When Heather Weiss joined Intuitive more than a decade ago, she had no idea how transformative the journey would be—not just for her career, but for her sense of purpose. Over 11 years and across multiple roles, Heather has helped surgeons embrace robotic-assisted care, built thriving programs, and become a champion for inclusion through the PRIDE Employee Resource Group (ERG). Below, she reflects on how much she’s learned—about sales and herself—how being true to herself has made her better at her job, and the importance of courageous allyship.
This fall, you’re celebrating your 11th anniversary at Intuitive. Tell us about that journey.
Eleven years—it's wild to think about how much has changed. I started as a senior clinical sales representative in southern California, not knowing what I was getting into. I quickly realized this isn’t about pushing product; it’s about being part of something that fundamentally changes how surgeons think about what’s possible.
Each move taught me something crucial. The specialty sales manager role in the Bay Area developing colorectal and thoracic markets taught me that the coolest technology means nothing if surgeons don’t trust you enough to let you help them master it. My three years on the capital side as an area sales manager gave me the business perspective I was missing—understanding the financial realities that make our clinical mission sustainable.
Now back on the clinical team as an executive clinical sales representative, I have the experience to influence adoption rates of robotic surgery. When I’m training surgeons or helping hospitals build programs, I'm watching someone realize they can offer their patients less pain, faster recovery, and better outcomes. That moment when a surgeon’s eyes light up because they see new possibilities—that’s what drives me.
What does it mean for you to be part of the PRIDE ERG?
Being part of PRIDE is deeply personal for me. As someone who’s LGBTQ+ and an ally to others in our community, I’ve seen firsthand how much it matters to have spaces where you can be completely yourself.
The ERG has shown me that being authentic isn’t just good for your mental health—it’s good for business. When I bring my whole self to work, I'm sharper, more creative, more connected. My unique perspective has made me more adept at reading rooms, building bridges, and solving problems in ways others might not think of. I want every person who joins this company to know their differences aren’t something to hide—they’re strengths to leverage.
Tell us more about how Intuitive has made you feel included.
The difference between my experience here and at my previous company is night and day. At my old job, I was living a double life—carefully editing pronouns, dodging questions about my personal life, performing this less sparkly, hollow version of myself. That performance was exhausting. You don’t realize how much mental energy you’re burning when you’re constantly filtering yourself until you don’t have to do it anymore.
When I joined Intuitive, I made a decision from day one that I was going to be myself. I was done living an unauthentic life. What happened had a profound impact on me as I built fulfilling connections with others, letting them know my true self. People were genuinely interested in getting to know me as a whole person.
Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been perfect. Bias exists everywhere, and I’ve had to develop thick skin. But the foundation here is solid. The company culture gives me resilience to handle those moments with confidence instead of fear.
Tell us about the PRIDE ERG—and why allyship plays a vital role in its impact.
The ERG isn't just for LGBTQ+ people—it's for anyone who wants to help create a workplace where everyone can do their best work. We're not asking people to become activists overnight. We're asking them to be curious, listen when someone shares their experience, and speak up when they see something that's not right.
Allyship is a critical part of this, and I don't think it's as complicated as people make it out to be—but it does require curiosity and courage. Most people want to be supportive, but they get paralyzed by fear of saying the wrong thing. So they say nothing, which doesn't help anyone.
It's not about big gestures—it's about small decisions you make every day. Do you interrupt when someone makes a joke that's not okay? Do you make sure diverse voices are heard in meetings? Do you check your assumptions?
I've learned that the best allies do their homework. They don't put the burden on LGBTQ+ people to educate them about everything. They read, listen, ask thoughtful questions. The goal isn't to be the perfect ally. The goal is to be the kind of person who makes this place better for everyone.
Tell us about your life outside of work and how you recharge.
My life outside of work is pretty simple, but it’s everything to me. My partner Tracey and our dogs (Gypsie and Ruby), my family, and friends are my foundation—they keep me grounded and remind me what actually matters. There’s nothing quite like coming home after an intense day and having them make you feel like you’re the most important person in the world.
Living in Marin County, Calif., we’re surrounded by incredible trails and open spaces. I’m big on hiking, cycling, and mountain biking—there’s something about being in nature that puts everything in perspective. We love hosting dinner parties too. Gathering people around a table with good food, cocktails, and real conversation is just magical.
Palm Springs is our escape valve. We have this little getaway place there, and it’s where we go to completely unplug. All of this—the nature, relationships, community, simple pleasures—makes me better at my job. I'm more patient, creative, and resilient. I show up as a fuller person because I have a life outside of work that fills me up.
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