Compassionate trailblazer Kate Masschelein to keynote Thunderbird at ASU’s spring 2025 convocation

Kate Masschelein, a 2003 graduate of Thunderbird School of Global Management’s Master of International Management (MIM) program, has been selected as the keynote speaker at the school’s spring 2025 convocation.

Originally from a small town in Belgium, Masschelein embodies the values and international spirit that defines T-birds. After spending 25 years climbing the corporate ladder in two of the world’s most recognized multinational organizations—Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson—she is now an executive leadership coach with extensive experience across global markets.

As a business leader in the medical device and fast-moving consumer goods industries, Masschelein held a broad range of commercial, general management, and supply chain roles. During her tenure, she brought health care innovation that improves patients’ lives and makes healthcare more cost-effective. Her career has taken her across Europe and North America, giving her deep expertise in cross-cultural leadership and communication.

Her decision to attend Thunderbird marked a pivotal shift in her career path.

“My degree from Thunderbird was really the linchpin for all of this,” she said. “It gave me the knowledge and courage to pursue my dream career.”

After graduating, she launched her global career with Johnson & Johnson (J&J), starting in Scotland and eventually leading a $1.5 billion business in medical devices.

Her last corporate role was as global vice president of growth and engagement at J&J MedTech Digital, where she helped shape the future of health care through digital innovation. Now based in California, Masschelein works as an executive leadership coach, supporting individuals and teams in navigating leadership challenges, career transitions, and personal growth. Her coaching philosophy centers on clarity and alignment, helping successful professionals avoid burnout and discover renewed purpose in line with their core values.

“Leaders often find themselves burnt out, uninspired and unhappy at the top,” Masschelein said. “By asking powerful questions, I help them gain new and empowering perspectives that can change the trajectory of their life or career towards more satisfaction and happiness.”

A dedicated Thunderbird alumna, Masschelein is passionate about the school's global mission.

“As the world and international business becomes more complex, it takes leaders with a deeper cross-cultural understanding to evolve strategies,” she says. “Thunderbird is unique in developing global leaders who can thrive in turbulent times.”

She further reflects on the importance of cultivating a global mindset, not just in business, but in education and society at large.

“At Thunderbird, I was able to partner with students from all over the world,” she shares. “This helped me tremendously when I took on global marketing roles and needed to learn different health care market dynamics. Surgeons’ surgical techniques and regulatory landscape vary significantly between countries—such as Japan, the U.S., or Brazil, for example. Understanding these nuances is critical to successfully bring device innovation to the different markets. Today as the world is becoming more and more turbulent, having a global mindset can help a leader navigate this.”

Masschelein also credits Thunderbird’s hands-on programs—specifically the Thunderbird Corporate Consulting Program (TCCP)—for laying the groundwork for her international success.

“I have many fond memories from my time at Thunderbird and I formed lasting friendships—some of which have continued for over 20 years,” she recalls. “Also, as part of the TCCP, I had the opportunity to dive deeper into my studies through additional projects. While it added significantly to my regular class workload, the experience was rewarding and played a foundational role in shaping my international career.”

From navigating career risks to honoring her values, Masschelein exemplifies the transformative power of reflection, resilience, and service. She draws deep inspiration from witnessing others overcome adversity and accomplish what once seemed impossible.

When asked what wisdom she hopes to impart to this year’s graduates, a favorite quote comes to mind: “Those who say something is impossible are usually surprised by others doing it.”

“I love seeing people achieve their goals in spite of obstacles,” she reflects. “And never miss an opportunity to serve others. Devoting the second half of my career to service has brought me the greatest fulfillment.”

Her life story—interwoven with international moves, unexpected opportunities, and personal milestones (one of which was meeting her husband on the Great Wall of China)—is a testament to Thunderbird’s belief in the transformative power of a global mindset.

“Kate exemplifies the very best of Thunderbird and we are honored to welcome her back to inspire our spring graduating class,” said Charla Griffy-Brown, director general and dean of Thunderbird at ASU. “Her remarkable career journey and dedication to empowering others reflect the spirit of innovation, cross-cultural understanding, and lifelong learning that defines a true T-bird.”