Leaving your comfort zone for career growth: 4 insights from Mike Carlin, President, Digital, Robotics and Enabling Technologies
- Stryker
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Mike Carlin, President, Digital, Robotics and Enabling Technologies, has built a dynamic 20+ year career by taking on diverse roles across sales, marketing and general management. Each move has expanded his impact and perspective. He started as a Marketing Associate with our Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) Business Unit and quickly transitioned to sales, product management and regional leadership roles, covering markets across the U.S. and Europe. From leading Trauma sales in the Southeast to overseeing Surgical Technologies across North America and Europe, Mike continuously stepped into new challenges, evolving his leadership and understanding of what drives value. Today, as President of Customer Solutions, he draws on those experiences to shape strategy and inspire growth.
Mike recently shared four key insights for professionals navigating internal mobility and career development.
Purpose, people and development make the difference
When considering a company to grow a career with, Mike believes three things matter most: purpose, people and development.
“The potential to make a positive impact in healthcare while being surrounded by uber-talented people makes Stryker a meaningful place to work. We are also fortunate to have some incredible leaders guiding us with a real commitment to our mission and values. Lastly, Stryker is committed to talent development at all levels in the organization.”
Our culture of growth and shared purpose has kept him engaged throughout his journey.
Key takeaway: When you find a place where the mission matters, the people inspire and your growth is supported—you stay.
2. Broaden your world and your impact
Mike’s Stryker journey has taken him through 12 different roles. Each role building upon the last. From stretching into new challenges to leading with purpose, every step has shaped his career in meaningful ways.
“I have been fortunate to build a vast network inside of Stryker and within our customers. This network has been critical to my decision-making ability, information gathering and change management effectiveness. Get out of your comfort zone! Once your world gets bigger, more doors will open.”
Key takeaway: Expanding your experiences and stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to greater impact and new opportunities.
3. Take smart risks with internal moves
Exploring new roles can be exciting, but Mike emphasizes the importance of being strategic with career transitions.
“Avoid 'two-step' opportunities if possible. They are high risk. It is better to try something new while still leveraging your core set of experiences. For example, if you are a marketing professional, stay in marketing but try a different business unit. Avoid taking a sales role within an entirely new business. If you want to jump from marketing to sales, do so in the same business unit.”
Key takeaway: Change is valuable, but leverage your strengths to navigate it wisely.
4. Focus on creating value, not just doing the work
One of the most important lessons Mike has learned is the difference between effort and impact.
“You don’t get paid for your time or effort, you get paid for the value you create. Creating value often takes time and effort... but not all time and effort create value.”
“When considering a new role, ask yourself: How will this challenge me to learn and grow so I can create more value in the future? How will the manager of that new role help me develop professionally? Be sure to avoid the trap of titles and compensation in roles that may not help you learn to create more value beyond that next role.”
Key takeaway: Pursue roles that build your ability to make a difference.
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