“Stay curious’’ Kildare manager gives career advice

Growing up in Rathangan Kildare, Anita’s childhood was filled with freedom and laughter. “Summers felt endless,” she recalls. “We spent our days outdoors with friends. It was a simple, happy time.” Yet alongside those carefree memories was a strong sense of responsibility. With her mother working tirelessly, Anita naturally stepped into a caring role for her siblings. “I learned early to care for myself and them. I felt proud supporting my family.”

That instinct to care would later shape her entire career.

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Her first job came at a FÁS training centre in Newbridge, where she began training in Hair and Beauty. More than 35 years later, she is still proudly working within the beauty sector - now through the lens of pharmacy management. “I’ve always wanted to make a difference, to add value and grow by learning from people I admire,” she said.

Life, however, was not without challenge. Following a family tragedy, Anita helped raise her siblings and later her own children. Pursuing further education came later, but it became one of her proudest personal achievements. “Education opened doors for me,” she explained. “It introduced me to pharmacy - an industry rooted in care and community service.”

What began as a pathway gradually became a passion. Over nearly two decades in pharmacy, Anita’s career has grown organically. “Pharmacy inspired me deeply. It shaped my professional life and played a central role in my success as a manager.”

Today, her role encompasses far more than overseeing operations. As Pharmacy Business Manager, Anita focuses on business growth, brand development and - most importantly - people. “Customer engagement is my passion,” she said. “Training staff to excel is incredibly important to me. Having a mentor can profoundly shape a career.”

Her leadership philosophy is simple: invest in people and they will build the vision. She takes pride in developing her team’s skills and confidence, knowing that a pharmacy is not just about dispensing medication, but about connection, reassurance and trust.

Outside of work, Anita’s dedication to supporting others continues. For eight years, she has been deeply involved with Network Ireland, particularly with the Kildare branch. She also serves at national level as a sitting committee member. “Building support and connections and helping women in business locally and nationally is a key part of my life goal,” she said. “Networking is powerful. I’m proud to be a trusted source of guidance and support.”

Among her greatest highlights, however, remain her family. Watching her children and siblings grow “with love and respect” stands above any professional accolade.

Like any leadership role, pharmacy management comes with challenges. “Every role has them,” Anita reflects. “Resilience and self-confidence help you overcome tough days. And remember, you’re only human - perfection isn’t always required.”

Looking back on her working life, there are lessons she wishes she had known from the beginning. “The value of patience. Trusting your instincts. Embracing mistakes as lessons. And balancing work with personal wellbeing.”

For those considering a career in pharmacy, her advice is grounded and heartfelt: “Stay curious, patient and committed to learning. Embrace teamwork. Value community care. Seek mentorship. And always balance professionalism with compassion.”

Despite her achievements, Anita remains refreshingly humble. When asked what might surprise people about her, she smiles. “I’m just an ordinary person striving to do my best every day and leave a meaningful legacy for my family and loved ones.”

In a sector built on trust and care, that quiet determination - and the instinct to help that began in a small Kildare home - continues to define her journey.