and critical decision-making.This conversation breaks down what first-time pharmacy buyers rarely prepare for, including:• The importance of due diligence (and knowing when not to overdo it).• Why clearly defining your “why” matters before taking the leap.• The emotional and mental demands of the buying process.• Funding realities and navigating bank processes.• The role of support systems, partnerships, and patience.• Key lessons learned, fears faced, and strategies for staying intentionalWhether you’re actively considering pharmacy ownership or still exploring the idea, this episode offers practical insight, honest lessons, and guidance to help you make informed decisions before taking the leap.

What really happens after you sell your pharmacy?In this honest and reflective episode of Behind the Counter: Pharmacy and Beyond, Solomon Abuede shares the emotional, financial, and leadership lessons that followed the sale of two of his pharmacy branches.From the initial relief to rebuilding stronger than ever, Solomon reveals the business mistakes, mindset shifts, and systems that transformed how he runs his pharmacies today.You’ll learn:Why “cash is king”, and how poor cash flow can destroy a good businessHow to prepare your pharmacy for sale long before you need toThe difference between managing and measuring your businessWhy fewer branches can sometimes mean more profitHow these lessons inspired the creation of DOTA ConsultingThis episode is packed with real stories and hard-earned insights every pharmacy owner should hear, whether you’re just starting out, scaling up, or thinking about selling.Listen now to learn how to prepare, plan, and future-proof your pharmacy, so you can grow with confidence and avoid the mistakes that cost others years of stress.Follow @_BTCPodcast on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook for real stories and lessons from behind the counter.

Selling a pharmacy isn’t just about handing over the keys; it’s a journey full of hidden challenges, emotional decisions, and financial lessons that most owners never see coming. In this episode of Behind the Counter: Pharmacy and Beyond, host Solomon Abuede shares his firsthand experience of selling a pharmacy, pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes.From the stress of negotiations and legal paperwork to the emotional rollercoaster of letting go, Solomon walks you through the mistakes, surprises, and lessons learned that every pharmacy owner needs to know before starting the process. You’ll discover:The biggest myths about selling a pharmacy (and what’s actually true)How to avoid costly pitfalls during the sale processThe emotional impact no one prepares you forPractical strategies to make the transition smoother and protect your futureWhether you’re actively preparing to sell, just starting your ownership journey, or curious about what the end of the road looks like, this episode gives you honest, real-world insights you won’t find in a textbook.For pharmacy owners who want expert guidance, check out DOTA Consulting helping independent contractors buy, grow, and sell pharmacies with confidence.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcast & YouTube.Follow @_BTCPodcast across all platforms, and remember: the best prescription for success is resilience.

Join Solomon Abuede on "Behind the Counter Pharmacy and Beyond" as he reveals the untold story of overcoming a challenging year in the pharmacy business. Discover actionable insights on managing financial pressures, staffing issues, and supply chain disruptions. Whether you're a pharmacy owner or a small business entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable lessons in resilience and strategic growth. Don't miss out—listen now and transform your business approach! #PharmacySuccess #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurTips

Managing staff can make or break your pharmacy, and I've learned that the hard way.In this episode of Behind the Counter: Pharmacy and Beyond, I open up about the toughest staffing mistakes I've made: from hiring people who weren't the right fit to losing some of the best team members we ever had. I share what went wrong, what it cost us, and how we rebuilt with purpose.Inside this episode:✅ Why "everyone is replaceable" is a dangerous myth✅ How poor accountability shaped our company culture✅ The role of "burden bearers" and how to protect them✅ My three biggest staffing mistakes (and what I'd do differently)✅ The team balance every pharmacy business needs: visionaries, doers, & fixersWhether you're building a pharmacy team or struggling with staff management, this episode will challenge your thinking and give you tools to build a stronger business.🎧 Listen now and don't forget to follow @_BTCPodcast on all platforms.

