From remote work to beachside workouts
Kyle and I both worked at Smiths Medical with the Deltec Cozmo insulin pump. However, in 2009, the company pulled the plug on the diabetes division and Deltec Cozmo was no more. Kyle went abroad to finish business school, and I kept myself busy in the diabetes social media space.
Kyle made a habit of checking in, but his call early in 2013 was different. “I have a project, and I’d love your help,” he said. “I’m working with a small startup…, well, I guess they’re not-so-small anymore. Have you ever heard of mySugr?”
I hadn’t. But a few minutes of research showed me everything I needed to know. A mantra of “make diabetes suck less” and video featuring a crazy Swede with diabetes jumping out of an airplane was enough to convince me.
What was the project? Launching mySugr in the United States.
Routine Skype calls with different people in the company got me up to speed quickly, and each call was like plunging myself into the mySugr magic. I was completely enchanted.
The more work I did, the more I learned, and the more I fell in love. The breadth of mySugr’s unique mix unfolded a little more every day. World-changing ideas, incredible talent, deep expertise in diabetes, an early decision to take the regulated route, and the bravery to push beyond what many felt wasn’t possible — these are just a few things that come to mind when I think back on it. I hadn’t seen anything like it before, and I couldn’t get enough.
The U.S. launch went great, and what started as a part-time project alongside my social media freelancing quickly evolved into a full-time career with little time for anything else. I’ve since relocated my family from Minneapolis to San Diego to help establish the growing U.S. mySugr office.
Of course, I’m excited to trade the famously brutal Minneapolis winters for the equally famously beautiful San Diego beaches. Who wouldn’t be?
But what also excites me is doubling down on my commitment to an excellent company that pushes me to grow more than I could have ever imagined. I have learned more and grown faster in the past few years than I thought possible. I’m a better person thanks to the opportunities and challenges presented through mySugr over the years and I’m full of gratitude, appreciation, and excitement as I look forward to what’s next.
Looking back, Kyle’s line about “I guess they’re not-so-small anymore” makes me smile. There were maybe 15 people at mySugr then. Today, we’re more than 100 and growing fast. It makes my head spin, and my heart swell.
Maybe you have a special gift to offer mySugr? If so, we’d love to hear about it. Take a look at our jobs page to get started.
To see more of what our mySugr monster tamers have to say about our culture have a look here. If you love technical topics, our engineers also share cool stuff from time to time.
