Why Kat Hurd Left a Dream Job to Help Women Thrive in MedTech

What happens when you walk away from a thriving career to bet on yourself?

For Kat Hurd, it meant leaving a high-profile role in medical device sales to coach and empower women in the same industry. In this episode, she opens up about the boldest decision of her life—and why it changed everything.

Kat shares what it takes to thrive in spaces not built for you, from building systems that simplify success to expanding your influence through intentional connection. Whether you’re in the thick of reinvention or standing at a career crossroads, this episode delivers clarity and courage.

We talk failure, fear, and freedom—and the tools Kat used to turn an 18% performance low into a multi-million dollar rebound. This one’s for anyone ready to redefine what success looks like and who it’s really for.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Kat’s 15-year journey through medical device sales and leadership
• The “18% to plan” story that sparked her systems-based comeback
• Her boldest move: betting on future self and leaving corporate
• How to build strong community connections outside your company
• The difference between networking and building true community
• Why systems free up your brain to focus on what really matters
• What she’d tell her 18-year-old, perfectionist self
• How exploration and curiosity fuel sustainable career growth

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “Be willing to bet on future you—even when no one else understands the play.” – Kat Hurd
• “Confidence isn’t just earned—it’s built through community and action.” – Courtney Turich
• “Your success is not company dependent. It’s you dependent.” – Kat Hurd
• “A system isn’t boring—it’s the structure that lets you thrive on chaos.” – Kat Hurd
• “Fall down, spring up, and don’t run the same play again.” – Courtney Turich

About Kat

Kat Hurd is a leadership coach and former medical device executive with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry. Known for her people-first approach and trailblazing career, Kat went from Clinical Specialist to Rep of the Year, growing a $500K territory into $6.5M and earning four President’s Club awards along the way. As a Regional Director, she led a $25M portfolio and built award-winning, gender-equitable teams while launching mentorship and development programs for women and Black professionals in med device sales. Today, Kat helps women in medical device sales gain the confidence, skills, and strategy to lead boldly and grow careers they love.

Follow Kat Hurd

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram

Stay Connected with Courtney Turich:

• Website
• Instagram
• Linkedin
• Facebook

A Team Dklutr Production