• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    FineHeart Successfully Tests Wireless TET System

    Apria Healthcare Settles Whistleblower Lawsuit

    OraSure’s OMNIgene·ORAL Device Included in COVID-19 EUA Amendment

    Remote Patient Monitoring Market Set to Surpass $645 Million by 2025

    4C Medical Technologies Completes $10 Million Over-Subscribed Convertible Note Financing
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Fixing Face Mask Form and Function

    The Heart of the Matter: Trends in Cardiology

    Virtually the Same? The Challenges of Online Conferences

    Digital Health Delivers During a Year for the Ages

    Advanced Technology for Staking and Swaging Medical Plastics
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    Element

    Concise Engineering

    PTI Engineered Plastics Inc.

    Qosina Corp.

    Unicep
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    Meeting Critical Ventilator Product Requirements Amid Pandemic

    Impact of COVID-19 on the Medtech Supply Chain

    Finding the Upside to a Challenging Year

    Preparing Your Design Controls for FDA Approval

    A 'Trial and Error' Approach to Micromolded Parts
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    Qosina Corp.

    Medicoil

    maxon

    Concise Engineering
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Resources
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Columns

    Self-Care in Business: Four Ways to Extend the Peace of Home to the Workplace

    I began applying my self-care rules to the extension of myself that is the Empirical family of companies.

    Related CONTENT
    • CMS Expedites Breakthrough Device Access; Industry Applauds
    • Momentive Performance Materials Acquires KCC Corp.’s Silicones Business
    • CES News: Philips Highlights Healthcare at Home
    • Olympus and Hitachi Sign Five-Year Contract
    • CareDx Partners with IDbyDNA
    Dawn A. Lissy, Founder & President, Empirical09.01.20
    Like so many small business owners, the lines between work and home often blur in the Lissy household. My husband and I team up to “P.T. Barnum” our way through the three-ring circus that is our life: keeping the companies going, raising our two sons, and working together.

    The pandemic raised the price of admission to our circus, as well as the stakes. Like everyone else, we now juggle additional health protocols for ourselves, clients, and employees. We’re working to keep up with the demands for our services as well as ever-changing guidance from the CDC and our local government in a contracting economy. We’re finding a work/life balance harder to achieve than ever before as we spend more time working from home.

    In our strange new world where home and work collide more than ever, I’m finding some of my jealously-guarded “me-time” activities and practices help me better manage my companies. I used to draw a hard line between home and work because I didn’t want the stress of work to invade my home. But in the extreme upheavals this pandemic has caused, I started reaching for whatever lifelines I could find—self-imposed boundaries be damned. I was pleasantly surprised to find that just as I can allow the stress of work to negatively impact my home life, I can extend the peace of home to positively reshape my work day.

    I began applying my self-care rules to the extension of myself that is the Empirical family of companies. Rather than fighting to keep the two separated, I’m experimenting with a more Zen approach, one that recognizes nothing is what it used to be and appreciates how we can all work together to adapt to what is. Here’s what’s working for me.

    1. Meditation for Management
    I’ve been practicing meditation on a personal level for over five years. Before getting out of bed when I wake in the morning, I think about the day and what outcomes I desire. I try to avoid the news or e-mail until I have finished my morning routine—including a walk or a bike ride. The point is to remind myself I’m not my thoughts, this present moment is all that is, I can change my thoughts at any time. I focus on intentional breaths to find sanity and healthy perspective on whatever disaster just struck. The benefits apply to family and work: clear thinking, more patience with family members, more energy, and feeling capable to take on the day, whatever that day brings.

    I have a small corner of my home exclusively for meditating. I can escape to this corner throughout the day and reconnect with that peace in ways I never could from my desk at the office. I had many, many trips to my sacred spot in those early days of the shutdown. The upshot is I got better at finding meditation time throughout the day for shorter and shorter periods of time, but with the same benefits. Now I can check my e-mail and find my breath simultaneously. In addition to the physical benefits of mindfulness—lower blood pressure, stronger immune system, better sleep—my colleagues, clients, and kids are getting a calmer, more centered Dawn who is better prepared to deal with the day’s murder hornets.

    2. Spacing Out
    I had no idea what social distancing was before COVID-19, but I did have a clear notion of space. I needed the surface of my desk to organize my paperwork. I needed the 20 minutes after dropping my kids off at school to mentally prepare myself for my workday. I needed the drive home to shift into dinner-making mode. I had a clear picture of what part of my life went where, and when.

