Brad Burton

Brad Burton is a highly accomplished and dedicated Board-Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) who has made significant contributions to the field. His journey in pharmacy began with a deep passion for the industry, and he has since become a prominent figure in oncology pharmacy. Burton’s academic journey began at the renowned University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he pursued his studies in pharmacy with a focus on oncology. This educational foundation provided him with a solid understanding of the intricacies of the field and shaped him into a knowledgeable and skilled pharmacist. Driven by a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, Mr. Burton has obtained additional certifications to expand his expertise. His certifications in Good Pharmacovigilance Practice (GVP), ACCP Academy: Precision Medicine – Oncology Genomics, and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Experienced Provider (ACLS) demonstrate his dedication to staying at the forefront of industry advancements and providing the highest level of care to patients.
An active member of various professional organizations, including the Hematology Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA), the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill General Alumni Association (GAA), and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Mr. Burton remains connected with industry trends and collaborates with fellow experts to enhance patient care and advance the practice of oncology pharmacy. Mr. Burton’s exceptional contributions to the field are showcased through his extensive body of work. He has authored over 10 notable publications, sharing his research, insights, and contributions to the scientific community. These publications stand as a testament to his expertise and dedication to improving patient outcomes in oncology pharmacy. His outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed, as Mr. Burton has been recognized with several prestigious awards. Notably, he previously received the esteemed Johns Hopkins Hospital Pharmacy Residency Class Preceptor of the Year award, highlighting his exceptional mentoring abilities and impact on shaping pharmacy professionals’ future.
Through his continuous pursuit of excellence, he continues to make significant contributions, positively impacting patient care and advancing the practice of oncology pharmacy.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My typical day starts with a morning walk with my dog, followed by a meditation session to center myself. I then prioritize working out to maintain physical fitness. Throughout the day, I focus on work, ensuring that I plan tasks ahead of time and stay organized. In the evening, I enjoy trying new foods for dinner, spending quality time with my dog, and relaxing while watching TV. Restful sleep is crucial for my productivity. On weekends, I make an effort to reconnect with friends or explore new places through travel. I try to close every day with prayer and gratitude. Overall, effective planning and sufficient rest are key factors in maintaining my productivity.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Bringing ideas to life requires a combination of strategies. Firstly, I believe in writing down my ideas and keeping track of them. This helps me maintain a clear vision of my goals and allows me to track my progress towards bringing those ideas to fruition. Regularly reviewing and addressing these goals ensures steady progress. Secondly, practice and persistence are crucial. I understand that turning ideas into reality often requires effort, learning, and refining. By consistently practicing and persisting in my pursuits, I can overcome challenges and achieve the desired outcomes.

What’s one trend that excites you?

One trend that truly excites me is the growing emphasis on mental health and well-being, both in the workplace and in general. It’s encouraging to see a shift towards open conversations about our true emotional state and the dismantling of stigmas surrounding mental health. Creating safe spaces for healthy discourse on this topic is a positive step forward. Additionally, I find it particularly noteworthy that seeking therapy, which was once considered taboo, is now becoming more mainstream. This recognition of therapy’s benefits demonstrates a collective understanding of its usefulness as a valuable tool for personal growth and well-being.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

One habit that significantly helps me be productive is maintaining to-do lists. I find it beneficial to have separate lists for work-related tasks and personal errands or activities. These lists allow me to prioritize and organize my responsibilities effectively. Additionally, utilizing calendars is another habit that enhances my productivity. Maintaining separate calendars for work commitments and personal engagements helps me stay organized and manage my time efficiently. Lastly, I embrace spontaneity as a habit to sustain my productivity. Introducing occasional changes to my routine helps me maintain energy, motivation, and persistence in achieving my goals.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could give advice to my younger self, here are three key insights I would share:
It’s okay to ask for help: Don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a strength and a way to grow. Accepting support from others can provide valuable perspectives, guidance, and emotional support.
What others think of me is not my business: Focus on your own journey and priorities. Don’t let the opinions or judgments of others dictate your self-worth or decisions. Stay true to yourself and follow your own path.
Every moment presents a new opportunity: Life is a series of ups and downs, but remember that each moment holds the potential for growth and change. Don’t dwell on past failures or setbacks. Learn from those experiences and use them to prepare for and embrace future opportunities. Stay resilient and open to the possibilities that each new day brings.

Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that in order to achieve true success and fulfillment in life, it is more important to focus on personal growth, happiness, and making a positive impact rather than solely chasing material wealth and societal expectations. I believe that finding purpose and contentment in life should take precedence over external markers of success. While some may prioritize wealth and status, I always emphasize the significance of inner fulfillment and genuine happiness as the ultimate measure of a successful life.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

One thing that I repeatedly do and highly recommend to everyone else is practicing gratitude. Taking the time to express gratitude regularly can have a profound positive impact on our well-being and outlook on life. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can improve our overall happiness, reduce stress, enhance resilience, and foster positive relationships. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we shift our attention away from negativity and gain a deeper appreciation for the present moment.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I have several go-to strategies to re-prioritize my thoughts and regain clarity. I often turn to meditation and prayer to quiet my mind and find inner calm. Journaling helps me process my emotions and organize my thoughts. Going for a run or walk in nature allows me to clear my head and gain a fresh perspective. Additionally, talking to a trusted friend provides support, different perspectives, and insights. These practices help me address overwhelm and refocus my energy effectively.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

One strategy that has greatly helped me advance in my career is to avoid procrastination. Procrastination can hinder progress and delay the achievement of goals. By prioritizing tasks, setting deadlines, and taking immediate action, I have been able to stay focused and accomplish more. Additionally, adopting a mindset of taking calculated risks and trying out ideas has been crucial. I have learned that even if some attempts may not yield the desired outcome, each experience provides valuable lessons for growth. Embracing both failure and success as part of the journey has allowed me to maintain momentum and keep pushing forward.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

There have been many failures in my career. It’s normal – failure is a life experience. Admitting and accepting those failures is the first step towards overcoming them. It’s important to acknowledge the reality of these failures and take the time to reflect on the lessons they offer. By not denying or brushing off my failures, I can learn valuable insights that will help me avoid similar pitfalls in the future and grow both personally and professionally.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

One business idea I would share is a personalized wellness and lifestyle coaching service. With the increasing focus on holistic well-being and self-improvement, there is a growing demand for personalized guidance and support in fitness, nutrition, mental health, stress management, and overall lifestyle enhancement.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

One piece of software that has greatly enhanced my productivity is a task management tool called “Todoist.” I use Todoist to organize and prioritize my tasks, track deadlines, and manage my workflow efficiently.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

Although I’m not as regular of a listener as I was, I like “Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations” hosted by Oprah Winfrey. In this series, Oprah interviews various celebrities, authors, philosophers, politicians, and many others. The podcast features perspectives and insight on health, wellness, and the life experience as a whole. I’ve applied several of the strategies noted on the podcast to my own life, and can truly say that I’ve reaped benefits.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I recently watched “Parasite,” and it blew me away! It’s directed by Bong Joon-ho, and this movie had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The story was intense, the acting was top-notch, and the way it delved into social issues was just mind-blowing. I love it when a movie keeps me guessing and surprises me, and “Parasite” definitely delivered on that front. It’s one of those films that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Highly recommend giving it a watch!

Key learnings

• Procrastination can hinder progress and delay the achievement of goals
• Turn to meditation and prayer to quiet my mind and find inner calm.
• Maintain to-do lists.