Enabling potential: Christina Dueperthal shares how Danaher’s connected ecosystem accelerated her career growth

Christina Dueperthal has always been drawn to challenges that test her limits. Work that requires urgency, adaptability and the confidence to move forward even when the path ahead isn’t fully defined. Whether it’s standing at the base of a mountain, uncertain if she’ll reach the top, or taking on a new leadership role across continents, she’s learned something fundamental about herself: she discovers her greatest strengths when the path ahead isn’t clear.

“Reaching the summit through your own effort feels incredibly rewarding,” she says.

It’s a philosophy that has shaped her seven‑year journey at Danaher—from HR Business Partner at Leica Microsystems to her current role as Global HR Director for R&D, Product Strategy and Innovation, Operations and Enabling Functions at Molecular Devices. Along the way, she’s used Danaher’s connected network of businesses to accelerate her career growth, moving through three Danaher businesses while earning multiple Danaher Business System (DBS) certifications and helping reshape how leaders view HR’s role in driving business impact.

For Christina, the climb has been worth every step.

An international vision from the start

Growing up in Germany, Christina always knew she wanted to work in an international environment. “From early on, I had a strong interest and talent for learning languages,” she says. During her time at university, she spent a year as an international student at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, followed by a four‑month internship at the HR Service Center of a global paper manufacturer.

“Both experiences greatly influenced and shaped my understanding of the kind of career I wanted to pursue,” she reflects.

When the opportunity at Leica Microsystems came in 2018, she was immediately drawn to the learning and growth possibilities. “I was particularly interested in working for Leica, a well‑established and respected company in the region where I lived,” she says. “I didn’t know then that Leica was part of a larger American group, but discovering this only increased my motivation—it opened up even more avenues for development and international exposure.”

HR as a strategic partner in life sciences

What sets Danaher apart, Christina discovered, is how HR is positioned within the organization.

“At Danaher, HR is not viewed as an administrative function, but as a respected and strategic business partner,” she explains. “We are empowered and enabled to directly impact business results, leadership effectiveness, employee engagement and many other critical outcomes.”

In her current role, Christina leads a team of HR professionals who support R&D, product strategy, operations and enabling functions—teams whose work underpins innovation across life sciences and diagnostics. Her days are a blend of hands‑on execution and strategic leadership, from reviewing KPIs like retention, associate engagement and hiring progress to addressing complex people challenges and maintaining strong global alignment across HR and leadership teams.

“I spend much of my time in discussions that ensure effective delivery of HR programs and initiatives, provide strategic partnership to the business and support my team,” she says.

But what motivates her most is the impact. “As an HR leader, it’s incredibly fulfilling to enable teams whose innovations directly improve and save lives. It gives meaning to every program we drive and every talent decision we support.”

Building a career through continuous improvement with the Danaher Business System

Christina’s growth at Danaher has been intentional and self‑driven.

“I have learned that at Danaher you can achieve anything—provided you actively enable yourself to do so,” she says. “My career growth didn’t happen by chance.”

She pursued challenges that allowed her to learn, volunteered to step in for others and continuously invested in her development by building new skills and seeking feedback.

“I regularly stepped outside my comfort zone by taking on new roles, which helped me grow in new areas, shape my professional profile, and increase the value I bring to the organization.”

Central to that development has been the Danaher Business System. Christina began by participating in trainings and kaizens. Today, she holds several DBS certifications and mentors other aspiring DBS experts.

“I have consistently focused on strengthening my DBS capabilities,” she explains. “This has not only supported my personal growth, but also helped shape my profile as an HR leader.”

Three businesses, endless opportunities for career growth

Christina’s career progression through three Danaher businesses—from HR Business Partner at Leica Microsystems, to HR Business Partner and HR Manager at Leica Biosystems, and now Global HR Director at Molecular Devices—was made possible through DanaherGo, a program that matches internal talent with opportunities across the portfolio.

When she was ready for her next step, but the opportunity wasn’t within her own operating company, DanaherGo gave her the chance to grow and challenge herself while remaining part of Danaher.

“In many ways, it felt like leaving for a new opportunity without really leaving at all,” she reflects.

“I genuinely felt I had a strong competitive advantage compared to external candidates because of my internal experience,” she says. “My familiarity with the core HR processes and programs enabled me to ramp up quickly and focus my energy on relationship‑building and immersing myself in the specifics of the new business.”

One aspect she valued most was the ability to maintain strong relationships with former colleagues while continuing to collaborate on cross‑business initiatives.

“No matter where you go within Danaher, you find the same core values, a consistent work style and mindset, and a unified approach to communication and leadership,” she says. “Company culture is a key factor for me when considering a new role, and having a clear understanding upfront made me feel much more confident in my decision.”

She also credits managers who made it safe to take risks.

“I never felt hesitant to put myself forward, because I knew I wouldn’t be valued any less if something didn’t work out,” she says. “They were happy to have me on their teams, and just as happy to see me take chances and grow.”

Recognition that matters

Among Christina’s most memorable moments at Danaher are the times when her work and dedication were genuinely recognized.

“I especially remember the moments when leaders told me that the way I work and show up has reshaped their perspective on HR, as well as when team members looked up to me as a role model and deeply appreciated the impact I had on their growth and development,” she shares.

“I love enabling others to bring out the best in themselves and fully realize their potential—because I remember how important that has always been for my own career development.”

A perfect cultural fit for continuous improvement

Christina’s personality aligns naturally with Danaher’s culture of continuous improvement.

“I am highly driven and ambitious,” she says. “I am not someone who settles for the status quo or feels comfortable with ‘good enough’—I need to be in an environment that values continuous improvement.”

She thrives in challenging, fast‑paced environments, enjoys navigating ambiguity and stays solution‑oriented.

“Everything Danaher values in associate mindset and performance aligns perfectly with how I like to work.”

Life beyond work

Outside the office, Christina’s passions reflect the same curiosity and drive that fuel her career. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their two cats, baking and cooking to bring people together over good food and meaningful conversations.

Traveling is another passion, as is hiking—a metaphor that has become deeply personal.

One memorable example is Sächsische Schweiz, where the terrain is steep, narrow and deceptively challenging.

“The ascents there demand focus and patience; progress isn’t fast, and there are moments when the path ahead isn’t immediately visible,” she says. “But with steady effort and trust in the route, you eventually emerge onto a plateau with sweeping views that make every difficult step worthwhile.”

Climbing higher

Looking ahead, Christina is motivated to continue growing within Danaher.

“For my next step, I’m aiming either for a lateral move back into a larger business with broader responsibilities or an entry‑level VP role,” she shares. “Most importantly, I want to ensure that I continue taking on roles that challenge me and support my ongoing growth and development.”

For those considering Danaher, her advice is clear.

“Be prepared for a fast‑paced, highly dynamic environment with high expectations. To be successful here, you need to work hard, deliver high‑quality results, and consistently bring your best. But if you’re someone who thrives on learning, enjoys taking on tough challenges, and values a strong, aligned culture, you will find Danaher to be an incredibly rewarding place to grow your career.”

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FAQ: careers in HR, life sciences, and diagnostics