In a world increasingly dominated by technology and automation, building businesses that prioritize people alongside profit has become a rare and invaluable skill. Kathryn Gordon, CEO of Costa Consultants International, embodies this approach by bridging health expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and a commitment to community. Her journey, from a young aspiring surgeon in the United States to a leading business consultant in Costa Rica, offers insights into leadership, innovation, and human-centric growth.

A Foundation in Health and Entrepreneurship

Kathryn’s professional journey began at the age of 19 when she realized there were no pre-medical programs or surgical internships available to her. Determined to gain practical experience, she created her own internship program, convincing doctors to allow her to observe surgeries. “That summer, I built 11 surgical programs, which continue till today at Rollins College, helping aspiring surgeons gain real experience. That was likely my first entrepreneurial experience,” Kathryn shared in her interview with Global Woman Leader Magazine in their December 2025 issue featuring Women Leaders from Costa Rica and Colombia.

She trained as a biochemist and molecular biologist, completing her pre-medical studies at Rollins College before earning a master’s in business from Crummer Graduate School, specializing in sustainable entrepreneurship. She further enhanced her expertise, attending Costa Rica’s INCAE Business School in 2010, which is recognized as Latin America’s top-ranked institution.

Early in her career, Kathryn also applied her scientific background to the biotech industry, helping companies fund critical treatments for Alzheimer’s and leukemia. She explained, “As a recent mom, I made the conscious decision not to return to practicing medicine full-time, but I pursued and obtained my professional license as a nutritionist, allowing me to stay connected to both health and business.” This combination of science, business, and wellness has become a hallmark of her approach to entrepreneurship.

Identifying Opportunities in Costa Rica

Over a decade ago, Kathryn relocated to Costa Rica and noticed a unique challenge: many small, family-run businesses struggled to thrive in a digital economy. “When I moved to Costa Rica about 12 or 13 years ago, I noticed that many small, local business owners lacked professional representation in areas like marketing and financial management,” she explained. With computers expensive due to import taxes, many businesses operated solely from their phones, often relying on a Facebook page to connect with customers.

This realization inspired Kathryn to establish Costa Consultants International, a consultancy dedicated to helping local ventures grow. The company provides full websites, branding, SEO strategies, and marketing solutions, enabling businesses to expand their reach and provide better for their families. Today, Kathryn leads a team of 18 specialists, serving industries from real estate to wellness, all while maintaining a philosophy that values people, planet, and profit.

Kathryn’s husband, Yornan (Pito) Leiber Durán Hernández, also exemplifies this philosophy. Originally from Guápiles, Costa Rica, he now runs Vida Verde Landscaping and Property Maintenance in the Tamarindo Beach area, offering professional services for both residential and commercial clients. Together, Kathryn and Pito uphold a human-centered approach to business, contributing time and resources to local schools, parks, and community programs.

Leading Growth with Vision and Adaptability

At Costa Consultants International, Kathryn oversees business development, sales, client relations, and growth strategy. She ensures alignment within her team and closely tracks global trends, including AI advancements, to adapt strategies for clients. “Differentiation is crucial in a crowded marketing space, so we focus on high-growth niches like construction, real estate services, health, and property management,” she shared.

Her company supports Costa Rica’s sustainability- and wellness-conscious ecosystem, which attracts visitors seeking opportunities to heal, pursue well-being, and thrive. By combining innovative solutions with personal guidance, Kathryn helps clients connect with diverse communities and navigate complex markets effectively.

As technology evolves, so too has Kathryn’s business focus. While AI tools now handle some tasks previously managed by her consultancy, she emphasizes that large development projects such as hospitals, wellness centers, and corporate ventures still require human expertise. Balancing traditional clients with larger international projects has been key to sustainable growth, allowing Costa Consultants to thrive amid changing market dynamics.

Key Milestones in Kathryn’s Journey

Three milestones stand out in Kathryn’s professional and personal journey. The first was the creation of her pre-medical surgical internship program in 2009, which deepened her commitment to service and education. During her MBA, she was recognized as the top entrepreneur in her class after helping biotech companies secure funding for FDA trials in natural medicine research. She noted, “A defining moment was supporting Dr Cheryl Baker and her company, BioCurity, in winning first place in a major fundraising competition. Dr Baker, brilliant, kind, and a mother of four, has long inspired me for her balance, leadership, and contributions to humanity.”

The second milestone was becoming a mother in 2020 during the global pandemic, an experience that strengthened her resilience and capacity to navigate complex challenges while growing her business.

Finally, Kathryn expanded her entrepreneurial ventures with Costa Concierge, helping newcomers relocate to Costa Rica. She later handed the company to her manager and friend, Jennifer LaCharite, to focus on new initiatives alongside her husband, including the landscaping business and other community-driven projects.

A Philosophy Rooted in Patience and Collaboration

Throughout her journey, Kathryn has emphasized the importance of patience, teamwork, and long-term thinking. “Good things take time, and a strong team makes everything possible,” she stated. Her leadership style blends data-driven strategy with empathy and a human touch, making her consultancy both effective and deeply trusted by clients.

From fostering local businesses to guiding international companies through Costa Rica’s regulatory landscape, Kathryn Gordon has consistently demonstrated that growth and innovation are most successful when people are at the center of the strategy. Her story illustrates that entrepreneurship is not just about profit – it’s about empowering communities, supporting employees, and building sustainable ventures that leave a lasting impact.

A Human-Centered Blueprint for Sustainable Growth

Kathryn Gordon’s journey offers a compelling example of how business leadership can combine scientific rigor, strategic innovation, and a human-centered approach. By helping businesses in Costa Rica navigate digital challenges and fostering sustainable growth, she has created a model for success that emphasizes community, wellness, and adaptability.

As Costa Consultants International continues to grow, Kathryn’s vision remains clear: empower businesses to thrive, nurture teams and clients alike, and maintain a commitment to people, planet, and profit. Her story is a reminder that leadership is not just about driving results – it’s about creating lasting value for everyone involved.

Read the Global Woman Leader article HERE.