Exploring Life & Business with Katie Steele Danner of Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Steele Danner

Hi Katie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Katie Steele Danner and I describe myself as a seasoned senior executive and accomplished small business owner, boasting a four-decade career spanning both public and private sectors. I am currently serving as the Executive Director of the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation, Inc., I am deeply committed to fostering the growth of women leaders capable of navigating diverse sectors and leadership styles, collaborating with others to craft innovative solutions.

My educational foundation includes degrees in Business Administration and Public Administration from Truman State University. Throughout my dynamic career, I have held influential senior executive roles in health, social services, commerce, community development, and hospitality. A former member of the Missouri House of Representatives and a distinguished Senior Executive Service federal employee of the United States, I have also directed various Administrative Offices for the State of Missouri, providing me with a unique perspective on strategic, non-partisan, and bi-partisan collaborations.

I am married to MG (retired) Stephen Danner, Missouri’s former Adjutant General with over 44 years of service in the United States Army. I chaired the Family Advisory Council for the Missouri National Guard for over a decade and continue to advocate for military families.

Beyond my professional roles, I have chaired the Clay County Bicentennial Commission, contributed to the Thank You Walt Disney Building Development Committee, and served on the United WE Women’s Economic Development Task Force. Additionally, I am a member of the InnovateHER KC Women’s Leadership Alliance and American Public Square at Jewell. Recognized for my contributions, I was part of the inaugural class of Ingram’s Magazine “Fifty Missourians You Should Know” in 2011, named a “Kansas City Woman of Distinction” in 2012, honored at the Tribute to Success: A Celebration of Women in 2016 in St. Louis, was selected as a Top Fifty Missouri Women Leaders for 2023 and 2024 and was a featured participant in the FORTY OVER 40 portrait exhibits in 2023.

I have played a pivotal role as a founding board member of Ava’s Grace Scholarship Foundation, advocating for social justice and educational opportunities for children of incarcerated parents. My dedication to Missouri’s tourism strategy earned me induction into the Missouri Tourism Hall of Fame for attracting a record number of visitors to the state.

A passionate sports enthusiast, I am a founding member and season ticket holder of the Kansas City Current (an American professional women’s soccer expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League), and avidly follow the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Blues, Sporting KC, and Mizzou. Outside of my professional and community engagements, I enjoy playing tennis and golf. We are proud parents of four adult children and 11 “grand-devils”. We adopted an Aussie Doodle during the COVID lockdown named Truman, born in Lamar, Missouri.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have juggled multiple paths. Some know me for my work in higher education, tourism, community development, or nonprofit activities, others as a committed stepmom, and still others look at me through a political lens or view me as the “trailing spouse” pivoting to support my husband’s military career. In whatever role I have been a passionate advocate for women and been able to build coalitions. An example is I served as the founding President of the Women’s Caucus in the Missouri legislature after having been elected the chair of my Freshman Class by members of both parties. I embrace the value and strategies of juggling multiple roles, from learning new skills to using talents in new ways, giving a voice to multiple passions. We are all multi-dimensional after all, so it makes sense that our careers would be too.

I developed a strategy early on to “Learn the room” – To get buy-in for initiatives, projects, and suggestions. This approach helps me to understand varying priorities. It’s an ongoing process of conversations and actions that build trust and also help me to understand “where the pitfalls are” and address those upfront.

We’ve been impressed with Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation is the premier statewide women’s leadership development organization in Missouri. Each year, in a highly competitive selection process, emerging and established women leaders are accepted into the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge – the Foundation’s premiere women’s leadership program. The participants meet for four, three-day enriching sessions combining continuing education in leadership development, strengths training, topical discussion of state policy issues, and exposure to the philosophies and thoughts of the state’s business, cultural, educational, and political leaders. Greater Missouri’s goal is to educate and inspire these women leaders to make a positive difference in helping to address problems each feels are important, as each participant becomes part of a powerful state-wide network of leaders.

How do you think about luck?
The role of good or bad luck can be multifaceted and complex. While luck can play a role in certain opportunities or setbacks, my belief in taking advantage of situations and attributing success to hard work and strategic decisions is a significant perspective.

Random chance can play a part in being in the right place at the right time. Meeting influential mentors, landing a job due to an unexpected vacancy, or getting noticed for a major project can all be instances of good luck. Positive economic conditions, favorable industry trends, or societal shifts that open up more opportunities for women in leadership can also be seen as strokes of luck. Enjoying good health or having a supportive family can provide the stability needed to pursue career goals without interruptions.

Recessions or industry-specific downturns can lead to job losses or stagnation, impacting career trajectories. Unforeseen personal issues such as health problems or family crises can temporarily derail career progress. Encountering gender bias or discrimination can hinder opportunities and advancement, which, while not random, can feel like bad luck due to its unpredictability.

My path has been all about taking advantage of situations.

Resilience and Adaptability: Success often comes from the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances. This perspective emphasizes the importance of resilience over luck.

Networking and Relationships: Building and maintaining professional relationships can create opportunities. Strategic networking can often mitigate the impact of bad luck by providing alternative pathways and support.

Continuous Learning: Staying updated with industry trends, acquiring new skills, and seeking out growth opportunities are ways to proactively shape one’s career. This approach focuses on personal agency and preparation.

Seizing Opportunities: Being proactive and recognizing opportunities when they arise, regardless of their origin, is crucial. This can involve volunteering for challenging projects, seeking promotions, or switching industries when advantageous.

While luck can influence certain aspects of a career, the belief in taking advantage of situations highlights the importance of agency, hard work, and strategic action. For me, success is seen as the result of persistent effort, resilience, and the ability to leverage opportunities, regardless of the role luck might play.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.greatermo.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreaterMOLeadership/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/greatermissouri
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGtyKfrA86L_iAvTiUoIKUA
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiesteeledanner