The Halma Catalyst experience: Rafe Dickie reflects on his rotation with Keeler
The Halma Catalyst programme offers graduates a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across Halma’s global group of companies. During his nine-month rotation with Keeler in Windsor, UK, Rafe Dickie contributed to key projects, collaborated closely with teams, and developed valuable insights into the medtech industry.
In this interview, Rafe reflects on his time at Keeler, the lessons he’s learned, and what being a Catalyst has meant for his career journey, as he goes into his second rotation as part of the program.
1. How has the Halma Catalyst Programme helped you understand what kind of leader you want to be?
I’ve taken inspiration from many of the leaders at Keeler and their individual styles. What really stood out to me is how much Keeler celebrates authenticity. You see very different personalities in leadership positions, and it shows that anyone can lead effectively by staying true to who they are.
For me, I’m still at the start of my leadership journey, but I now have role models I aspire to. As I move into my next placement, I’ll carry forward the importance of staying curious, being open to asking for help, and recognising that you don’t need to have all the answers. I’ve looked up to leaders here who create the space and celebrate others to bring their expertise.
2. What skills have you developed that you didn’t expect to?
For starters, I’ve really learned the value of listening. Being exposed to so many knowledgeable and critical thinkers has shown me how important it is to listen, whether that’s understanding customer requirements for product improvements or listening to the voice of business to fully grasp what matters most across different teams.
I’ve also developed much stronger influencing and stakeholder management skills. I was frequently working with teams across departments, each with their own priorities. Learning how to bring people on the journey, listen to their concerns, and find common ground was a big learning curve, but one that’s been hugely valuable.
3. In what ways do you think your work has made a measurable impact on the company you were placed with?
The main focus of my project was to streamline Keeler’s product portfolio, allowing us to focus on maximising the reach of our most up-to-date and innovative products. It was a great exercise in shedding products that no longer serve our customers and ensuring our resources are directed where they can have the biggest impact.
I was also fortunate to engage directly with customers to propose and oversee improvements to our product range. It was great to hear first-hand how much they already value the product and to work on enhancements that will make it even better for them.
Additionally, partnering with Halma’s technical centre to increase the effectiveness of our customer service team has been really rewarding.
I do believe my work has made a meaningful contribution to Keeler, but I couldn’t have done it without the incredible ‘can do’ mentality and support from the team here.
4. Who has made the biggest impression on you during your placements, and why?
I have lost count of the number of times that Andrew Ridge (Global Operations Strategist) has blown my mind. He is genuinely one of the most incredible thinkers I’ve met, and I’m grateful for the time he gave me. His resourceful and innovative approach to problem-solving is inspiring and he constantly challenged me to about the true value-add of my work.
Andrew really helped me appreciate decision-making at both the strategic and granular levels, and how they connect — something that has shaped how I approach projects now. The way he balances big-picture thinking with attention to detail has had an impression on me.
5. What has surprised you most about working within the Catalyst Programme so far?
Everyone here is so supportive and caring. Not just in Keeler but throughout Halma! Given everyone is united by such a purpose, people want you to succeed – and they will help you. People are generous with their time and anyone is happy to talk with you. I have had so much fun and it really feels like being in a big family.
There are also so many extra opportunities to challenge yourself through stretch projects. You’re constantly encouraged to step outside your comfort zone, whether that’s presenting to senior leaders, driving a project you’ve never done before, or picking up new skills quickly. It’s surprised me how much trust and responsibility you’re given so early on. That balance has helped me grow both professionally and personally much faster than I expected.
6. What personal values align most closely with Halma’s mission? How do they shape the way you work?
One of my personal values that aligns closely with Halma’s mission is to have positive impact; doing work that genuinely improves people’s lives. That’s something I’ve always wanted in my career: not just to be part of a business, but to contribute to something with a meaningful purpose. Halma’s focus on making the world safer, cleaner, and healthier really resonates with that. At Keeler, we have a global purpose to stop preventable blindness. Knowing our products are used to do this is rewarding. As a result, work in a Halma company is fulfilling – it’s great to know that you’re united with your colleagues by this purpose.
7. Lastly, if your time at Keeler were a movie, what would the title be?
My first rotation in the Catalyst programme could be described as “Inception” because I was able to dive multiple layers deep into Keeler, making it quite the action-packed adventure. The projects I worked on were cross-functional but all interconnected somehow.
But for me, the spinning top doesn’t symbolise being lost between dream and reality. Instead, it reflects how working at Keeler has felt like being in a wonderful “dream” – one where you have the freedom to explore, choose your own adventure, follow your curiosity, and build projects that truly make an impact.
It’s a business that trusts you to take ownership and welcomes new ideas. You get to collaborate with brilliant people who guide you, but ultimately, you have the freedom to create your own path and that has been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience at Keeler and throughout the Catalyst Programme.