Podcast

Women in MedTech at Freudenberg Medical: Linda Greaney and Síle O’Connell

  • From: Samiksha Gupta
  • Published on:
  • Last updated on:

High-Flyers in STEM: #GreatnessHasNoGender
Season 4, Episode 4

In this episode of High-Flyers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math’s) #GreatnessHasNoGender, Deirdre Finnerty sits down with Linda Greaney, Operational Excellence & Growtth® Manager, and le O’Connell, Production Unit Leader at Freudenberg Medical, a global innovator in advanced materials and precision engineering, shaping the future of medical technology and sustainable manufacturing. 

Linda Greaney and Síle O’Connell discussing operational excellence and production leadership at Freudenberg Medical

Linda and Síle share their unique journeys into STEM, from early career decisions to unexpected pivots that opened doors to new opportunities. They discuss how a willingness to embrace change guided them from roles in Finance to Operational Excellence and from Product Building into Production Lead where they now influence and inspire others. 

The conversation explores the challenges they faced along the way, including moments of self-doubt, setbacks, and the importance of mentorship. Both highlight how guidance from supportive colleagues, combined with personal determination, helped them grow into roles that demand strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

At Freudenberg Medical, employees are encouraged to grow, take on new challenges, and make a real impact in medical technology. Linda and Síle share how Freudenberg Medical supports career growth through education, creating a culture where employees can reach their full potential. Linda and Síle also reflect on the human side of leadership, how empathy, communication, and investing in people’s development are central to their success. We’re delighted to have these two incredible women share their stories and insights on our podcast. 

A huge thank you to our sponsor, Fenero, a multi-award-winning company specialising in financial success for contractors, freelancers, and solopreneurs  

For more updates follow HERO Recruitment on LinkedIn, reach out to hello@hero.ie, or explore exciting opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math’s): Permanent Job Opportunities and Contracting Job opportunities. 

Available now on YouTube, iTunes, and Spotify. 

 

Common questions

FAQs

FAQs

Linda Greaney was Operational Excellence and GROWTTH® Manager, and Síle O’Connell was Production Unit Leader at Freudenberg Medical at the time of recording. They joined HERO’s High-Flyers in STEM podcast to discuss career development, mentoring, continuous improvement and leadership in medical-device manufacturing.

The episode follows Linda’s move from finance into operational excellence and Síle’s progression from product building into production leadership. They discuss unexpected career opportunities, self-doubt, education, mentoring and the importance of communication and empathy when leading people.

An Operational Excellence Manager helps an organisation improve processes, performance and problem-solving. The work may involve lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, waste reduction, process standardisation, coaching and the development of continuous-improvement systems.

A Production Unit Leader typically coordinates employees, workflow and manufacturing performance within a production area. Responsibilities can include safety, quality, output, staffing, problem-solving and employee development. The exact scope varies by organisation.

Mentoring gives employees access to experience, feedback and support when they take on unfamiliar work. A strong mentor can help someone recognise transferable skills, manage self-doubt and prepare for greater technical or leadership responsibility.

Yes. Practical production experience can provide a strong foundation for leadership because it builds an understanding of processes, employee challenges, quality requirements and daily operational pressures. Progression normally also requires communication, planning, people-management and problem-solving skills.

Freudenberg Medical operates manufacturing facilities in County Leitrim and County Galway. Its Irish operations produce components and finished technologies used in minimally invasive medical devices, including complex catheter applications.

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