A Step in the Right Direction

•    How long have you been at Integra? What does your role at Integra entail?

My journey at Integra started 14 years ago. As a supervisor of global quality assurance, I am responsible for a team of Integra employees at our distributor site in Gent, Belgium and partner closely with our third-party logistics distributor. Our Gent site distributes some of our CSS and TT products to Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific (APAC), India, and some Latin-American countries.

Regulatory, environmental, and packaging requirements for distribution of medical devices has changed over time. My role involves working together with our divisions and sites in EMEA, APAC, and the U.S. and looking for ways to improve distribution in a more sustainable way. We also process customer returns and distribute CUSA^® Excel and Clarity convenience kits for the Italian market.

•    Can you tell us more about your career journey here at Integra?

I earned a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and geology. I had just returned to Belgium after spending time living on the Canary Islands. Upon returning, I discovered the world of distribution and applied to Integra as a quality assistant /controller. Shortly after we integrated the Miltex^® Instrument business which is when I was promoted to a quality coordinator.

During this time, I gained in-depth knowledge of our product portfolio and participated in several product launches in EMEA including DuraSeal^® and Integra^® Dermal Regeneration Template (IDRT) Single Layer, and more.

Integra also gave me the opportunity to obtain the Lead Auditor Certificate ISO 13485 and visit several of our manufacturing sites. Throughout my career I have reported to several leaders who have recognized my efforts and given me the confidence to progress my career. 

•    Tell us more about your role and involvement in your local Women of Integra (WIN) chapter?

I am one of the main leaders of WIN Benelux and have been actively involved in setting up our local chapter. My focus is to improve our health and mindset and align our activities to this. We recently discussed ways to improve sleep, drink more water, and do strength training exercises.  Women’s health is a common theme and we are partnering with our EU and Global WIN team to find opportunities to do joint programs.

In May and October, the WIN Benelux team participates in the Pink Walk challenge to support breast cancer research. This involves challenging yourself with how many steps you can do on a daily basis. We share our progress and pictures with each other and encourage our Integra teammates around the world to get involved in this great cause.

•    What does Women’s History Month/International Women’s Day mean to you personally and can you describe in your own words what this year’s theme of ‘Accelerate Action’ means to you?

This month is a reminder of the impact women have had on our society.  In my opinion, we sometimes limit ourselves with our own barriers. Depending on where you live, that barrier can be different. For example, in some parts of the world, it remains challenging to get proper food, hygiene, and education. In other parts of the world the scrutiny on social media about physical appearance can be limiting. For me personally ‘Accelerate Action’ means to start within your own community to believe and trust in the strengths of women. It means not being judgmental, listening, and building trust with one another to find out what can be achieved to improve the situation. As each region varies, any path taken to improve the situation for women is a step forward.

•    Who are your role models or can you talk about a mentor who stands out for you? And why?  

My first leader at Integra was very good at giving constructive feedback. She acknowledged my strengths and helped me to learn as much as I could about quality inspection, writing processes, and instructions. She had a positive approach and when there were work-related issues, her advice was to always go back to the data with a patient first mindset. This has been the anchor that has guided me throughout my career.

•    How are you approaching your 2025 goal setting and embracing new challenges?

The team has been discussing the enterprise priorities, how they relate directly to the work that we do, and what the potential positive outcome for the company can be. I see new challenges as an additional path to grow and make new connections.  It keeps the little grey cells (also known as our brainpower😊) active.  

•    What is your approach to collaboration?  

Two key things, in my opinion, which are required in collaboration are data and listening. It means listening to others without judgement and asking these questions - What is the priority?  Where do we have a critical need for an urgent patient case? What are the constraints the other functions or team members have? Do we have an existing process? What actions can be taken and are there any quick wins or long-term actions that can be activated?

Everyone is working for one company and we are all linked together. If any of the teams are in jeopardy, it has to be understood by the other teams as well so the required changes and expectation can be taken into account.

•    What is a moment in your career here at Integra that stands out?  

A moment that stands out for me is the DuraSeal^® Dural Sealant System launch in our distribution center. This was one of the first projects where I gained full trust from my leader to integrate DuraSeal at the European Distribution Center (EDC). Everything went smoothly and target actions and deadlines were met. I also gained a lot of knowledge about shipping validations and acquisition transfers.  

•    How have you approached your own professional development?  And what advice do you have for others that want to develop their skills?  

Early in my career, I tried to gain experience in multiple sectors. I did a variety of temp positions, which gave me insight into how these sectors work. I then decided to enter the logistics/distribution world which gave me great satisfaction knowing that the work that I do impacts patients’ lives.  

I am a life-long learner which has translated to a marvelous journey at Integra. There is always so much to learn about regulations, validations, inspections, acquisitions, divestures, trade compliance, and more. I enjoy topics such as climate change and how that could potentially impact the Medtech world. I also have a lot of curiosity about new developments and innovations in the packaging industry to always stay one step ahead for our sales teams, customers, and patients.  

•    How have you dealt with failure and setbacks throughout your career?

When I experience setbacks or failures, I always reach out to people I trust within the organization to seek feedback and guidance. This includes teammates from quality, but I have reached out to other functions. By talking through and getting feedback with different mindsets or points of view, it has helped me to grow and reset my own mindset. 

•    How have you taken an active role in identifying opportunities for development for yourself?

I have always looked for opportunities to improve my family situation which led to additional personal development. I am a self-taught kind of employee. With change has come opportunity to participate in different projects and keep increasing my knowledge base.  

•    What is most compelling about the Integra business? Or what makes Integra special?

Integra is a place where I have been able to grow and see the impact of my hard work. It’s not just the distribution of a product; it’s knowing that what my team and I do translates to what we hope are successful patient outcomes.  

I also appreciate the culture of open leadership. I have never felt a barrier to reach out to our leadership team and am grateful for their feedback and guidance. I have a great team and enjoy working with colleagues from all over the world whether they are in the U.S., EMEA, Australia, or the UK.