Leading with Heart: Katie Samuelson Of Growth Path Consulting On The Power of Authentic Women’s Leadership
An Interview With Pirie Jones Grossman
Leading authentically as a woman can have a profound and lasting impact on your leadership. It fosters trust and credibility, as teams are more likely to follow a leader who is grounded in genuine values and beliefs. This authenticity creates a culture where individuals feel safe to be themselves, strengthening mutual respect and alignment. It also brings emotional intelligence to the forefront — empathy, understanding, and strong interpersonal skills become foundational tools for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and supporting team members.
By modeling transparency and integrity, authentic leaders naturally boost morale and engagement, inspiring teams to stay motivated and connected to the organization’s mission. Women who lead authentically often promote inclusivity and champion diverse perspectives, helping to create innovative, collaborative environments. Finally, authenticity reinforces resilience and adaptability; when you lead from your core principles, you’re better equipped to guide others through change and uncertainty with clarity and conviction.
In today’s dynamic world, the concept of leadership is continuously evolving. While traditional leadership models have often been male dominated, there is a growing recognition of the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to these roles. This series aims to explore how women can become more effective leaders by authentically embracing their femininity and innate strengths, rather than conforming to traditional male leadership styles. In this series, we are talking to successful women leaders, coaches, authors, and experts who can provide insights and personal stories on how embracing their inherent feminine qualities has enhanced their leadership abilities. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing. Katie Samuelson.
Katie Samuelson is a strategic marketing executive with over 12 years of experience driving growth and innovation for mid-stage and high-growth B2B SaaS companies. She is the founder of Growth Path Consulting Group.
With deep expertise in demand generation, product marketing, and revenue strategy, Katie has successfully scaled businesses, built high-performing marketing teams, and led impactful go-to-market initiatives. As a seasoned VP of Marketing, she has played a key role in doubling revenue while overseeing both sales and marketing efforts.
She spearheaded the transition to a fully inbound-driven strategy at a leading SaaS company, enhancing growth and marketing efficiency. Katie has led product launches, rebranding initiatives, and high-impact marketing campaigns across a range of high-growth environments. Now, she advises and consults companies on marketing strategy and product marketing, helping them drive revenue, optimize go-to-market execution, and scale effectively. She holds a Master’s in Business & Change Management from Northwestern University and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Illinois.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about authentic, feminine leadership, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
There were many things that brought me into my career path, but one thing was that I was always interested in writing, business and considered myself a “creative.” My dad was a small business owner and was always curious about how and why businesses were successful, and that is a lot of what marketing is — understanding your customer, and creating strategies to build demand. I studied communications/marketing in college and then aligned myself with jobs and opportunities that catered to my interest.
After a couple of years on the marketing side, I ended up in product marketing and really loved it. I had the opportunity to step into a handful of marketing leadership roles, and here we are. I wouldn’t say that I knew I wanted to be in the tech space early on, I kind of stumbled into it. I loved innovation, problem solving and technology for how it evolves, and I’ve been lucky enough to build a great career.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
For the first time within the last year, I was interim leading sales in addition to my responsibility of leading marketing and business development. Stepping in in a larger capacity there is something I didn’t think I would be doing. I’ve traditionally stayed in my “marketing lane” and haven’t ever really considered myself a sales leader. If you would have told me even three years ago that I’d be leaning in on the sales side of the business, I would have laughed at you and said no way. I really enjoyed learning and understanding how my sales counterparts think and execute, and it was a great opportunity for me to get more hands-on experience.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
Growth Path Consulting distinguishes itself through a strategic, agile, and results-driven approach tailored to the unique needs of startups, small businesses, and mid-sized companies. By offering fractional CMO services, the firm provides top-tier marketing leadership without the full-time commitment, enabling clients to build robust marketing foundations, validate product-market fit, and accelerate sustainable growth efficiently.
I started Growth Path because I kept seeing the same problem over and over: incredible early-stage companies with strong products and talented teams — but no clear path to scale. They couldn’t afford a full-time CMO, yet they were expected to grow like they had one. I knew there had to be a better way.
