For Oliver Crespo, the transition from PhD immunologist to Innovation DBS Leader wasn’t just a career pivot—it was the discovery that scientific thinking and continuous improvement are fundamentally the same. With over seven years at Danaher, Oliver has evolved from building innovation frameworks at Cepheid to coaching life sciences platform leaders across the enterprise. His story reveals how curiosity, data-driven decision-making and systematic problem-solving can transform both careers and organizations.
A scientist’s unexpected journey
Oliver’s path to Danaher began with a recruiter’s call in 2018. “I wasn’t looking for a new role, and honestly, I had never heard of Danaher before,” he admits. What caught his attention wasn’t the company name—it was the challenge at Cepheid (a Danaher business).
“Cepheid had too many good technological ideas but no way of sorting or prioritizing them,” Oliver explains. “They offered me a blank slate to organize, score and sort the innovation funnel from scratch.” For a scientist trained to bring order to complex systems, the challenge was irresistible.
That framework he built? It eventually became part of Danaher’s Technology Development Process (TDP)—a testament to how individual contributions can scale across the enterprise.
From OpCo innovator to enterprise coach
Oliver’s transition from Cepheid to the Danaher Business System Office (DBSO) came through his work with artificial intelligence and data science partnerships. “My team was partnering with startups globally to do short proof-of-concept projects demonstrating how machine learning could generate value,” he shares.
This work introduced him to Strategy Partner Grow (SPG), one of Danaher’s DBS tools. “I almost immediately fell in love with it—it made defining objectives, writing agreements, and managing partnerships easier and faster.”
Today, as Innovation DBS Leader for Danaher, focused on life sciences, Oliver’s world has expanded far beyond any single OpCo. “At Cepheid, my focus was delivering growth for one business,” he explains. “In the DBSO, I still have the same KPIs, but I achieve impact by influencing, coaching and asking questions across our life sciences businesses.”
DBS and scientific thinking: a natural partnership
For scientists considering Danaher, Oliver explains the connection between research methodology and the Danaher Business System:
- Both start with a hypothesis or problem definition
- Both require systematic data gathering (lab experiments vs. gemba evidence)
- Both analyze results to prove or disprove assumptions
- Both implement solutions and monitor for sustainability
- Both embrace having assumptions challenged by new evidence
This alignment makes Danaher’s process-focused culture a natural fit for scientific minds.
The science behind systematic improvement
For Oliver, the connection between the scientific method and DBS is crystal clear. “DBS is not any different than following the principles of the scientific method,” he explains. “It starts with a hypothesis, then designing experiments to gather data. Instead of lab experimentation, DBS gathers data through gemba evidence—going where the action happens to observe and learn.”
The parallel extends deeper: “Just like a scientist should always be open to new data and having their assumptions challenged, DBS tools help teams think through problems without jumping to conclusions.”
Innovation as a process, not inspiration
One misconception Oliver frequently encounters is that process-oriented systems stifle creativity. “Contrary to popular belief, innovation is actually a process,” he says. “It doesn’t come from divine inspiration or genius alone—it’s the product of thoughtful problem solving, purposeful decision making and smart risk taking.”
His approach is pragmatic: “Growth and innovation not only can be planned but MUST be planned. Otherwise, it results in a wasteful way of getting to new ideas and products.”
AI: The right tool for the right problem
As a self-described “AI and digital innovation nerd,” Oliver brings perspective to Danaher’s technology strategy. “AI is just another tool,” he emphasizes. “Like any tool, it’s not the tool that makes the difference, but the thoughtful application of it and when it can help solve the right problem.”
He sees broad applications for AI across Danaher: “From decreasing costs through predictive maintenance to improving quality in manufacturing, increasing marketing forecasting accuracy, and aiding R&D in target discovery—AI has the potential to decrease muda (waste) and improve operational efficiency across every function.”
A day in the DBSO
Oliver’s typical day reflects the coaching nature of his role. “When I’m not facilitating a Kaizen event, I spend time in meetings brainstorming and acting as a thought partner for leaders across our life sciences businesses” he explains.
“A large part of my role is asking questions and actively listening to understand what’s important to our businesses and what problems they’re trying to solve. In good PSP fashion, I focus on understanding the problem before recommending specific tools or frameworks.”
“DBS is not any different than following the principles of the scientific method. Just like a scientist should always be open to new data and having their assumptions challenged, DBS tools help teams think through problems without jumping to conclusions.”
Oliver Crespo
Sr. Director DBSO, Innovation
Memorable moments and meaningful impact
Oliver’s most memorable experience came during the COVID-19 pandemic while at Cepheid. “Being part of the first company in the world to launch a molecular diagnostic test for SARS-CoV2 was unforgettable,” he reflects. “What made me especially proud was how Cepheid priced that test ethically—on par with other respiratory PCR tests—because we all understood the severity of the pandemic.”
The Danaher difference
When Oliver describes what sets Danaher apart, he points to fundamentals: “Great scientific talent, getting to work with the greatest minds in each industry, the data-driven continuous improvement culture, and intellectual honesty from our managers,” he says.
For scientists considering Danaher, his advice is direct: “Be curious, stay open-minded and ready for your assumptions to be challenged. Listen before talking, seek to understand before being understood, and look for data before jumping to conclusions. Danaher is a place where you can grow in ways you never imagined.”
Personal transformation through systematic thinking
Oliver’s commitment to data-driven improvement extends beyond work. Recently losing 70 pounds, he applied DBS principles to his personal health journey. “I kept a bowler at home to track my weight loss and goals,” he shares. “After all, you can’t change what you can’t measure.”
Life beyond the lab
Outside work, Oliver embraces learning new skills. “I enjoy traveling, cooking and recently started taking dance lessons,” he says. “I’m a solid intermediate West Coast Swing dancer and dance socially a couple times a week.”
His career achievements include reaching VP level at Cepheid before age 40, but what brings him the most pride is seeing team members grow. “The biggest achievement for me as a manager was seeing my team members develop new skills, outgrow my team and expand their impact by taking new roles.”
Looking ahead
Oliver’s future is filled with possibilities. “I wouldn’t be opposed to leading a larger team in the future,” he says. “With my DBS and AI knowledge, as well as my scientific, medical and business background, I can help teams achieve their innovation goals faster and more efficiently.”
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