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What does it take to break barriers and thrive in a male-dominated industry?

In this episode of Secrets in Medical Device Sales™, we welcome the incredible Dr. Kelly Emerton—a powerhouse in engineering and medical device innovation. Kelly shares her unique career path from engineering to fashion design to leading cutting-edge product development at Medtronic. She dives into the challenges of navigating leadership as a woman, the importance of lifelong learning, and how resilience is the key to success. From fighting for her place at the table to standing tall in her cowboy boots, Kelly’s story will inspire you to embrace your strengths, own your worth, and never stop pushing forward.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• From Fashion to Engineering – Kelly shares how her dual passions led her to a career in medical device innovation.
• Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry – How confidence, preparation, and partnership mindset helped Kelly excel.
• Overcoming Workplace Challenges – A powerful story of resilience in facing workplace adversity.
• The Power of Mentorship – Why finding mentors and building a support network is crucial for growth.
• Head, Heart, and Hustle – Kelly’s mantra for leadership and success in any career.

About Kelly Emerton

Kelly Emerton is a powerhouse in medical device innovation, currently serving as Senior Director of the Tricuspid Therapies Research and Development division at Medtronic. Before that, she led the U.S. Aortic Stent Graft division at CryoLife, Inc., driving advancements in endovascular stent graft technologies.

Her career is built on pushing boundaries in cardiovascular medicine. As Senior Director of Medical Devices Product Development at Cleveland Clinic, she played a key role in launching several spin-off companies, including Enhale Medical, Inc., where she later became Chief Operating Officer. She also spearheaded product development for Medtronic’s endovascular therapies division, focusing on thoracic pipeline innovation.

Beyond her leadership in R&D, Kelly is deeply involved in shaping the future of medical technology. She serves on Case Western Reserve University’s Technology Validation Start-up Fund Program committee and the Medical/Scientific Advisory Board for RedCrow Medical Investments.

She holds a master’s degree in philosophy and biomedical engineering from The City College of New York and dual PhDs in biomedical engineering and orthopedics from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Graduate Center, City University of New York.

Connect with Kelly:

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