Beyond the Ladder: Key Takeaways from the Women in Medtech Podcast

| Eryn Veronesi

Professional Women in Healthcare (PWH) is proud to highlight the latest episode in the Women in Medtech podcast series, where our very own Board Chair for Corporate Partners, Jennifer O’Reilly, joined host Colleen Patterson along with Abby Norfleet and Barbara Strain for a candid conversation on leadership, career growth, and mentorship.

With over 25 years of experience in medtech, Jennifer shared lessons from her own journey—along with practical advice for women navigating the complexities of leadership today. Here are just a few of the insights that stood out:

  • Career as a Catalyst: Your career can be a vehicle not only for personal growth, but also for contributing to the development of others.
  • Mentorship at Every Stage: Having mentors—and becoming one—should be an ongoing part of your professional life.
  • The Risk of Non-Promotable Work: Being aware of “invisible labor” is critical; too often, it can hold professionals back from advancement.
  • Training & Development: Preparing to lead doesn’t happen by chance. Intentional development, delegation, and experiences need to be cultivated with intent.
  • Subject Matter Expertise: It may have got you where you are but could hold you back from the upper tiers of leadership.
  • Protecting Your Growth: Knowing when to say no, avoiding burnout, and being deliberate about opportunities helps ensure you aren’t passed over when the next role opens up.
  • The Bigger Picture: Building a strong talent pipeline requires both maturing your own skillset and investing in the growth of others.

These themes are just the beginning of what turned into a rich discussion about redefining leadership in medtech.

Listen to the full episode of Women in Medtech: Beyond the Ladder to hear Jennifer’s perspective and more strategies for building a fulfilling career: Beyond the Ladder: Redefining Leadership and Career Growth in Medtech | Ep 95 - The Clinician eXchange