So, I built the company I wish I had in those moments — a hands-on, no-fluff partner that brings strategic marketing leadership without the bloat. At Growth Path, we step in as a fractional CMO, helping teams figure out product-market fit, define their GTM playbook, and execute with precision. We don’t just advise — we build alongside you. Whether it’s tripling revenue at Slang.ai or helping a founder nail their first few hires, every engagement is about helping you scale smarter and faster. This isn’t theory — it’s execution from someone who’s been in the trenches.
You are a successful business leader. Which three-character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success?
As a business leader, I attribute my success to several character traits that have been instrumental in navigating challenges and achieving goals. The three most significant traits are resilience (or what I like to call grit), empathy, and adaptability.
1. Grit: Honestly, to me this is half the battle. Businesses, tech and startups can be unpredictable and filled with ups and downs. It can be easy to marinate in the low points, but ultimately those moments can sharpen your skill set. Whether it’s helping pivot a business to dealing with a competitive market or managing internal crises, having grit has helped me maintain focus and drive, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
2. Empathy: Empathy is essential for understanding and connecting with my team, customers and cross functional partners. By putting myself in others’ shoes, I can better comprehend their needs, motivations, and concerns. This understanding fosters stronger relationships, enhances communication, and builds trust. Empathy also allows me to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and heard, which is key to fostering collaboration and innovation.
3. Adaptability: In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business world, adaptability is vital. Being open to change, learning new skills, and adjusting strategies in response to evolving circumstances have been pivotal to my success. Whether it’s adopting new technologies, pivoting business models, or responding to market trends, my ability to adapt quickly ensures that I stay relevant and competitive. This flexibility has allowed me to seize new opportunities and navigate uncertainties effectively.
These three traits — resilience, empathy, and adaptability — have been instrumental in shaping my leadership approach and driving my success in the business world.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader? I’m curious to understand how these challenges have shaped your leadership.
Absolutely. These scenarios come up more often than you’d think. A few years ago, I was leading a project team at a tech company, working on the launch of a new product. We were under a tight deadline, and the team had been working tirelessly to meet our goals. As the launch date approached, it became clear that a critical component of the product was not functioning as expected. We had two choices: proceed with the launch as planned and risk potential customer dissatisfaction or delay the launch to address the issues but disappoint our stakeholders and miss our market window.
After discussing with my team, I realized that pushing forward with the flawed product could damage our reputation and erode customer trust in the long run. On the other hand, delaying the launch would not only frustrate our stakeholders but also demoralize the team who had put in so much effort. Ultimately, I decided to delay the launch, and had to meet with key executive stakeholders to highlight the risks of launching an imperfect product and the long-term benefits of delivering a quality product that meets customer expectations. This decision was not well-received initially; there was significant pushback, and I faced a lot of criticism.
However, I stood by my decision, believing that transparency and quality were paramount. We used the additional time to resolve the issues, and when we finally launched the product, it was well-received and performed successfully in the market. This challenge also shaped my leadership style by emphasizing the value of clear communication and the courage to make unpopular decisions when they align with core values and long-term goals.
Can you share a personal experience where embracing your unique leadership style, which might not align with traditional expectations, led to a significant positive impact in your organization or team?
Early in my career, I tried to lead the “right” way — buttoned-up, diplomatic, sticking to conventional playbooks. But it felt off. My natural style is direct, fast-moving, and highly collaborative. I care deeply about outcomes, not optics. For a while, I held that part of myself back, thinking it wasn’t “executive” enough.
That changed during a pivotal moment at one of the startups I was supporting. The go-to-market team was stuck — stuck in overthinking, stuck in long meetings, stuck waiting for perfect messaging before launching anything. I finally leaned into my instincts. I scrapped the drawn-out process, brought sales and marketing into one war-room-style sprint, and got a minimum viable campaign out the door in five days. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked — and it lit a fire. Pipeline jumped, confidence grew, and suddenly we had momentum.
That was the moment I realized my leadership style wasn’t a liability — it was an accelerator. Since then, I’ve led every engagement by being unapologetically real, decisive, and focused on progress over perfection. It’s not for everyone — but it works for the kinds of teams I love building with.
In your journey as a leader, how have you balanced demonstrating resilience, often seen as a masculine trait, with showing vulnerability, which is equally powerful, but typically feminine? Can you give an example where this balance created a meaningful difference?
