Olufunmilola Balogun

MBA 2020, UK

“Be the leader you want to see.” Susie Ramroop

I have worked in the pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacy and now in the NHS Community Health Services as the Lead Pharmacist in Medicines Information and Education.

I am passionate about the health and wellbeing of the individual and community. I am passionate about social justice, equality, inclusion, and organisational development. I love to see people thrive to their full potential and to do that in a more meaningful way. I offer coaching in my organisation and on the NHS Coaching and Mentoring Leadership programme.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, travel, keeping fit and reading.

Achievements

  • Worked at the Mass Vaccination Centres in the pandemic in prevention of Covid19 infections and was part of the team vaccinating over half a million people in Kent and Medway
  • Initiating and organising the ‘Living in Our World’ lived experience of Black and Asian Minority Ethnic group Kent Community Health NHS Trust which has led to a perceptible shift in organisation culture in the workplace with positive outcomes
  • Creating a Coaching Initiative during the Covid19 Pandemic to support colleagues during a challenging time and its disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities which has had phenomenal success
  • Collaboration with Medway School of Pharmacy to create a joint role for pharmacists in my team to support the development of undergraduate pharmacy students

What attracted you to the Kent MBA programme and why?

Kent Business school is highly ranked globally, and I live and work in Kent, naturally a perfect combination for me.

What were your motivations for undertaking an MBA?

I have always seen myself as a lifelong learner and the Kent MBA Senior Leader Apprenticeship Programme offered by my organisation was the next step for me. I have always been interested in business management, as I had managed a pharmacy retail business for previous employers and wanted to broaden my horizon and knowledge on business skills. I wanted to develop my knowledge and understanding of the many aspects of organisational culture and leadership and from reviewing the modules offered, I could see how It would help me become a better leader and create my growth opportunities for my career.

Aspiration

I would like the MBA to pave the way to a career in more senior management roles with a particular interest in corporate social responsibility.

Advice

Be authentically you and leverage your strengths.