Kate Dugan, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Energizer Holdings, Inc.
Kate leads the company’s Legal, Regulatory and Government Affairs function, and serves as the primary legal advisor for Energizer globally and Corporate Secretary to Energizer’s Board of Directors. Since joining Energizer in 2014, Kate has held various leadership roles in the organization. Previously, Kate was a litigator with Greenberg Traurig in Chicago; Shook, Hardy & Bacon in Kansas City, Missouri; and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in St. Louis. Kate holds a Juris Doctorate from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri - Columbia.
What is your proudest achievement?
Becoming Energizer's General Counsel & Corporate Secretary was unquestionably a very big deal, but I am probably proudest (professionally) of my work on a pro bono death penalty retrial team during my very early days of practice. In addition to key technical skills, I learned so many important personal lessons working on that case including humility and fortitude. It remains one of the most foundational experiences of my career. In terms of what I am most proud of in this whole world - my children are, by far, my proudest achievements. William (7) and Caroline (5) are the coolest, smartest, and funniest kids I know and I am beyond proud of them.
What is the most influential piece of advice (professional or personal) you have received?
I've had many incredible mentors and sponsors who have all offered essential guidance and advice, but the quote that comes back to me almost daily is - "Do what you can with the time that you have." When I received this advice as a first year associate, I was stressed because I was nearing a deadline, unhappy with my work product and generally spinning at the thought of submitting something I considered to be sub-par. The meaning of this quote has evolved for me over time - From a professional perspective, its so critical to success to understand where and how to spend your brainpower/energy to maximize impact. From a personal perspective, its so important to find happiness and balance (however that looks to you) to make sure you maximize the time you have with the things/people/places you love most.
Where do you see the legal profession in 10+ years?
I think we're all probably a little suspicious that AI and Chatbots will become the sage legal advisors in future years, but I'm not so sure this is really the future for the profession. If the velocity of the legal and regulatory environments holds, then this profession is going to grow smart, practical problem-solvers who help clients navigate really tough stuff deftly. I'm hopeful. Lawyers have gone from dreaded "check the box" professionals to desired teammates on the toughest challenges. I feel confident this trajectory will only continue.
What is/are your favorite extracurricular activity/activities?
I have two little kids, a crazy job, and lots going on, so the true answer to this question is - sleeping later than 6am when I can. I love reading (fiction and historical non-fiction), needlepoint, swimming, traveling, theatre and jokes. I love a good laugh.
What is one thing people should know about you but don't?
There's not a single food I won't try once. Exploring the food of other cultures is something I love to do, especially when traveling.
Name your hometown/where you were born/where you grew up and where you live now.
St. Louis/St. Louis/St. Louis/St. Louis! I did leave for about 10 years (Kansas City and Chicago), but clearly a fan of St. Louis.
If you were not a legal professional, what other line of work would you pursue?
I would probably be a Camp Director, a museum Docent or Rick Steves.
Anything else you'd like to share?
What an honor to be a part of this amazing group of women. Thank you for including me!
Published November 22, 2023.
