Eden Prairie, Minnesota (March 12, 2020) – In honor of International Women’s Day, Starkey hosted an Empowering Women Panel Discussion this week. Chief Health Officer Archelle Georgiou, MD, Chief Audiology Officer Sara Burdak, Au.D., Vice President of Global Operations, Corporate Strategy & Services Finance Diane Hughes, and Senior Director of Market Insights Holly Schissel shared their insights and experiences as women who’ve achieved success in the hearing industry.
“I was shaped by four strong women who made me who I am,” said President Brandon Sawalich as he welcomed a packed theatre of Starkey employees and introduced Dr. Archelle Georgiou to the stage. Dr. Georgiou began her address with an inspiring keynote that offered words of wisdom about aligning your work with the impact you hope to have on others’ lives. Her advice? “Find the gift you are born with and what has made you successful. Be intentional and know why you matter.”
Burdak, Hughes and Schissel later joined her for a panel discussion, sharing their journeys and what they’ve learned along the way. “We have to be really good at saying yes to what matters, and not yes to everything,” said Burdak. “I say yes to challenges. I’m not a risk taker, but I take risks. I try to do things that make me uncomfortable.” When asked what she would tell her younger self, Hughes shared, “Worry is a wasted emotion. It’s like a rocking chair– it gets you nowhere and wastes a lot of energy. If you’re a worrier, trust your gut and get to the root cause of the issue in order to solve it.”
“Perfect is the enemy of good,” said Schissel. “As you’re striving toward a goal, keep in mind the progress you’re making. Enjoy the journey.” We thank our empowering female leaders for sharing their insights, encouragement and guidance on how to lead with intention.
In addition to the panel discussion, this month Starkey is participating in a clothing drive for Dress for Success. The organization supports and empowers women in their efforts to achieve economic independence.
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About Starkey
Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President Brandon Sawalich, Starkey is the only American-owned and operated provider of hearing technologies. The company has more than 6,000 employees, operates 26+ facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Learn more at starkey.com.
