Leading with empathy: Jessica Fletcher’s leadership journey at Pall 

For Jessica Fletcher, growth has never come from playing it safe. Over 14 years at Pall (a Danaher life sciences business), she’s built a career on embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and turning IT from a support function into a strategic partner. As Director of Client Technologies, she leads a global team of 50 IT professionals across 23 countries—but her impact extends far beyond technology. It’s about people, trust and the willingness to step up when it matters most. 

Finding challenge and opportunity at Pall

When Jessica joined Pall in 2011, she didn’t know much about Danaher. She was working as an IT analyst at a large architectural firm—a good company, but one where she felt unchallenged. “I found myself eager for something more dynamic,” she says. 

Earlier in her career, Jessica had supported IT in a manufacturing environment, which she loved for its complexity and constant problem-solving. When she saw the opportunity at Pall, she knew it would combine two things she was looking for: a return to manufacturing IT and a path to grow her skills and career. 

“Ultimately, what attracted me most was the chance for growth, opportunity and challenge,” she says. “I have absolutely found all three here.”

Leading a global team with intention

Today, Jessica leads IT professionals supporting approximately 5,000 Pall associates across 49 sites worldwide. Her team handles end-user support, configuration management, service desk solutions and major incident management—all with a focus on improving the customer experience. 

“Every one of those 5,000 associates is our customer,” she explains. “I work to make sure IT is seen as a partner that enables the business, not a cost or a barrier.” 

Her leadership style balances high expectations with empathy. “I’m action-oriented and direct, but I balance that with being patient, empathetic and flexible,” she says. “I set high expectations and believe in accountability and trust, both for myself and my team.” 

Jessica describes her day-to-day work as “fitting puzzle pieces together”—deciding what the “critical few” priorities are, what truly needs her involvement, what can be delegated and what doesn’t require action at all. A large part of her role involves mentoring and coaching her direct reports, while also building trust with stakeholders through escalation calls and quick but meaningful conversations. 

Growth through adversity

Some of Jessica’s most memorable moments at Pall came during periods of intense change. In her first few years, all of IT leadership turned over, Pall was acquired by Danaher and the company completed a full transformation of its DeLand (Florida) plant while consolidating manufacturing from across the U.S. 

“It was an intense period, but it gave me the chance to step up and lead some very big projects early in my career, which shaped a lot of who I am as a leader,” she reflects. 

One piece of advice has particularly stuck with her. A few years back, a Danaher leader told her, “We learn from face plants, not unbridled success and safety nets.” 

“I carry that lesson with me today, and I use it in mentoring others,” Jessica says. “The most memorable moments aren’t just about my successes but about the challenges that pushed me to grow and gave me experiences I can now share to help others develop.”

Supported by mentorship and development

Danaher and Pall have supported Jessica’s career progression in multiple ways. Early on, an IT manager who wasn’t even her direct supervisor noticed her potential and gave her opportunities when her own manager was more cautious. 

“That belief in me and willingness to provide opportunities gave me the confidence and exposure I needed to keep pushing forward,” she says. 

Since then, she’s had regular career conversations with her leaders, participated in development programs, and completed Danaher’s Management Leadership Program (MLP). 

“MLP was an intensive experience that broadened my view of how the business runs,” she explains. “It also gave me a strong peer group across Danaher—cohorts from other operating companies—which has been invaluable for sharing ideas and perspectives.” 

From mentee to mentor 

One of Jessica’s most meaningful career achievements has been the transition from mentee to mentor. “Over time, I reached a point where associates from other business functions started reaching out and asking if I would mentor them,” she shares. “That was incredibly meaningful, because it showed that the guidance and support I had once received was now something I could give back and pay forward.” 

A proud moment came when a lower-level associate Jessica guided early in their career eventually became a senior manager leading a global team and earned one of the company’s distinguished recognition awards. “Today, we collaborate as peers and share ideas, which makes seeing that growth even more rewarding,” she reflects. 

Through mentoring, Jessica has also deepened her own leadership. “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating space for people to figure things out for themselves,” she says. “I learn just as much from my mentees as they do from me.” 

Advice for women in STEM

As a woman in the male-dominated IT field, Jessica has navigated unique challenges. Her advice to women starting STEM careers is clear: “Advocate for yourself and don’t underestimate the value you bring. It’s normal to feel unprepared, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t capable. Start as early as you can, seek out mentors and trust that your perspective makes a real difference.” 

She also values being able to bring her authentic self to work. “As a woman in tech and in a same-sex relationship, I’ve always felt supported and respected,” she says. “It’s a place that lets me focus on doing my best work instead of proving who I am.” 

Making an impact that matters

Jessica is particularly proud of Pall’s impact during COVID. “I always say we are the largest company that everyone has likely been touched or impacted by, but they’ve never heard the name Pall or Danaher,” she says. 

“The combination of meaningful work, the impact we make in the world, and the people I work with—the relationships, the trust and the collaboration I’ve built here—are what make the work rewarding,” she explains. 

Why join Danaher?

For those considering a career at Danaher, Jessica’s message is simple: “Danaher offers tremendous growth and opportunity. If you’re someone who thrives on challenges, this is the place to be. You’ll be stretched, but you’ll also be supported, and the experience will help you grow both personally and professionally.”

Life beyond IT

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys anything that gets her outdoors—hiking, running, biking, camping, paddleboarding and exploring new places. She also loves checking out local restaurants, coffee shops and breweries, preferably with her Labrador, Grace, by her side.

As for what’s next? “I see my future here, taking on bigger challenges, continuing to grow, and making an impact on the business and our people,” she says. “Titles change, but what really matters to me is being here and making a difference.”

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