Member Experience Shared By Jessica Ballinger, CEO Roundtable member and former biotech CEO

When Jessica stepped into the CEO seat, she knew she wanted a support system that could meet her where she was: in the arena, making the big calls, with people counting on her. She found it at CEO Roundtable.

With decades of experience in biotech, including time at Pfizer, Biogen, and her most recent CEO role, Jessica has led teams through FDA approvals, built strong company cultures, and guided companies through high-stakes growth. But when her former company underwent unexpected changes in leadership and investment strategy, Jessica faced one of the hardest chapters of her career.

“I needed a place to process. A place to be real. And I found that here.”

What stood out to Jessica was the depth of connection. “Everyone leans in. We come from different sectors, but we’re all facing real, complex challenges. There’s no posturing—just peers who show up for one another.”

For her, it wasn’t about another Zoom group. In-person connection was key. “We survived COVID as a company because of the relationships. Virtual work made everything transactional. I wanted to build real bonds—and this group matched that value.”

Jessica’s experience is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the right people to help you find them.

“This group helped me stay out of a dark place. They reminded me I was capable, at a time when I was questioning everything. You can’t put a price on that.”

Today, Jessica is charting a new path. And she carries the grounding, trust, and camaraderie of her peer group with her wherever she goes.