Musings from 25 Years Spent in Pharmacy Accounting
Written by Priya Narsing- Director.
This month marks two milestones for me: 18 months of business ownership and 25 years since I first stepped into the world of accounting. As I reflect on these chapters, I’m reminded that my journey has never been a solo one. It has been shaped—deeply—by the people who walked alongside me, challenged me, and believed in me long before I believed in myself.
My story begins in early 2001. Back then, online job hunting barely existed, so I spent my days combing through the West Australian, applying for anything remotely suitable, and attending interview after interview with little success. Then came the call—@Marshall Michael offered me a position. Truthfully, I barely remembered the interview, but I was thrilled.
I arrived on my first day eager, nervous, and determined to prove myself. I had no idea how pivotal that moment would be for my career, especially in the pharmacy industry. I would go on to spend 18 years at Marshall Michael, and the people there shaped not only my professional path but also who I became as a person.
Marcus Michael, who is no longer with us, left an imprint on me that I still carry every day. His lessons on people management echo in my mind constantly. He challenged me relentlessly and pushed me to grow into a better accountant and leader.
Then there was Stephen Marshall—the partner in the corner office, the pharmacy expert, and someone I was initially terrified of. I used to run past his office hoping he wouldn’t speak to me. Ironically, it was Stephen, along with my manager Rupert Cheong, who taught me the most about the pharmacy industry. Through their mentorship, I discovered my passion for advising pharmacy owners and realised the real impact an accountant can have in this sector.
Another constant in my journey was Michaela Hodgkinson—first my manager, then a partner, and always a friend. Michaela shaped the kind of accountant I aspired to be. Watching her navigate life as a professional, a business owner, and a woman showed me that it was possible to wear all the hats life demands.
After leaving Marshall Michael, I took time to reassess my path. One thing was clear: I wanted to stay in both accounting and the pharmacy industry. That’s when my path crossed with John Thornett and Peak Strategies—and everything clicked.
When I joined Peak in 2019, I quickly realised that John and I were aligned in how we lead, mentor, and build relationships. John loves a chat, values people deeply, and is as passionate about the pharmacy industry as I am. He challenges my thinking, supports my decisions, and ultimately gave me the courage to take the leap into ownership.
Ownership has been an unforgettable journey so far. It’s been fun, it’s pushed me to be adaptable, and it has definitely been harder than I first imagined. But one thing has become very clear: I can’t do everything—and thankfully, I don’t have to. I’m incredibly grateful for the fabulous, strong team I have around me, both in Perth and in the Philippines. They make the hard days lighter, the big goals achievable, and this journey so much more rewarding.
The last decade has brought career highs and lows, industry shifts, a global pandemic, and a world that continues to evolve at lightning speed. Through it all, I’ve learned a few lessons—ones I often share with clients, even though I still struggle to follow them myself.
1. Your “A” Team Matters
Whether you’re building a career or running a business, your support network is everything. As women especially, the juggling act can be exhausting. There are days you want to quit or hide under a blanket. My family is my anchor—my husband Sailesh and my children are the reason I do what I do. They soften the hard days and celebrate the great ones. And beyond family, you need mentors and advisors who will guide you, challenge you, or simply listen.
2. Courage & Fear Can Coexist
Be brave. Fear is normal—it means you care. But don’t let it freeze you. Take the leap. Trust yourself. None of us know everything, and that’s part of the adventure.
3. Be Selfish (Yes, Really)
This is the hardest lesson for me. The guilt that comes with prioritising myself is real, especially when you’re used to caring for everyone else first. But success means nothing if you’re too depleted to enjoy it. Burnout isn’t a badge of honour; it’s a warning sign. I used to think long hours equalled dedication. I’ve learned—slowly—that neglecting your physical and mental health only leads to diminishing returns. I’m still working on exercising regularly, eating well, sleeping enough, and listening to stress signals. Investing in your health is one of the smartest career decisions you can make.
4. Happiness Is Now
Don’t wait for the next milestone to feel happy. “I’ll be happy when…” is a trap. Happiness isn’t a destination—it’s a mindset. Enjoy the work you do. Celebrate the small wins. Find meaning in every stage of your journey. Because in the end, it’s the journey that shapes you.