Her Story
About Kate
Kate Leiby is a distinguished global executive leader with 26 years of experience at Donaldson Company, a global leader in filtration and sustainability solutions. Throughout her tenure, she has built a diverse leadership portfolio across operations, quality, supply chain, business transformation, power generation, sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, and regulatory affairs. Most recently, Kate transitioned into a global sustainability leadership role after serving four years as General Manager of Donaldson’s Power Generation business, where she led global teams, managed complex operations, drove strategic growth initiatives, and delivered measurable improvements in business performance. Her ability to connect operational excellence with long-term strategy has positioned her as a trusted leader in driving enterprise transformation.
With extensive experience leading global organizations, Kate is recognized for her ability to build high-performing teams, optimize processes, and develop innovative solutions that create lasting business value. Her expertise includes sustainability strategy, operational transformation, customer experience, quality management systems, and strategic planning. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a Six Sigma Green Belt certification from Normandale Community College. Kate’s contributions have been recognized through professional honors, including recognition for outstanding collaboration during a global supply chain reorganization initiative in 2017 and acknowledgment for strengthening the Donaldson brand through strategic leadership and organizational impact in 2020.
Beyond her executive responsibilities, Kate is deeply committed to developing future leaders and advancing opportunities for women in manufacturing. As Chair of the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation, she supports initiatives focused on building a skilled, diverse, and resilient manufacturing workforce where women can achieve, lead, and succeed. She also contributes to her community through volunteer efforts with organizations such as Special Olympics, Junior Achievement, and United Way. Kate credits her success to emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and empower others, servant leadership, and creating cultures where people choose to follow because they feel respected, supported, and inspired to achieve their full potential.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kate
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to understand people, apply emotional intelligence, and recognize and leverage the unique strengths of those around me. My leadership approach is rooted in servant leadership supporting others, developing talent, and empowering people to step into their own leadership potential. I believe the strongest teams are built through trust, respect, and genuine investment in others. My goal is to create a culture where people choose to follow because they feel valued, supported, and inspired by the impact of the leadership I provide, not because they are required to.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is not to wait until I feel completely ready before pursuing an opportunity. Growth comes from taking risks, sharing ideas before they are fully developed, and stepping into roles that challenge me beyond my comfort zone. Experience builds confidence, and each opportunity provides valuable lessons that shape future success. I have also learned the importance of prioritization—understanding the difference between the “glass balls” that cannot be dropped and the “rubber balls” that can be picked back up if they fall. Knowing where to focus time and energy is essential for effective leadership and long-term success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace opportunities that may not always seem glamorous, including taking on the roles that others may overlook. Those experiences build valuable knowledge, strengthen problem-solving skills, and provide a deeper understanding of the business. It is important to develop resilience, believe in yourself, and remain confident through challenges. Success requires the ability to weather difficult moments, stay committed to your goals, and continue moving forward even when obstacles arise.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is managing the complexity and workload of operating within a large organization with 57 manufacturing locations and 22 distribution centers. At the same time, there are significant opportunities for innovation and growth, particularly in sustainability as companies navigate evolving greenhouse gas regulations. The increasing demand for power generation driven by data centers and AI technologies also presents new opportunities to develop solutions that support future energy needs.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and authenticity are the values that guide me in both my professional and personal life. My leadership vision is centered on building meaningful relationships, fostering trust, and approaching challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset. I believe that strong connections and honest communication create the foundation for success, whether I am supporting my team, serving others, or nurturing relationships at home.
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