About me

I’m Kate Leto. I’m an Executive Coach for Product Leaders.

I’m also a published author and established public speaker.

For the past 25 years I have immersed myself in the world of product management, organisational design and personal development. I have had a front row seat to ways that products are discovered, defined, developed and delivered. Today I take that experience into organisations of all kinds around the world, to help create authentic leaders, teams and cultures.

I believe my unique education, skills and experiences have given me a particular perspective and a distinctive style. My coaching ethos centres on the belief that a considered and authentic leadership style comes from within ourselves. It’s created by the experiences we’ve had and beliefs we hold. It’s who we are. Understanding and owning our unique values and skills is the key to discovering personal and authentic leadership principles that work.

My focus on authenticity in leadership was sparked by my own experiences. I’ve learned that being authentic at work is one of the greatest challenges. Contrary to popular opinion, this doesn’t mean showing up to work in your PJs or saying whatever comes to mind. Being authentic at work is forged in your experiences, your beliefs and values. It’s part of who you are and, once realised, will not waiver with a new challenge. It becomes rooted in you. Bringing this focus to the Product community was a natural evolution for me.

My links to the world of technology are also long-established – joining my first start-up before the first bubble burst (yes, the company survived!) and working in Silicon Valley at Yahoo! in the early 2000s cemented my interested in the dynamic world of technology at a time when everything was changing at a breath-taking pace.

Today, I’m an accredited Executive Coach through the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute and a member of the International Coaching Federation. My clients have included senior teams and individuals at JP Morgan Chase & Co., The Financial Times, Comic Relief, TUI, The Boeing Company, MOO.COM, UK Ministry of Justice, UK Fire & Rescue Service, Yoco, Amboss, Merck and many more.

On a personal note, while I’m originally from the state of Iowa in the USA, have spent time in San Francisco and Chicago, I now live between Southwest France and London with my partner Neil and our very French beagle, Max.

Thanks to Max, we’re known throughout our village. Let’s just say that when there is food around – as there often is in a village in France – Max doesn’t hold back his enthusiasm, creating havoc at the local bakeries, cafes and shops.  He keeps us - and the entire village - on our toes!

I’ve worked with:

Whether your business is an ambitious young start-up or a Fortune 500 corporation, I coach and advise Product Leaders and Senior Executives to help them become the best and most authentic leaders they can.

Get in touch