Leading with authenticity and belief: Lessons from Kristen Berg, VP and GM, Interventional Spine

Stryker
2 days ago
4 min read

When Kristen Berg joined Stryker more than a decade ago, she took a leap into the unknown. She had built her career in sales but accepted a marketing role with our Interventional Spine (IVS) business –an area she hadn’t worked in before. That leap would spark a journey defined by courage, curiosity and growth.

Over the years, Kristen has built an impressive portfolio of experiences across Stryker’s Divisions, including Instruments, Endoscopy and Joint Replacement. Each move expanded her perspective, deepened her understanding of the organization and shaped the empathetic,

people-first leader she is today.

Now, as Vice President and General Manager of Stryker’s Interventional Spine business, she leads with authenticity and belief, two qualities that continue to define her leadership philosophy. “I’ve learned to get comfortable being uncomfortable,” she shared. “Every big move in my career has started with that feeling.”

Kristen’s career path hasn’t followed a straight line. She’s held leadership roles across marketing, sales and general management, each one expanding her perspective and reinforcing her commitment to trust, transparency and growth. Along the way, she’s collected lessons that continue to shape her and inspire those around her.

1. Take chances and embrace change

Kristen’s career is proof that the best opportunities often come from moments of uncertainty. “I’ve learned that your next job is not your last job,” she said. “So take the chance. Do something that scares you. Each move teaches you something new.”

Her advice to others is simple: growth happens outside your comfort zone. Whether transitioning into a new business or role, she believes discomfort is often a sign that you’re moving in the right direction.

2. Build trust through transparency

Early in her leadership career, Kristen learned the importance of open dialogue. While leading through organizational change, she discovered that clarity and honesty create confidence.

“Messaging matters,” she said. “How people perceive a message is just as important as the message itself. Be transparent and authentic, even when it’s hard. If you don’t believe, your team won’t either.”

For Kristen, transparency isn’t just about communication, it’s about building trust and connection.

3. Find common ground

Connection is one of Kristen’s guiding principles. She created forums for her teams like Common Ground and What’s Brewing to encourage honest conversations and build understanding. “Open dialogue leads to alignment,” she said. “It helps people see where they fit and how we move forward together.”

She believes that finding common ground is what turns a group of people into a team. “Leadership is helping people find alignment and purpose, and that starts with listening,” she added.

4. Lead with belief

When Kristen talks about leadership, one phrase stands out: You are the ceiling of belief. “If you don’t believe in the path forward, your team won’t either,” she explained.

That mindset has guided her through times of transformation and uncertainty. Whether restructuring a team or launching new strategies, she focuses on clarity, conviction and trust, because belief, she says, is contagious.

5. Own your personal brand

Early in her Stryker journey, Kristen received career-changing feedback: people saw her competence, but they didn’t yet know her. “That was hard to hear,” she admitted. “I realized I

needed to build my personal brand, to let people see who I really was.”

Her advice for others? “Narrate your own story. Be intentional about how you show up. If how people perceive you doesn’t match who you are, you have the power to change that.”

She now encourages her teams to think about their own brand and authenticity as they grow their careers.

6. Create community, wherever you are

Having spent much of her career in remote roles, Kristen understands the importance of connection from a distance. As executive sponsor for Stryker’s Women’s Network’s Remote Chapter, she helped create belonging for employees working outside traditional offices.

“When you’re remote, you have to be intentional,” she said. “You have to reach out, build relationships and make sure people know who you are and how you add value.”

7. Redefine success

Kristen’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. She’s open about the roles she didn’t get and the moments that forced her to adapt. “I haven’t gotten several jobs I’ve interviewed for, and that’s OK,” she said. “Each one taught me something. You learn, you grow and you keep moving.”

Her definition of success has evolved over time, from titles and milestones to impact and authenticity. “It’s not about perfection,” she said. “It’s about showing up, believing in your purpose and helping others do the same.”

Leading with authenticity and belief

When asked what she loves most about Stryker, Kristen doesn’t hesitate: “The people. It’s the community we’ve built. These are people I learn from, grow with and genuinely enjoy.”

Her leadership story is one of belief, in herself, in her teams and in what’s possible when you stay true to who you are.

If you’re looking for more than a career, a place where you can lead with authenticity and belief, start your own #StrykerStory today.

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