In this episode of CPhT Connect, host Mike Johnston, CPhT-Adv, breaks new ground by welcoming the show's first-ever non-pharmacy guest. Joining us is Lorraine K. Lee, a best-selling author, LinkedIn Top Voice, and keynote speaker who has empowered leaders at global organizations like Zoom, Amazon, and McKinsey & Company. As the industry faces rapid changes—from restructuring to new technology—Lorraine shares her "Unforgettable Presence" framework to help pharmacy professionals master the art of influence and ensure their value is never overlooked. Listeners will hear about:

• Building Your Own Door: How to create opportunities and gain leadership skills through unofficial roles, even when faced with professional "red tape."
• Filling the Gaps: Strategies for identifying pain points within your organization and proposing new responsibilities that demonstrate your strategic value.
• Leadership Beyond the Pharmacy: Finding creative ways to develop mentorship and leadership talents through volunteer organizations and side projects.
• The Power of Intentionality: Why professional presence is built in "small moments" and how being intentional can catapult your career trajectory.
• Standing Out in Uncertain Times: How to clearly communicate your unique value to remain top-of-mind for promotions and new opportunities during industry shifts.
• A New Perspective: Insights from our first non-pharmaceutical guest on why these universal leadership skills are critical for the modern pharmacy technician.

Whether you are an aspiring manager or a seasoned technician, this episode provides a masterclass in professional visibility. Lorraine's expertise offers a practical roadmap for anyone ready to move beyond their technical role and lead with a presence that opens doors and creates lasting impact. Key Takeaway: "Be intentional about your presence, remember that it is about the small moments, and truly understand how to communicate your value to stand out." Resources from this episode:

• Read Unforgettable Presence: unforgettablepresencebook.com
• Connect with Lorraine: linkedin.com/in/lorraineklee
• Weekly bite-sized career tips: lorraineklee.com/subscribe
• LinkedIn Learning courses: lorraineklee.com/linkedinlearning
• Collaborate with Lorraine: [email protected]

Visit CPHTConnect.com for more resources and to join the conversation.

In this episode of CPhT Connect, host Mike Johnston, CPhT-Adv, sits down with Erika Anderson, a nationally respected pharmacy technician leader whose passion for pharmaceutical compounding has shaped patient safety and compliance across an entire health system. With more than two decades of experience, Erika currently serves as the System Manager of Pharmacy Compounding for CommonSpirit Health, overseeing compounding standards, policies, and quality assurance for 142 hospitals. As the system's subject matter expert, she leads regulatory compliance efforts, develops enterprise-wide procedures, and manages the 503B Outsourcing Program, ensuring safe, high-quality compounded medications reach patients every day. In this powerful and candid conversation, Erika shares how her career began with curiosity and initiative—and how asking questions, pursuing education, and being willing to hear "no" ultimately led her to build doors where none existed. Together, Mike and Erika explore what true leadership looks like in pharmacy, why compounding excellence is inseparable from patient safety, and how pharmacy technicians can advocate for themselves even when opportunities aren't clearly defined. Listeners will hear about:

• Erika's journey from IV room technician to system-level compounding leader
• Why initiative and preparation matter more than waiting to be recognized
• How compounding failures reshaped her commitment to safety and compliance
• The evolving role of pharmacy technicians in quality, regulatory, and leadership positions
• Learning from rejection and continuing to ask—even after hearing "no"
• What it means to lead by engaging the people doing the work

Whether you're passionate about compounding, interested in leadership, or feeling stuck in your current role, this episode will challenge you to think bigger about your potential—and remind you that many career paths don't exist until someone is brave enough to create them. Key Takeaway: "If the door to opportunity doesn't exist, don't walk away—build the damn door." For more pharmacy technician career insights, resources, and episodes, visit cphtconnect.com. Listener Resources: Erika's LinkedIn- www.linkedin.com/in/erika-anderson-cpht-cspt-b2a426159

In this episode of CPhT Connect, host Mike Johnston, CPhT-Adv, BCNCPT, BCSCPT, kicks off a brand-new RxInfluencers series with a dynamic conversation featuring Dr. Walter Oronsaye, PharmD, RPh, widely known online as the Phit Pharmacist. Dr. Walter is redefining what it means to be a healthcare professional in the digital age. With a background spanning community pharmacy, public health education, and now medical school, he has built a powerful social media presence by doing one thing exceptionally well: making complex health information clear, accurate, and accessible—without talking down to the people he serves. In this conversation, Mike and Dr. Walter explore the responsibility healthcare professionals have to communicate with empathy, fight misinformation with facts, and take ownership of telling their own stories. From working retail through Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a trusted voice for millions online, Dr. Walter shares how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can use influence—formal or informal—to elevate the profession and connect more meaningfully with patients. Listeners will hear about:

