A conversation with Jas Khambh, Chief Pharmacist at NHS LPP, for World Pharmacists Day 2024

World Pharmacists Day is an annual celebration that highlights the pivotal role pharmacists play in fostering healthier communities worldwide. This year, it falls on Wednesday 25 September. In recognition of this important occasion, we sat down with Jas Khambh, Chief Pharmacist at NHS London Procurement Partnership (NHS LPP), to discuss her career journey, the value of women in leadership, the individuals who have inspired her and her advice for those aspiring to leadership roles in pharmacy.

What has been your career progression to becoming Chief Pharmacist?

Reflecting on my career journey is always meaningful, as it's easy to lose sight of how far one has come amid the day-to-day demands of work. I began my pre-registration training in a hospital setting, followed by nine months of basic grade rotations. Shortly thereafter, I accepted a position as a clinical audit and procurement pharmacist.

I then became what at the time would have been one of the first interface pharmacists in the country, working between City and Hackney Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Homerton University Foundation Hospital. This was a groundbreaking role that bridged primary and secondary care. I led the development of an interface prescribing policy and formulary, which I oversaw for several years.

In 2011, I met a senior leader from NHS LPP at a conference (more on this later), and he mentioned they were looking for project pharmacists. I was fortunate to be successful in the interview, and I have since grown within the organisation to my current role as Chief Pharmacist.

What influenced your decision to pursue this career path?

In my early 30s, as I searched for my niche within pharmacy, the options seemed limited—community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy or industry roles were the primary routes. However, an unexpected opportunity presented itself, and I feel fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time (some may call it destiny!). While attending a conference, I connected with Peter Sharrott, discussed potential job opportunities, and shared my CV, not expecting much to come of it. Thankfully, that chance encounter proved to be a pivotal moment.

I never imagined I would be where I am today. I had envisioned a career as a hospital clinician, not working in a corporate setting. Yet, this path has been both unique and rewarding, offering a distinctive career experience. It allows me to stand out from my peers, and I find it both interesting and fulfilling.

Additionally, the flexibility this career path offered was invaluable. As a mother of two young children at the time, a role that allowed for a better work-life balance was essential. Remote working and flexible hours were rare back then, but despite the long hours, I feel fortunate to have found an opportunity that accommodated my family’s needs.

I also found that my skills aligned perfectly with the demands of this career. Strong interpersonal and people skills are crucial in my regional and national roles, as they require the ability to collaborate and "bring people along with you." This field has always been an excellent fit for me.

What are the benefits of having women in leadership roles?

Women often possess a high degree of emotional intelligence, empathy, and sensitivity. Personally, I find that I can read people’s emotions and intentions before they even speak—a skill that many women share. This is particularly valuable in settings like board meetings, where understanding dynamics is crucial.

Having women in leadership positions brings a diverse perspective to decision-making and helps provide role models for future generations. While we’ve made significant strides in women's rights, there is still work to be done, as evidenced by the ongoing Gender Pay Gap. Throughout my career, I’ve experienced moments where my contributions were overshadowed, where for example a male colleague may repeat my thoughts and be heard more clearly. This isn't necessarily intentional but speaks to deeper societal patterns. Increasing female leadership representation is key to breaking these patterns.

Were there any leaders who inspired you early in your career?

Tim Root (MBE) was my mentor and line manager for over a decade, and I credit much of my success to him. Tim was the Strategic Medicines Lead when I joined NHS LPP, and even now, though retired, he remains a mentor to me. He has always been available for advice, and his unwavering support of women in their careers, including my own, has been invaluable. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities he provided.

Who are the leaders you find most inspiring, and why?

I find Simon Sinek particularly inspiring. His books and podcast resonate with me, especially his emphasis on explaining the "why" behind your actions. I strive to incorporate this philosophy into my leadership style, ensuring that I clearly communicate the purpose behind my decisions and initiatives.

What advice would you offer junior pharmacists aspiring to leadership roles?

My main advice is to gain broad work experience before narrowing your career focus. It’s important to explore different paths before settling on one, rather than boxing yourself in too early.

I also believe that future pharmacy leaders should maintain a level of clinical practice. Staying connected to frontline patient care enhances your credibility as a leader, as it keeps you attuned to the realities of healthcare delivery. This is something to keep in mind as you consider progressing in your career.