This Month’s Member Profile: Susan Benton
By Adrianne Resek, Medical Writer, Pascale Communications
Susan has the inquisitive mind of a scientist. She started out in a research lab after completing her BS degree in biology at Muhlenberg College (Allentown, PA) and that process of logical reasoning fed by facts has never left her. After moving to product management and getting her MBA degree, Susan transitioned to the field of ophthalmology 14 years ago and has been in love with it ever since.
“I fell in love with ophthalmology because the doctors are so embracing of new technology, and the quick pace of surgical and pharmacologic advances makes it a really fun space to work,” she says.
Susan learned the ropes by working her way through the ranks of sales and marketing, and for the past several years has found the true convergence of her many skills in the field of new product development. She figures out where there is a clinical need, then searches through all the projects still in development to determine which ones have the most potential.
As a true influencer in the field of ophthalmology today, she appreciates the people who influenced her in her career. She prefers to call them “sponsors” rather than “mentors,” and over her career there have been several key influential people who afforded her responsibilities both within and outside of her functional areas, grooming her for growth. But Susan didn’t just happen to be in the right place at the right time. She was very proactive in her career climb.
“I’ve always looked at my own weaknesses and then found the right person that could mentor me,” Susan says. “I’ve often solicited individuals to help me, but I always let them know I won’t waste their time. If they help me, I can and will be an asset in another aspect.”
And now, just like she brings forth new technologies, she also likes to search for raw talent in individuals and extend a hand.
“Finding a gem in the rough and offering guidance, even when it’s not in my functional department, is a passion of mine,” Susan says. “I would really like to see more women reach higher positions in this industry, and I aid in that by making sure they have an outlet, a resource, someone the can come talk to. I also do this with men because at the end of the day, it’s all about talent and potential.”
In addition to recognizing her weaknesses and finding someone to help her turn them into strengths, Susan credits her intellectual curiosity and decisiveness as an asset to her role as a leader. She asks a lot of questions and really listens to people before making an informed decision. Her advice to women in the industry is to find your voice and use it.
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and always admit when you are wrong, but be vocal,” she says. “Decide what you want and tell everybody that will listen to you. Women seem to have an internal dialogue that tells us to be really sure before we go for something. Don’t listen to that voice. Be bold. Be happy to be an ‘imposter’ and figure something out as you go along. Just throw your name in the hat and go for it! Don’t play not to lose, play to WIN!”
Susan’s ambitious and positive spirit really embodies the role of OWL in this industry. OWL programs, education, and learning initiatives all provide springboards to help young women navigate corporate waters and make sure they are on the same track as men. Women seem to take twice as long when on the same high potential path as men, and OWL can help create not just an awareness, but also an opportunity for learning that will help these young professionals advance faster and better navigate their road to the top.
“OWL is a group of powerful, dynamic, amazing women who working together can influence the young talent coming up in the industry,” she says. “There are so few women CEOs in our industry, and we need that to change. I issue a call to action to all of the leaders out there to participate in advancing the talented women in ophthalmology. However, things won’t change until we raise our hands, push for the positions, and when they are offered, accept them.”
Certainly, Susan is one of the rare great talents that will influence not just the next generation of technology, but the next generation of leaders in ophthalmology.
October eNews