Ms Audrey holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science, an MPhil in Pharmacology from the University of Ghana, Legon and has held various leadership positions within the pharmaceutical industry. She recently became the first female CEO of the Chamber of Pharmacy, where she provides strategic direction and leadership to the Chamber, representing the interests of its members, and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors. GCPCUL is proud to celebrate this great achievement by one of its most committed members.

Intro

1. Kindly tell us about yourself

I am a 36-year-old pharmacist with over 12 years of professional experience. I attended Bishop Bowers and later Wesley Girls High School. I have worked with various reputable pharmaceutical companies and have ventured into private consulting businesses. I have a diverse background, from corporate roles to entrepreneurial endeavors, and I’m passionate about the pharmaceutical industry. I currently serve as the CEO of the Chamber of Pharmacy.

2. Can you walk us through your time with the GCPCUL, beginning from the circumstances that culminated in your membership?

My journey with the GCPCUL began when Francis, a representative from the credit union, approached me at my workplace. Initially, I was sceptical, but a colleague’s positive experience piqued my curiosity. Francis persistently encouraged me to join, and I eventually decided to give it a try. I started saving consistently, and within a short period, I was amazed at how quickly my savings grew. The convenience of Francis collecting my deposits and the seamless process in obtaining a facility impressed me. I even won an award for being one of the fastest-growing savers, which further motivated me. Although there were periods when my savings dwindled due to personal circumstances, I always found my way back to the GCPCUL because of the exceptional service and ease of access to loans when needed.

3. What nuggets of wisdom would you like to share with members to engender commitment to the cooperative movement?

My advice to members is to embrace the credit union wholeheartedly. The GCPCUL offers a more personalized and seamless experience compared to traditional banks. The customer service is outstanding, with representatives going the extra mile to ensure your needs are met. The ability to save consistently and access loans effortlessly is truly remarkable. I encourage every member to actively participate and leverage the cooperative’s benefits, as it understands and caters to our specific needs as professionals in the industry.

4. What recommendations would you make to the BOD to make GCPCUL even better?

The GCPCUL has already impressed me with its exceptional customer service and continuous improvements. However, if I were to make a recommendation, it would be to enhance communication channels further. Keeping members informed and engaged through various platforms can strengthen the cooperative’s connection with its members.

Professional journey

5. What are the highlights (highs and lows) of your professional journey?

My professional journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. The high points were undoubtedly working with prestigious pharmaceutical companies, leveraging their brand recognition, and gaining respect within the industry. However, there were moments when I questioned my decision to venture out independently. Those transitional periods were challenging, but they helped me develop resilience, self-discovery, and the skills necessary for my current role. I have no regrets, as each experience has shaped me into the person I am today.

6. What has been your key driving force to coming this far?

My key driving force has been an inherent desire for excellence and making a difference. From a young age, I was an internal competitor, striving to be the best in everything I pursued. This mindset propelled me academically and professionally. Initially, I thought obtaining a pharmacy degree was the pinnacle of my career, but I soon realized that I needed to push beyond and make a more significant impact. My driving force has always been to excel, stand out, and leave a lasting impression wherever I go.

7. What didn’t you know prior to your position that you wish someone had told you?

Rather than dwelling on what I didn’t know initially, I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in my current role. I’m surrounded by mentors and seasoned professionals within the Chamber and the pharmaceutical industry who are willing to guide and support me. Every challenge is a learning curve, and I embrace the chance to continually improve and become better at what I do.

8. How would you describe your typical day at work?

My typical workday is dynamic and never follows a routine 9-to-5 schedule. It’s a constant state of thinking, strategizing, and problem-solving. I spend my time contemplating how to create value for our diverse membership, which includes importers, manufacturers, retailers, and various stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry. Every conversation and interaction is intentional, as I strive to understand the unique needs and challenges of each member category. It’s an exciting and fulfilling process, constantly seeking opportunities and creative solutions to support our members’ growth and success.

9. What do you enjoy most about your work?

What I enjoy most about my work is the ability to solve problems and create positive impacts on a larger scale. Previously, as a consultant, I worked with small businesses and individual pharmacists, providing professional advice and capacity-building training. Now, in my current role, I have the opportunity to address the challenges and concerns of a broader spectrum of stakeholders within the industry. It’s gratifying to know that my efforts can directly benefit and empower the very people I once consulted for on a smaller scale.

10. What are your thoughts on female CEOs in the corporate ecospace?

The corporate landscape for female CEOs is undoubtedly improving, although challenges still exist. In my experience, I have received tremendous support, even from my male counterparts, which has been instrumental in my success. I encourage young women aspiring to leadership roles not to be deterred by perceived barriers. The ecosystem is becoming more inclusive, with many business leaders recognizing the value and support of having their wives or partners in executive positions. It’s an exciting time for women to break through and thrive in the corporate space.

Outtro

11. What kind of culture exists in your organization, and how did you establish it?

When I joined the Chamber, we were in the midst of restructuring, which allowed me to actively shape the organizational culture. Our core values revolve around respect, integrity, cooperation, collaboration, transparency, professionalism, and teamwork. These principles underpin the culture I am intentionally building – one that fosters seamless cooperation, open communication, and a strong sense of unity in pursuing our goals.

12. What version of Audrey will we see in the next decade?

In the next decade, you can expect to see a more intentional and impactful version of me. With the guidance of mentors and continuous learning, I aim to make a stronger and more meaningful difference in the lives of as many people as possible, both within and beyond the pharmaceutical industry. My vision is to inspire and positively influence those I encounter, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and personal growth.

13. If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would approach my journey differently. I wish I had discovered and embraced my true strengths and passions earlier on, rather than following conventional paths. I would have sought out mentors who were successful in roles aligned with my unique talents and gifts. This approach could have accelerated my personal and professional growth, allowing me to achieve success at a younger age. The quote by Socrates, “Know thyself,” resonates deeply with me, as self-discovery is truly the game-changer.

Parting words…

As I reflect on this incredible journey, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come and how much further I can go. My parting words are directed towards the younger generation: Learn from the experiences and mistakes of those who have gone before you. Seek wisdom not only through personal experiences but also from the experienced. This approach can significantly shorten your learning curve and provide a blueprint for success. Thank you for this opportunity to be in the spotlight and share my story. I hope it inspires and motivates others to pursue their passions fearlessly.