FiNiFuchs asks
In conversation with Charlotte from Mercado Medic about her passion for rehabilitation technology, personal paths and a look at aids that really make children's everyday lives easier.
"When something works
and helps people,
it is for me
fundamentally right."
1. who are you?
Please introduce yourself briefly: Who are you - beyond your title and function?
I'm Charlotte, Dutch and I've been in Germany for almost 18 years, so I'm already a bit German. The reason I moved to Germany was my husband and he still is. We now have two children (12 and 10, girl and boy) and two months ago we got a cat called Eva. I love my family, my friends, my job and music, I love singing under the name Charlotte la Die.
How did you get into the world of children's aids?
After studying occupational therapy at the University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam, I actually wanted to work in pain therapy or hand therapy. I was often told that if it had been a new position, they would have taken me on, but for a three-month maternity cover they wanted someone with experience. That's why I couldn't find a job in this field at the time.
I then applied to a medical supply store in Amsterdam, Welzorg. I got to know rehabilitation technology there and haven't left since. I love this area. Today, I can't even imagine that I was so skeptical about it at the beginning.
Was there a moment or a person that had a particular impact on you?
I think there are always several moments in life that shape you or steer you in a certain direction. I was bullied and later loved (probably also because of singing), so I've experienced everything. Somehow I am even grateful today for the way my life has turned out. And I'm also grateful that I was "pushed" into sales by a boss. I found my greatest passion in the combination of occupational therapy and sales.
What often surprises people when they get to know you better?
That I can also be in a bad mood 😉
2. your path & your motivation
Why do you do what you do?
I love rehabilitation technology because it helps people. It challenges me. And I like this "game": earning money for the owner, causing as few costs as possible for the cost bearers and still making the person, who for me is the most important person in this whole system, happy.
What specifically motivates you to develop products for children with disabilities on a day-to-day basis?
The child. The person. And ultimately their happiness.
What values guide you in your work?
That everyone should be allowed to be who they are. And that everyone should value themselves and others just as they are.
Were there also moments when you doubted - and why did you stay?
In Germany or in rehabilitation technology? 😉
I stay because I'm a loyal person. Because I'm always looking for ways to make things better. And because I somehow always manage to scrape out the positives.
3. behind the scenes of development
How do you develop a new aid - from the initial idea to the finished product?
The ideas come from our knowledge of the market and from close contact with customers/parents and therapists. Our sales team collects these experiences and needs from everyday life and incorporates them into new ideas. The actual development then takes place at our team in Sweden.
Who is involved in this process?
Primarily product development, but of course also sales, therapists and users, who contribute their experience and needs.
What do you attach particular importance to in development and production?
Functionality, durability and sustainability. It is also important to us that production takes place in Europe.
Which materials or technologies do you use - and why these in particular?
We make sure that we use materials that are as sustainable as possible and that the products can be easily recycled later on.
Is there anything that would surprise parents if they could see how your products are made?
Perhaps that there is still a lot of manual work involved. The production is Swedish and transparent, there are no hidden production sites. I'm currently working on creating videos to show all of this. So be sure to follow our Instagram channel!
What is particularly sensitive or challenging about aids for children?
Ultimately, the same applies to all people: they should feel comfortable and be able to do what they want to do with the aid. With products for children, it is also important that they can grow with them.
Briefly asked:
Perfection or humanity?
Humanity!
Technology or suitability for everyday use?
Suitability for everyday use!
Safety or courage?
Courage!
Gut feeling or plan?
Gut feeling!
Rest or speed?
Speed with rest phases!
Tinkering or listening?
Listen!
4. your team & your philosophy
What makes your team special?
We fit together well and also have very good personal contact.
How do you work together - is it more creative and chaotic or structured and technical?
Well ... ask the others 😉
Sometimes like this, sometimes like that.
What is particularly important to you when dealing with your colleagues?
Respect and appreciation.
What do you sometimes laugh about in everyday life?
About lots of things. Laughter is the best thing for work.
5. personal view
Do you have a favorite tool from your product world? Why this one in particular?
Not exactly a favorite tool. But I am very proud of the fact that my husband and I developed the folding footrest system for our power wheelchairs, for example. For children, I think our REAL 9000 PLUS Kind is just great.
Do you remember a family or a child for whom this aid has made a difference?
Definitely. I remember a lot of situations and that fills my heart with joy every time.
Is there a tool that you would like to develop because it is missing or could be even better?
Yes, there are always ideas. But we are already doing very well with what is currently available and there are also many great products on the market.
When you think about the families who use your products: What do you wish them?
Independence and happiness, and as an occupational therapist, independence also means being able to ask for help.
6. looking ahead & conclusion
How do you see the future of pediatric aids?
I think that the rehab industry is relatively stable despite all the chaos in the world. Of course, there are always ripples, but I hope they will be limited. Unfortunately, I can't predict that.
Which developments or trends do you find useful - and which are more critical?
I think it's good when experiences are collected and pooled so that individual cases no longer remain individual cases and we can learn from them. At the same time, I know from my multicultural life and my work experience that there are different opinions on certain topics in every country, every region and even in every family or practice. As long as something works and helps people, it is basically right for me.
What urgently needs to change in the provision of medical aids?
The bureaucracy. But that sometimes seems like utopia. Perhaps at least shorter waiting times.
Thank you very much, dear Charlotte,
for your honest insights,
your openness and your
personal story -
and for your passion,
with which you work every day
for children and their opportunities.
🧡