Read the Conversation
Meeting highlights:
- Company Vision & Culture: Hologic operates with a philosophy rooted in the "Science of Sure," emphasizing constant innovation and a commitment to daily improvement.
- Purpose & Global Impact: Hologic’s mission to enhance women’s lives globally is evident in every product and decision, reflecting a deep sense of purpose.
- Continuous Improvement: Hologic Costa Rica’s Shingo Prize recognition underscores its world-class operational excellence and a culture of relentless improvement.
- Milestones & Legacy: As Hologic approaches its 40th anniversary, the company celebrates a legacy defined by meaningful work, dedicated teams, and real human impact.
EF: Could you elaborate on Hologic's footprint in Costa Rica and the company’s perspective on the country?
NC: We began operations in Costa Rica in 2004. At the time, we were Cytyc, which Hologic acquired in 2007. Initially, we operated out of Cartago on the eastern side of San José with a modest footprint. As our operations expanded, we relocated to Heredia, and by 2008, we became the first company to establish a presence in the Coyol Free Zone. What started as shipping one container a week has evolved to an average of six containers a day, transferring over 30 products to Costa Rica. Today, Costa Rica plays a critical role in supporting the majority of Hologic’s disposable manufacturing needs.
Initially, our focus was on labor-intensive disposable devices. Over time, as trust in Costa Rican talent grew, we expanded beyond manufacturing to include Research & Development (R&D). In fact, we pioneered as one of the first R&D departments in Costa Rica’s MedTech industry. While the team started small, it has since advanced to developing new product ideas entirely on-site. This milestone demonstrated that Costa Rican talent could not only support existing products but also innovate, validate, and contribute to the approval of new devices.
As trust deepened, Hologic invested further in Costa Rica, bringing in additional support functions and expanding its footprint. A major highlight was the establishment of the Cybersecurity Operations Center (SOC), a significant development for both our IT team and the entire site. Around the same time, we transitioned a portion of our IT infrastructure to Costa Rica, leveraging the strong foundation we had built.
EF: Can you elaborate on your role and the importance of operations in Costa Rica?
NC: Hologic operates across three main divisions: Diagnostics, Breast & Skeletal Health, and Gynecological Surgical Solutions, supporting the International Division. Each Division is supported by its own Vice President of Operations. My focus as Vice President of Operations is primarily on the Gynecological Surgical Solutions Division, though the sites I lead produce components for all divisions. Costa Rica specializes in high-volume, labor-intensive manufacturing, producing products of varying complexity. Additionally, we manufacture capital equipment that supports disposable devices and other advanced equipment.
One of our proudest achievements in the tech space is the development of Genius Digital Diagnostics, the first FDA-cleared AI-powered diagnostic tool for liquid cytology. This revolutionary product reflects nearly a decade of work in AI before it became mainstream. At the time, few recognized the potential of AI, but Hologic saw its value early and became a pioneer in bringing this innovation to the market.
Our Londonderry Site in New Hampshire plays a critical role in manufacturing ThinPrep®, a liquid-based cytology product that has helped millions of women around the world. ThinPrep® has had a profound impact on reducing cervical cancer rates in the U.S., making it one of the cornerstones of our Diagnostic Solutions division.
EF: How has adopting the Shingo framework influenced your approach to operational excellence and continuous improvement?
NC: The Shingo framework has been transformative for us. It’s not just a set of tools; it’s a philosophy that extends beyond manufacturing to every function, from sales support to HR and finance. By fostering a culture built on respect, continuous improvement, and shared goals, we’ve created an environment where operational excellence is deeply embedded.
Achieving the Shingo Prize in 2022 was a milestone, but it was never the ultimate goal. Our focus has always been on the journey of continuous improvement. We intentionally downplay the physical trophy because the philosophy is what matters. Shingo taught us that operational excellence is about striving for a "perfect day"—not perfection itself, but the continuous pursuit of it. This mindset has enabled us to evolve from a manufacturing site into a comprehensive business hub with representation from every major function within Hologic.
EF: What advice would you give to other leaders pursuing operational excellence? How do you approach partnerships?
NC: My advice is simple: set the course and stay committed. Operational excellence is like an old-fashioned water pump—you need to put in consistent effort before you see results, but persistence pays off.
The real breakthrough comes when people take ownership. When employees proactively identify and address risks, the likelihood of major issues decreases significantly. Investing in culture and talent always yields dividends. A culture of continuous improvement inspires teams to aim higher, and ultimately, it’s the people who drive success.
EF: How do you approach employee development at Hologic?
NC: Employee development is a cornerstone of our culture, driven by direct input from our CEO. We’ve partnered with Gallup to implement the Employee Engagement Survey, which integrates with the StrengthsFinder program. This initiative helps employees identify and leverage their natural strengths, rather than focusing on weaknesses. For example, instead of pushing someone to improve in areas that don’t come naturally, we emphasize building on their existing strengths, which consistently delivers better outcomes.
When roles align with individual strengths, employees are more engaged, productive, and fulfilled. This approach has fostered a high-performing, motivated team that continues to drive Hologic’s success.
EF: What are your proudest moments as Hologic approaches its 40th anniversary and Costa Rica nears its 20th?
NC: What drives me most is the tangible difference we make, particularly in women’s lives. At Hologic, we develop surgical, diagnostic, Breast, and Skeletal devices that particularly play a critical role in early breast cancer detection. I remember a story from Costa Rica about a friend who underwent her first mammogram during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She felt healthy and had no family history, but early detection through Hologic’s mammography technology revealed an aggressive stage 5 mass. Because of this early diagnosis, she began treatment immediately and is now thriving with her family years later.
Stories like hers remind us of the profound impact our work has on real lives. Knowing that we contribute to saving lives and being part of a team that respects and challenges each other is what motivates me every day. As Hologic celebrates 40 years of innovation and Costa Rica marks more than 20 years of excellence, these milestones are a testament to the meaningful work we do and the lives we touch worldwide.
