Dearest Gentle Reader and the Members of the Peak Ton,
Typically, you’ll find my blogs over the years detailing my technical insights surrounding the world of accounting and tax and how it impacts Pharmacy. But today, I’m going to do something a little different and I’m going to get personal as it marks a special milestone for me; my 10-year work anniversary with Peak.
On 1 September 2014, I entered through Peak’s doors and started my incredible journey into the world of pharmacy. I had just returned from a 2-year hiatus from accounting where I was travelling on the other side of the world and experiencing what it had to offer. After emptying my bank account, I knew it was time to get a job again. Little did I know that joining Peak would reignite my passion for accounting, and I’d discover just how much I missed it.
In celebrating my 10 years at Peak, I want to highlight 10 things I’ve learned and why my love for Peak continues to grow. Those who know me are aware that I’m quite the talker, so brace yourself for what might turn into a bit of a bestselling novel! As a disclaimer, I’ve tried to keep this blog as concise as I could, however, there is much I want to express, so grab a cup of tea and relax for a read a little longer than our usual!
1. A great employer and leadership can make all the difference.
I have been lucky to have great employers at Peak and not necessarily because they are successful in their own rights, but because of the people that they are and how they lead.
When John hired me back in 2014, what he thought he hired was completely different to what he got because… it was better than he could have ever imagined! Not to toot my own horn but I was able to help shape Peak into what it has grown to today, all while excelling in my career. Under his mentorship and leadership, I was able to grow in confidence and build my own reputation, become more knowledgeable and trusted to help grow and lead our team to make a positive impact in the pharmacy industry. John continually sets an example through his own actions and words and both him and his lovely queen, Lisa, welcomed me and took my authentic self and all my quirkiness for what it is. Their wise guidance both professionally and personally have allowed me to blossom as an individual and reach the high standard I put upon myself in my work. I highly value both of their presence in my life and am thankful for their guidance.
Having Priya join us back in 2019 was a wonderful change and it has shaped my growth as an accountant, a leader, as a woman in the industry and I’m always blown away and impressed with her wealth of knowledge. In my eyes, she has always been a rockstar accountant and someone who I can turn to for guidance and advice to see things in a unique perspective. She manages to always have my back, while continually believing in me, and creating a loving supportive environment that only aids in my ability to do my role. Her ability to create and achieve so much inspires me on the daily to show up and do my best.
2. Team and team culture are everything.
Like any business, Peak’s team has evolved over time, but what has remained constant is the strong positive work culture and the same values we share as a team. One of my greatest achievements has been to help build a work environment where the team and I can come together to learn, grow, and support one another to shine bright.
We spend so much time together that we have become our own little family. Here, there’s no pretence—just a safe space where everyone is accepted for who they are; even my ever-changing hair colours (from pink, blue, purple, red, copper – you name it, I’ve had it). Each of us are so talented because of our diverse experiences allowing us to have something unique to offer, each bringing our own pizzazz to the office. This is the secret sauce to our success and it’s a special place to be in.
All the team members at Peak have had such a positive impact to my career growth and development as a person. Their patience with me surpasses what any human should be capable of, but so does my wittiness and laughs that I provide in return. I’m so grateful for the journey that Peak allows us to have together where our hard work and dedication to Peak brings us so much passion in our respective careers.
3. Support from loved ones.
My wonderful fiancé Mark, my loving family and incredible friends – They have always been the greatest cheerleaders in my life, and I love them so much. They give me the encouragement I need to build my career, help to celebrate my wins and are always there during the toughest hours. They help remind me that there are no limits to what I can achieve.
A big thank you for always checking in on me, and being so flexible and understanding; especially during busy periods or those days that I’m doing longer hours. You are always so loving and supportive, all while challenging me and providing the tough love when I need it most. This has allowed me to grow and become a better version of myself and because of that, I’m proud of the person that I am.
4. Clients make work more rewarding.
Peak has had the privilege of being part of many financial journeys, and I have been there every step of the way. It has been such a joy to meet so many amazing pharmacists and their friends and family. Each person and their unique situations have taught me something new, enhancing my knowledge and expertise. Getting to know them and knowing that I’ve made an impact in their lives gives me a strong sense of purpose and fulfilment each day.
5. Who says networking is boring?!
I've had the pleasure of connecting with so many incredible people in the pharmacy world—whether it's been through collaborations, conferences, networking events, referrals from mutual connections, LinkedIn interactions, or even late-night dancefloor moments at pharmacy events.
It brings me such joy to hear what is going on in your worlds and how we all contribute to shaping the landscape of pharmacy. We learn so much from each other and our experiences and that’s what I find makes the pharmacy community so special. The biggest takeaway I have had from entering this space is that it’s never a bad or scary idea to strike up a conversation with someone new.
