Shawna Oliver

I attribute my success to a combination of strong relationship-building, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to improving patient care. As a Territory Sales Manager in the medical device industry, I work directly with hospitals, clinicians, and healthcare teams to ensure they have the tools, training, and support needed to deliver the best possible outcomes. My days are spent rounding through facilities, meeting with clinicians and department leaders, addressing product or training needs, and identifying solutions to improve workflows and patient care. I also collaborate closely with internal teams — including operations, distribution, and accounting — to ensure customer requests are handled efficiently and accurately. One of the moments I’m most proud of was being recognized by a hospital’s PACU department with a “Simply the Best” award, despite not being employed by the hospital. That acknowledgment meant a great deal to me because it reflected the trust and partnership I strive to build with every team I support. Additionally, I’ve been recognized within the field for my contributions to sales training initiatives and for demonstrating leadership in developing others — accomplishments that reflect my dedication to both professional excellence and teamwork.

The best career advice I’ve ever received wasn’t from a single mentor, but from observing and learning from top performers around me. I’ve made it a point to seek out those who excel, ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully, and apply what works in my own approach. That mindset has shaped much of my growth and success. Today, I try to pay that forward by being the kind of resource I once sought — encouraging other women in the industry and sharing the insights and lessons I’ve gained along the way.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to be curious, stay humble, and invest in building genuine relationships. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or admit when you don’t know something — people respect authenticity and a willingness to learn far more than they respect perfection. Focus on serving, not just selling. When you prioritize helping others and adding real value, your reputation will speak for itself and open doors that scripts and sales pitches never could.

One of the biggest challenges in the industry right now is navigating new territories and building trust quickly, particularly in areas where there’s limited familiarity with our product line. Establishing credibility takes time and consistency — but that’s also where the greatest opportunity lies. I find it especially rewarding to earn that trust through responsiveness, product expertise, and reliable follow-through. When clinicians know they can count on you to show up and support them, it opens the door to stronger partnerships and lasting collaboration.

The values that guide me most — both professionally and personally — center on service, integrity, and reliability. I believe in supporting teams, improving outcomes, and being someone others can count on. Doing the right thing for clinicians and patients, even when no one is watching, is something I take pride in. Earning the trust of hospitals and healthcare partners means a great deal to me, because it reflects a reputation built on honesty and ethical intent. Outside of work, my longest-running passion is painting. It’s both therapeutic and grounding — a creative outlet that allows me to slow down, recharge, and return to my fast-paced environment with a fresh perspective. That balance helps me show up stronger for my team and my customers every day.