Stanton gave an overview of Medtronic’s products, business model, and corporate priorities. Medtronic, the world’s largest medical technology company, has 38,000 employees in 120 countries. Stanton said although Medtronic has people and offices around the world, it is “evolving” as a global company. “Just because you have employees in 120 countries doesn’t mean you’re a global company,” Stanton said.

Despite its evolving status, Medtronic is definitely a successful company with a revenue of more than $2 billion in 2009. The company creates devices and technologies to treat cardiac rhythm disorders, cardiovascular diseases, spinal conditions, ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions, neurological disorders, urological and digestive disorders, and diabetes.

A patient is served every five seconds, said Stanton, because of Medtronic’s devices and technologies. “Patients are the reason we come to work,” he added. “Everyone’s work impacts patients.”

Stanton ended his presentation by sharing some of the lessons he learned about Japanese culture, life, and about doing business in his two years in Japan. In addition to learning about status, harmony, restaurant manners, and language, Stanton said he learned an important lesson about receiving a person’s business card or “meishi.” “In Japan, a business card is an extension of the person and shows their accomplishments,” Stanton said. “You must receive it, look it over carefully, and be careful not to shove it in your wallet or back pocket.”

His greatest learning experiences, he said, were seeing the changes in his children, in how they viewed themselves and their country from a difference perspective after living abroad, and how he grew as a leader because of his work in a difference culture.

This event was the hosted by the Office of Institutional Advance and Laura Roller, director of corporate and foundation giving. The Executive Speaker Series is designed to give the Augsburg community an opportunity to hear from some of the Twin Cities’ leading business executives and entrepreneurs.

The next event will be Thursday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. featuring Dr. Alex Cirillo, vice president for the 3M Foundation. Cirillo will speak on creating a culture of innovation in the workplace.

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Mark A. Eustis is president and CEO of Fairview Health Services. He has previously held administrative positions in health care in St. Louis and taught healthcare administration at Washington University.

Eustis has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota. He is active in national and local healthcare-related organizations and community non-profits.

Alexander J. Gonzalez ’90 is a senior financial advisor at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and is a member of the Stonebridge Group, a values-based team with a non-commissioned structure. He has received several awards in the financial industry for his service and expertise.

Gonzalez graduated from Augsburg in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration–marketing/economics. He currently is president of the board at La Oportunidad.

Eric J. Jolly has been president of the Science Museum of Minnesota since 2004, and led the museum through its centennial year in 2007. He is recognized nationally for his commitment to improving the achievement gap and education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Jolly earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in physics, from the University of Rhode Island. He has both master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology from the University of Oklahoma.

Gloria C. Lewis has been president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities since 2005, following more than 25 years of experience in public and non-profit administration, most recently as director of the Minnesota Department of Health’s Office of Minority and Multicultural Health.

Lewis has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hampton University and a master’s degree from Boston University.

Marshall S. Stanton, MD, is vice president for clinical research and general manager of the cardiac rhythm disease management business of Medtronic, Inc. His prior experience includes serving on the faculty at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine.

Stanton earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia. He was a fellow in cardiology and electrophysiology at Indiana University and a Mayo Scholar.

In addition, Anthony L. Genia Jr., MD ’85, was re-elected to a second four-year term on the board.

Appointed to three-year terms on the board, ex officio, are Bishop Craig E. Johnson (left), Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA, and Bishop Duane C. Pederson (right), Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA.

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