• Why respectful communication matters more than confrontation in health education
• How pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can combat misinformation without alienating patients
• Turning frontline pharmacy experience into powerful, relatable storytelling
• The rise of healthcare influencers and what it means for the future of the profession
• Using humor, authenticity, and accuracy to build trust with the public
• Why owning your narrative is one of the most empowering things a healthcare professional can do

Whether you're curious about social media, passionate about patient education, or simply looking for new ways to advocate for your role in pharmacy, this episode will challenge you to think bigger about your voice, your influence, and your impact. Key Takeaway: "Influence isn't about having a platform—it's about how you use your knowledge to educate, connect, and serve." Follow Dr. Walter Oronsaye (@PhitPharmacist) for engaging, evidence-based health content—and tune in to CPhT Connect for conversations that elevate pharmacy technicians every step of the way.

Listener Resources: Instagram: @MyPhitPharmacist https://instagram.com/myphitpharmacist

Tiktok: PhitPharmacist Tiktok.com/@phitpharmacist

YouTube: PhitPharmacist YouTube.com/phitpharmacist

Twitter: @PhitPharmacist https://twitter.com/phitpharmacist

FaceBook/Meta Facebook.com/MyPhitPharmacist

Official website www.PhitPharmacist.Com

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-oronsaye-657139190/

Threads MyPhitPharmacist https://www.threads.net/@myphitpharmacist?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Snapchat Phit_Pharmacist https://snapchat.com/t/sdhMmhhI

Podcast: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/od-podcast/id1755451863

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/40RBAZrUAMvv7tA467Fhm3?si=eF5YX8qxS42jQ2fkMWUiGg

Twitch https://m.twitch.tv/phitpharmacist/home

In celebration of World Pharmacy Technician Day 2025, host Mike Johnston, CPhT-Adv, delivers a powerful solo episode that gets to the heart of what it means to be a pharmacy technician today.

In this special release of CPhT Connect, Mike shares a message of pride, professionalism, and purpose for every technician who has ever been told they are "just a tech." He explores how language shapes identity, why invisible work deserves recognition, and how pharmacy technicians can confidently stand in their worth and advocate for their role in patient care.

Listeners will hear about:

• The impact of words and why "just a tech" diminishes professional value

• How to make invisible work visible and celebrate your daily impact

• Knowing your worth through leadership, advocacy, and accountability

• Communicating clearly and professionally to advocate for yourself

• Redefining growth and advancement in the technician profession

Whether you are just starting your pharmacy career or have decades of experience, this World Pharmacy Technician Day episode will remind you that you are not a background player in healthcare. You are a critical part of the team, and your work makes a difference every single day.

Key Takeaway: "Being more than just a tech isn't about working harder; it's about standing taller." Visit www.rxtechday.org to celebrate and learn more about this day.

In this episode of CPhT Connect, host Mike Johnston sits down with Alexander Carter, BCSCPT, CPhT, an Implementation Specialist at Pharmacy Stars, to explore how a career built on curiosity, persistence, and continual growth can open unexpected doors.

From his start as an "accidental technician" to leading compliance implementations for hospitals across the U.S. and Canada, Alex shares how each career step, from sterile compounding and home infusion to automation and software, was driven by taking initiative and saying "yes" to opportunities before it felt comfortable.

He opens up about:

• Moving from hospital sterile compounding to home infusion and eventually into leadership and technology roles.

• How perseverance, communication, and knowing your value can shape career advancement.

• His work with the Indiana Pharmacy Association Technician Council aims to elevate the voices and engagement of technicians statewide.

• The evolution of compounding compliance technology and how tools like Compounding360 simplify documentation, training, and USP compliance across multi-site systems.

• Why "taking chances" and building genuine professional connections, especially through platforms like LinkedIn, can change the trajectory of your career.

Alex's story is a testament to the power of stepping out of your comfort zone and shaping your own professional path. Whether you're just starting your pharmacy journey or looking to specialize, this episode will inspire you to take that next leap forward.

