Pharmacist turned professional coach Kim Bessell added to Pharmacy Connect 2026 speaker lineup

MEDIA RELEASE

7 May 2026

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is pleased to announce Kim Bessell, Human Performance and Mindset Coach, will present at Pharmacy Connect 2026. With his unique blend of pharmacy leadership and high‑performance coaching, he is ideally placed to advise pharmacy professionals looking to protect their wellbeing while continuing to deliver high-quality care.

Bessell’s engaging session “Burn out and resilience: Burn bright, not out” will challenge the idea that burnout is simply part of the profession, and demonstrate how sustainable change is possible.

Pharmacy Connect Conference Convenor, Kos Sclavos AM, said Bessell’s session will provide timely and practical insights for pharmacy professionals navigating increasing workplace demands.

“Kim Bessell brings a rare combination of frontline pharmacy experience and high‑performance coaching,” Mr Sclavos said.

“At a time when pharmacy professionals are doing more than ever, his insights on enhancing performance without sacrificing wellbeing will be invaluable to delegates.”

A community pharmacist and former Australian Government Principal Pharmacist, Bessell’s career spans pharmacy ownership, wholesaling, national policy, high‑stakes negotiation and strategic planning, including direct engagement with Federal Ministers and international stakeholders. He now works with executives, elite athletes, and corporate teams.

Drawing on evidence-based approaches, his session will equip pharmacists with realistic strategies that fit into busy, high-pressure environments.

Bessell is an exciting addition to an impressive speaker lineup for Pharmacy Connect 2026. He joins President of the National Community Pharmacists Association in the United States, Dr Kristen Riddle, and one of Australia’s most respected science communicators, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM.

The three will be among 40+ professional, business and industry speakers and clinical experts delivering content focused on the conference theme, ‘Connecting with Care’. A full program will be released later this month.

Pharmacy Connect is taking place 9 September – 11 September at the Hyatt Regency Sydney. Early Bird registration, which can save attendees up to $100, is now open.

Mr Sclavos encourages pharmacy owners, pharmacists, executives, interns, students and industry partners to take advantage of Early Bird pricing and secure their place early.

“Pharmacy Connect delivers practical, relevant education and meaningful networking in a focused and highly engaged environment. And booking early means you get all the value at the best price.”