    That’s all changed, but it’s not all gone. I have a new appreciation for physical and mental space thanks to the pandemic. I used to take for granted the routine that allowed me to be Mom at home and Dawn at work, as did my colleagues. Those of us with kids who couldn’t go to school and professional deadlines to meet found our worlds colliding and established spaces shrinking.

    At first I felt overwhelmed, as did my whole team. But after a few weeks of confusion and complaints, I started finding space in new places. Turns out the daily dog walk provides a safe social distance of two wolfhound lengths from my neighbors, but we can still check in on each other. Given the rate at which COVID-19 guidelines from various authorities change, that might mean this week only half the engineering team can be in the office at any given time, or my state now requires wearing a mask any time I leave my house. It’s ironic: the more restrictive regulations become, the more my mind expands to find the wiggle room needed to stay productive and happy.

    3. Zooming to the Rescue
    I’m a big believer in the power of personal connection. I prefer phone calls to e-mails. I like to have hard conversations face-to-face. I’m an unapologetic hugger. I routinely invited friends, students, and job prospects to our lab in Colorado Springs to see how we work first-hand. Before the pandemic, I averaged a week of travel per month for conferences, client visits, or vacations. I enthusiastically pursued business and adventure all around the world.

    I miss that, but I’m adapting thanks to Zoom. I used to consider it a poor substitute for being in the room with someone. It didn’t offer the same level of intimacy as a handshake or a cup of coffee at the same table. But humans are inherently social and adaptable. We’re making the most of the tools we have to fill the voids appearing due to the pandemic. We’ve honed our video conferencing skills to the point that we’ve now hired three people over Zoom, something I’d never dream of doing pre-pandemic. I’ve even taken my yoga practice to a new level thanks to the convenience of asanas via video.

    I’m also having more meaningful conversations with clients and colleagues over the computer. What used to be rushed meetings tied to an agenda are now deeper dives into life and how we can help each other. When we ask how someone’s family is doing, we’re genuinely interested.

    4. Finding Gratitude in a Global Crisis
    I’ve been keeping a gratitude journal for over 10 years. Like my meditation, chronicling my gifts wards off the doom and dark news that’s a mouse click away at any given moment.

    It’s so easy to get caught up in the fear of an international health and economic crisis. The numbers for both are not encouraging. But that’s become a poignant reminder of one of the principal lessons of meditation: the only thing we truly have control over is where we place our attention.

    I’m focusing mine on the gifts of the pandemic. Because we all face the same real health threat and similar restrictions on the lives we used to know, we’re more patient, compassionate, and understanding. I’ve been pushed and pulled in so many different directions, I’m more flexible than I’ve ever been (one more nod to Zoom yoga). I know the challenges we face today are shaping a better tomorrow.

    So each day I jot down a thank-you for that daily reminder that we’re all in this together, even if we’re masked and staying six feet apart. 


    Dawn Lissy is a biomedical engineer, entrepreneur, and innovator. Since 1998, the Empirical family of companies (Empirical Testing Corp., Empirical Consulting LLC, and Empirical Machine LLC) has operated under Lissy’s direction. Empirical offers the full range of regulatory and quality systems consulting, testing, small batch and prototype manufacturing, and validations services to bring a medical device to market. Empirical is very active within standards development organization ASTM International and has one of the widest scopes of test methods of any accredited independent lab in the United States. Because Lissy was a member of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, she has first-hand, in-depth knowledge of the regulatory landscape. Lissy holds an inventor patent for the Stackable Cage System for corpectomy and vertebrectomy. Her M.S. in biomedical engineering is from The University of Akron, Ohio.

