5 career tips from Katy Fink, VP, Chief Human Resources Officer at Stryker

Stryker
Jun 30, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Building a successful career requires a thoughtful approach, one that extends beyond day-to-day skills and experience. A great way to find your focus and get inspired is by seeking guidance and inspiration from experienced professionals who have excelled in their careers. We recently connected with Katy Fink, Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at Stryker, to learn more about her professional journey and get some valuable advice you can use right now to guide your own career path.

For more than 20 years, Katy has been mentoring leaders, building high-performing teams and

developing strong workforces as a Human Resources (HR) leader. In her current role, she is responsible for Stryker’s global HR policies, practices, programs and activities, including talent acquisition, retention and development.

What advice does Katy have for professional development? Let’s find out!

Embrace discomfort and try new things

Some of the best advice Katy received early in her career was to try new things that make you uncomfortable. Whether it's leading a project, presenting on a topic, or taking on a new role, embracing discomfort signifies personal growth. Each experience provides you with valuable insights about yourself and the company.

Early in Katy’s career, she was offered the opportunity to take on a role in HR, even though she didn’t have HR experience. “I was excited and anxious about the decision, but I pushed through those feelings to grow. And through that experience, I learned that HR is a great fit. I discovered that I love HR and the opportunities to develop talent and engage employees. My recommendation to others continues to be “Don’t be afraid to try something new.” Feeling challenged is often a sign that you’re stretching yourself and learning.”

Your career is a marathon, not a sprint

Throughout Katy’s career, there have been ups and downs – times that she’s been fully focused on work, and times when her focus was needed elsewhere – and that is OK.

Years ago, Katy faced a pivotal moment in her career when she decided to step away from work for a year to focus her energy on personal family matters. Although it was a difficult decision, Katy reflected confidently on her time away from work, sharing, “It solidified for me the importance of knowing what’s most important to you and realizing that your career is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Lead with authenticity

There is a common misconception about leadership – the belief that leaders should conform to a specific set of behaviors. Katy emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself and leading authentically. “I have come to realize that the best leaders know themselves and lead in a way that is authentic to them. Doing so builds trust and generates more engagement, followership and inclusion, which drives better results.”

Focus on your natural talents

At Stryker, we believe that focusing on our employees’ natural talents is key to our collective success. From onboarding onward, we help employees identify what they do best and how to leverage those unique strengths to grow, lead and deliver results. This philosophy is deeply echoed by Katy herself.

“In my experience, the employees who make the biggest impact are those who understand their unique strengths and how those strengths contribute to their team’s success. I encourage employees to actively seek out opportunities that allow their talents to shine.”

Never stop learning and growing

Aspiring leaders should commit to a continuous journey of learning and self-improvement. As Katy suggests, there are many avenues for personal and professional development: begin reading a new book, expand your professional network, engage with colleagues on challenging new projects or pursue formal education opportunities.

“Prioritizing your professional development not only helps you build new skills for your current role, it also supports long-term career growth,” says Katy. “People who actively seek out opportunities—whether it's taking a course, expanding their network or stepping into a new project—are more engaged and open to new opportunities when they arise.”

Interested in more career advice from Stryker’s leaders? Make sure to subscribe to our career blog for the latest content.