Why representation matters.

By Jaime Wong, M.D., SVP & Senior Medical Officer, Intuitive and Neeta Mhatre, VP Global Program Management Office, Intuitive

?Let’s get right to it, why does representation matter?                          

Neeta:

There are 2 aspects of representation that are important:

One is the representation of a diverse culture. I believe in the diversity of thought and experiences of a team, which can help us to provide the best solutions for our customers.

Second part of representation means that you are included in the conversation. You can bring your authentic self to work. I love the Vernā Myers quote that Intuitive’s I&D driver Hazel Wing offers in her email signature:

“Diversity is being invited to the party; Inclusion is being asked to dance.”

For those of you that enjoy data, here is just one article that might be of interest to you:

"Why diverse teams are smarter" Harvard Business Review

What about you Jaime, why does representation matter in your field? And do you have personal experiences you’d share?

Jaime:

Given the diversity of our patients, surgeons, and surgical teams, it is important to understand the different perspectives that exist. Each of us has our own journey, shaping our experiences and how we think about and relate to others. That wide range of backgrounds can be a strength in the medical device industry, making companies more resilient and adaptive to change.

While completing my surgical residency, I remember a patient of mine genuinely trying to give me a compliment by saying, “You know, you speak English really well!” I was taken aback by the comment. I understood that my patient was drawing a conclusion about me based on my last name and my Asian features. Like with most awkward moments, I tried to lighten the mood with a joke by replying, “Thank you. It’s a good thing I speak English well because it’s the only language I speak!”

Throughout my career, I have encountered the same type of comments about my English-speaking ability. I don’t think it’s because I have extraordinary communication skills. I also don’t think the comments are being made maliciously. Instead, I think it’s because people may not be used to seeing someone like me who speaks the way I do. I often get questions such as: where did you grow up, do you speak any other languages, or where are you really from? While I understand these questions come from a place of curiosity, they can also create a feeling of “us vs. them” if not asked in a way that feels inclusive. These experiences have taught me the importance of not making assumptions based upon someone’s name or appearance. This is particularly important in our line of work given the diversity of our employees, the surgical teams we work with and the patients we serve.

Neeta, I am curious to hear your perspective on what our Employee Resource Group, Intuitive's Pan-Asian Community (InPAC), and ERGs in general, offer and why is that important?

Neeta:

At work, informal groups are formed based on shared interests. Employee Resource Groups are official forums that create an employee platform enabling members to have a voice, and they also help create an inclusive & diverse culture, which benefits the business. InPAC is the Intuitive Pan-Asian Community employee resource group & our three pillars are:

• Cultivate inclusive behavior (cultural awareness)
• Build diverse teams (community building & recruitment)
• Ensure fairness to all (professional development and advancement)

Jaime:

The ERGs work to encourage an inclusive workplace where our Intuitive culture supports recruitment, development, retention, advancement, and the success of people with diverse backgrounds globally. InPAC examines the specific nuances in these areas for the Pan-Asian community.

We would both like to express our gratitude to InPAC Founder + Chairperson Peter Geng for his leadership and vulnerability, and to Chairpersons Anh Truong and Priti Sahu for their continuous energy and skill in helping all members execute on InPAC’s mission and vision. It is remarkable how you and the InPAC Leadership Team have brought people together during the COVID-19 pandemic when we are physically so far apart. We’d also like to thank Krystal Steuer, former Recruitment Marketing lead, for her drive and spirit leading to InPAC’s inception and growth.

Neeta, what do you hope for those who can now see themselves in leadership roles like yours, VP of Global Program Management Office at Intuitive?

Neeta:

At first, there is a sense of inspiration, when you see someone that has a similar background to you with a lot of responsibility at work. As you dig deeper, you notice that irrespective of the background, leaders at Intuitive share traits of integrity, empathy, commitment, and passion; they create long-lasting relationships, strong teams, communication & a culture of gratitude. 

Jaime, what advice would you give your younger self?

Jaime:

Your differences are a strength. Lean into them. Innovation, growth, and improvement require diverse perspectives.  

How about you, Neeta?

Neeta:

The three things I would say to my younger self:

• Be vulnerable and learn from challenging situations; 
• Don’t be in a hurry to get titles; focus on the experience that will enrich you and help you find your passion;
• Last but not the least, be yourself – bring your authentic self to work & you will thrive!

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In the spirit of #AAPIHeritageMonth and #3in5 we’d love to hear:

How has representation has positively impacted your work?

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