Can't Stop the Growth You Need to Learn to Give a $h*t with Katie Donovan
Oct 23, 2025
Katie Donovan, CEO of CAMP Digital and advocate for second-chance hiring, shares her people-first approach to business. She discusses how giving away 50% of profits fosters employee ownership and culture. Katie emphasizes the power of gratitude in leadership, battling imposter syndrome, and cultivating authenticity in the trades. She highlights the benefits of hiring for attitude over technical skills and building a diverse workforce. This conversation is packed with insights on balancing customer and employee needs while challenging traditional leadership norms.
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Mahomes Example For Shared Rewards
- Katie compared quarterbacks who hoarded pay versus those who left room for teammates, noting Mahomes outperformed Rodgers.
- She uses this sports example to argue spreading wealth attracts better teammates and wins more often.
Share Profits To Build Ownership
- Share profits to create ownership and boost retention by tying employee rewards to company performance.
- Pay out an employee participation pool each quarter to align incentives and promote a "give a shit" culture.
Balance Stakeholders Equally
- Holding customers, employees, and the business equally produces better long-term outcomes.
- Balancing all three forces helps you make hard choices like firing bad-fit customers or employees fairly.