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When you think of healthcare, you probably picture doctors, nurses, and hospitals, but what many people don’t realize is that healthcare is also a major business. It’s an industry that requires leadership, strategy, innovation, and management at every level. Last night’s Speed Networking event, hosted by Bentley University’s Center for Health and Business in collaboration with the Pulsifer Career Development Center, was the perfect reminder of just how intertwined healthcare and business really are.
We were introduced to an amazing lineup of professionals from the healthcare and business sectors, each with a compelling journey and impactful advice to share:
Sheila Harrington, an audit partner at KPMG Boston and Healthcare Industry Lead for New England and Upstate New York, kicked off the evening with her incredible story. With over 30 years at KPMG, her journey was a testament to dedication, adaptability, and leadership. She spoke about balancing client service with recruiting and advocacy work, particularly through her involvement in the MA-RI Healthcare Financial Management Committee. Her energy and passion for healthcare finance were truly inspiring and it showed me how you can build a fulfilling, impactful career within one organization.
Next, we heard from Scott Silva, Vice President of Services at PHILIPS. Managing a $1.3 billion maintenance portfolio sounds daunting, but Scott broke it down with an emphasis on accountability, operational improvement, and statistical modeling. His talk was the perfect blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership, two qualities I hope to strengthen in my own career. He also shared how leadership isn’t just about numbers, it’s about motivating teams and driving collective success.
Janie Tremlett brought a fresh, entrepreneurial spark to the room. Having worked with six early-stage tech companies and consulted across healthcare data management, sales, and strategy, Janie’s journey showed the power of versatility. She spoke about the importance of data-driven strategy and how digital transformation is rapidly reshaping healthcare. It was fascinating to hear how she seamlessly blended business acumen, tech-savviness, and people skills to stay ahead in a constantly evolving field.
One thoughtful touch that made the event even more effective was the list of conversation starters we received. From “What inspired you to pursue this field?” to “What skills should students focus on?”, these prompts helped take the awkwardness out of starting conversations and allowed for deeper, more meaningful exchanges.
What I appreciated most was how honest and personal the advice was. Each speaker shared real stories about career pivots, staying motivated, and finding purpose in their work.
I’m incredibly grateful to Bentley for organizing events like these and to the professionals who invested their time in students like us. This event wasn’t just about making connections, it was about gaining clarity, inspiration, and direction.
