Seb Hobbs

HEALTHCARE - SEB HOBBS OM'87

What is your profession and current position?

CEO at Bestway Healthcare, operating the UKs largest independent pharmacy chain, a fast-growing pharmaceutical wholesaler and embryonic MedTech business.

How did Monkton get you ready for the world of work?

Monkton helped establish clear values and the importance of integrity; team sports and extra-curricular activities helped me understand the importance of teams and how emphasising individual skills leads to better outputs; and finally, to be confident

What is your biggest professional achievement?

Before joining the healthcare sector, I worked for the world’s largest diamond jewellery retailer, where after years in the UK I was asked to move to America. It was a privilege to learn a different culture and lead 35,000 people through a period of significant change.

What has been your most challenging professional moment?

Merging businesses has been more challenging than turning businesses around. Combining organisations each with their own unique heritage, culture and distinct values to create a more powerful single entity is a true professional challenge and takes longer than one would expect.

What inspires and motivates you at work?

It is important to have a clear purpose that everyone can be inspired by and believe in. At Bestway Healthcare our purpose is to improve the lives of the patients and customers in the communities we serve. This connects all 6,500 of us, whatever our role in the organisation. My personal motivation comes from making things better, in whatever guise that takes on a daily basis.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with pupils or OMs about getting into your profession?

Love what you do, a career is a big part of your life and can be extremely fulfilling, so make sure it is something you enjoy.