Balancing resilience and vulnerability have been a defining part of my leadership journey. Resilience helps me stay grounded and provide stability during moments of uncertainty — it’s the steady force that keeps things moving forward. But I’ve learned that vulnerability is just as essential.
When I’m open with my team — about challenges, doubts, or even mistakes — it creates a space for authenticity, connection, and trust. The leaders I respect most have mastered this balance, and it’s something I strive to model every day.
One of the most pivotal moments where this balance was tested came during a major restructuring at our company — a time marked by layoffs and organizational change. It was incredibly difficult, both operationally and emotionally. I leaned into resilience by communicating a clear vision, taking decisive action, and maintaining a composed presence to guide the team forward.
At the same time, I made a conscious effort to show vulnerability — holding open forums, having honest one-on-one, and acknowledging the emotional toll it was taking on all of us, including myself. That combination of strength and openness helped preserve trust, keep the team aligned, and reinforce a culture rooted in transparency and empathy.
For me, effective leadership isn’t about conforming to traditional ideas of strength — it’s about integrating resilience and vulnerability to build something more enduring.
As a woman in leadership, how have you navigated and challenged gender stereotypes, especially in situations where traditional male-dominated approaches are the norm? What strategies have you employed to remain authentic to your style?
Navigating gender stereotypes in leadership — especially in traditionally male-dominated environments — has required a thoughtful balance of strategy and authenticity. Over time, I’ve developed approaches that not only help me succeed but also create space for others to lead in their own way.
One key strategy has been leading with confidence and competence. I show up prepared, speak with clarity, and make decisions with conviction. Consistently delivering strong results builds credibility and helps dismantle assumptions — proving that leadership isn’t defined by gender, but by impact.
Equally important has been building strong professional alliances. I’ve sought out mentors, allies, and sponsors who champion gender equity and offer honest guidance. I also make it a point to connect with other women in leadership and stay active in communities that foster support and shared learning.
These strategies have helped me challenge outdated norms while staying true to my leadership style. More than that, they’ve allowed me to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable culture — one where diverse leadership can thrive.
How do you utilize emotional intelligence and active listening to create an inclusive environment in your team or organization? Could you share a specific instance where these qualities particularly enhanced team dynamics or performance?”
Utilizing emotional intelligence and active listening has been essential to creating an inclusive and high-performing team environment. I make a conscious effort to manage my own emotions while staying attuned to the feelings of others — responding thoughtfully rather than reactively. Active listening plays a key role in this: I give team members my full attention, ask clarifying questions, and create space for open, honest communication. This approach builds trust, encourages diverse perspectives, and helps resolve conflict constructively.
One example of this came during a high-pressure project with tight deadlines. I noticed a typically engaged team member starting to withdraw. Instead of making assumptions, I scheduled a one-on-one and practiced active listening. They shared that they were overwhelmed and struggling with personal commitments. By empathizing with their situation and collaborating on a solution — redistributing workload and offering more flexibility — we improved both their engagement and overall team morale. That experience reinforced how emotional intelligence and listening aren’t just “soft skills” — they’re foundational to strong, inclusive leadership.
What role has mentorship played in developing your authentic leadership style, and how do you communicate authentically to inspire and empower both your mentors and mentees?
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping my authentic leadership style — and it’s a big reason I’ve gotten to where I am today. My mentors have helped me stay grounded in my values, while my mentees have pushed me to continually grow, evolve, and refine how I lead. That two-way exchange has been both humbling and energizing.
Through mentorship, I’ve gained diverse perspectives that have challenged me to think critically, embrace new ideas, and stay open to feedback. During challenging times, my mentors have been a steady source of encouragement, sharing their own experiences and reinforcing the importance of resilience. Their belief in me has helped me lead with greater confidence and clarity.
Equally, my relationships with mentees have reminded me that leadership is as much about listening and learning as it is about guiding. Authentic communication — being honest, empathetic, and transparent — has been the foundation for building meaningful connections. By embracing these lessons, I strive to lead with integrity, empower others, and foster a culture where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to do their best work.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways Leading Authentically As A Woman Will Affect Your Leadership”?
