How would you describe your job to someone you’ve never met?
My role in Luminate is to empower teams to ask questions, help them actively seek out the truth (as opposed to blindly doing things because ‘that’s the way it has always been done’) and help ensure the voice of the patient is at the centre of all decisions.
How did you get started in the medical device industry?
I always loved engineering and solving problems. In the summers I worked in the local hospital on summer jobs, being a hospital porter. The money was great, but getting to personally help people and be an emotional support to the patients really connected with me. My first job out of college was to work with a small company who designed and manufactured and distributed electro-mechanical therapy devices. Within a very short time, I was given the opportunity to lead R&D projects, given my own budget to manage, promoted to Quality Manager, and I was able to directly connect with our patients, and see how our devices helped burn victims and people with spinal injuries. I was also incredibly lucky to get a fantastic mentor. Young talent does not normally get such rapid opportunities. From there, I was hooked on helping people and making a difference.
What motivates you in your work?
Empowering others to excel and reach their true potential.
"Also, If I am to dedicate a large proportion of my waking hours to work, I want that work to be meaningful and to make a mark on this world.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Luminate is trying to make a difference to patients going through Chemotherapy. There has been incredible innovation and investment in relation to chemotherapy drugs by large multinationals. But there has been little innovation or focus on how to make the patients quality of life better (while they are going through chemotherapy). Luminate are addressing that need, not through just 1 product, but through a portfolio of products that will make a big difference for patients.
There is an exciting innovative future ahead for Luminate and its employees.
How has your role challenged your initial expectations?
I joined Luminate because two dear friends of mine died of cancer, at a very young age. I joined Luminate with my heart and my head. I wanted to make a difference, and
I am lucky to be with a dedicated team of passionate individuals who are all on the same mission.
The team has a good mix of maturity and youth. We all realise that we are constantly learning and developing at speed. The team is growing fast as we are lucky to have recruited some of the best and brightest talent. Rapid growth always brings challenges, but our expert management team are making it work.
Can you share a memorable project achievement you’ve been part of at Luminate?
When I joined Luminate we had a great mix of personnel from diverse backgrounds. Some understood innovative Design but not Design Control. Some understood that risk manage
ment was important, but not how to use it efficiently. One my earliest achievements was to help implement lean and effective and compliant processes for Design Control and Risk Management. This has helped the team work more effectively as a team , from a position of knowledge.
Who inspires you, either personally or professionally?
My parents always inspire me, even to this day. They have always worked hard, to help others and to help their family and community. My mission is to do the same.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar career path?
Don’t be afraid. Take risks in your career. Find good mentors who can relate to your passions. Don’t be shy to ask lots and lots of questions, that is how you learn and grow. Don’t just ask ‘what’ , ask ‘why’.
Have fun on the roller-coaster of life.
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