Woman of the Week – Donna St Denis - Eaton

In this week’s Woman of the Week, Jacquie Rives sits down with Donna St Denis, a thoughtful and uplifting leader whose career journey is rooted in embracing discomfort, leading with empathy, and intentionally finding the positive in every situation. 

From growing up in a French-Italian household in Montreal to building her life and career in Raleigh, North Carolina, Donna shares how stepping outside of her comfort zone early in her career helped shape the confident, resilient professional she is today. Whether presenting technical products to journalists across Europe or raising her hand for opportunities that felt intimidating, Donna reminds us that growth often begins where comfort ends. 

Throughout the conversation, Donna reflects on the power of mindset and the importance of intentionally seeking the good — even during disappointment or unexpected setbacks. Her perspective on resilience is both refreshing and relatable, offering a powerful reminder that our thoughts shape our reality and that grace, gratitude, and perspective can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. 

Donna also shares the leadership qualities that matter most to her: fairness, empathy, and seeing the whole person behind the professional role. Her people-first approach to leadership shines through in every insight she shares, emphasizing the value of connection, understanding, and creating environments where others feel supported and seen. 

And in a moment that perfectly captures who she is, Donna reveals the simple habit that keeps her grounded: starting every Teams call with a smile. It’s a small but meaningful act that reflects her belief in kindness, intentionality, and the impact positive energy can have on both ourselves and those around us. 

This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that leadership doesn’t always have to be loud to be impactful — sometimes it’s found in consistency, compassion, optimism, and the willingness to show up authentically every single day.