In this eye-opening episode of Behind the Counter: Pharmacy and Beyond, I’m joined by Bushra Effendi, Advanced Pharmacist, menopause specialist, and founder of a thriving private clinic. Together, we dive deep into the uncomfortable truth: women’s health is still being sidelined in mainstream healthcare.From the lack of menopause training to the rise of private clinics, we unpack why pharmacists are stepping up to fill the gaps. Bushra shares her personal story, the barriers she’s faced, and her advice for pharmacists wanting to make a bigger impact. Whether you’re thinking about offering private services or wish to understand the future of pharmacy, this conversation will leave you fired up and inspired.👉 Don’t forget to follow @_BTCPodcast on all platforms.🎧 Listen now. Share it forward. The change starts here.#PharmacyBusiness #WomensHealth #MenopauseCare #IndependentPharmacy #PharmacyPodcast

In this candid and compelling episode of Behind the Counter: Pharmacy and Beyond, host Solomon Abuede sits down with Tohidul Islam, pharmacist, whistleblower, and founder of The Pharmacist Cooperative (TPC), to discuss the hidden challenges and opportunities facing both locum pharmacists and pharmacy owners.From battling unfair work conditions and threats, to challenging complacency in pharmacy hiring and marketing, Tohidul delivers hard-hitting insights. We unpack:The tension between locum pharmacists and contractorsWhy underpaying your team could be killing your business growthThe business cost (and return) of better pay and respectHow pharmacies can market private services ethically and profitablyWhether you’re a pharmacy contractor, independent locum, or pharmacy graduate, this episode will challenge your assumptions and empower you to drive change.Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube!Got a pharmacy challenge? DM @_BTCPodcast. Your question might be next episode’s discussion starter!#podcast #healthcareleadership #pharmacypodcast #communitypharmacy #shorts #independentpharmacy

Is pharmacy still a sustainable business in 2025? What does the new NHS contract mean for independent contractors, and how can we survive, adapt, and thrive?In this powerful guest episode of Behind the Counter: Pharmacy and Beyond, host Solomon Abuede is joined by Ashley Cohen, a seasoned pharmacy contractor and board member of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and Chair of Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire (CPWY). Together, they unpack the real impact of the new contract, what independent pharmacies must do to stay competitive, and the evolving role of pharmacies in UK healthcare.Expect honest conversation, hard-won lessons, and practical insights you won’t hear anywhere else.In this episode:Ashley’s journey as a multi-branch pharmacy ownerWhat the new NHS contract means for independentsHow to future-proof your pharmacy businessThe growing importance of clinical services & prescribingAdvice for new and seasoned contractors alikeThis episode is a must-listen for pharmacy professionals, owners, and anyone curious about the future of the sector.👉 Subscribe, share, and follow @_BTCPodcast on all platforms.

In Part 2 of our deep dive into The Pharmacy Numbers Game, we go beyond the NHS contract and get real about what’s actually draining your pharmacy’s profit, and how to stop it.This episode covers the full breakdown of the silent margin killers hiding in plain sight, from unpaid deliveries to the hidden cost of NOMAD trays, under-claimed services, and rising staff costs.Pharmacy isn’t broken, but you need to play smart. In this raw and practical episode, I share personal insights, practical fixes, and lessons learned after 14 years of pharmacy ownership.If you’re tired of working harder and earning less… this one is for you.🎧 Hit follow, subscribe, and share, and if you haven’t heard Part 1, go back and listen now!

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why am I working so hard and still not seeing the money?” — this episode is for you.In Part 1 of The Pharmacy Numbers Game, I pull back the curtain on the financial realities of being a pharmacy contractor in the UK. From Category M and clawbacks to the Drug Tariff and PPD statements, you’ll learn why understanding your numbers isn’t just helpful — it’s survival.Using real stories, including lessons, I explain how the NHS contract works (and why it’s often misunderstood), why Average Item Value is a trap, and how to avoid building your business on false forecasts.This is the episode I wish someone had given me in year one. If you’re serious about building a profitable pharmacy, press play — and get ready to see your business through a new lens.📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and follow @_BTCPodcast on social for updates.

