Partnerships that make a difference – Capital Chemist

2 July 2018

At YWCA Canberra, we are fortunate to have built strong partnerships with organisations that support gender equality and women’s leadership. Capital Chemist are a friend of the 2018 She Leads Conference. We had a chat to Samantha Kourtis, a pharmacist and owner of Charnwood Capital Chemist, to find out just what Capital Chemist do and why our partnership is so special.

What does Capital Chemist do?

Capital Chemist represents a group of like minded pharmacists who individually own and manage their community pharmacy. Our community matters in healthcare and all aspects of wellness. We strive to lead the way for best practice in community pharmacy in Australia.

Tell us about yourself and your role at Capital Chemist.

I am a community pharmacist and owner of Capital Chemist Charnwood. This has created a platform for me to lead our team to become the 2014 Australian Guild Pharmacy of the Year and the 2014 ACT Telstra Business Woman.

I lead a team of 46 staff who every day make a difference to lives in our community. I am driven by the relationships I have with the people in my life and innovation that causes disruption to solve problems.

Achieving gender equality in society means something different to everybody; what does it mean to Capital Chemist?

My experience from my first day as an employee with Capital Chemist over 10 years ago taught me that my age, gender, race, cultural background, religion or sexuality never impacted my ability to chase my dreams of becoming a business owner. My journey and that of my peers inside Capital Chemist has been based on passion and excellence in healthcare.

We are proud to be the only group in Australia that has more than 50 per cent female ownership. In ownership and leadership we strive to have true representation of our workforce where 60 per cent of employees are female. This makes us relatable to our teams and brings diversity of thought to the table.

Why has Capital Chemist partnered with the She Leads Conference?

We know that the diversity at Capital Chemist is not what we typically see across all industries. We know that we all need to support, empower, and celebrate women across the generations to drive change and equal representation of women in leadership.

She Leads is a wonderful opportunity to bring like minded women together and connect them with mentors in a supportive environment. She Leads creates possibilities for the future!

The theme of the Conference is Rise: We grow powerful by lifting each other. Why is it important for women to provide support to each other at all levels of the workforce and across all areas of life?

Sometimes we are our own worst enemy! Our self doubt and criticism can hold us back. Women already have the potential to be strong and courageous, but sometimes we need a strong support group around us to help show us what is possible!

I have several mentors in my life – all at different stages personally and professionally. Sharing stories about family, work, business, dreams, and that elusive work life balance has helped me overcome obstacles and achieve what sometimes has appeared to be impossible. They have been there for the highs and the lows and helped me to keep it real, never loosing touch of the dream!

What part of the Conference are you most looking forward to?

The energy in the room when it’s full of amazing women. There is so much joy and an infinite amount of possibilities!

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Tags: 2018 She Leads Conference, capital chemist, Charnwood Capital Chemist, Samantha Kourtis, She Leads Conference