    For more information about Empirical Technologies Corp. visit www.EmpiricalTech.com
    Suggested For You
    CMS Expedites Breakthrough Device Access; Industry Applauds CMS Expedites Breakthrough Device Access; Industry Applauds
    Momentive Performance Materials Acquires KCC Corp.’s Silicones Business Momentive Performance Materials Acquires KCC Corp.’s Silicones Business
    CES News: Philips Highlights Healthcare at Home CES News: Philips Highlights Healthcare at Home
    Olympus and Hitachi Sign Five-Year Contract Olympus and Hitachi Sign Five-Year Contract
    CareDx Partners with IDbyDNA CareDx Partners with IDbyDNA
    Siemens Healthineers’ Laboratory-Based IL-6 Assay Receives EUA Siemens Healthineers’ Laboratory-Based IL-6 Assay Receives EUA
    Study Shows Lungpacer System Improves Diaphragm Strength by More Than 300 Percent Study Shows Lungpacer System Improves Diaphragm Strength by More Than 300 Percent
    Solvay Partners With PrinterPrezz on 3D Printing for Medical Devices Solvay Partners With PrinterPrezz on 3D Printing for Medical Devices
    Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound Outperforms Mammography Quantitative Transmission Ultrasound Outperforms Mammography
    BioSerenity Achieves FDA Clearance for Wearable Device System BioSerenity Achieves FDA Clearance for Wearable Device System
    VivaLNK Expands its Medical Data Platform VivaLNK Expands its Medical Data Platform
    Vesper Medical Announces First Enrollment in the VIVID Trial Vesper Medical Announces First Enrollment in the VIVID Trial
    New Company Formed to Develop Peripheral Venous Disease Treatments New Company Formed to Develop Peripheral Venous Disease Treatments
    Mologic COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Receives CE Mark Approval Mologic COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Receives CE Mark Approval
    Philips Buys BioTelemetry for $2.8 Billion Philips Buys BioTelemetry for $2.8 Billion

    Related Columns

    • Fixing Face Mask Form and Function

      Fixing Face Mask Form and Function

      Masks for the general public are varied in both style and effectiveness.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 11.04.20

    • Cardiovascular
      The Heart of the Matter: Trends in Cardiology

      The Heart of the Matter: Trends in Cardiology

      Of the three major segments of coronary stents, bioabsorbable stents are expected to have the highest growth between now and 2022.
      Maria Shepherd, President and Founder, Medi-Vantage 11.04.20

    • Virtually the Same? The Challenges of Online Conferences

      Virtually the Same? The Challenges of Online Conferences

      Like everyone else on the planet, I’m turning increasingly to virtual solutions to our physical challenges in the midst of a pandemic.
      Dawn A. Lissy, Founder & President, Empirical 11.04.20


    • Digital Health
      Digital Health Delivers During a Year for the Ages

      Digital Health Delivers During a Year for the Ages

      Internet of Medical Things technologies have emerged as the key enabler of a much more holistic and complete disease-state management toolbox.
      Brad Womble, Senior Director of Strategy, Marketing, and Mergers & Acquisitions, Jabil Healthcare 11.04.20

    • Advanced Technology for Staking and Swaging Medical Plastics

      Advanced Technology for Staking and Swaging Medical Plastics

      It reliably assembles heat- and vibration-sensitive components, and works with a wide range of plastic materials.
      Priyank Kishor, Global Product Manager—PulseStaking, Branson at Emerson 11.04.20

    • Quality Assurance When Supply Chain Disruptions Arise

      Quality Assurance When Supply Chain Disruptions Arise

      From supply chain disruptions to impromptu manufacturing modifications, the medical device industry has faced a whirlwind of complications in 2020.
      Sandi Schaible and Peter Steen, WuXi AppTec Medical Device Testing 11.04.20


    • The Top 30 and M&A in 2021: What’s Next?

      The Top 30 and M&A in 2021: What’s Next?

      With three of the top five companies appointing new CEOs in the last year and the global pandemic eroding earnings, M&A strategies could look a lot different.
      Florence Joffroy-Black and Dave Sheppard, MedWorld Advisors 11.04.20

    • COVID 19: Supply Chain Professionals’ Ultimate Reality Challenge

      COVID 19: Supply Chain Professionals’ Ultimate Reality Challenge

      Having been a part of the medtech supply chain for 40 years, I can say there has never been a more difficult time for supply chain professionals.
      Chris Oleksy, Founder and CEO, Oleksy Enterprises and Next Life Medical; CEO, Emergent Respiratory 11.04.20

    • Congress Examines Additional COVID-19 Relief and Recent Regulatory Changes

      Congress Examines Additional COVID-19 Relief and Recent Regulatory Changes

      The legislative year is nearly coming to a close as Washington survives yet another tumultuous election cycle.
      Jeffrey J. Kimbell, Eric P. Juhl, JD and David C. Rudloff, Jeffrey J. Kimbell & Associates Inc. 11.04.20


    • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      Additive Manufacturing: Debinding Fluids Must-Haves

      Additive Manufacturing: Debinding Fluids Must-Haves

      As the pressure to produce more complex biomedical parts increases, medical device manufacturing using 3D printing is gaining widespread acceptance.
      Venesia Hurtubise, Technical Chemist, MicroCare Medical 11.04.20

    • Diagnostics
       How COVID-19 is Reshaping the Diagnostics Testing Sector

      How COVID-19 is Reshaping the Diagnostics Testing Sector

      The short-term impact on the diagnostics sector is readily apparent as the pandemic has fueled overwhelming demand for effective SARS-CoV-2 testing solutions.
      Eric Williams, Managing Director, Capstone Headwaters 11.04.20

    • Will Industry’s COVID-19 Recovery End Prematurely?

