Bisola Sonoiki – Multisector Pharmacist

Meet Bisola Sonoiki, a multisector pharmacist who is living a life of purpose, as part of our series “Inspirational You, Awesome Sisters United”:

• Clinical Pharmacist with a special interest in Diabetes, Hypertension and Lipid management
• Public health advocate
• Mentor
• Trainer
• Mother
• Selfcare advocate
• School Governor

“As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to help and protect others. In my primary school days, I always looked out for those that felt they could not speak up, so I spoke for them, leading by example.” – Bisola Sonoiki

Hi, my name is Bisola Sonoiki. I was born in Nigeria, the second child in my family, and the only girl. I had to constantly make sure that my 4 brothers did not push me around.

Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed stark inequalities in society. This profoundly impacted my view of the world and I vowed to do whatever I could to address social injustice.

My parents instilled high standards and morals in us as children, emphasising integrity, a sense of community, and the importance of using your position to create opportunities and gain for others.

“Let your word be your bond” was a phrase used frequently by my father. My parents taught me respect, love, and a very strong work ethic. Education was a priority with no room for extracurricular activities. These were seen as a luxury that could be enjoyed later in life, only once success had been attained.

My father was a pharmacist and businessman. He was able to turn his hand to anything, recognising demand, adapting to volatile markets, and managing multiple businesses to mitigate against risk.

My mother was an entrepreneur who built a culinary empire from scratch. She began her business from home making meals for factory workers. Soon she was catering for thousands of workers daily. Her clients included an airline, and she became renowned across the nation. The quality and repute of her service became so famous that major dignitaries refused to hold parties unless she was available to cater.

I must have inherited some of my parents’ dynamism and ambition, although I did not always recognise it within myself. Several of my teachers saw my potential and nominated me to oversee and manage projects. I often heard people say, “She was born to lead.” and I have always cherished those words. I became a prefect elect in my primary school and was honoured to be made head girl in my sixth year. I relished my first official responsibility and took pride in my position.

Continuing to work hard and be an upstanding citizen, I became deputy head girl at my secondary school. I was also thankful to be blessed academically.

As the time to choose a career approached, I felt conscious of how proudly the community valued students who progressed to study medicine. It was widely felt that the ultimate achievement of any child from Africa was to become a doctor.

However, I knew I could help and support people by pursuing another vocation. I had always been a real “daddy’s girl” and I had a great insight into my father’s profession as a pharmacist, having grown up amidst his work.

He took me to international conferences, much to the envy of my siblings and friends. My brothers thought I was the favourite, and my friends thought I was lucky to travel so wide and far.

Before finally deciding on my degree, I was privileged to study A Levels at a top international school in the UK. The school nurtured my abilities and encouraged me to pursue my dreams and be anything I wanted to be.

I was accepted to the University of Bath where I attained my Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. Having once held a simplistic view that a pharmacist’s role was to ensure the availability of medicines and sell them, I soon discovered the depth and diversity of the profession.

Upon qualifying, I began work as a community pharmacist. During this time I mentored newly qualified pharmacists and pharmacy students who were new to the UK. Having always had a passion to help and support others, I took them all under my wing.

I felt a particular aspiration to help those of ethnic minority, especially females, who seem to have the toughest barriers to overcome in establishing themselves within the business. There are numerous expectations to navigate both in professional working-life and in understanding the British way of doing things. Having faced these obstacles myself and experienced a real case of “imposter syndrome” that initially held me back from achieving more, I am now a compassionate advocate for my mentees.

At many times during my life others believed in me more than I believed in myself. They saw the potential that I did not recognise and helped me grow. Now it is my turn to do the same.