LinkedIn: Alexander Carter, BCSCPT, CPhT Organization: Pharmacy Stars – Compounding360

In this episode of CPhT Connect, host Mike Johnston welcomes Carrie Stephens, Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician and co-owner of Hoagland Pharmacy, to share her remarkable journey from "Street Tech" to pharmacy owner. Carrie discusses the transition from employee to co-owner—leading a team of 70 across retail and long-term care—and how she and her partners explored ownership models, built trust with their staff, and balanced patient-first care with sustainable business operations.

She opens up about the challenges of shifting perspective from technician to owner, the importance of accountability, and why financial realities matter just as much as patient care. Carrie also highlights her commitment to expanding technician roles, from encouraging vaccine certification and point-of-care testing to advocating for advanced responsibilities in community health.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into networking, professional growth, and the power of technicians to shape the future of pharmacy. Carrie's message is clear: pharmacy technicians are not "just techs"—they are vital leaders and advocates in patient care and the profession.

In this episode of CPhT Connect, hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith sit down with Courtney Miller, the powerhouse founder of Pharm Techs Only, to explore her remarkable 30-year journey in the pharmacy field. From her start at CVS in 1997 to roles in long-term care and even providing care within the complex environment of Rikers Island, Courtney shares the highs, lows, and hard lessons learned throughout her career.

She opens up about the unique challenges of working in a correctional facility—navigating intense security protocols and serving a highly diverse patient population—and how those experiences shaped her drive to create Pharm Techs Only, a global platform designed specifically for pharmacy technicians seeking jobs, resources, and community.

This episode dives into the ongoing fight for better pay, recognition, and support for pharmacy technicians—and how Courtney is leading the charge with passion and purpose.

Welcome to a new episode of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith as they explore the intersection of pharmacy and wellness with special guest Ranisha Mangle, CPhT.

With over 20 years of experience and a degree in nutrition and wellness, Ranisha shares her inspiring journey from retail pharmacy to becoming a health educator and advocate for holistic care. In this episode, she dives into the benefits of vitamin D, the emerging "food as medicine" movement, and the role pharmacy technicians can play in promoting whole-person health.

Ranisha also shares insights from her work with alternative and integrative medicine—especially in supporting elderly patients and those managing diabetes—and offers practical tips for embracing a more holistic lifestyle.

Don't miss this thoughtful and energizing conversation about how pharmacy technicians can expand their impact through nutrition, mindset, and patient education. Facebook : Ranisha Venise TikTok-MsNutriwellness Instagram :Skinnivee Website: maingoalnutrition.com Email:[email protected]

Welcome to a new episode of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith as they welcome back Kevin Judeich, Licensing and Accreditation Specialist at Curexa Pharmacy, for an engaging conversation about career growth, specialization, and making an impact in pharmacy.

In this episode, Kevin shares how his role has evolved—from a generalist technician to a regulatory specialist working with telemedicine providers and veterinary practices in a compounding and fulfillment setting. He breaks down what it means to become a "T-shaped employee," emphasizing the value of broad foundational knowledge paired with deep expertise in one area.

Listeners will gain insight into how to build a career with purpose, take initiative, and align their work with long-term professional goals. The episode also includes a fun game between Kevin, Mike, and Ashleigh that you won't want to miss!

Don't miss this inspiring and insightful episode that's all about leveling up, specializing, and leading with intention in your pharmacy career. 💬 If you enjoy Kevin's insights, don't miss his first appearance in Episode 49—go check it out!

Welcome to a dynamic new episode of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join hosts Mike Johnstonand Ashleigh Smith as they sit down with pharmacy powerhouse Margon Dillard, a seasoned technician whose passion for people and innovation is redefining what it means to work in pharmacy.

In this episode, Margon shares her inspiring career journey—from pharmacy school to roles in retail, 503B compounding, hospital pharmacy, purchasing, management, pharma sales, and more. She shines a light on the critical and often overlooked world of pharmacy purchasing, where she managed over 60% of a hospital's budget, underscoring the influence and responsibility technicians can have.

Margon also introduces PharmFest, her exciting new event series designed to bring pharmacy and pharmaceutical professionals together through community, peer learning, and non-traditional education—all in fun, engaging environments. The first event was held at Dave & Buster's, and the next one is set for October 24 in Houston.

Don't miss this episode packed with career insight, innovation, and inspiration for pharmacy technicians ready to expand their impact and embrace new possibilities in the profession! Registration for PharmFest: https://www.pharmfest.com/pre-register Special discount code for podcast listeners NPTA30 https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharmfest/ https://www.instagram.com/pharmfest/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558663175188