Leading authentically as a woman can have a profound and lasting impact on your leadership. It fosters trust and credibility, as teams are more likely to follow a leader who is grounded in genuine values and beliefs. This authenticity creates a culture where individuals feel safe to be themselves, strengthening mutual respect and alignment. It also brings emotional intelligence to the forefront — empathy, understanding, and strong interpersonal skills become foundational tools for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and supporting team members.
By modeling transparency and integrity, authentic leaders naturally boost morale and engagement, inspiring teams to stay motivated and connected to the organization’s mission. Women who lead authentically often promote inclusivity and champion diverse perspectives, helping to create innovative, collaborative environments. Finally, authenticity reinforces resilience and adaptability; when you lead from your core principles, you’re better equipped to guide others through change and uncertainty with clarity and conviction.
Are there potential pitfalls or challenges associated with being an empathetic leader? How can these be addressed?
Being an empathetic leader comes with its own set of challenges and potential pitfalls. While empathy is a powerful tool for building trust and fostering a supportive work environment, it’s important to be aware of and address the challenges that can arise. Two that come to mind are dealing with emotional overload and compromising objectivity.
Constantly absorbing and empathizing with team members’ emotions and challenges can lead to emotional burnout or overwhelm. This can make it difficult for leaders to maintain their own well-being and effectiveness. Excessive empathy might cloud a leader’s judgment, making it challenging to remain objective when addressing performance issues or making strategic decisions.
To address these, I try to set great boundaries by taking the time for self-care, and seeking support when needed. Regularly scheduling time for personal reflection and mental health breaks can help manage emotional stress and has been a gamechanger for me.
I’ve also learned how to develop a couple of decision-making frameworks that have been huge for me when I’m struggling. This includes gathering data, consulting with stakeholders, and considering the long-term impact of decisions. Clear communication about the rationale behind tough choices can help mitigate negative emotional impact.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could start a movement, it would be centered around radical access to mentorship. I truly believe that no matter where you come from — your background, location, or network — you should have access to people who’ve been where you’re trying to go. I’ve experienced firsthand how one great mentor can completely shift the course of your life. It’s not just about career growth — it’s about building confidence, unlocking opportunities, and developing the resilience to keep going.
This movement would focus on creating structured, accessible mentorship at scale. I’d want to connect underrepresented professionals, students, and early-stage founders with experienced leaders who genuinely want to give back. But it wouldn’t stop at just making introductions. I’d design a system that supports both mentors and mentees with tools, training, and guidance to ensure the relationships are meaningful, reciprocal, and long-lasting.
To me, mentorship is one of the most powerful and underutilized forces for good. When someone believes in you, challenges you, and walks alongside you — it changes everything. I’d love to build a world where that kind of support isn’t a privilege, but a given.
How can our readers further follow you online?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-samuelson-7268b116/
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Pirie is a TedX speaker, author and a Life Empowerment Coach. She is a co-host of Own your Throne podcast, inspiring women in the 2nd chapter of their lives. With over 20 years in front of the camera, Pirie Grossman understands the power of storytelling. After success in commercials and acting. She spent 10 years reporting for E! Entertainment Television, Entertainment Tonight, also hosted ABC’s “Every Woman”. Her work off-camera capitalizes on her strength, producing, bringing people together for unique experiences. She produced a Children’s Day of Compassion during the Dalai Lama’s visit here in 2005. 10,000 children attended, sharing ideas about compassion with His Holiness. From 2006–2009, Pirie Co-chaired the Special Olympics World Winter Games, in Idaho, welcoming 3,000 athletes from over 150 countries. She founded Destiny Productions to create Wellness Festivals and is an Advisory Board member of the Sun Valley Wellness Board.In February 2017, Pirie produced, “Love is Louder”, a Brain Health Summit, bringing in Kevin Hines, noted suicide survivor to Sun Valley who spoke to school kids about suicide. Sun Valley is in the top 5% highest suicide rate per capita in the Northwest, prompting a community initiative with St. Luke’s and other stake holders, to begin healing. She lives in Sun Valley with her two children, serves on the Board of Community School. She has her Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica and is an Executive Life Empowerment Coach, where she helps people meet their dreams and goals! The difference between a dream and a goal is that a goal is a dream with a date on it!
Leading with Heart: Katie Samuelson Of Growth Path Consulting On The Power of Authentic Women’s… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.