Page 20 - DePuy End of Year Magazine 2020

Interview with
Emma O’Leary
17
How long have you been with the company and what is your role?
I’ve been with DePuy a little over 4 years, I’ve had a few different roles since I started in 2016 but most recently I have taken on the role as Materials Engineering Team Lead in the Coatings & Biomaterials Group (MST Department, part of the Engineering Science Technology group)
Were you always in your line of work or did you have a
career change?
I’ve been in engineering and with DePuy since leaving college. I
have however experienced diverse roles over the last 4 years within DePuy and in specific 3D Printing, Microbiology, Process Engineering, Automation and most recently Coatings & Biomaterials.
What advice would you give to people starting out / wanting to make a progression in their career?
Move around and challenge yourself with new opportunities as much as possible, there are so many different roles within the business that there is always something new to challenge yourself with. Don’t be afraid of the unknown.
What is the greatest piece of advice you have been given?
I was told once that ‘it’s up to you to make your own luck’ – This really resonates with me.
What is the best thing about working with J&J?
The development opportunities within DePuy Synthes are truly unlimited. There are so many opportunities/ possibilities of rotations within J&J, whether it’s within a specific sector like Pharma, Consumer, MD or even within different sites within a specific sector across the world - even the diversity of groups that someone can work like Engineering, Quality, Data Analytics etc.
What is the greatest challenge you face day to day?
It nearly goes without saying in the current environment, but the biggest challenge at the moment is probably trying to adapt to the ongoing challenges, creating new norms with working under COVID-19 Restrictions. Hopefully this won’t be for a lot longer but is probably the biggest challenge everyone is facing at the moment.
Who would you invite to your ideal dinner party?
Freddie Mercury, Dave Chappelle, Lady Gaga, Sarah Paulson, Amy Huberman– want a bit of a laugh at dinner you know?
Funniest / most embarrassing thing to happen to you?
I can’t believe I’m telling this story, but I still laugh at this today.... when I was in primary school we were learning about different deserts in geography and had a test at the end of the week. One of the questions was describe your favourite desert, straightforward easy question (you would think!!). I however didn’t understand the question correctly and read the question as “describe your favourite DESSERT (2 S’s!!) and wrote a full page on how much I loved pavlova!! The teacher at the time made me then read it out in front of the whole class. I don’t know why I haven’t forgotten about that time, but it hasn’t left my mind and always gives me a good laugh.
When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
I think I watched too much CSI because I wanted to be a crime scene investigator. Then I realized what they actually did and decided maybe not the right career for me! Engineering seemed a bit more of a
better fit.
What do you consider your greatest achievement in/outside
of work?
A few years ago, I completed a skydive from 10,000 feet for the Irish Cancer Society. I raised over 3,000 for the charity whilst finding this memorable & the most exhilarating experience!!!
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Sri Lanka, the most amazing place I have ever been to. Steeped in culture and the most remarkable people. Would definitely go back!!
What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their life?
Skydive, the most amazing, thrilling experience!
What is an interesting fact that no one in the organisation knows about you?
Don’t think anyone knew how much I loved pavlova until I told that story above .
What is your best habit?
My best habit is talking too much, I love a good chat! I also have a habit of talking up Waterford hurling a bit too much.... All Ireland Champs one of these days soon, I can feel it!!
We are also looking for information on the Businesswoman of the year awards, what has been your experience?
My manager entered me into the transformative employee, Power Within category for the Network Cork Businesswoman of the year awards. It was fantastic to be put forward like that as I probably wouldn’t have done it for myself. It was amazing to be put forward like that in itself and never imagined having made the shortlist for the awards themselves. It was truly a surprise to be shortlisted and feel really thankful for, amongst all other finalists.