Medical Rising Star Award Winner 2024: Oonagh Hassett

Oonagh Hassett
Program Manager
Symphysis Medical
Galway, Ireland

EDUCATION

MSc Clinical Research, BEng Electronic Engineering

EXPERIENCE

Oonagh Hassett is a product and program manager in the medical device industry with 20 years of experience in engineering, program management, business strategy, and product management. She has worked in global positions on developing programs and executing strategy, driving new product development, commercial activity, global operations transfer programs, and M&A Integration programs with Boston Scientific, TE Medical, and Integer. Currently she is program manager for Symphysis Medical, a needs-led company developing innovative technologies that treat a range of chronic diseases.

What’s the most exciting part of your work?

The most exciting part of my job is the diverse range of possibilities within the industry. From engaging with key opinion leaders to discussing manufacturing processes, each day brings new opportunities. Most importantly, knowing that every call and decision impacts patients’ lives is incredibly rewarding. Every task we undertake has the potential to be life-changing for someone.

What is one major challenge you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome it?

A significant career challenge arose when I first worked with global teams and encountered new communication differences. To address this, I dedicated time to understanding my colleagues’ perspectives and personalities. I believe frustrations often stem from unresolved issues or feeling unheard, and simple solutions can often resolve complex problems. As engineers, we excel technically but personal interactions and communications are equally important. A coach was invaluable in helping me gain new perspectives.

What advice do you have for young women engineers aspiring to be leaders?

Embrace the groundbreaking and exciting nature of your work. Stay focused on your goals but remain open to unexpected opportunities. Seek mentorship from admired professionals at any career stage; it is invaluable. Trust in your abilities and your gut — you deserve your seat at the table.

How do you stay motivated and continue to grow in the medtech field?

The medtech field is incredibly expansive, which makes it easy to stay motivated and continue growing. You’re never just focusing on one product or market; instead, you’re constantly working on different projects, learning about new markets and technologies. Additionally, the pathway from concept to patient for a medical device involves an ecosystem of various functions and people, offering the chance to change roles within the industry and gain diverse perspectives. I’ve had the chance to be in engineering, marketing, program management, and product management throughout my career — ever evolving within the industry. The pace and breadth of innovation in this industry is so rapid and extensive that it’s extremely exciting to be a part of it. There are constantly opportunities for learning and growing. And the most important motivator is the patient impact we have from the work we do.

Can you describe a pivotal moment in your career that significantly impacted your trajectory?

The first time I changed roles from engineer to project manager was a pivotal moment in my career. Being an engineer I felt was in my blood, and I believed I’d never be anything else when going though university; therefore, the change was a bit daunting but the most impactful moment in my trajectory.

The PMO group I joined was massively supportive, which made the transition and my learning of the role extremely easy, and it felt like the whole organization opened to me. I began dealing with nearly every function across the organization, communicating to all levels of the organization and working on global teams. I knew within the first month of the new role how much I loved it, and that change was a vital part of my career. Since then, I’ve been lucky to hold various roles in global positions and complete long-term assignments living on different continents.

How do you balance technical expertise with leadership responsibilities in your role?

Balancing technical expertise with leadership responsibilities is a dynamic challenge that needs adaptability and constant learning. When forming teams, I ensure that the team has the right technical skill set that complement each other and get the work content complete. I also strive to foster inquisitiveness and a growth mindset among team members, which I’ve found to be a winning formula for achieving this balance.

It’s important to me that team members feel comfortable bringing up issues or concerns, and I always make time to work through these with them. By creating a culture that empowers teams to make decisions without fear of consequences, it establishes a more open and collaborative environment. This environment I find is key to a balanced workload of technical guidance and leadership.

During technical discussions, I try to actively listen and pose guiding questions rather than offering immediate solutions. It’s crucial that the team is always learning and growing in confidence.

What role has mentorship played in your career, and how do you pay it forward?

Mentorship has been a game-changer in shaping my career journey. I’ve been lucky to have amazing mentors who not only gave me technical guidance but also shared priceless advice for navigating the professional world. Their support and wisdom have been crucial for my growth and success, as they’ve given me different perspectives.

To pay it forward at the places I’ve worked, I’ve actively joined Women in Networking and STEM promotion groups to share the knowledge I’ve gathered throughout my career. In my current role at a startup, I love working closely with junior team members, taking the time to explain the context around our discussions and setting up mentorships for colleagues in their field with subject matter experts from my network.

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