The Underswell with Derek Sabori

👍🏽 Saying Yes to Opportunity: Dr. Brian Komoto on Building a Career of Service, Leadership & Legacy

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What happens when you say yes to opportunity—even when you don’t see the full path ahead? In this episode of The Underswell w/ Derek Sabori, I chat with Dr. Brian Komoto, PharmD—President & CEO of Komoto Healthcare, President of the UCSF Alumni Association, and Alumni Regent at the University of California.

Brian’s career began with a leap of faith: buying a small community pharmacy in Delano, CA, with his wife and newborn son in 1981 almost immediately after receiving his PharmD. From those humble beginnings, he built a thriving healthcare network serving thousands across California’s Central Valley. His secret? A relentless focus on people, community, and continuous learning.

Throughout the conversation, Brian shares how his early mentors shaped his mindset, why he still sees himself as both teacher and student, and how the best leaders “listen first, act second.” He reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about leaving things better than you found them.

🔑 Key themes & lessons:

  • Say yes to opportunity—even before you feel ready. Brian’s regent appointment came as a surprise, but his curiosity and courage opened doors he never imagined.
  • Leadership begins with listening. Understanding your community’s real needs comes before designing solutions.
  • Mentorship multiplies impact. Teaching others is how you keep learning.
  • Challenge the status quo (this is something he learned at UC Berkeley). As Brian says, “Never be satisfied with how things have always been done.”
  • Get involved and give a little. There’s something magical that happens when you commit to helping and serving others (especially those in your community).
  • Enjoy the ride. “Smile,” he says. “When I grab the door handle to walk in, it’s showtime.”

    • đź’¬ Memorable quotes:

    • “When the pressure mounts, that’s a call to action.”
    • “Education is what’s left after you’ve forgotten everything.” (Brian's Dad)
    • “Find something that makes you passionate—then it’s no longer a job.”
    • “When you give, you receive much more back.”
    • “Smell the roses while you’re walking through them. Don’t worry about the thorns, they’re going to be there no matter what.”

      • đź‘‚ Listen to this episode if:

      • You’re exploring career pivots or leadership growth. Y
      • ou want to blend professional success with community impact.
      • You’re curious how to scale a business without losing its heart.
      • You believe that a meaningful career is measured in legacy, not titles.

        • đź”— Links:

        Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

        About Komoto Healthcare

        About the University of California Board of Regents

        Music by Lidérc.

        🎧 Subscribe to The Underswell for more stories on purpose, resilience, and the lessons beneath the surface. Inquire about being a guest at theunderswell.com/livewithderek.

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        The Underswell with Derek SaboriBy Derek Sabori