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Name: Don Abbey Company: CareFusion Title: Executive Vice President, Quality, Regulatory and Medical Affairs |
Place of Birth: Dayton, Washington
First job: Advanced R&D Engineer at Varian Oncology Systems in Palo Alto, CA.
What was your big break? Marrying my wife – a game changer. I’ve learned more from her than anyone else.
Best business decision: I’ve had the opportunity to work for both large companies and start ups. I’ve managed to pick the right start ups to work for as these companies achieved break through products/revenues and were ultimately acquired by industry leading companies.
Essential business philosophy: 1) It’s all about the customer and 2) Surround yourself with the best people.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Understand and experience life through your customers’ eyes. Challenge and stretch the organization to continually improve in meaningful ways. Make sure that you have exceptional people managing and overseeing the execution of your business strategy.
Biggest missed opportunity: Maybe it’s the way I think about things but nothing comes to mind. I have been extremely blessed in my professional and personal life. I do occasionally think about what would have happened if I took the job Microsoft offered me when I came out of college.
Biggest ongoing challenge: The external regulatory environment has been getting much tougher in the past few years. It is a challenge to stay ahead of it and work and lead within the company to understand what is needed to be successful.
Significant business mistake(s): Moving some hospital technology into the home environment before it was ready. The products were good but in its current form the healthcare system did not provide enough reimbursement.
Most important lesson learned: It’s the overall team that will ultimately determine how things go. Make sure that you have the right people and that you put them in the best position for success.
Most proud of: I am extremely proud of what has been achieved at CareFusion in the relatively short time since spinning off from Cardinal Health in 2009. The company has a good foundation and is poised to improve profitability and revenue performance.
Goals yet to be achieved: I have high school age kids that continue to impress me every week. I am looking forward to seeing them mature and as adults, lead purposeful lives.
What is the secret to your success: I also think there is no substitute for focus and hard work. I’ve also been blessed with a great family and supportive friends.
What is the next big game changer in tech: In medical technology, products that can simplify workflow or leverage the larger information technology infrastructure will make a difference. Clinically differentiated infection prevention products will also do well.
If you weren’t in high tech, you would be: Golfing, golfing and more golfing.
Most like to meet: Albert Einstein.
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