What if survival in pharmacy wasn’t just about chasing NHS prescriptions?In today’s episode, I’m sharing the real story of how we moved beyond NHS dependency and built a sustainable income stream through private services, changing not only our cash flow but our entire business model.You’ll hear the honest lessons we learned: the mindset shifts, the early mistakes, the patient success stories, and how private services reshaped the future of our pharmacy.If you’re feeling the pressure of tighter margins, delayed payments, and growing costs, this episode will show you why private services aren’t just extra income — they can be a lifeline.🎧 Hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode.💬 Connect with me on social media at @_BTCPodcast — I’d love to hear your thoughts!

What happens when doing it all starts doing you in?In this episode of Behind the Counter: Pharmacy and Beyond, I’m sharing one of the hardest and most important lessons I’ve learned in business: letting go.I open up about the real cost of trying to control everything, from burnout and bottlenecks to missed opportunities and strained relationships. You’ll hear how we went from micromanaging chaos to building a leadership team that helped our pharmacies thrive — and the mindset shifts it took to get there.Whether you’re a pharmacy owner, entrepreneur, or just someone who struggles to delegate, this episode is packed with real stories, honest lessons, and practical tips on how to build a business that doesn’t revolve around you — and why that’s the best thing you can do for your growth.🗝️ In this episode, you’ll learn:Why trying to do everything yourself is dangerous for growthHow to build a strong, accountable leadership teamWhy delegation isn’t abdication — it’s empowermentPractical steps to start letting go (without losing control)How I finally got my life back and scaled my business sustainably🎧 Tune in now and discover how letting go might just be the thing that takes your business to the next level.

Scaling a pharmacy business sounds like the dream — until it starts to feel like a nightmare.In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of what really happened when we expanded beyond our first community pharmacy. From the excitement of opening a second branch to the chaos that followed — team resignations, broken systems, profitability issues, and long weeks away from family — this is the honest story of how rapid growth nearly broke us.In this episode, you’ll hear:✅ The early red flags when scaling a pharmacy✅ The challenges we didn’t see coming — and how we responded✅ The tough lessons from acquiring two more branches in Scarborough✅ How we regained control through systems, structure, and strategy✅ Why investing in yourself is critical if you want your pharmacy to growWhether you’re an independent pharmacy owner or planning to scale your healthcare business, this episode is packed with real insight to help you avoid the pitfalls of growth and build a business that can thrive — not just survive.💊 If you’re growing your pharmacy or thinking about it — listen to this first.🔔 Don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode.📲 Connect with us on social media: @_BTCPodcast

Want to grow your business but not sure where to start? The secret isn’t just in the numbers—it’s in customer trust.In this episode of Behind the Counter: Pharmacy and Beyond, I share the real story of how I scaled my pharmacy business from one small branch to six thriving locations. Spoiler: it wasn’t through flashy ads or corporate budgets—it was through building trust, delivering personal service, and leveraging word-of-mouth marketing.Whether you’re running a pharmacy, starting a small business, or planning to scale, this episode is packed with practical lessons for sustainable business growth.🎯 In this episode, you’ll discover: • How I built unshakable customer trust from day one • The power of personal service (and why it beats the big chains every time) • Why word-of-mouth marketing is still your best growth strategy—and how to make it work • The biggest scaling mistakes I made and what I’d do differently • My step-by-step blueprint for sustainable business expansion🎧 Listen now to learn how to grow your business through trust, not tricks—whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale.📣 Join the conversation:What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced while growing your business? Share your experience in the comments or DM me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook @_BTCPodcast.✅ Don’t forget to:👍 Follow for business insights🔁 Share this episode with an entrepreneur you admire⭐ Leave a review—it helps others discover the show!📌 #PharmacyBusiness #BusinessGrowth #CustomerTrust #Entrepreneurship #ScalingUp #IndependentPharmacy #BehindTheCounterPodcast

