Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakesha Farmer.
Hi Lakesha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From the outset of my pharmacy career, I knew that leadership was my ultimate goal. My desire to lead and foster positive change was rooted in me from a young age. I began my career as a clinical staff pharmacist at a local hospital in Memphis, where I naturally stepped into leadership opportunities, volunteering for additional responsibilities to broaden my understanding of pharmacy operations. This proactive approach led me to an unexpected opportunity as a Director of Pharmacy at an acute care hospital in Forrest City, AR, just 45 minutes outside Memphis.
Stepping into a leadership role without formal training was undoubtedly a steep learning curve. Yet, my steadfast determination propelled me forward. I remember taking home binders filled with policies and procedures, immersing myself in every aspect of the pharmacy’s operations. I learned how to perform every role and, within a few short months, I had completely transformed and enhanced the pharmacy’s operations. Recognizing my need for structured leadership training, I enrolled in a 12-month pharmacy leadership academy, where I honed my natural skills and discovered my leadership style as both a transformational and servant leader. After four fulfilling years, I felt ready to broaden my horizons and seek even greater challenges.
I transitioned to become the Director of Pharmacy Operations at a large community oncology practice in Memphis, where I oversaw operations across seven locations. Once again, the learning curve was steep, but I approached it with the same determination. I studied policies, procedures, and the varied roles of my team, as I firmly believe that effective leadership requires a deep understanding of the roles I oversee. Within my first year, I successfully doubled our staff, implemented significant process improvements, and introduced nearly 100 new policies and procedures. During this time, I also became a sought-after professional speaker, sharing my insights through participation in various speaker bureaus for leading pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.
After several rewarding years in this role, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in graduate school to earn my MBA. This experience was a pivotal moment in my career, illuminating the concept of global leadership. It sparked a newfound focus on expanding my impact both nationally and internationally while building my personal brand. After five years as a Director of Pharmacy Operations in community oncology, I decided to shift gears and embrace the corporate world, joining a Fortune 10 global distribution company in 2020.
Today, I serve as the Senior Director of Strategic Accounts for a national specialty group purchasing organization. In this role, I manage a substantial portfolio of strategic accounts and large practice networks, overseeing an annual combined spend exceeding $3 billion. Here, I develop targeted business plans, drive customer growth strategies, and implement solutions that not only retain existing clients but also expand market share in community oncology. My contributions have significantly enhanced patient experiences and access to affordable healthcare. Additionally, I continue to grow as a professional speaker, sharing my insights at national conferences on oncology, personal and career development, and the pharmacy profession.
Though my pharmacy career journey has been nontraditional, it has been incredibly rewarding. I have had the privilege of mentoring professionals from diverse backgrounds and positively impacting the careers of countless young professionals and peers. While I have not yet reached my ultimate goal of global leadership, I am confident that it lies within my future. I feel a strong obligation to fulfill this goal, not just for myself, but for minorities who come after me. I firmly believe that “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Therefore, it is my duty to achieve every goal I have set forth, setting a shining example of what is possible in a sector where people like me are underrepresented. My aspiration is to rise to the top and create a space at the table for others who have historically been disadvantaged, fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment in healthcare and corporate America. I share my story with so many people I encounter, because I want others to know that if a young, black girl from North Memphis can succeed through adversity, then so can you!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road I have traveled has certainly not been smooth, and it continues to present its fair share of hurdles. For a woman of color climbing the corporate and healthcare ladder, the journey can feel ten times more challenging than it does for my counterparts. This reality has shaped my mentality: I must do everything in my power to stand out by pursuing more education, gaining diverse experiences, and continually differentiating myself from my peers. Yet, if I’m being honest, the relentless drive to succeed and overperform has become exhausting at times, leading to significant burnout. Despite my accolades and experiences, I have encountered my fair share of disparaging and discriminatory moments throughout my career.
Through it all, the most profound lesson I have learned is to remain confident in myself, recognize my worth, and never give up. Resilience has become my greatest ally. I have faced rejection time and time again—being overlooked for roles where I was the most qualified candidate, and being told I wasn’t ready for leadership and needed more “grooming.” But I refused to let these setbacks define me. Early in my journey, I discovered the transformative power of resilience. When I hear “no,” I respond to myself with an unwavering “yes, you can,” and I persist until I reach my goals.
I have redefined rejection, transforming it into a source of empowerment. Instead of viewing rejection as a closed door, I now see it as redirection, protection, and reflection:
• Redirection: Rejection can fuel your drive to become even better and more refined. Embrace it as an opportunity to grow. Cultivate your curiosity, expand your knowledge through both formal and informal education and exposure, and build a strong network of mentors, advocates, and sponsors. Don’t hesitate to make lateral moves in your career to acquire new skill sets. Remember, building your personal brand is a journey that requires thoughtful strategy and cannot be rushed.
• Protection: Not every opportunity is meant for you. Sometimes, a rejection is a blessing in disguise, steering you away from a situation that may not be right for you or one that you may not be fully prepared for. Trust that some doors are closed to protect you from potential pitfalls that could derail your journey toward success.
• Reflection: Rejection is not always a personal failure; it often reflects the biases and preferences of the decision-makers. As mentioned before, I have entered interviews knowing I was the most qualified candidate, only to see someone else chosen due to personal preferences that had nothing to do with their qualifications. I learned to be at peace with the understanding that my resume and experiences do not always guarantee success, especially in a landscape influenced by biases beyond my control.
In embracing these lessons, I have not only grown stronger but have also developed a deeper understanding of my own journey. Each hurdle I’ve faced has shaped me into the resilient leader I am today, inspiring me to forge ahead with hope and determination. I share my story to remind others that while the path may be fraught with challenges, it is also filled with opportunities for growth, connection, and empowerment.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I serve as the Senior Director of Strategic Accounts for a national specialty group purchasing organization. In this role, I manage a substantial portfolio of strategic accounts and large practice networks, overseeing an annual combined spend exceeding $3 billion. Here, I develop targeted business plans, drive customer growth strategies, and implement solutions that not only retain existing clients but also expand market share in community oncology. My contributions have significantly enhanced patient experiences and access to affordable healthcare. Additionally, I continue to grow as a professional speaker, sharing my insights at national conferences on oncology, personal and career development, and the pharmacy profession.
What I am most proud of is my ability to influence others and make a positive impact on the healthcare community. Diversity and representation matter deeply, and I strive to be a shining example of what it means to rise from humble beginnings to achieve success. Every day, I have the privilege of mentoring young professionals, guiding them on their journeys, and helping them realize their potential.
Throughout my career, I have written countless recommendation letters, served as a sounding board for those facing challenges, served as a board member for several healthcare organizations, and referred several individuals to roles where they are now thriving. It’s incredibly fulfilling to have hired and promoted numerous women and minority pharmacy leaders as well as, mentor several pharmacy professionals across the United States. I have used my platform to amplify voices on various podcasts, contribute to clinical publications, and speak on national stages where women of color have historically been underrepresented.
What truly sets me apart is my fearless commitment to ensuring that women like me are represented on national platforms. I approach networking with courage and enthusiasm, never shying away from advocating for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Furthermore, I am passionate about empowering both women and men to recognize their full potential and reach for their highest aspirations.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future in healthcare, and I am dedicated to being a part of that transformation.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I welcome connections through LinkedIn, a platform where I have dedicated myself to building a robust network and a personal brand centered on empowerment and growth. I am passionate about sharing my experiences and inspiring others to unlock their highest potential. If there are opportunities for clinical or motivational speaking engagements, mentoring programs, or participation on professional boards, I would love to collaborate and contribute to initiatives that uplift our community.
Contact Info:
