The Road Beyond Academic Pharmacy Leadership

Individuals in positions of leadership, of which there are a myriad of these positions in pharmacy education, will experience a transition from this position in most situations. This transition from a leadership position, be it voluntary or involuntary, can be challenging time. It can leave an individual wondering how to either channel their passion to new areas or recognize a new passion for future opportunities. The 2 questions this individual will need to answer is “what is next” and what is needed for them to feel valued and engaged in their future academic career or alternative career paths. The what is next challenge is not unique to pharmacy education. In reflecting on this question, the authors found examples of individuals who struggled with what is next after they left their leadership position. These individuals were 7 former presidents of the United States. As discussed in the book titled Life After Power, Seven Presidents and their Search for Purpose Beyond the White House by Jared Cohen, each of these presidents went through a unique journey of either rediscovery or self-discovery during their postpresidency years. Their stories offer important insights into answering the question what is next when an individual is considering opportunities after their leadership transition in our colleges or schools of pharmacy.