We all see the highlight reels of business success—big wins, major milestones, and the dream of freedom that comes with entrepreneurship.But what about the hard truths? The long nights, emotional stress, financial pressure, and personal sacrifices that rarely get talked about?In this episode of Behind the Counter: Pharmacy and Beyond, I share the real, unfiltered story of what it’s truly like to run a business—specifically a pharmacy business in the UK—and the lessons I learned the hard way.🎙️ In this episode, I open up about: • The freedom I expected vs. the reality of business ownership • The financial, emotional, and mental costs of keeping my business alive • The mistakes I’d avoid if I could start again • Practical advice for anyone starting a business or scaling an existing oneIf you’re a pharmacy contractor, entrepreneur, or small business owner, this episode is for you. Whether you’re in the trenches or planning your next move, you’ll walk away with real insight, raw truth, and lessons that can save you time, money, and stress.🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music.💬 Question for you: If you had to describe business ownership in one word, what would it be? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspective.🔁 Follow, share, and leave a review—your support helps this podcast reach more business owners like you.#BehindTheCounterPodcast #PharmacyBusiness #BusinessReality #EntrepreneurLessons #StartUpJourney #PharmacyOwner #SmallBusinessTruths #PodcastForEntrepreneurs

Starting a business is exciting—figuring out how to fund it? That’s where the real pressure kicks in.When I opened my first pharmacy, I thought I had it all covered: savings, a solid budget, and a well-thought-out plan. But then reality hit—shopfitting costs soared, stock drained our account, and NHS payments were delayed for months.Before we even opened the doors, we were almost out of money.🎙️ In this episode of Behind the Counter: Pharmacy and Beyond, I share: • The real costs of starting a pharmacy that no one talks about • How we used personal loans, family support, and savings to survive • The funding mistakes that nearly broke our startup • What I would do differently if I had to fund my pharmacy again todayIf you’re planning to start your own pharmacy—or any business—this episode will give you a real-world look at how to handle the money side of things, and the tough decisions you might need to make.💬 Have you struggled with funding a business? Share your experience—let’s keep the conversation going.🔔 Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode, and connect with me on Instagram @_BTCPodcast

Writing a business plan is one thing—making it work in the real world of pharmacy is another.When I opened my first pharmacy, I thought I had it all figured out. I had a business plan, revenue projections, and cost estimates… but the reality of starting a pharmacy business quickly exposed the gaps.In this episode of Behind the Counter: Pharmacy and Beyond, I break down the mistakes I made in my first pharmacy business plan—and how I fixed them.🎯 You’ll learn: • Why my revenue projections were way off • How I underestimated costs and missed key competitor analysis • What I did to turn things around and keep the business afloat • Practical advice to help you build a realistic and adaptable business planIf you’re planning to start a pharmacy, or you’re already writing your business plan, this episode is packed with lessons that will save you time, money, and stress.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow the podcast for more pharmacy startup stories, real-life business lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights.📲 Connect with me on Instagram @_BTCPodcast

“What if this actually works?”Starting my first pharmacy was the biggest leap of faith I’ve ever taken. No blueprint. No guarantees. Just a dream and a decision to go all in.In this episode of Behind the Counter: Pharmacy and Beyond, I share the real story of how I went from locum pharmacist to pharmacy owner—with no investors, limited resources, and a whole lot of fear.🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear: • The lightbulb moment that sparked the idea • How I overcame fear, doubt, and uncertainty • The manpower challenges that nearly derailed everything • The key lessons that shaped my pharmacy journeyIf you’ve ever thought about starting your own pharmacy or are facing a big decision in your business journey—this episode was made for you.🎙️ Listen now and discover what it really takes to take the leap.💬 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode—and if this resonates, share it with someone who needs a little courage right now.