From OR to C-Suite: Why Med-Tech's Best Leaders Start in the Field

Image: Mission Trip to Nepal in November 2022

After nearly two decades in med-tech, wearing every hat from case support to CEO, I've noticed something powerful:

The best leaders in our industry have REAL experience in the field

They've been in the OR at 3 AM. They've navigated difficult surgeons. They've troubleshot equipment failures mid-procedure. They understand the business from the ground up because they've lived it.

But here's where it gets interesting, and where many promising careers stall.

The Technical Expert Trap

Med-tech professionals are some of the most technically competent people I know. They master complex equipment, understand intricate procedures, and build deep relationships with surgical teams. They become indispensable.

And that's exactly where they get stuck.

Being great at your technical job doesn't automatically make you a great leader. In fact, your technical excellence can become your biggest obstacle to leadership growth.

Why Technical Stars Struggle with Leadership

1. The Identity Crisis

When you've built your reputation on being the go-to person for complex cases, stepping back to lead others feels like losing part of yourself. I've seen brilliant professionals turn down promotions because they couldn't imagine not being "in the action."

2. The Perfectionism Paralysis

Technical work often has clear right and wrong answers. Leadership? It's all shades of gray. This ambiguity drives technical experts crazy. They want to "fix" people like they fix equipment.

3. The Relationship Shift

Yesterday, you were peers. Today, you're their boss. This transition is especially brutal in med-tech, where tight-knit OR teams can feel more like family than coworkers.

The Bridge to Leadership: What Actually Works 🌉

Start Leading Before You Have the Title

• Mentor new team members

• Lead process improvement initiatives

• Facilitate team meetings

• Document best practices

• Represent your team in cross-functional projects

Develop Your Business Acumen 📊

Stop thinking like a technician, start thinking like a business owner:

• Understand your P&L impact

• Learn about contracts and reimbursements

• Study market trends and competitive landscape

• Connect your daily work to company strategy

Master the Art of Difficult Conversations 💬

In the OR, you can't avoid giving direct feedback; Patient safety depends on it. Bring that same clarity to leadership:

• Address performance issues immediately

• Give specific, actionable feedback

• Balance directness with empathy

• Document everything

Build Your Influence Network 🤝

Leadership isn't about authority; It's about influence:

• Cultivate relationships across departments

• Become known for solving problems, not just doing tasks

• Share your expertise through training and presentations

• Make your boss's job easier

Change your Mind, Change your Life 🧠

The moment you stop thinking "I'm just a tech" or "I'm just in sales" is the moment your leadership journey begins. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to influence, guide, and elevate others.

Your technical expertise isn't your weakness; It's your superpower. ⚡

You understand the real challenges your team faces because you've faced them yourself. You can spot BS from a mile away because you know what actually works in the field.

Your Next Steps 🚀

1. Identify one leadership behavior to practice this week (delegating, giving feedback, strategic thinking)

2. Find a leadership mentor who's made the technical-to-leadership transition

3. Start documenting your knowledge to practice teaching and systematizing

4. Volunteer for one project outside your comfort zone

The med-tech industry needs leaders who understand both the technical and business sides. Leaders who can navigate the OR and the boardroom with equal confidence. Leaders who remember where they came from while focusing on where they're going.

That leader could be you... But only if you're willing to get uncomfortable.

Keep shining, I'm rooting for you! 💪

Logan McKnight