Classroom to Boardroom | Sengdara (Vannavong) Grue (’08) and Becky Carlson (’93)(’03)

Medtronic, Inc. is not only in the medical technology business, the global company is in the business of developing leaders. Master of Arts in Organizational Management graduates Becky Carlson (’93)(’03) and Sengdara (Vannavong) Grue (M.A. ’08) are shining examples. Carlson has worked her way to the top and Grue is well on her way.

Carlson began at Medtronic as an administrative assistant after she lost her secretarial job in the mining industry during the early 80s mining slump. It wasn’t long before Carlson realized her move up the corporate ladder was inhibited by one missing rung—her bachelor’s degree—so she obtained her degree in Organizational Management from Concordia. Seven years and many promotions later, Carlson returned to Concordia for her MAOM.

Her academic credentials and a strong work ethic led to her current position as vice president for customer and patient operations. She appreciates the interest former supervisors and those in human resources have taken in her development. “I’ve always felt that Medtronic lets me be me,” Carlson said. “The people I’ve worked with recognize that everyone has unique qualities and they build on those.”

Grue’s path to the top looks to be similar. Grue completed her undergraduate degree and got her foot in the door at Medtronic in information technology. With a continued passion for learning, she earned her MAOM degree from Concordia.

In May, Grue moved to Memphis, Tenn. to begin Medtronic’s prestigious leadership development program. Annually, the program accepts a limited number of participants nationwide and includes two, one-year assignments shadowing Medtronic senior leaders and two special projects. “They’re making a big investment in me,” Grue said, enthusiastic about the program’s outcome.

Both Carlson and Grue attribute their career satisfaction with their alignment to Medtronic’s mission.

“I have a commitment to the Medtronic mission, which is to alleviate pain, restore health and extend the lives of patients who can benefit from medical device therapies,” Grue said. For Carlson, there is commonality in her Christian upbringing and Medtronic’s values. “A lot of people at Medtronic are successful because they want to help people,” Carlson said. Whether it’s changing the life of a medical device recipient or assisting a colleague’s move into a role that meets his or her passion, helping people is at the heart of Medtronic’s mission.

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