Building a career in R&D: 5 leadership lessons from Yves Crozet, VP of R&D, Trauma Division

Stryker
Apr 24
3 min read

With nearly 30 years at Stryker, Yves Crozet’s journey shows why Stryker is a destination for R&D professionals seeking long-term growth, technical challenge and global impact. From his start as a project engineer, he’s advanced to a manager role and now serves as the VP of R&D for the Trauma Business Unit. His career at Stryker has spanned Spine, Trauma, Foot and Ankle, and Upper Extremities. He has worked in France, Switzerland and the U.S. In addition, he was inducted as an R&D Technical Fellow in 2023. Yves has seen how Stryker = empowers innovators to build meaningful careers.

He recently shared five reflections from his leadership journey—offering personal insights and advice for anyone looking to grow their career in R&D and beyond.

1. Let your values guide your path

“I joined Stryker because I wanted to make a difference for patients—and that’s still true today,” Yves shares. His alignment with the company’s mission has kept him motivated and engaged throughout his career. “Even though roles and divisions have changed, inventing has remained a common thread for me.”

Key takeaway: When your work aligns with your values, it fuels long-term purpose and fulfillment.

2. Stay humble when navigating new territory

After spending years in one division, moving into a new area meant starting fresh. “It can be humbling to move from a familiar field to one where you know few of the answers,” Yves reflects. “But engineering skills and the creative process can transfer—and staying open to learning is key.”

Key takeaway: Transitions are easier when you bring humility and a willingness to grow.

3. Adaptability is your leadership superpower

Internal moves—across countries, divisions and functions—helped Yves see the broader picture. “There are more similarities than differences across business units and regions,” he says. “In cooking terms, the recipe stays the same but each region brings unique ingredients.”

Key takeaway: Flexibility and openness to new experiences are essential for leadership in a global organization.

4. Champion innovation, but don’t lead alone

As a technical leader, Yves values hands-on involvement but knows great leadership is about empowering others. “You can be technical as an individual contributor or as a people manager. I want my team to raise their hands first and share their ideas. We’re better together.”

Key takeaway: Great leaders amplify their team’s strengths and foster collaboration.

5. Be proactive in shaping your journey

Some of Yves’s most meaningful roles started with him identifying a need and proposing a solution. “At Stryker, we’re encouraged to speak up when we see opportunities,” he says. “Two of my roles came from proposing ideas that aligned with the company’s goals—there’s room to shape your path here.”

Key takeaway: Leadership isn’t just about following a path—it’s about building one.

Yves’s experience reflects what many R&D professionals discover at Stryker: a place where innovation is supported, technical skills are valued and career growth is limitless. Whether you're just getting started or ready to lead, Stryker offers the resources, mentorship and opportunities to build a career with purpose.

Looking for more leadership insights? Subscribe below for the latest leadership tips and strategies from Stryker’s leaders. Don’t miss these leadership spotlights: