CONMED Spotlight: Women In Leadership, Emily Thompson

I have strived to grow and develop throughout my professional career so far and it has led to me forming a strong passion for women in leadership and how it can truly innovate and drive a workplace forward. As women, we may not always realize our full potential, but once it is unleashed, it has a direct route to our success! When women become leaders, we provide a different set of skills and imaginative perspectives which drive effective solutions. CONMED believes in the power of engaged talent, and we are fortunate to have many amazing female leaders supporting our organization. Read below to learn more about Emily Thompson, R&D Engineering Manager.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what has contributed to your success so far at CONMED??

My journey to the medical device industry was a bit unconventional.?Despite my passion for this field of work, my first opportunity after my undergrad was in aerospace.?Rather than be discouraged that my ultimate goal was not achieved right out of the gate, I gave my best effort to the opportunity in front of me, while still working to accomplish my long-term goals.?Little by little, I was able to add skills, certifications, and education to my resume and in 2018 CONMED took a chance on me.?The joy that comes with finding a role and an organization that allows me to do what I do best every day is immeasurable.?Remember, most paths to get to where you want to go are not linear – be patient, be present, and enjoy the scenic route.

As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?

Fear.?The fear of failure.?The fear of encounters with unconscious biases.?The fear that my questions would label me as incompetent.?The fear of not being educated or experienced enough to have earned my seat at the leadership table.?These internal self-doubts I find are common for women in any workplace; however, over time I have learned that through failure comes opportunity, professional brushes with biases can be overcome, and I would not be in my position if I didn’t earn it.?So, the greatest challenge to overcome as a female leader is rewiring that internal monologue and not allowing it to thwart my confidence and to believe in my worthiness.

What advice would you give the next generation of female leaders??

Be a sponge - embrace any opportunity, big or small, to learn and add skills to your toolbox.?Understanding how to apply what you learn is key to success in any industry.?Plus, you never know where your career will take you or what opportunities will arise and when, so being able to call upon past experiences could be just enough to set you apart.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our?Careers Page.

Published by:?Rachel Dainelli,Talent Acquisition Manager at CONMED