It’s my 60th birthday. For many, this is a time to slow down, to look back, and to maybe even relax. But if you know me, you know that’s not quite my style. Yes, I am taking time to be introspective, but I’m also looking ahead with the same passion and fire that has driven me for the last four decades.

Turning 60 feels big. It’s a milestone that represents decades of scientific learning, leadership battles won (and lost), and many people impacted through the work we do in MedTech and Biotech. I’m not just celebrating another year; I’m celebrating the career I built, the people I’ve mentored, and the legacy I’m still writing.

My road to becoming the “Queen of Quality” wasn’t a straight line. It was a series of pivots, realizations, and deep dives into what makes me tick.

The Scientist and the Rule Follower

My love for science has been a constant since I was a Junior Naturalist in junior high, dreaming of working for the DNR. That dream shifted (thank goodness, because I really hate moving!), leading me to become a Medical Technologist. But the core was always the same: a deep love for the logic of science and the structure of rules.

I still find comfort in the guidelines. Being a “rule follower” isn’t about being rigid; it’s about understanding the “why” behind the regulation. It’s about realizing that in our industry, following the rules isn’t just a box to check; it’s about patient safety. It’s about ensuring the device or drug we helped create is safe and effective for a loved one. Call it my Catholic school upbringing or my time as a Girl Scout, but knowing the boundaries allows me to push the creative limits within them. That’s the sweet spot.

The Pragmatist and the Leader

I’m pragmatic by nature. I know there are very few jobs in forestry, and I know I needed a career that was immediately employable. But pragmatism isn’t just about survival; it’s about efficiency. It’s the engine that drives me to find the least complicated way to meet a regulation. Because let’s be honest, Quality doesn’t have to be the department of “No.” It can be the department of “Let’s figure out how.”

This pragmatic streak led me to leadership. I remember my time as a Program Manager in the late 90s, having no positional power but needing to get things done. I relied entirely on persuasive power, on building bridges, on bringing levity to serious situations. I realized then that management is about doing things right, but leadership is about doing the right things (Thanks Peter Drucker!) It’s a mantra I’ve lived by ever since, and it fueled my decision to get my Master’s in Leadership.

For 14 years, I’ve been teaching in a MedTech Quality Graduate Program. I’ve watched the student body shift from seasoned pros to fresh-faced, green professionals just starting to shape their leadership styles. That’s why I continue to mentor. Through SQA, ASQ, and my own personal connections, I spend hours a month guiding, listening, and giving that vital “no, you’re not crazy” talk. I love helping colleagues, not because I have all the answers, but because I know how lonely the path can be. When I train a new leader or help a former team member manage a tricky issue, I feel a satisfaction that no regulatory approval can match.

The Confession of the Queen

And here is the confession. A confession that might surprise those who only see the confident Head of Quality. I am insecure, and I want to be liked. It’s true. I’m deeply empathetic, and sometimes I lead with my heart. That isn’t very “sciency,” but it is my superpower. It allows me to hear the other side, to understand why the cranky Operations guy is pushing back. It makes me more collaborative.

But it also makes me a better “bad guy.” Because I hate being the bad guy, I make sure I have all my ducks in a row before I say “No.” When I shut something down, it’s not because I’m flexing my power; it’s because I have the evidence, the ammunition, and the focus on patient safety to back it up. I’ve had sleepless nights, I’ve missed holidays, and I’ve worked recalls. I honestly wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Looking Forward

As I celebrate 60, I don’t feel the need to figure it all out. Instead, I feel immense gratitude. This career has given me a sense of being part of something important. I’ve been part of successful IVD, Device, and Drug approvals. I’ve cultivated strong leadership skills and helped others do the same.

At the end of the day, I feel pretty accomplished. I am passionate about Quality, I love the science, and I love leading and mentoring. As I step into this new era, I am more determined than ever to be that gregarious, grey (haired), pragmatic leader.

I’m a Queen of Quality. Here’s to 60 years, and to the many more chapters yet to come.