Women of Influence: Teri Sirset Shares Her Journey and Insights

Teri Sirset, CEO and founder of DASI Simulations, has been named a Woman of Influence in the Entrepreneur category by Columbus Business First. As a leader in the medical technology industry, Teri has not only built a successful company but also inspired a new generation of female leaders with her bold vision and unwavering commitment.

In her own words, Teri offers valuable advice to future female leaders: “Believe in your vision and your right to lead. Don’t be afraid to break norms – your unique voice is an asset. Seek out mentors who empower you, and uplift other women as you rise. Lead with strength, but also with grace and empathy. Embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and celebrate your successes. Remember, the world needs your perspective – be bold and pave the way for the future generation of female leaders.”

Teri's Leadership Style

Teri’s leadership style reflects her emphasis on collaboration and empowerment. “I champion a collaborative approach, valuing team ideas and open communication to unlock potential. I empower individuals by delegating tasks aligned with strengths, fostering growth. While setting clear goals and driving results, I maintain an approachable and fair demeanor, ensuring a supportive environment for everyone’s success.”

Teri's Journey

However, Teri’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She candidly shares her experience with imposter syndrome, especially when starting DASI Simulations in the male-dominated med-tech field. “When I first started DASI, imposter syndrome roared. Med-tech is a male-dominated field, and fundraising felt even more so. Surrounded by men, I constantly questioned my ability to keep up and fight the entrenched norms. But I knew I had to challenge those thoughts.”

By reframing her self-doubt as strong leadership and recognizing the unique value she brought to the table, Teri overcame these challenges. “Double standards wouldn’t hold me back – I focused on the unique value I brought to DASI and the results I could achieve. Seeing fewer female CEOs wasn’t discouraging – it was inspiring. Their success paved the way for mine. By acknowledging these challenges and playing to my strengths, I silenced the inner critic. DASI is thriving, and I’m proud of the innovative solutions we’re bringing to med-tech.”

Teri Sirset’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and inspiration. As she continues to lead DASI Simulations to new heights, her words and actions pave the way for future generations of women in leadership.