Lisa Varley | CEO | MiDispensary
Lisa Varley began her journey in healthcare at a young age, starting as a Medical Secretary and later becoming a Practice Manager. Her exceptional spelling skills and deep interest in health made her highly valued by the doctors she worked with. Having a lifelong health concern herself, she was naturally drawn to the field of medicine and science. A pivotal moment in her career came when she persuaded the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, who was also a patient at her practice, to grant her an interview. She secured the job and stepped into the world of pharmaceuticals, where her passion for healthcare truly flourished. At EliteX, we are proud to have Lisa Varley as part of the edition: Transformational Women in Healthcare, 2025.
To Lisa, being a transformational leader in healthcare means more than just holding a title—it requires action and commitment. She believes in leading by example, rolling up her sleeves, and working alongside her team. She values their contributions deeply, which has fostered a thriving work environment with low attrition rates. Her team knows that they are all working toward a shared goal: helping people. The industry presents unique challenges, particularly in areas where marketing and promotion are restricted despite the proven benefits of the products they represent. However, her dedication ensures that her team remains focused on delivering the best possible care.
“I am extremely competitive, yet my only competition is myself.”
One of the most transformative moments in Lisa’s career involved working for a global company that sold narcotics. The company had invested heavily in developing an abuse-resistant version of OxyContin and lobbied to prevent a generic, non-abuse-resistant version from entering the market. Despite these efforts, the government declined their request. While the company was concerned about the potential $40 million annual revenue loss, Lisa saw an opportunity to prioritize patient welfare. She successfully negotiated with nearly every public and private hospital in Australia, except in South Australia, to switch patients to Targin—a formulation of OxyContin with Naloxone, which reduced opioid-induced constipation and was also abuse-resistant. For Lisa, this initiative was deeply personal and driven by a desire to help patients and combat narcotic abuse.
As a woman in healthcare, Lisa has faced numerous challenges. Despite rising quickly through the ranks, she encountered barriers at the national sales manager level, where she was told she would never advance without a university degree. Determined to overcome this, she completed an MBA. However, promotions did not come easily—she had to leave companies to secure higher-level positions, as promotions were consistently given to men. Additionally, her exceptional sales performance often worked against her; rather than being included in strategic discussions, she was repeatedly told that her strength was in selling, not in decision-making roles.
Balancing innovation and patient care is a challenge, especially in the medicinal cannabis sector. Lisa and her team collaborate with suppliers and cultivators, embracing and sharing continuing education. They employ nurses and doctors, ensuring that patients receive follow-up care and education. However, platforms like Reddit pose challenges, as patients can share misinformation while experienced professionals are restricted from providing guidance. Despite these obstacles, Lisa remains committed to ensuring that patients receive accurate information and the best possible care.
Since joining her current role nearly two years ago, Lisa has made a significant impact, growing the business from $12 million in annual revenue to $50 million. Under her leadership, the company has become the leading wholesaler of medicinal cannabis, offering more brands than any other wholesaler—over 110. This achievement reflects her strategic vision, leadership skills, and dedication to advancing healthcare.
“Women do not need to suffer in silence—healthcare should be personalized and inclusive.”
Lisa sees the biggest opportunities for women in healthcare in leadership and innovation, particularly in personalized medicine, advocacy for female patients, and holistic wellness solutions. She emphasizes the need to break the stigma around menopause, ensuring that women have access to information and treatment options to prevent long-term chronic conditions. The growing demand for alternative medicine, plant-based treatments, and holistic health solutions presents an opportunity for women to lead in research, formulation, and advocacy—especially in addressing conditions like endometriosis, menopause, mental health issues, and chronic pain.
Throughout her career, Lisa has been shaped by several mentors. Her first mentor, the CEO of the first pharmaceutical company she worked for, taught her the value of listening, emphasizing that learning comes from paying attention rather than always speaking. Two other male mentors played pivotal roles in her development, instilling in her the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself. Additionally, two women whom she greatly admires have exemplified these qualities and achieved remarkable success, serving as inspiration for Lisa’s own leadership journey.
Staying motivated and continuously growing in her career comes naturally to Lisa. She describes herself as highly competitive, though her primary competition is herself. She is solutions-focused, always seeking answers and learning from those who can help her grow. This mindset has influenced her team, creating a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving. For young women aspiring to enter healthcare, Lisa advises thorough research into the field. With numerous career paths available, she encourages speaking with professionals in roles of interest and planning a career path in advance. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, as healthcare is a dynamic industry that requires ongoing education and adaptation.
Technology plays a crucial role in transforming healthcare, particularly for women leaders. Lisa sees its potential in improving patient outcomes, enabling personalized and effective treatments, and expanding access to care through telehealth and digital platforms. These advancements assist in chronic disease management and provide specialized care to underserved and remote populations. Additionally, AI and big data can optimize product formulations, further enhancing patient care.
Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to Lisa’s leadership approach. She leads by example, openly sharing her journey to inspire other women. She holds her leadership team accountable for fostering an inclusive culture, ensuring that job descriptions use neutral language, and recruiting through diverse channels. Her organization prioritizes skills and potential over traditional qualifications, a shift from the rigid requirements she encountered early in her career. Open dialogue, rewarding innovation, advocating for equal pay, and offering flexible work environments are all key elements of her commitment to inclusivity.
Maintaining work-life balance in a demanding industry is essential for Lisa. She meditates every morning and evening and ensures she walks daily. Her hobbies align with her work interests, as she enjoys researching and studying healthcare advancements. Weekends are a mix of work, family, and friends, though her job is often social, making professional engagements enjoyable. She stays informed on women’s health issues and prioritizes supplements as part of her wellness routine.
“To me, a transformational leader is someone who doesn’t just talk the talk but walks the walk.”
Reflecting on her career, Lisa wishes she had learned earlier to stand up for herself and not allow men to talk over her. She has also learned to be cautious about sharing her ideas, as others have taken credit for her insights. These lessons have made her a stronger leader, reinforcing the importance of confidence and strategic thinking.
Lisa’s vision for the future of healthcare is centered on inclusivity and patient-centric care. She advocates for a more personalized and holistic approach, making healthcare accessible to all. Women leaders, with their collaborative and empathetic approach, are driving a shift from disease management to proactive wellness. This transformation is especially critical in women’s health, chronic conditions, and alternative medicine. Lisa envisions a future where natural, plant-based, and functional medicine are embraced, research focuses on longevity and quality of life, and healthcare evolves to prioritize prevention and overall well-being.
