Stephen Leadbeater began his working life in pure science, working in the NHS as a biomedical scientist.

Attending Sheffield University in his mid 20’s, he studied Pharmacology and Physiology, and a career in the pharmaceutical industry beckoned upon joining Boots Pharmaceuticals in the early 90’s.

Always curious about the commercial aspects of the industry, Stephen switched from ‘supplier’ to ‘retailer’ in 1994 when Boots wanted a Pharma buyer with pharmaceutical industry experience – and so began a career of almost 30 years in Pharmacy based Health and Beauty retail.

Together with spells in Tesco and Superdrug, Stephen spent over 20 years in the various companies that made up Walgreens Boots Alliance, developing extensive experience in consumer healthcare and beauty, and managing supplier partnerships at both a local and global scale.

In the last 10 years of his career, he returned to study, extensively studying aspects of behavioral psychology at post graduate level, including formal coaching and mindfulness qualifications and a masters in Occupational Psychology.

Since ‘retiring’ from full time corporate life in 2021, Stephen has worked as a consultant, supporting organisations as they develop their commercial strategy and capability.