Read the Conversation
Meeting highlights:
- Costa Rica Footprint: Boston Scientific has steadily expanded its operations in Costa Rica, reinforcing its strategic importance within the company’s global network.
- Operational Transformation: The company is leveraging automation processes to enhance efficiency and scalability while investing in the skills of our employees to create development opportunities in new roles.
- Future Vision: In the next five years, Costa Rica is expected to strengthen its position as a competitive MedTech hub with local vendor integration and global reach.
- Patient Focus: Improving delivery times and product access for patients remains a central driver behind operational decisions and investments.
- Company Culture: A strong emphasis on internal growth, leadership development, and talent retention defines the company’s long-term approach in the region.
EF: Can you briefly introduce yourself and explain your role and Boston Scientific’s growth in Costa Rica?
ET: I joined the company nearly 17 years ago, beginning my journey as a line engineer in the facilities department. Over time, I advanced into a production manager role, where I gained valuable experience in overseeing operations. When the company expanded and opened a new site, I was entrusted with the responsibility of managing that location for approximately five years.
Following this period, I was promoted to production director, a position I held for about seven years. This role allowed me to further develop my leadership abilities and contribute to the company’s growth. Subsequently, I relocated to Brazil, where I served as Vice President of Operations at our Belo Horizonte site.
I am now returning to Costa Rica to lead operations. This transition is particularly meaningful to me, as I spent 14 years of my career in Costa Rica and consider it my professional home. My career is proof of the company’s commitment to investing in internal talent, providing opportunities for growth and development at every stage.
EF: Could you share your top priorities for the year ahead?
ET: We are currently expanding in Costa Rica, and there is a lot happening. Recently, we shifted our strategy for how our manufacturing and global supply chain sites operate. Our organization is structured by regions, and the Latin American market is currently experiencing remarkable growth. This momentum creates exciting opportunities and new challenges as we continue to build and develop our presence.
A new operational site is now being launched, while our two existing locations are expanding their product lines and scaling up to meet rising demand. These developments are central to our current focus and require a strategic approach to ensure successful execution.
Looking ahead, technology, innovation, and workforce development will be our top priorities. We are committed to leveraging cutting-edge solutions and cultivating talent to support and sustain our growth trajectory in Latin America. This forward-thinking mindset is essential as we continue to strengthen our position in the region and around the world.
EF: Could you elaborate on the strategic importance of Boston Scientific’s operations in Costa Rica?
ET: This has been a period of growth across multiple facets of our business. The strategic expansion in Costa Rica is a direct result of the robust growth experienced not only in our operations but also within our team.
Our progress is further strengthened by the addition of new talent and the formation of significant partnerships with local organizations. These collaborations have been instrumental in advancing Boston Scientific’s presence and development in Costa Rica. The combined effect of operational excellence, team expansion, and strategic alliances positions us well for continued success and global impact.
EF: What role will Boston Scientific play in Costa Rica’s MedTech future?
ET: Participating in the medical cluster has proven to be invaluable, as it brings together companies to share good practices, address common needs, and pursue collaborative opportunities. This collaborative approach not only strengthens individual organizations but also fosters a culture of innovation and mutual support.
Continuing engagement with the cluster and other local organizations is essential for the company’s future. Such collaboration is expected to play a pivotal role in the development of new technologies nationally. The synergy created within these networks accelerates progress, enhances knowledge sharing, and opens new avenues for growth.
Additionally, the trend of suppliers establishing operations closer to our facilities has significantly improved operational efficiency. Proximity to key partners has streamlined supply chain management and facilitated more agile responses to business needs. This shift has contributed to smoother operations and has reinforced the benefits of building strong, local partnerships.
EF: How does the portfolio there differ from or complement other locations?
ET: We currently have three Boston Scientific sites in Costa Rica. The company has eight divisions overall, and here in Costa Rica, we support all eight. That means we serve a large and diverse product portfolio that reflects everything Boston Scientific offers around the world. We are always working to be more innovative and to make sure we meet the needs of our customers, doctors, and patients. Our goal is to keep delivering more advanced technology that helps improve patients' lives every day.
EF: How do you develop talent and promote a strong quality culture at Boston Scientific?
ET: From the very first day at the company, during onboarding, we start by talking about how we impact the lives of patients. It is something you see and feel everywhere. Walk through the hallways, and you will find our quality policy displayed throughout the site. Sometimes we even bring in patients to share their stories, and sometimes, our own employees have been patients too. These stories remind us of the real impact we are making. Quality is not just a concept here; it is built into every decision we make.
Quality is central to our company culture. It is always our top priority. Everything we do is centered around putting patients first and making a positive impact on their lives. This mindset is built into our company culture and our purpose of “advancing science for life.”
Our patients are always our priority, as are our employees. We have a strong culture of caring, and that extends to how we support and develop our employees. One way we do this is through our internship program, where we collaborate with local universities to bring in students near the end of their studies. Most of them end up staying with us. I have seen interns grow into directors over the years. We also have a program called GROW, which focuses on developing talent for our product builders. Many of our production supervisors today started out working on the production line. With access to scholarships and education, they have been able to earn degrees and move up in the company. We are proud of these success stories; they are proof of how seriously we take developing our people and helping them grow.
EF: How would you describe your leadership style and its evolution at Boston Scientific?
ET: I am a people-oriented leader, and that is what motivates me each day. I genuinely enjoy collaborating with others and have a particular passion for leading large teams. My approach centers on understanding the unique needs of my team members, consistently asking how I can support their development, maintain their motivation, and ensure they feel valued in their roles.
Knowing that our work contributes to transforming lives adds significant meaning to what we do, making it easier to remain motivated and fully committed. My leadership style is fundamentally people-focused; I work closely with my team to help them achieve their goals and succeed collectively.
I am truly enthusiastic about this new opportunity. While it presents a significant challenge, it also feels like a return home. Having spent many years at this site, I have witnessed colleagues grow and build remarkable careers, and I look forward to continuing that journey. When there is genuine passion for the work, everything seems to fall into place more naturally.
EF: What key trend in the MedTech sector are you most excited about?
ET: Artificial Intelligence is widely discussed, and we are continually enhancing our capabilities across the enterprise and are using AI not just in operations but also in marketing and other commercial areas. It is a powerful tool that is helping us improve and set new benchmarks. Of course, it is important to manage and analyze the data properly because not everything AI generates is always useful or accurate. The key is knowing what works for your specific needs. We are transitioning from processes that rely heavily on manual labor to more automated ones. This involves adding some automation to make the work more efficient and less dependent on human input. The transition to automation will also enable us to enhance the skills of our employees and create development opportunities through new types of roles. EF: What is your five-year vision for Costa Rica, and what message would you share with key stakeholders?
ET: Our objective is to have a strong network and cluster focused on medical devices, with a highly skilled and experienced workforce. Attracting more investment in the sector will be important for ongoing development. As more of our suppliers move closer to us, having them nearby provides opportunities to enhance supply chain management. For example, it would provide the opportunity to ship directly to different countries, operate more efficiently, and become more global and technically advanced. Over the next five years, I see increased investment, faster and more competitive operations, and better, quicker delivery of products to patients.
