Ep 51 - The Great Debate: Is the time spent online worth it for your business?

Ep 51 - The Great Debate: Is the time spent online worth it for your business?

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart shares insights from her recent experience at Leanne Hughes's Con Con, a conference designed for a diverse group of professionals including consultants, facilitators, and business owners. The event emphasised skill-building over industry-specific discussions, fostering cross-disciplinary relationships. Sarah participated in the Great Debate, where she argued against the notion that time spent on LinkedIn is worth it for consultants. As a former debating coach and captain, she relished the opportunity to discuss this topic. The affirmative team presented arguments favoring LinkedIn, citing success stories where contracts emerged from connections made on the platform. Their stance was that visibility on LinkedIn is crucial, suggesting that absence from the site leads to invisibility in the professional landscape. Conversely, Sarah’s negative team argued that LinkedIn has devolved into an "AI cesspool," prioritizing algorithm-driven visibility over meaningful human connections. Sarah emphasised that too much time spent on social media diminishes health and well-being, citing a long-term Harvard study indicating that the quality of interpersonal relationships is the most significant contributor to happiness, rather than professional status or achievements. Throughout her speech, she reiterated the phrase "let’s take this offline," effectively summarising the argument that offline interactions lead to genuine relationship building and professional opportunities. In closing her segment, she asserted that likes, comments, and social media presence do not equate to substantial business outcomes: "People, not algorithms, build trust." Sarah encouraged listeners to reflect on their own use of online platforms and consider the value of investing time in face-to-face relationships instead. She invited feedback on this topic, concluding the episode by expressing her eagerness to engage with her audience on this vital aspect of professional development. This episode serves as a compelling reminder for professionals to prioritise authentic relationships over virtual visibility, encouraging a shift from online engagement to personal connections to enhance business success and overall well-being. Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

Ep 50 - Protecting Your Interests: The case for contract reviews

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart emphasises the importance of having contracts reviewed by a legal professional before signing them. She highlights a common mistake where individuals wait to submit signed contracts to their solicitors for review, which can lead to significant legal complications, as signed contracts are binding and challenging to amend. The episode concludes with a cautionary reminder about the costs and complications arising from unreviewed contracts. Once signed, negotiating changes, especially regarding critical details like parties involved and important conditions, can become difficult or impossible, ultimately costing the signing party much more than the investment in a legal review beforehand. Sarah encourages listeners to prioritise contract review to protect their interests and avoid unnecessary legal headaches. This guidance aims to empower pharmacy owners and business professionals in navigating contract matters with confidence. Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

Ep 49 - Navigating Security Interests: PPSR essentials

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart discusses the critical role of the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) in pharmacy businesses. The podcast highlights the importance of planning and communication in transactions, particularly around payments and stock orders to manage the risks associated with these security interests. Sarah emphasises the need for both buyers and sellers in the pharmacy sector to understand the implications of the PPSR to facilitate smoother transaction processes. Overall, understanding and navigating the PPSR is crucial for pharmacy business owners, whether they are buying or selling, to ensure their transactions are handled appropriately and securely. Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

Ep 48 - Polishing Perceptions: How minor enhancements can boost your brand

Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

Ep 47 - Time's Ticking: Are you ready to apply for your QLD Pharmacy Business Licence?

In this episode , host Sarah Stoddart provides critical information for Queensland pharmacy owners regarding the pharmacy business license application process established by the Queensland Pharmacy Business Ownership Council. With the legislative changes that took effect on November 1, 2025, pharmacy owners must take prompt action to comply with the regulatory requirements. The episode emphasises the importance of being prepared for the application process, which involves considerable paperwork tailored to different ownership structures. The transition to an online portal for submissions may simplify some aspects, but significant organization and diligence are still required. Sarah warns that many pharmacists have yet to initiate their applications and notes that these processes will only become busier as the deadlines approach. Overall, the episode serves as a reminder of the need to act on the licensing requirements and highlights the complexities involved in the application process. Sarah encourages listeners to reach out for assistance if needed, stressing the importance of preparation, organisation, and proactive engagement to ensure compliance with the new regulations. The podcast underscores the significance of commencing the application process without delay, particularly given the limited time frame for submission. Sarah's guidance aims to equip pharmacy owners with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate these regulatory changes confidently. Listeners are encouraged to take these matters seriously and to begin their preparations, as timely compliance is vital for the continued operation of their pharmacy businesses within the Queensland’s regulatory framework. Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/