6. Job satisfaction through learning and growth.
I first started at Peak as an accountant and worked through to become a manager, senior manager and now Practice Manager (aka PM – Prime Minister amongst the team). Picturing myself back at my first job as a grad in 2009, I could never have imagined myself to ever become a manager, to lead; but look at me now. The career progression has felt natural and timely, shaped by experiences and lessons learned along the way.
Job satisfaction isn’t just about monetary rewards. While compensation is important, what truly motivates me is the work itself—being engaged, challenged, and finding purpose in what I do. As the world around us changes, we need to change and keep up with it. We need to put effort into ourselves through continuous learning and education to grow, innovate and evolve. That’s the secret to keeping things spicy; to keep the flame of your passion burning.
The work I do is incredibly rewarding, it fills my cup, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the business. This connection makes me feel more engaged and motivated to do even more. I leave each day knowing I’ve made a positive contribution and I truly enjoy every moment of it. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work, making it easy to choose to show up to work every day.
7. The consequences of making mistakes.
Mistakes can be tough, but they’re also some of our greatest teachers. The most significant lessons and improvements often arise from these challenges. As my own harshest critic, I feel my mistakes deeply, but I also recognise that I have the strength to overcome them.
You need to trust that your employer and team will support you, helping guide your decisions and allowing you to correct your course when needed. This trust has built my resilience and refined the way I approach future challenges—I’m committed to ensuring others don’t have to go through what I have.
I’m smarter because of my mistakes, and I’ve learned to be kind to myself, knowing I’m doing my best. With every challenge, I grow wiser, becoming a stronger leader who is better equipped to achieve positive outcomes for everyone involved.
8. Burnout is not nice.
Driven by my parents’ value of working hard, I pride myself on always having a strong work ethic that goes above and beyond. My parents were both boat refugees from Vietnam who came to Australia for a better life; they sacrificed their all to give me the best life possible and to never experience the hardships of what they went through.
Throughout my life, I've always felt grateful for what I had, but there was always a part of me that felt undeserving like I needed to constantly prove that I was worthy of the good things that came my way. I would never just do the bare minimum and I pushed myself to do more and to give back tenfold.
Burning the candle at both ends will never be sustainable and there will always be a breaking point. For me, that point was over COVID, as it was for many of you. I was so busy looking after our clients, Peak and the team that I did not realise how much of my energy was being directed into it. I didn’t want to let others down and I wanted to take the burdens away from others. What I learnt was I was doing a disservice to my clients, to Peak and most of all to myself. I was providing the oxygen mask to everyone else, but I didn’t have one on. I’ve realised that in my efforts to help others, I neglected my own health. This experience has opened my eyes to the importance of taking care of myself just as much as I do others, and that only I can set the boundaries on a work-life balance. When I take care of myself, I’m capable of doing the exact same things more efficiently, more creatively and with more drive.
9. The Importance of Self-Love and Development.
How I am outside of work impacts how I show up to work. At work, I’m confident with who I am and what I do but outside of work, that’s another story and something that has bothered me for some time since I joined Peak. Over the years, I have given myself permission to be more active in finding ways to improve my self-development through self-love.
Identifying this, has put me on a path to learn and become more aware of my energy flows. Finding hobbies and adventures that fill up my cup, recognising the people I want to be associated with and what behaviours I choose to tolerate. When I allow myself to choose how I live, it gives me a new form of energy and growth to become a better person. This benefits my team and the work that I do when I’m at Peak. Peak has always placed an importance on mental health, and it has allowed me to be vulnerable in becoming a stronger person and feel supported of the person that I am outside of work as well.
10. What is loyalty through my eyes?
10 years with an employer is a milestone accomplishment and probably something rare you will see these days as people jump from one job to another. While I understand you need to follow your passion and grow, mine has been fulfilled with Peak in the journey we have had together. Our working relationship isn’t one-sided and we both put the effort in to make it this far together whether it rains, hails or shines.
Items 1-9 reflect why I’ve chosen to stay at Peak over the years. Feeling acknowledged for my efforts and contributions makes me feel truly valued in my career. But what truly sets Peak apart is that I’m seen as a person, not just an accountant. That recognition makes all the difference.
Yes, I’m an employee, but I’m also a person with a life beyond the office. Sometimes life demands more of me, just as work does at times, but I’m always committed to going above and beyond when needed. Achieving the right balance requires a bit of give and take. It’s important to remember that we’re all human beings. The flexibility and compassion I’ve received at work have allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.
So, with that, I think I should start signing off now. If you made it this far, thank you for indulging this gal and her sentimental thoughts. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey—your support and collaboration have made these 10 years both successful and memorable! Let’s see what these next 10 years can teach me!
