Editor's note: This is an interview with one of the 100 outstanding Silicon Valley professionals selected to be in the 2020 class of Women of Influence.
Julie Tyler
Divisional vice president, global marketing, vascular, Abbott
Headquarters: Santa Clara
What it does: Healthcare diagnostics, medical devices and pharmaceuticals
Age: 50
How your world has been affected by Covid-19: I have been working equally as hard, if not harder, from the confines of my home to make sure Abbott’s lifesaving vascular products get into the hands of interventional cardiologists, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists so that they can continue to provide the care their patients need.
A moment in your career you are most proud of: As a first-time manager, I was proud of the accomplishments of my team. It was more rewarding to see my team members flourish and win awards, versus focusing on my personal accomplishments.
A female CEO or business icon you admire: I admire Ursula Burns, CEO of the Xerox Corporation. When she was named CEO in 2007, she became the first African-American female CEO of a Fortune 500 company in history.
First paying job: Working in the local drug store. I mainly worked the cash register outside of the pharmacy, but eventually was able to provide support checking out customers in the pharmacy. I learned it is my responsibility provide a positive customer experience. Additionally, I learned that I don’t have control of what other people say and do. However, I do have control of how I respond.
Advice you would give your 18-year-old self: Be fearless and believe that anything is possible with hard work and commitment to excellence.