Want To Learn How To Grow Your Territory?? If so → https://www.newtomedicaldevicesales.com/podcast

Jacob interviews Shannon Holly, who transitioned into medical device sales at 48 years old after a 28-year career as a syndicated morning radio host. They discuss breaking into the industry later in life, the emotional process of career change, reinventing yourself with confidence, overcoming judgment and fear, training and adapting in your first six months, what it’s like working in the OR, the wide range of procedures she now supports, product knowledge vs. physical product handling, differences in medical device divisions, the value of mature professionals, and why fulfillment matters more than comfort.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reinventing yourself is possible at any age. It’s never too late to chase fulfillment over familiarity.
2. A strong mindset will carry you further than a perfect resume. What matters is how committed and coachable you are.
3. You don’t need to be the youngest candidate to succeed. Maturity, discipline, and emotional intelligence are huge assets in the OR and in conversations with physicians.
4. Not all device roles involve trays or physical products. Some are focused entirely on training, presence, and being a trusted clinical expert.
5. When you know your product and show up with confidence, you earn the trust of surgical teams. Even without years of experience.
6. You won’t feel ready at the beginning, but taking the leap and trusting the process is the only way to find out how capable you really are

chapters:

00:00 - Start

02:25 - My Successful Past In Radio Broadcasting

05:58 - Why Change Careers At 48 Years Old & 28 Years In My Profession

12:51 - First Six Months As A Rep

19:25 - Becoming Familiar With The Job

23:54 - A Day In Shannon’s Division

28:32 - A Bad Moment In Shannon’s Job

31:22 - Most Rewarding Day On The Job