When She Founded

With over fifteen years of experience in the medical device field, Dr. Kate Stephenson is an engineer, researcher, and the founder of technical consulting firm Dyad Engineering, LLC, a company that emphasizes technological strategy and planning for new medical devices. Kate earned her doctorate in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, and her interests lie in developing products that can reach underserved markets, including the pediatric and women’s health spaces. Kate is also a public speaker and writer and teaches martial arts to children with special needs in her spare time.

Today, Kate joins me to discuss her firm Dyad Engineering, LLC, how she serves her clients, and how she felt transitioning to entrepreneurship from the corporate world. Kate explains how the design process can shift depending on your positioning and strategic goals and how she has navigated the male-dominated mechanical engineering industry. Kate also highlights the mechanical engineering landscape, including how she has positioned herself as a consultant, and how technology provides the opportunity for more people to connect and make an impact through innovation.

“One of the hardest things you do when you start a company is identifying where your most valuable contribution is.” - Kate Stephenson

Today on When She Founded:

• Why Kate started her firm, Dyad Engineering and the meanings behind the name
• The medical industry sectors Kate has worked in and the products she has designed
• The career barriers, assumptions, and expectations Kate faced because of her age and gender, and why diversity in engineering is so critical
• Kate’s experience attending Stanford University, why she chose to become an engineer, and why she decided to get a PhD
• The role of professional consultants and how they can challenge existing beliefs and bring new ideas to light
• How being part of the “Sandwich Generation” has impacted Kate’s career decisions
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Kate, both personally and professionally
• How Kate sees the future of health tech from a product design perspective and the role of the emergency use authorization on development
• The three main areas Kate works in and the characteristics of her ideal client base

Resources Mentioned:

• Xinova
• Xinova Blog: Dr. Kate Stephenson

Connect with Kate Stephenson:

• Dyad Engineering
• Katherine J. Stephenson, Ph.D. on LinkedIn
• Dyad Engineering on LinkedIn

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