From Colleagues to Mates: Lessons in Teamwork

Looking back on my time at Medtronic, I’m reminded of how meaningful connections can shape not only your career but also your life. Himanshu Saxena and I started as colleagues navigating the challenges of the ANZ RTG business, but over time, our relationship grew into a trusted friendship.

Himanshu shared this recommendation back in 2020, as I was preparing to leave Medtronic. While it’s been a few years, his words still resonate deeply with me—not just because of their kindness, but because they reflect the values I hold most dear: teamwork, collaboration, and a commitment to helping others succeed. For example, he wrote:

"What I admire most about him is the fact that he is a great team-player. Three years ago, when I joined the company, he was the first person to reach out to me and offered to help me understand the business better. Ever since I have reached out to him many, many times and have always come out learning something new. He is a great colleague and a friend!"

For me, being a “team player” is not about simply working well with others; it’s about creating an environment where people feel supported, empowered, and able to grow. Knowing that I left that kind of impact on someone I respect so deeply is incredibly humbling.

Himanshu, thank you for your friendship, your trust, and the many conversations that left me learning something new. While we’ve lost touch in recent years, the experiences we shared at Medtronic continue to remind me of the power of genuine connections.