Business Coaching Profile: Laura McDonald
By Good Neighbor Pharmacy
“These are some of the most lovely, caring people that I have ever met. They open their arms and help people and do not expect anything in return. I want to fight for the little guy because they are just amazing.”
- Laura McDonald, Business Coach, Good Neighbor Pharmacy
A career built on relationships
McDonald’s professional background is rooted in sales and training. She began her career with B. Braun Medical, where she worked with hospitals and helped healthcare teams adopt new products. From there, she moved into pharmaceutical sales and sales training, helping new hires build the skills they needed to succeed.
Later, after taking time away from full-time work to raise her children, McDonald returned to the workforce through AmerisourceBergen, now Cencora. She joined the former Bellco Generics team, later SmartSource, where she worked with independent pharmacies to help them save money amid growing reimbursement pressure. That role gave her a closer look at the financial realities many pharmacies face and ultimately led her to the business coaching team.
Finding the right fit in business coaching
She joined the business coaching team just before the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as an inside coaching role soon evolved, and today McDonald is in the field working directly with independent pharmacy owners as part of the Good Neighbor Pharmacy coaching team.
“Now I’m out in the field helping independent pharmacies try to thrive, not just survive,” she said.
What sets McDonald apart is her relationship-first approach. She is quick to point out that she is not a pharmacist, and rather than presenting herself as the expert with all the answers, she focuses on building trust and understanding each pharmacy’s specific needs.
“My perspective is a little bit different because I don’t have the clinical piece. I’m not a pharmacist,” McDonald said. “I have more of the sales and relationship side of it. I really try to focus on getting to know people, getting them to trust me.”
That approach helps her create space for honest conversations about what is working, what is not, and where a pharmacy owner may need support. Instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution, she starts with the practical realities of each business.
“I’m more like, ‘Okay, well, let’s just talk and tell me what you’re frustrated with,’” McDonald said.
Advocating for the people behind independent pharmacy
That mindset reflects the broader value of business coaching at Good Neighbor Pharmacy. For independent pharmacy owners balancing patient care, operations, and financial pressure, having a partner who listens and helps prioritize next steps can make a meaningful difference.
McDonald also sees the work as deeply personal. After years of visiting stores and working side by side with independent pharmacy owners, she has developed a strong appreciation for the role they play in their communities.
“These are some of the most lovely, caring people that I have ever met,” she said. “They just open up their arms and help people and don’t expect anything in return.”
That admiration fuels her commitment to helping them succeed. For McDonald, business coaching is not just about metrics or programs. It is about helping community pharmacies stay strong, adapt to change, and continue serving patients in meaningful ways.
“I want to fight for the little guy,” she said. “Because they’re just amazing.”
Explore how business coaching can help independent pharmacies strengthen performance, reduce operational strain, and create new opportunities for growth.
