We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katie P. Desiderio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katie P. , thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
From a young age, I learned that the world could be both a challenging and inspiring place. Diagnosed with a learning disability, I often felt as though I was navigating a world built for others. Traditional methods of learning didn’t come naturally to me, and early in life, I faced moments where self-doubt crept in, questioning if I could ever keep up. But instead of letting this define me, I discovered something extraordinary: a way to learn how to learn.
This pivotal realization sparked a lifelong journey of growth and discovery. It wasn’t just about decoding textbooks or solving equations; it was about understanding how to approach life’s complexities with curiosity and resilience. With this mindset, I pursued my MBA and later my PhD, diving deep into the complexities of organizational learning and leadership. Each milestone was not just an academic achievement but a testament to the power of determination and self-discovery.
Yet, the journey wasn’t only about personal success. As I engaged with others in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities, I realized how profoundly human connection shapes our ability to grow. My learning disability had given me an incredible gift—the empathy to meet people where they are, not where the world expects them to be. This understanding transformed the way I approached my work.
Instead of judging or prescribing, I chose to engage with people on a human level, offering them opportunities to learn, evolve, and thrive. My core belief is that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and cared for. I’ve built my career and life around this idea, crafting spaces where individuals are liberated to become better tomorrow than they are today. Whether facilitating a leadership course, coaching a team through challenges, or simply having a conversation, I strive to embody authenticity and encourage others to embrace their true selves.
Through it all, my mantra has remained constant: “I am me. You should be you.” These simple words carry profound meaning. They’re a reminder that authenticity is not only a strength but also a responsibility—to ourselves and to those around us. Authenticity invites trust, fosters growth, and allows us to create meaningful connections.
The legacy I aim to leave is one rooted in authenticity, resilience, and the belief that every person has the potential to achieve more than they imagine. My learning disability, once seen as a limitation, became the foundation for a life of purpose. It taught me not only how to learn but how to teach, lead, and inspire. And in everything I do, my hope is that people walk away feeling empowered—to see themselves more clearly, to hear their own voice more deeply, and to care for themselves and others more fully.
This is the story of my journey. It’s a story of turning challenges into opportunities, choosing connection over judgment, and living with unwavering authenticity. It’s the story of embracing who I am, so that others might feel free to do the same. After all, true leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about walking alongside others as we discover them together.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Katie P. Desiderio is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Beekeeper: Pollinating Your Organization for Transformative Growth. She believes deeply in the power of connection and begins every day by counting her blessings—especially the people who enrich her life. This philosophy guides her work, where she prioritizes every organization’s most valuable asset: its people.
Katie serves as a Professor of Management and tenured faculty member at Moravian University. She is also the Principal Partner in Learning at Proximal Development, LLC, an authorized DiSC partner. Her expertise lies in leadership development and driving organizational performance through transformative learning experiences.
As the Mama of two girls, she is a champion for women leaders across the globe, Katie has collaborated with diverse professionals—from sales executives to clinicians in research and practice. Her mission is to lead with grace, spark curiosity, and inspire discovery in others, fostering growth through meaningful relationships and shared experiences.
Since earning her doctorate in Organizational Learning and Leadership, Katie has co-authored numerous scholar-practitioner journal articles, conference proceedings, and now The Beekeeper alongside her learning partner and friend, bringing her vision of growth and collaboration to life.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Unlearning is a profound act of growth, yet often harder for adults than learning. It requires letting go of long-held beliefs and patterns that no longer serve us. For me, unlearning the need to be like everyone else was transformative. Once I embraced being unapologetically myself, I discovered a newfound freedom to appreciate the beauty around me. It’s in shedding what limits us that we truly make space to grow and thrive.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My career change from corporate marketing to higher education was sparked by an unexpected opportunity. While working in marketing for a publishing company, a mentor asked me to adjunct teach a sport marketing class. Initially, I said no—but then I said yes. Every Thursday, I drove an hour to teach this undergraduate business course, and it completely shifted my perspective. The experience was so inspiring that I quit my job, sold my car and house, and moved to South Florida to pursue my doctorate. That leap of faith set me on the path to a fulfilling second career in higher education in leadership consulting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leadershipfables.com/
- Instagram: leadership_fables
- Facebook: Katie N Michael
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
- Twitter: Katie & Michael
- Youtube: @leadershipfables
Image Credits
Fig Authentic