Page 19 - DePuy End of Year Magazine 2020

Interview with Marguerite
O’ Sullivan
16
How long have you been with the company, and what is your role?
This year is my 20th anniversary. I started with J&J after three years of traveling in NZ and I am currently the Senior Engineering Manager for EST Strategy at DePuy Synthes.
What advice would you give to people starting/wanting to make a progression in their career?
Focus on your career, not just your role, take challenges, and explore before you say no. I found the best opportunities I assumed I would never have put myself forward for, but that is where there is the
most growth.
This year I took up the role of President for Network Cork. I wouldn’t have put myself forward for this role; I would have believed I didn’t have the experience. It has been a challenge, but it is gratifying, I have grown more this year as a result.
What is the greatest piece of advice you have been given?
Build your network. You can have many networks, and you can get so much from each.
What is the best thing about working with J&J?
There are many opportunities in J&J, it is a forward-thinking company and has a strong focus on innovation and making things better for the future.
What is the greatest challenge you face day to day?
This year it is working voluntarily as Network Cork President after my day job. This is a network organization with over 250 members. In this role, I get to have a local business focus and broaden my business perspective. I have learned a lot about the business and economy locally and how I can support this in my current position in J&J and other work I do. I focused on my role as a stem advocate and shared my views and insights on building a STEM talent pipeline locally. I was responsible for bringing the reignite program to Cork and doing this by contacts I made via Network Cork. I have met amazing role models and inspiring women leaders in Cork and Nationally.
Network Ireland is a progressive, dynamic organization supporting the professional and personal development of women. Our membership comprises a very diverse group of women, from budding entrepreneurs, SME owners, professionals, and leaders in indigenous and multinational organizations to nonprofits, charities, arts, and the public sector. We have a strong voice and are interested in promoting diversity and equality, entrepreneurship, and leadership development, collaborating with like- minded people and organizations.
Established in 1983, Network Ireland has 1,200 members, with fifteen very dynamic branches across Ireland. Through our branch network, we organise in excess of 200 events annually for like-minded people to come together to collaborate, share ideas, knowledge, and support - most of which are free to our members. We also run a number of flagship national events, including our International Women’s Day Celebration and our
Annual Conference and Business Awards; if you would like to join our growing group of tenacious, dynamic, ambitious women in business.
Emma O Leary was also a 2020 finalist for the Businesswoman of the Year Awards. This category is for the exceptional employee who has initiated
a transformation for their company, allowing them to work better and achieve more. Emma was also nominated for the Network Ireland 2020 Businesswoman of the Year Awards – Celebrating the Power Within category.
The focus of our award categories for 2020 is on the professional
women as a whole entity, looking at the totality of your professional and community work. 2020 has become a time for reflection, drawing on the power within ourselves to transform and create a new way forward. It is
a privilege to work with the amazing women within Network Ireland and watch how resilient, strong, capable, and courageous they are in a time of crisis.
Emma displayed her contributions to businesses and the work she
does – these awards are to recognize employees and the transformative work you do. Emma has significantly impacted Depuy on a personal but also a professional level. She has exceeded expectations by delivering a new cleanline >$2MM. She is a caring individual aiding charities whilst advocating younger generations to interest in engineering.
If you could live in one of the countries you have travelled to – where would it be and why?
New Zealand because I loved the outdoor lifestyle
What was your first job?
Team leader in Golden Value working as a supervisor for their cheese strings manufacturing site.
Who would you invite to your ideal dinner party?
Michelle Obama
What do you consider your greatest achievement in/outside
of work?
Reaching a Summit of 7000M in Baruntse was breathtaking; however,
it was more about the process than the outcome. Your personal growth can come from many life experiences and challenges you set yourself.
I learned so much from this expedition, how to stay motivated in cold, bitter conditions, how to step into the unknown, and how to take a breath when you get to the top and say well done.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
The Antarctic. It is an amazing place where you have to endure the rough seas of the Drake passage, three days of being tumbled around in an
ice breaker ship before you wake up surrounded by the most fantastic snowfields, penguins, whales, seals, and icebergs.
What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their life?
Live for a week without all the modern-day luxuries in our lives. We take
a lot for granted. I visited Calcutta and Nepal every year for a decade. I lived with families who have no electricity, no running water, and very few possessions but had a warm heart and an infectious smile.