We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Barbara Richardson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Barbara below.
Barbara, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I get my work ethic from the way I was raised. I grew up in a hardworking family where my parents did everything they could to provide for us. We didn’t always have a lot of extra, and there were times we lived paycheck to paycheck, but we never went without the things that truly mattered—food, a safe home, and a family that supported each other. My parents taught us early on the difference between needs and wants, and that everyone had to pitch in and help.
Those lessons stayed with me as I got older. When I was 29, I became a single mother with two children. I knew that if I wanted to build a better future for them, I needed to go back to school and earn a degree. Before I started, I actually sat down with my kids—who were only 8 and 13 at the time—and asked them if they would support me going to college, because I knew it would take sacrifice from all of us.
During that time, I worked full time as a receptionist at O’Donoghue Dermatology, worked part time at a restaurant, cleaned houses on the weekends, and attended college part time. Many nights I would come home from work, cook dinner, help my kids with homework, get them showered and into bed, and then stay up until two or three in the morning doing my own schoolwork. I would wake up again at five in the morning to get them ready for school before heading to work. After work, I would often drive an hour to attend classes and then another 35 minutes home.
It took me about ten years to finish, but I eventually graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Management, magna cum laude. My kids were part of that journey too. They helped clean the house, sometimes cooked their own dinners on the nights I was in class, and even helped me clean condos on the island where my parents lived. They would stay with my parents on weekends when I worked at the restaurant. At the time, I sometimes felt guilty that they had to sacrifice along with me.
Looking back now, I realize that those years taught them the same lessons my parents taught me—determination, responsibility, and the value of hard work. Today my children are grown, and they both carry that same work ethic. People often compliment them on it.
The degree hanging in my office today isn’t just a reminder of my accomplishment. It represents the sacrifices my children and I made together and the belief that hard work and perseverance can truly change the direction of your life. I wouldn’t do anything differently, because that journey not only helped me grow professionally—it helped shape the work ethic my children carry with them today.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I serve as the Practice Manager for O’Donoghue Dermatology in Sarasota, Florida. In my role, I oversee the daily operations of the practice, support our providers and staff, and help ensure that every patient who walks through our doors receives exceptional care and service. Dermatology is a unique field because we have the opportunity to care for patients across all stages of life—from treating skin cancers and medical skin conditions to helping patients feel more confident through advanced cosmetic treatments.
What excites me most about my work is being part of a team that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. Our practice is led by Dr. J. Morgan O’Donoghue, a Georgetown-trained surgeon who is deeply committed to providing high-quality medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care. We focus on treating the full spectrum of skin, hair, and nail conditions while also offering some of the most advanced cosmetic procedures available, performed by highly trained master injectors.
Another aspect I love about my work is building and supporting a strong team culture. I believe that when you invest in your staff—through education, collaboration, and encouragement—it directly translates into a better experience for patients. Watching our team grow professionally and seeing the impact we have on our community is incredibly rewarding.
Our practice is always evolving as dermatology continues to advance. We are continually exploring new technologies, treatments, and skincare innovations so we can bring the best options to our patients. We are also expanding our skincare boutique, which allows patients to access physician-selected skincare products that support both medical treatments and healthy skin maintenance.
Ultimately, what makes our practice special is the combination of advanced medical expertise, personalized patient care, and a team that genuinely cares about the people we serve. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a practice that is committed not only to treating skin conditions, but also to helping patients feel confident, healthy, and well cared for.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three things had the biggest impact on my journey: perseverance, a willingness to keep learning, and the ability to build strong relationships with people.
The first is perseverance. Life doesn’t always move in a straight line, and there will be times when the path forward feels overwhelming. When I went back to college as a single mother while working multiple jobs, there were plenty of moments when it would have been easier to quit. But I learned that progress often comes from simply continuing forward, even when it’s difficult.
The second is a commitment to learning and growth. I believe education doesn’t stop with a degree. Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to stay curious, ask questions, and learn from the people around me. Being open to learning new skills and ideas is what allows you to grow professionally and adapt as industries evolve.
The third is building strong relationships and treating people with respect. In healthcare especially, success comes from teamwork. Whether it’s patients, coworkers, or business partners, taking the time to listen, communicate clearly, and support others creates an environment where everyone can succeed.
For people early in their journey, my advice would be to stay patient with yourself and focus on steady progress rather than instant results. Work hard, remain open to learning, and surround yourself with people who encourage your growth. Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities come from simply showing up consistently and giving your best effort each day.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was showing me that it’s never too late to grow or pursue something more for your life. Neither of my parents graduated from high school, but later in life they both made the decision to further their education and build new careers.
My mom earned her culinary certificate in her 30s, and my dad obtained his captain’s license in his 40s. Both of those paths were incredibly challenging, but they pursued them with determination and pride. It was inspiring to watch them reach the height of their careers while still striving to learn and accomplish more.
Growing up, I saw them work extremely hard while living paycheck to paycheck, but I also saw them eventually create a life that once felt out of reach for them. They proved that with persistence and courage, it’s possible to change the direction of your life.
What also stood out to me was that they truly enjoyed what they were doing. There were plenty of challenges and setbacks along the way, but they faced them with strength and resilience. Watching them overcome those obstacles while still finding joy in their work left a lasting impression on me.
Their example taught me that hard work, perseverance, and the willingness to keep learning can open doors you may never have imagined possible.
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