Kathleen Staten is a transformational leader who thrives on turning potential into progress. With 15 years of experience in EdTech, SaaS, and nonprofit leadership, she specializes in strategic planning, omnichannel marketing, and organizational growth. She taught for six years in Pre-K through 12th grades, and also designed and led educational programs in both online and in-person settings. Kathleen holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Music, a unique combination that fuels her ability to think strategically while understanding the power of creativity and education.
Share your background with us.
Kathleen Staten: I began my career with 15 years as an oboe soloist and orchestra member, performing across North America and Europe. The discipline, collaboration, and precision I developed on stage now shape my approach to leadership and strategy. I have built a diverse career in Education, EdTEch, and consulting projects for mission-driven organizations. My work includes strategic planning, market positioning, operational improvements, and brand development. I consult with startups, scale educational programs, and guide organizational transformations. Much like playing in an orchestra, my work requires listening closely, blending strengths, and contributing to a unified result that’s greater than any one part.
You have a unique background that blends music and business. How has your Bachelor of Music influenced your approach to strategy and leadership?
Kathleen Staten: My music background taught me how to listen deeply, adapt in real time, and contribute my best to a shared vision. These skills translate directly into strategy and leadership. On stage, you balance personal mastery with the needs of the ensemble; in business, you balance individual expertise with the goals of the organization. Music gave me creativity, intuition, and presence. Business sharpened my analytical thinking, planning, and execution. Together, they let me bring structure to creative work and fresh thinking to analytical challenges, creating solutions that are both imaginative and grounded.
With over 15 years of experience in strategy and growth, what common mistakes do you see startups and mission-driven organizations make early on?
Kathleen Staten: Passion and purpose are powerful, but without a plan, they rarely translate into long-term success. I see many founders launch with a mission they deeply believe in, but they underestimate the challenge of building the right infrastructure to support it. Scaling is difficult. Too often, organizations patch together solutions that don’t integrate well, but they lack the bandwidth or budget for enterprise-level tools.
Another frequent blind spot is skipping thorough market analysis and iteration. Just because you have a great idea that you care deeply about doesn’t mean the market is ready for it—or that your first version will stick. The strongest mission-driven businesses test, learn, and refine relentlessly, pairing heart with strategy so their purpose doesn’t just inspire people, it creates real impact and sustainable growth.
What role does leadership development play in sustainable business growth?
Kathleen Staten: Leadership is often misunderstood. We mistake it for management, or we expect the leader to single-handedly carry the weight of moving a company forward. But sustainable growth requires something different; a kind of leadership that holds complexity, creates clarity, and keeps the work in motion without forcing it.
I keep watching smart, well-meaning teams get stuck, especially in highly collaborative environments. Everyone wants shared ownership. Equal voice. A flattened hierarchy. What’s missing isn’t more process. It’s a certain kind of leader. Not someone who takes over. Not someone who fades into the group. Someone who senses where momentum is slipping, knows which voices need more weight and which ones don’t, and can hold tension long enough for the best ideas to emerge.
Leadership development, then, isn’t about creating managers or heroes. It’s about growing leaders who can see the system they’re in, stay steady amid uncertainty, and unlock progress that lasts. That’s the foundation of sustainable growth.
How do you measure meaningful growth in a way that aligns with a company’s mission and not just its revenue goals?
Kathleen Staten: Growth isn’t just about what gets bigger: it’s about what gets better. For a mission-driven company, metrics like revenue and market share are important, but they’re not the whole picture. I look at indicators that show the mission is alive in the day-to-day: customer retention tied to values alignment, employee engagement around the mission, partnerships that extend impact, and tangible outcomes in the communities served. When you measure those alongside financials, you’re protecting the DNA of the company as it scales.
Marketing and demand generation are constantly evolving. What strategies are working right now for mission-driven brands that want to grow sustainably?
Kathleen Staten: Stay true to yourself and learn the art of storytelling. Then, be intentional about who is telling that story. Leverage your team and the people in your inner circle who are passionate about the cause: the ones who can speak from experience and credibility. Much like building a real estate business, growth comes from trusted relationships, warm introductions, and consistent follow-up. Pair that network-driven approach with clear, authentic messaging, and you create a demand engine that’s both sustainable and mission-aligned.
How is the path of a mission-driven brand different?
Kathleen Staten: A mission-driven brand is always managing a dual bottom line: financial health and mission integrity. And, the two aren’t always on the same timeline! That can mean slower early growth, because you’re investing in relationships, credibility, and systems that protect the mission over the long term. It also changes decision-making: you’re weighing not only ROI but also impact alignment. The payoff is that when you do scale, your growth tends to be more resilient because it’s rooted in trust, loyalty, and clarity of purpose.
What advice do you have for women looking to lead or launch mission-driven businesses in today’s economic and social climate?
Kathleen Staten: Find women you admire and follow them on LinkedIn to learn what they’re about. The best technique I learned during my MBA was to ask for just 15 minutes of their time. People are flattered when you tell them you admire and respect their work, and 15 minutes feels like an easy yes. Over time, those short conversations can build a powerful network of support, insight, and influence. I’m always up for 15 minutes and being inspired by someone trying to build something meaningful.
Where can our readers find and support you?
Kathleen Staten: You can find me at www.yourmbafriend.com or connect with me on LinkedIn, where I share insights on strategy, leadership, and mission-driven growth. If my work resonates, the best way to support me is to share it with someone who might benefit, whether that’s a founder in need of a sounding board, a team looking for clarity, or an organization ready to grow with purpose.
