[0:25] Could you introduce yourself and what you do?

I primarily work in the quality space. I deal with the product life cycle, audits, and document management. We’re currently going through a restructuring, and it’s allowed for a reassessment of my goals and where my career is headed.

[01:10] Nerd or geek?

I don’t think I qualify as a geek. I’m not as technically astute as some of my peers. My background is actually a degree in Economics and Norwegian, and I spent a year in Norway, which is part of my family heritage. My first job out of college was as an ESL teacher in Japan. How that relates to IT is that it ties in to being the translation person. How to deal with other peoples’ cultures and experiences and how to interpret that perspective. My business background really helped with that. I was never a coding person.

[03:45] What do you think is the difference between the two?

When I think about the word geek and geeking out, I think about drilling down into the technology and wiring, etc. So, in that respect, I can’t join in the conversation as much, but I love to learn from them. That’s why I’m a nerd. Learning from them allows translating the processes and projects into the business side of things. It’s better to learn and listen.

[06:25] One of the biggest aspects of IT is needing to deal and communicate with people on the business side of things, especially in leadership.

A lot of that is going away, I think. A lot of places are outsourcing, and part of the challenge is bringing the technical people out and getting their skills to the table. Clients are getting smarter too, and there’s a great opportunity to facilitate conversations at the table.

[09:06] How many of your coworkers and staff do you see with the ability to bring others to the table and facilitate?

More are coming along, but it’s more about teaching the skill. Some people go super technical super fast, and it’s about pulling that back and understanding where to meet people and what’s important to them.

[13:10] How did you start at Medtronic?

I had the opportunity to work with an internet startup or take an internship with Medtronic. After weighing the pros and cons, I went with Medtronic and haven’t looked back. I started in marketing. I had the opportunity to work on CRM and deployments, things like the iPad, and then went through to manufacturing, and from there into quality. It’s been a great learning and outreach opportunity for me.

[17:00] Tell me a little bit more about the iPad deployment that you worked on?

Medical therapy can be incredibly complicated, depending on what hardware you have. So, what can you put in the hands of a sales rep to demonstrate data to people in the field? We wanted to figure out how to get our data on there and make it compliant with the regulations.

[22:25] What are your thoughts on the consumerization of IT and how it’s impacting businesses and expectations?

It doesn’t matter how big of an organization you are, it doesn’t compare to how many units companies like Apple are selling. It’s a matter of pulling apart what is actually essential to the business. Our challenge is putting as much on the devices as possible and selling what you actually need to upgrade.

[28:00] How well trusted is the IT Department at Medtronic?

Part of the problem is trying to keep up with all the solutions we are asked to create and discerning which is important.

[30:30] Can you give us some thoughts on cyber security, especially in the medical industry?

We are dealing with important data and constantly changing devices and tech, so how do you deal with all the legacy things involved moving forward? There’s a lot to be done still.

[39:45] You received some news on June 1. Let us know what that was and how it’s impacted you?

Medtronic is restructuring, and it has led to self-reflection and looking for the next opportunity and how we can improve our workforce.