High-Flyers in STEM

With the STEM industry experiencing rapid innovation during the global pandemic, and with an historic skills shortage to contend with, the team at HERO Recruitment believes there's no better time to tap into the knowledge and expertise of our industry leaders to discover why a career in STEM is a rewarding experience. In this podcast, we speak to leaders in STEM about their own career journeys in this unique sector, the challenges they’ve faced along the way, and their forecasts for the future. We’ll discover what it takes to manage cutting-edge projects and the teams that help to deliver them in an ever-evolving landscape. Through a series of open exchanges, our guests will share personal anecdotes, market insights and industry predictions. We want to inspire the next generation of STEMtalent by showcasing the success of real people who are already excelling on their leadership journeys.

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High-Flyers in STEM

High-Flyers in STEM S4E4: #GreatnessHasNoGender - Linda Greaney, Operational Excellence & Growtth® Manager, and Síle O’Connell, Production Unit Leader – Freudenberg Medical

November 05, 2025 • Deirdre Finnerty • Season 4 • Episode 4

In this episode of High-Flyers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math’s) #GreatnessHasNoGender, Deirdre Finnerty sits down with Linda Greaney , Operational Excellence & Growtth® Manager, and Síle O’Connell, Production Unit Leader at Freudenberg Medical, a global innovator in advanced materials and precision engineering, shaping the future of medical technology and sustainable manufacturing.

Linda and Síle share their unique journeys into STEM, from early career decisions to unexpected pivots that opened doors to new opportunities. They discuss how a willingness to embrace change guided them from roles in Finance to Operational Excellence and from Product Building into Production Lead where they now influence and inspire others.

The conversation explores the challenges they faced along the way, including moments of self-doubt, setbacks, and the importance of mentorship. Both highlight how guidance from supportive colleagues, combined with personal determination, helped them grow into roles that demand strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement.

At Freudenberg Medical, employees are encouraged to grow, take on new challenges, and make a real impact in medical technology. Linda and Síle share how Freudenberg Medical supports career growth through education, creating a culture where employees can reach their full potential. Linda and Síle also reflect on the human side of leadership, how empathy, communication, and investing in people’s development are central to their success. We’re delighted to have these two incredible women share their stories and insights on our podcast.

A huge thank you to our sponsor, Fenero, a multi-award-winning company specialising in financial success for contractors, freelancers, and solopreneurs.

For more updates follow HERO Recruitment on LinkedIn, reach out to hello@hero.ie, or explore exciting opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math’s): Permanent Job Opportunities and Contracting Job opportunities.

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