In this special episode of the DeviceTalks Women in MedTech podcast, Host Kayleen Brown brings listeners inside the 6th Women in MedTech Breakfast held May 4 at DeviceTalks Minnesota for a powerful keynote panel on “The Art of High-Stakes Decision-Making.”

The conversation features Cat Jennings, SVP and President of Vascular Therapies at Boston Scientific; Laura Stoltenberg, President and CEO of Cryosa; and Marcie DeWalt, Chief Human Resources Officer at Provation. Together, they explore what it really takes to lead through uncertainty. From billion-dollar M&A and clinical trial bets to organizational transformations and personal career pivots, the panelists share candid stories about navigating moments where the pressure is real and the outcomes are uncertain.

Throughout the discussion, the leaders examine the balance between data and intuition, the importance of stakeholder alignment, and how to develop the conviction to move forward when there is no "undo" button. Whether managing portfolio strategy at a strategic or navigating the growth of a startup, this episode offers practical frameworks for making decisions that shape companies, careers, and patient care.

Kayleen also welcomes Heather Hudnut Page and Archana Desai in-studio to discuss the inspiration behind this year’s theme and how the Women in MedTech Breakfast continues creating space for authentic leadership conversations and community-building across the industry.

Thank you to Aptyx for sponsoring the Women in MedTech Breakfast at DeviceTalks Minnesota and supporting these essential industry conversations!! Visit https://www.aptyx.com to learn more.

Join us May 27-28th at DeviceTalks Boston for the next Women in MedTech Breakfast featuring Dr. Carla Goulart Peron, Chief Medical Officer for Philips to discuss designing MedTech for reality. https://boston.devicetalks.com/

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Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Intro + DeviceTalks Boston 2026 preview
• (00:04:07) - In-studio guests: Heather Hudnut Page and Archana Desai
• (00:22:53) - Kayleen on Artemis II & High-Stakes Decision Making
• (00:25:40) - Keynote Panel: Cat Jennings, Laura Stoltenberg, and Marcie DeWalt
• (00:33:30) - M&A, Reorganizations, and Tough Business Decisions
• (00:50:00) - Clinical Trial Risks, Innovation Bets, and Portfolio Strategy
• (01:01:25) - Final Leadership Lessons: How Great Leaders Make High-Stakes Decisions
• (01:05:03) - Closing Remarks and Thank You to Aptyx