About Donna

Donna Johnston is a dynamic engineering manager and product strategist whose career path has been anything but linear. Starting as a Chemist, Donna followed her curiosity and passion for solving complex problems—leading her from chemistry to data analysis, then into quality engineering, and eventually implementing SAP systems across the globe. Her journey continued as she embraced agile methodologies, becoming a Scrum Master and, ultimately, a trusted leader for high-performing software development teams. Donna’s career proves that success doesn't always follow a straight line—and that when you lead with passion, your path becomes your purpose. With over 10 years of experience driving technology transformations, Donna brings deep expertise in IT strategy, business finance, agile coaching, and application development. She has managed the end-to-end delivery of large-scale, mission-critical projects—always ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations. Her work spans diverse industries including Education, Manufacturing, Technology, and Research. Donna is known for her ability to inspire trust, drive change, and deliver measurable results. She leverages agile frameworks, tools, and practices to improve team productivity, transparency, and operational efficiency. Her unique blend of technical expertise and people-centered leadership sets her apart in the field. In addition to leading engineering teams, Donna is a dedicated career coach. Her diverse background gives her a deep understanding of career progression and skill development. She has successfully coached 18 individuals, helping them find clarity, build confidence, and achieve their professional goals. Donna is passionate about coaching generalists, consultants, and enthusiastic individuals in transition—those who may not follow a traditional path but bring curiosity, drive, and a strong desire to grow. She helps clients clarify their stories, pivot into new careers, and secure offers that align with their goals and values. Her coaching experience includes general career coaching, business/financial strategy, resume preparation, interview coaching (for consulting, software engineering, agile roles, and product management), and salary negotiation support.