Nnamdi
Strategic Planning Consultant
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Joined Medtronic: 2005 Leadership Development Rotation Program
LDRP Functional Track: Finance
Why Medtronic: I got to know Medtronic as a client when I was at a major consulting firm in the 1990s. I was struck by the tenure of people; many had been at Medtronic 10 to 20 years. As a consultant, I didn't see that kind of loyalty at many companies. So after grad school, I pursued Medtronic and was hired into the Leadership Development Rotation Program (LDRP).
Current role: I'm with a small Corporate Strategy group that coordinates our annual strategic plan. We determine what issues we need to tackle, develop processes for discussion and actions, and basically quarterback the process across the company.
High-visibility LDRP experiences: My first rotation was at Medtronic's international headquarters in Switzerland. I led a cross-functional team of people who were really knowledgeable about the business. It was humbling, but very exciting. We redesigned the European pricing process, starting with a pilot in the UK. Next, I moved to Minneapolis and spent a year in finance for the Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management business. I was part of a team negotiating with a drug company for a future product.
Favorite LDRP benefit: In addition to the challenging assignments, the LDRP provides many other development opportunities. The Emerging Leaders program was great. Every 2 months, we traveled to a different business unit and spent a few days with the leaders there. They educated us on a business challenge, and we'd help them solve it. We acted as internal consultants. It really makes you feel valued and appreciated.
Life after LDRP: I worked with the LDRP program manager to find a job that would give me more business unit experience, and moved into a finance manager position supporting the Gastroenterology/Urology Global Marketing group. After about 2 years, I joined the Corporate Strategy group to pursue my longer-term goal of helping set strategy around a vision.
How the LDRP program helped me in my current role: The LDRP gave me a built-in network. I can call any of my classmates, who are now in other areas of the company, to get their insights. And having been with the LDRP overseas, I can go to those people I worked with and gain global insight. The personal connections have been extremely helpful.
Tips for MBA students who want to work at Medtronic: You may be able to do marketing, finance and all the key operational jobs in your sleep, but if you don't have leadership experience, you'll be at a loss. You'll be expected to lead teams, so get involved in activities now where you have to take the lead.
Education:
University of St. Thomas, bachelor's degree in Accounting and Theology
Cornell University, MBA
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Medtronic is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to cultural diversity in the workforce.