      Will Industry’s COVID-19 Recovery End Prematurely?

      Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel, but will it remain lit?
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 10.01.20


    • Surgical
      Hype or Hope? The Future of Surgical Robotics

      Hype or Hope? The Future of Surgical Robotics

      Recent publications suggest the U.S. performs more robotic surgery than every other country in the world.
      Maria Shepherd, President and Founder, Medi-Vantage 10.01.20

    • COVID Community: How the Pandemic Is Bringing Out the Best in Us

      COVID Community: How the Pandemic Is Bringing Out the Best in Us

      Given the brain power and generosity of our industry, I knew I could follow the wisdom of Fred Rogers’ mother and “look for the helpers.”
      Dawn A. Lissy, Founder & President, Empirical 10.01.20

    • Electronics
      Why Applying Cleanliness Standards to Outsourced Medical Electronics Is Important

      Why Applying Cleanliness Standards to Outsourced Medical Electronics Is Important

      When looking to outsource the manufacture of electronic medical devices, cleanliness standards and processes should be a top consideration.
      Jay Tourigny, Senior Vice President, MicroCare Medical 10.01.20


    Trending
    • Cytotron Gains Breakthrough Status To Treat Breast, Liver, And Pancreatic Cancers
    • 5 Ways Plastics Revolutionized The Healthcare Industry
    • Portable, Home-Use Device Quickly Measures Inflammation Levels
    • An Analysis Of The Smart Inhalers Market
    • Hardy Diagnostics Releases Rapid Test For COVID-19
    Breaking News
    • FineHeart Successfully Tests Wireless TET System
    • Apria Healthcare Settles Whistleblower Lawsuit
    • OraSure’s OMNIgene·ORAL Device Included in COVID-19 EUA Amendment
    • Remote Patient Monitoring Market Set to Surpass $645 Million by 2025
    • 4C Medical Technologies Completes $10 Million Over-Subscribed Convertible Note Financing
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2020

    • Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products
    • The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech
    • The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    BGG Obtains U.S. Patent on AstaZine Natural Astaxanthin for Heart Function During Exercise
    Qualitas Health/iwi Raises $10 Million in Investment Round
    Aker BioMarine Expands Krill Portfolio with Novel Protein Hydrolysate
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Huntsman Finalizes Acquisition of Gabriel Performance Products
    PPG Completes COLORFUL COMMUNITIES Project at School in A. Bangsaothong Samutprakarn, Thailand
    dar-tech, inc. Becomes U.S. Midwestern Distributor for ZS Interpolymer
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    FineHeart Successfully Tests Wireless TET System
    Apria Healthcare Settles Whistleblower Lawsuit
    OraSure’s OMNIgene·ORAL Device Included in COVID-19 EUA Amendment
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Valeo Pharma Appoints President, COO
    Metrion, LifeArc Extend Neuroscience Alliance
    Grifols Begins COVID-19 Plasma Treatment Trial
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    JLo Beauty Launches at Sephora & Amazon
    Unilever and Alibaba Group Join Forces
    Redken Unveils Acidic Bonding Concentrate Range
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    A Surge in Interest for Supplements & Vitamins
    Manscaped Expands Further in Europe
    Color Street Gives Back
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    dar-tech, inc. Becomes U.S. Midwestern Distributor for ZS Interpolymer
    Techkon USA, Konica Minolta Partner
    Alon Bar-Shany Appointed Chairman of Highcon Board
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Exhibitor registration opens for virtual.drupa
    FTA planning in-person Forum & INFOFLEX
    Fortis Solutions Group achieves SGP certification
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Super Strong Inks Survive Tough Environments
    Ontex Honored for Mask Production
    TFP Acquires PV3 Technologies
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    OrthoPediatrics Expands Agent Network in Three European Countries
    Studies Show FlareHawk Expandable Cage Delivers Favorable Fusion, Patient Outcomes
    Rapid Recovery Protocol Can Lead to Increased Range of Motion After TKA
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    UDC Subsidiary Adesis' Website Wins 2020 MarCom Platinum Award
    Roadsimple Modernizes Warehouse Ops with Zebra Technologies
    Graphene Flagship Launches Redesigned Website

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login