What has your career journey been?
My first job out of Uni involved selling single use instruments into hospitals, which was ultimately where I first learned of the orthopaedics industry. I was introduced to the theatre environment for this role but had nowhere near the level of relationship the orthopaedic reps had with the theatre staff and surgeons. They were really part of the team and making a difference, helping patients, witnessing it inspired me to take a leap into the industry. I initially joined a competitor company on a 6-month maternity cover contract and ended up staying for the next 7 years! I moved to DePuy Synthes 3 and a half years ago now and can say hand on heart it has been the best move of my career.
What first attracted you to J&J?
I was initially attracted by the sheer size of the company! I love to learn and want to constantly be challenged, so the concept of working for such a large, multi-faceted organisation really excited me and encouraged me to apply for the role. I had been working in the orthopaedic industry for years prior to my move to J&J so it wasn’t a drastic career change in terms of the industry, but I was ready for a new challenge and the umbrella of opportunities that comes with a company of this size really excited me. It sounds cliché but the opportunities really are endless at J&J, and you are really encouraged to take charge of your career and gain the experience you need to succeed.
What makes you proud to work here?
No matter where you look in the orthopaedics industry, unfortunately there is still a real lack of diversity and representation of women, and I feel really passionate about making a change. I believe that as an industry we have a responsibility to help, whether it be to help retain female registrars, create inclusive role models or design instruments that are ergonomic for all.
I’ve been lucky enough to contribute to making these changes, bringing a global lead initiative ‘Women of Orthopaedics (WoO)’ to our UK audience. In 2022, we became the first market in EMEA to launch the campaign and I am proud to have spearheaded it since then, engaging with hundreds of female surgeons, trainees and engineers.
I’m grateful to work for a company where I am actively encouraged and supported to help make these changes. There is definitely a long way to go but we are certainly moving in the right direction.
My advice would be to say yes to as much as you can, find your allies and network, network, network! You never know what doors can be opened through just a simple conversation with a colleague.
What advice do you have for those who want to join J&J?
Always believe in yourself and push yourself forward, whether that be going for a new role, getting involved with an employee resource group or taking on a new project, you have to push yourself and have the self-belief that you can do it, nobody will do it for you! It also gives you a kind of self-confidence that will help you grow within the organisation. You will always be shown encouragement from every level at J&J, but it has to start with you.
My advice would be to say yes to as much as you can, find your allies and network, network, network! You never know what doors can be opened through just a simple conversation with a colleague.
