Conflict in the workplace can be difficult but healthy conflict is necessary for strong relationships and can be the key to producing successful organizations.

A tailored workshop, hosted by Waterloo School of Pharmacy’s Women in Pharmacy Leadership (WIPL) program and led by Amy Oliver, focused on empowering leaders to steer others through changing landscapes by incorporating healthy conflict.

"At our events over the last year, we kept hearing that people management and conflict are some of the most challenging workplace issues for female leaders. We're so glad to see such a great turnout and welcome Amy back to share her expertise," Allison Tario says, WIPL program coordinator and professor at the School.

Amy Oliver (MBA, BSCPH, RPH, PMP, CLC) is a pharmacist, mother, health-care executive and entrepreneur. Oliver presented her 10 Essential Skills to Skillfully Manage People to a virtual crowd of over one hundred and fifteen attendees.

Amy oliver

Amy Oliver (MBA, BSCPH, RPH, PMP, CLC)

“To be a healthy leader we need to redefine what leadership looks like, what culture is made of and how we foster talent to achieve results,” Oliver says.

Oliver presented ten tips for leaders to apply in their workplace. From dismantling stereotypes and discovering what culture is made of to understanding the importance of diversity and inclusivity.

Invite everyone to sit on the same side of the table. That is the key to producing healthy, successful organizations where both employers and employees are part of the plan.

Amy Oliver

A strong Q&A session followed the talk where Amy answered audience member questions. Oliver’s takeaway advice is to keep continuous open discussions to help make safe spaces for people, only then will we see lasting change.

Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support and who make the WIPL program and events like these possible: OnPharm-United, McKesson Canada, Scotiabank and Green Shield Canada.

We are currently seeking mentors and mentees for our 2023 cohort for our WIPL Alumni program. Please visit our website to apply.