Marvin Munzu: From Africa to the UK – A Story of Resilience, Community, and Passion

Marvin Munzu’s journey is one of resilience, self-reliance, and the generosity of others. Born in London to Cameroonian parents, he spent his childhood in Africa before making a life-changing decision to move to the UK at 16.

Now a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and author, Marvin co-founded Pre-Reg Shortcuts, a platform that has supported over 6,000 trainee pharmacists. In this interview, Marvin shares his story in his own words.

What led you to your career path?

"I was born in London, but my parents, originally from Cameroon, decided to return to Cameroon shortly after I was born. My father was a law student at Cambridge, and my mother was a Business Administration student at Liverpool, deeply connected to our culture and community.

Growing up in Cameroon, I experienced the vibrancy of African culture but also saw the challenges and suffering many faced. At 16, I took a life-changing step: I left my family and moved to the UK on my own to pursue education.

I went to St. Edmund’s School in Canterbury, where I met Mr. and Mrs. Patel. They embraced me as one of their own, giving me love and guidance during a pivotal time in my life. Through them, I met 'Uncle Raj,' a local pharmacist, who gave me my first work experience. Watching him care for his patients and run his business sparked a passion for pharmacy. It also planted a dream: to run my own business and make a tangible difference in people’s lives, inspired by the struggles I had seen growing up in Africa."

What were the pivotal moments that shaped your journey?

"Two key moments stand out for me:

First, leaving my family behind and moving to the UK alone at 16 was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. It forced me to adapt quickly, become self-reliant, and take ownership of my future. I had to navigate unfamiliar surroundings, make tough decisions, and sustain myself financially—all while adjusting to a completely new culture. This chapter of my life taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of hard work.

Second, meeting Mr. and Mrs. Patel in Canterbury was nothing short of a blessing. Their kindness gave me the confidence I needed as a teenager. They introduced me to pharmacy and guided me towards a career that has brought me immense fulfilment. Their love and support gave me a sense of belonging, which I will forever be grateful for."

What does a typical day look like for you now?

"My mornings start early. I get my four children ready for school, ensuring they’re set for the day ahead. By 9:30 am, I dive into work, focusing on Preregshortcuts. This includes attending webinars, contractor meetings, and preparing clinical content and social media materials for our courses.

Between 1:30 pm and 3 pm, I head to the gym—it’s my time to recharge and maintain my mental and physical health. After picking up my children from school, I support their activities—football, gymnastics, drama, swimming—you name it!

Evenings are often filled with webinars or one-to-one training sessions with pharmacy trainees. By 9 pm, I wind down with my wife, enjoying Netflix, documentaries, or simply spending quality time together. This balance between work, fitness, and family is essential—it fuels my drive and keeps me grounded."

What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

"Being an African pharmacist with a foreign accent in an underrepresented industry has come with challenges. One unforgettable moment was when a customer, shocked to learn I was the Manager and Superintendent Pharmacist, said, ‘People like you should be working in factories.’

Experiences like that are painful, but I’ve learned not to let them define me. Through self-awareness, confidence, and techniques from Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), I’ve built resilience and focused on what I can control. These challenges strengthened my resolve to succeed and inspire others facing similar obstacles."

What are your proudest achievements?

"Moving to the UK alone and qualifying as a pharmacist, despite the challenges, is something I’m proud of. Becoming a superintendent pharmacist within a year of qualifying was a defining moment in my career.

Building a family is my greatest joy. My wife and I are raising four incredible children, and being present in their lives is something I treasure deeply.

Professionally, I’ve achieved milestones such as publishing an Amazon best-seller, Success Secrets for Students, and delivering keynote speeches at universities, international events, and even for the BBC. Co-founding Preregshortcuts, which has supported over 6,000 trainee pharmacists, is another highlight. The platform has been nominated for the 'Best Training and Development' category at the C&D Awards for four consecutive years."

What advice would you give to aspiring pharmacists or entrepreneurs?

"If you want to succeed, start with passion. Have a genuine desire to help others and empower those you work with. Build strong interpersonal skills, network effectively, and stay up to date with challenges in your field. Create innovative solutions that improve people’s experiences.

Most importantly, find a mentor—someone successful in the space you’re entering. Learning from their experience will save you time, help you avoid mistakes, and fast-track your journey."

What excites you about the future of pharmacy?

"Pharmacy is evolving. The integration of independent prescribing into the MPharm degree is transformational. It’s exciting to see pharmacists take on more clinical roles and have a bigger impact on patient care. This shift will benefit the NHS and communities across the UK."

Marvin Munzu’s story is a testament to resilience, community, and the power of giving back. Through his work and personal journey, he continues to inspire those around him, showing that challenges can be overcome with determination and purpose.

Learn more about Marvin’s work with trainee pharmacists at Pre-Reg Shortcuts.