Employee Spotlight: Kyle McBard

Kyle McBard | Senior ERP Systems Analyst | Joined Penumbra in 2015 

Q. What are your current responsibilities at Penumbra?

I wear a variety of hats, but my current responsibilities at Penumbra include leading the IT SAP technical team, which implements changes and ensures system health and happiness; and architecting integrated solutions between SAP and other applications.

Q. What aspects of your job do you enjoy most?

I love being able to work cross-functionally; every department/team has different projects, perspectives, and purposes, and I find it all fascinating. One of my favorite questions is “why?” and I feel very lucky to work in a place where people are invested in providing context and fostering understanding.

Q. If you did not pursue your current career, what do you see yourself doing professionally?

I’d probably be a physical therapist. I’ve been involved in team sports for many years as both a player and as a coach, and I’m continually impressed by the effectiveness of PT in injury prevention and recovery.

Q. Describe yourself at age 10. What career aspirations did you have at that age?

At age 10 I absolutely wanted to be a wildlife photographer; I suspect my parents still have multiple photo albums of the family pets from all my practice.

Q. What is your personal philosophy?

“Stay curious” – everyone knows something, no one knows everything, and there’s just so much to learn and explore.

Q. Before working at Penumbra, describe the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had.

In high school I was a theater technician. I mainly did sound design, but everyone on the crew helped with the big activities (loading in/out all the equipment, painting sets, hanging lights, etc.) so I also got to do a bit of everything.