Pharmacy Daily | “Not your typical pharmacist”

DIVYA Lal was drawn to pharmacy for its unique blend of healthcare and entrepreneurship - a perspective shaped by her GP grandfather and a business-minded family environment.

In the lastest episode of Your Pharmacy Career Podcast, Lal chats with host Krysti-Lee Patterson about her early days at Chemist Warehouse, where despite it not being her "ideal" internship, she thrived as she gained foundational business and clinical skills.

This led to a career helping to launch new pharmacies, a detour into property development, then a return to pharmacy leadership.

Along the way, she developed hands-on skills not normally acquired in the dispensary, such as waterproofing and heavy machinery operation, which enriched her leadership and broadened her professional confidence.

Lal exemplifies how stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected growth, and shows that success depends more on mindset than placement.

Describing herself as "not your typical pharmacist", Lal reflected on leadership, mentoring the next generation of pharmacists, and why building relationships is at the heart of every successful career.

Now with Priceline's Rx Management group, Lal continues to mentor the next generation of pharmacists and support community pharmacies in evolving sustainably during an era of major reform and opportunity.

Patterson noted that Lal's journey underscores a key theme: pharmacy careers do not have to follow a linear path, and some of the most meaningful opportunities come from places you least expect.

Listen to the podcast HERE.