Leading with Courage & Determination | Natasha Bond

“I am fortunate that I love what I do.  There is a Japanese methodology called ‘Ikigai,’ – which is the secret to a long and happy life. 

It is summed up in this diagram, although I don’t think the diagram is original to the Ikigai philosophy, it is more of a modern interpretation,” explains Natasha. “However, my personal consultancy before I joined ERI was ‘Ikigai Medical Development’, and that really sums up why I think I have been successful and how my energy and passion stay high; I do what I love, that others find valuable, helping other people succeed in doing what they love.” And by following her natural passion for learning, Natasha has had the opportunity to ensure her expertise is broad and remains current. This allows her a unique opportunity to look across typically more siloed topics and add value simply by joining dots or introducing people of different perspectives into conversations.

The most significant achievement for Natasha through ERI has been the happiness of its people. “My business is based on talented people working hard to help really passionate clients make mazing new inventions to help those in need. Without that team, we are nothing,” she elucidates. “Their happiness, feeling fulfilled at work, challenged but supported, engaged, and delivering their best every day is the number one priority for me. Our recent staff survey told me the satisfaction rating at ERI has increased nearly 4-fold since I took the reins, which is something I am very proud of.”

The pioneering leader spends much time and energy mentoring and supporting the greater medical device innovation ecosystem. She is a staunch supporter of women-led businesses and spends a lot of time coaching and encouraging female entrepreneurs whenever possible. Natasha has implemented diversity policies at ERI and has a consistent track record supporting her team & other female leaders in situations where positive reinforcement is needed, or destructive behaviors need calling out. She is never afraid to call things out and take action to do the right thing.

For the days to come, ERI is investing heavily in infrastructure and IT systems to allow them to be more nimble and efficient. For Natasha, she is working on focus. “I feel a ton of passion for my business and the subject matter of our work, and so from that stems a habit of jumping in to help. Probably too often,” she says. “So I am working on being more selective in what I spend my time on, and ensuring I focus where I can add most value, both due to my skillset and opening opportunities for my team to get their hands on the trickiest client problems.”

ERI is poised for some fascinating times and has just merged with Link Product Development and is forming a couple of thrilling strategic relationships. Natasha is excited to see the growth and opportunities and “drinking from the firehose” in terms of financial and managerial skillsets needed to accomplish these more strategic goals. “I am 100% focused on ERI for the foreseeable future; something of this complexity needs focus and I am excited to learn and grow as the team learns and grows,” adds Natasha.