Name: Lidet Abiy
Title: Head of Validation
Company: Coloplast
Degree: Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami
Fun fact: Born and raised in Ethiopia, have lived in Miami, Fl; Espoo, Finland; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Copenhagen, Denmark – in that order
What do you find most interesting about your career and your leadership position?
I am sitting in a function that is involved from product development to production. It also means it allows me to work with many people from different parts of the organization and the world, with different talents and roles.
What has been crucial to get you to where you are today?
Hard work, curiosity, willingness to learn, self-knowledge, accepting challenges as opportunities, taking a holistic view and perseverance.
Tell us about a female role model and the impact they had on you – either personally or professionally?
My mother. She has been through a lot, but she continues to find joy and purpose in life. She respects all, and takes time for people, no matter how busy she is. She always gives 100% + in all that she does.
What advice would you give to young female students today?
Be present and enjoy the process, as much as getting to the goal. A lot of the important learnings are in the process. And that there is a fulfilment in being of service to others.
Looking into the future, what role do you think STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education will have?
STEM, when used in the right way, is and will continue to be the way to improve human lives and create solutions to many of the problems in the world.