Brief conversation with Phil Ryan (COO, SOMAVAC® Medical)
The transcript features a conversation between Abigail and Phil Ryan, who is the Chief Operating Officer at Silverback, a company he joined in 2019 after working at a large medical device manufacturer. Phil discusses his transition from a large company to a smaller, nimble organization like Silverback. He outlines the roles he has taken on, including operations, engineering, and even minor tasks due to the size of the company. Phil emphasizes the advantages of working in a smaller company, such as quicker responsiveness to customer needs and efficiency in making product changes without the bureaucracy typical of larger organizations. He also shares personal advice for individuals considering a move from a large to a small company, highlighting the need for flexibility, willingness to re-engage with hands-on tasks, and an appreciation for the inherent uncertainties of startup environments. His motivation for moving to a smaller company stems from his early career experiences and the close-knit, goal-oriented culture that small companies offer.
