⭐ Introduction
Welcome to another captivating episode of Career Diaries by elemed, the podcast that takes you on an immersive journey into the realm of careers within the MedTech industry. In today’s installment, we have the pleasure of introducing Suzie Halliday, the Vice President of Regulatory at BSI, a renowned notified body in the field of medical devices. Suzie’s incredible professional background encompasses working in universities, hospitals, and now in the regulatory sector, making her a treasure trove of experience and knowledge. Join us as we delve into her extraordinary career in the MedTech industry and gain invaluable insights along the way.
🌍 Diverse Destinations: How Global Travels Can Unveil a World of Diversity
Suzie Halliday’s career trajectory is truly awe-inspiring. Hailing from Canada, Suzie has traversed various corners of the globe, including the United States, Germany, Japan, and Australia, where she has cultivated a profound appreciation for diverse cultures. These experiences have profoundly influenced her perspective on the importance of diversity and inclusivity, principles that have become integral to her professional ethos.
📈 A Journey with BSI: Rising through the Ranks
Suzie’s tenure with BSI commenced 18 years ago when she joined as a scheme manager and technical specialist. Over the years, she has risen through the ranks, assuming leadership positions such as heading the orthopedic and dental team. In the wake of the implementation of EU regulations that reclassified medical devices, Suzie played a pivotal role in catapulting the orthopedic team from a mere two members to an impressive cohort of 25 within a remarkably short span of time.
💡Continuous Learning and Embracing Opportunities: Suzie's Formula for Success
Suzie credits her achievements to a blend of factors, with a strong emphasis on curiosity and perseverance. Her interactions with individuals from various cultures have finely honed her communication skills, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. Suzie states that hiring managers and recruiters highly appreciate candidates who can acknowledge their mistakes and explain them, viewing it more as a positive attribute, as long as it is not a consistent pattern of job hopping but rather a specific instance.
By consistently posing thought-provoking inquiries, challenging norms, and fostering innovation, Suzie has played a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity within BSI. She describes herself as an unwaveringly curious individual who fearlessly seeks answers, even when she finds herself as the least knowledgeable person in the room, and attributes these qualities to her experiences working in diverse environments with people from various backgrounds.
The work-life balance is also crucial in Suzie’s eyes, seeing it as a priority as opposed to an afterthought. In Suzie’s life, open-water swimming (even in the middle of winter!), skiing, and sailing aid in managing their stress and anxiety.
🖥️ Advancement in BSI Careers: Past, Present, and Future
Suzie’s remarkable journey showcases the progressive trajectory of a career within a single organization. Rather than seeking external opportunities, she consistently expanded her skill set and embraced diverse roles at BSI, fostering continuous learning and delivering significant value. Moreover, Suzie sheds light on the future potential of AI in notified bodies, discussing the use of software for algorithmic product auditing and extracting vital information from documents. While AI can automate routine tasks, Suzie emphasizes that human judgment and decision-making remain indispensable. She underscores the importance of soft skills in the notified body industry, such as decisiveness, observance, open-mindedness, versatility, self-reliance, ethics, and fairness. Suzie also notes that while technical skills hold great importance and are highly valued, soft skills are equally necessary for career progression.
✍️ Key Insights and Lessons Learned
When discussing the subject of career development, Suzie accentuates the paramount importance of continuous learning and embracing new opportunities. She fervently encourages professionals to nurture their curiosity, fearlessly ask questions, and actively seek challenges that push them beyond their comfort zones. According to Suzie, being receptive to new experiences, maintaining unwavering persistence, and fervently advocating for diversity and inclusivity are indispensable ingredients for both personal and professional growth.
🎙️ Conclusion
Suzie Halliday’s career trajectory in the medtech industry highlights the importance of continuous learning, embracing opportunities, and promoting diversity and inclusivity. Her global travels cultivated a deep appreciation for different cultures, shaping her professional ethos. Rising through the ranks at BSI, Suzie’s success stems from her curiosity, perseverance, and effective cross-cultural communication. Soft skills, alongside technical expertise, are crucial for career progression in the notified body industry. Suzie also discusses the future potential of AI while emphasizing the essential role of human judgment. Her journey serves as an inspiration for professionals, encouraging them to embrace challenges, nurture curiosity, and advocate for diversity to achieve personal and professional growth. Suzie Halliday’s story reminds us that by embracing new experiences and advocating for inclusivity, we can unlock remarkable opportunities for success in the ever-evolving world of MedTech.
