Pharmpreneur of the week Bobby Rai: ‘For me, success transcends conventional metrics’

SnapshotEducation: Bachelor of Science degrees in Biochemistry and Pharmacy, University of British Columbia (UBC), 1995Role/Title: Owner of PharmacyBC.com/The Medicine ShoppeHow has your entrepreneurial career evolved since your graduation?After graduation in 1995, I began my career path traditionally as a pharmacist at Loblaws Extra Foods Pharmacy in Delta, BC. The idea of entrepreneurship was initially not a consideration, primarily due to the lack of business training in my academic curriculum.The entrepreneurial journey started when two fellow UBC graduates and I, driven by a shared vision, decided to open our own pharmacy. This bold move marked a significant shift from being pharmacists to becoming pharmacy owners. The early years were marked by a steep learning curve. We realized the gaps in our business knowledge and sought to fill these through practical experiences. Joining the Medicine Shoppe was a strategic move that provided us with the necessary business insights and skills to thrive in the competitive pharmacy industry. How do you define success?For me, success transcends conventional metrics like wealth or recognition. It is deeply rooted in personal happiness and self-satisfaction. The year 2020 was a turning point for me as I faced mental health challenges. This period led to profound introspection and a redefinition of what truly matters in life. I now value each day as a gift and prioritize activities and thoughts that foster happiness, consciously steering away from negativity.What are the biggest challenges to being an entrepreneur?I recognize the necessity of having a resilient mindset to handle the unpredictability of business. This resilience helps in weathering the inevitable ups and downs and is crucial for long-term success. I have always emphasized the importance of embracing both the good and challenging times, suggesting that overcoming obstacles is part of the rewarding experience of entrepreneurship.How do you manage work/life balance?I now advocate for the importance of meditation and music as tools for maintaining mental well-being and work-life balance. My passion for music led to the release of "It’s Not My Call," a song that reflects on life's purpose and the importance of individual choices. The song, which holds a special place, was a birthday gift to the writer’s daughter Amelia, encapsulating his life philosophy and hopes for her future and to inspire the current and next generation.What advice would you give to colleagues who want to become entrepreneurs?I strongly encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to chase their dreams, drawing inspiration from the Nike slogan, "Just Do It.” I would advise future business owners to be prepared for hardships and to face exploitation and negativity with a strong sense of self. The journey is as much about personal growth as it is about business success.LinkedIn: @SherifGuorguiInstagram: @SherifGuorguiFacebook: @Sherif Seif GuorguiTwitter: @Sherif_Guorgui

Pharmpreneur of the week Bobby Rai: ‘For me, success transcends conventional metrics’

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