Fiona O’Carroll talks about her working day and why you can’t have face-to-face time with your team.
For Fiona O’Carroll, frontline manager for manufacturing at Amgen ADL, the last 20 years of her career have been based on “saying yes to new roles, new challenges and opportunities that push you to grow.”
“I didn’t map out every step,” he told SiliconRepublic.com. “But I’ve always been open to change, and that’s what has made me the leader I have become.”
An avid traveler who loves exploring new cities and planning the next adventure, letting her natural curiosity manifest itself in the way she approaches work challenges, O’Carroll has found it easier to face uncertainty with “openness and a willingness to try something new.”
If that’s the case, can you describe a typical day at work?
I work in manufacturing, where no two days are the same. Each shift begins with a formal handover to review updates from the previous team and set expectations for the next 12 hours. I then connect with the shift maintenance manager and engineering support to align on planned setup, timing, and any live or potential issues, ensuring we are coordinated before relaying information to their respective teams.
After that, I lead a shift setup meeting with my team of 26 operators to walk through the daily production plan, assign responsibilities, and coordinate on key priorities. I also participate in daily leadership meetings to review performance metrics, address challenges, and ensure alignment on strategic goals. The rest of my day is spent supporting my team on the ground, troubleshooting, eliminating bottlenecks, and keeping production running smoothly. Being visible and active on the ground is an important part of my leadership.
What skills do you use on a daily basis?
Good communication and problem solving are key skills. Digital tools may dominate the modern workplace, but in manufacturing nothing beats face-to-face, personal interaction. Every day, I talk to people across teams and departments, adapting my style to suit different personalities and situations. It’s not always easy, but through on-the-job experience, I’ve sharpened my communication skills.
Troubleshooting is another important part of my role. When I moved from an operator to a manager, my perspective changed. I became the person other people go to for solutions. If something isn’t working, I work with the team to figure out why and work through the data.
What are the hardest parts of your work day and how do you deal with them?
The hardest part of my day can be managing unexpected issues while keeping production on track and supporting the team. No two shifts are alike, so it’s important to stay flexible and focused. I start each shift with a clear plan, but I’m also prepared to quickly adjust if priorities change. It helps to stay visible on the floor, that way I can respond immediately and support the team in real time.
‘There is more than one path to a successful career in biotech’
Working 12-hour shifts can be challenging, especially during busy periods, so I make sure to pace myself and take short breaks when needed. Over the years, I have developed a routine that helps me stay balanced and I schedule my vacations throughout the year to manage energy levels.
Do you have any productivity tips that will help you throughout the day?
I’m lucky that I don’t sit behind a desk all week and moving around the floor during a shift gives me a lot of energy. When I need to step away from the front lines, he said, I’ll go for a walk or chat with a colleague. I find that a short break acts as a mental reset and helps me think more clearly. I am also focusing on keeping my team motivated. It is important to be open and collaborative and to encourage colleagues to ask questions. Making sure everyone feels supported makes a huge difference to productivity levels.
What skills and tools are you using to communicate with your coworkers every day?
We use email and Teams, but I prefer real-time, face-to-face communication. It’s fast, clear and helps build trust. I spend most of my time on the floor, and I try to stay accessible. I regularly check in with my team members to make sure they have what they need. My coworkers also know they can come to me with questions or raise issues in advance. This open approach allows us to get ahead of any potential challenges.
How has this role changed as the field has grown and evolved?
Automation and data play a central role in modern manufacturing environments. Digital technology provides us with real-time information about how the line is running. It also means we are better equipped to solve problems faster and create efficiencies. At the same time, staying practical and connected to your team is still at the heart of work.
What work do you enjoy most?
I have been with Amgen for 10 years and during this time I have had many opportunities to learn and grow. I didn’t go to college, I went straight to work after school and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. It’s a reminder that there is more than one path to a successful career in biotech.
What I enjoy most is working on the ground level and being part of a team that is committed to making a difference for patients. Every day brings different challenges, small victories, and constant learning. I find it particularly beneficial to support new colleagues as they settle in. It reminds me of my own journey, and how much I’ve learned along the way.
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