One female MD’s insight to working in a STEM industry
Ahead of STEM Day on Sunday 8 November 2020, Liz Clare, MD of Cell Regeneration, shares her journey into the industry and information on the medical technology MBST.
“I am the problem solver, the bridge between technology and people”
Miss Bell — my long-suffering secondary school Physics teacher — would never have imagined in a million years that I would be working in STEM — Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. If only she could see me now.
I was always a middling achiever, though I didn’t try as hard as I should. I went to a Grammar School and got good grades but I was far more interested in sport or socialising rather than academics. I was never destined for Oxford or Cambridge, but I was very happy at Leeds Uni, achieving a BA in Business, Media & Marketing.
For 9 years I have worked with a health technology called MBST: a pioneering and pain-free form of therapy for musculoskeletal problems, without any side effects. The technology continues to develop and improve every year.
I marvel at minds that work differently to mine and I am in awe of the very talented people I work with, especially the inventor of the medical technology.
As the exclusive license holder for the UK, I focus on the outcome of what the tech can do for people, and the amazing results speak for themselves. But the research and development behind the technology are where the real magic lies. I suppose I see myself as a messenger, spreading the word of this incredible technology, while also providing valuable support to the people I so admire, giving these marvellous innovators the chance to focus on improving the technology.
I think people who encounter me in a professional capacity are often surprised when they first meet me. Perhaps I’m not exactly the stereotypical embodiment of the ‘strong, powerful and intelligent’ businesswoman, let alone one who works with medical technology. I am thorough, driven and passionate, to be sure, but I always approach everyone — whoever they are: patient, specialist, sportsperson — with kindness and openness, and I will always listen to their needs.
I bring people and medical technology together, putting the right people in the right places. My strength and intelligence lie in my empathy: I understand peoples wants and needs, and I plan, organise and network to get them where they want to go.
My vision has never changed in 9 years. I have known precisely where I want the technology to go in the UK, and I’ve made it happen.
I know my role in STEM: I am the problem solver, the bridge between technology and people. I bring creative thinking and a soulful passion into a world of science, logic and research.
Like many people with a grand vision but no road-map to guide them, I managed to navigate an unfamiliar industry by making it up as I went along.
After nine years of patience and persistence, my family’s efforts have paid off, and we have the most incredible team of health professionals providing MBST in the UK. Over the next few months, we have at least 4 new centres opening, adding to the 4 we opened this year, taking our UK total to 12. Oddly enough, this year has been our best yet. Not as a direct result of the impact of COVID, but because development takes time. When the groundwork has been rigorous, I firmly believe that means it is much more sustainable.
I don’t think anyone should ever feel inadequate if they are not deemed smart enough to work in the industry. Or too girly, or too friendly. You can show tenacity through hard graft without needing to be overbearing or dominant. Hungry doesn’t have to mean harsh. I work in the most rewarding industry I could imagine, so I spread that positivity as best I can.
The way our civilisation is going, we need the great innovators of science, technology, engineering and maths more than ever, and there is a staggering amount of good that comes out of STEM.
The miraculous changes that will be brought about by technology won’t stop with medicine. With the right minds at work, we can change the nature of any industry for the better, from fashion to renewable energy. It is our future, it demands the perpetual march of progress.
And I’m right where I want to be.
