Kathryn Gordon: Driving Business Growth & Human-Centric Innovation in Costa Rica

In a tech-driven world that often overlooks personal connections, establishing businesses that value people as much as profit has become a rare skill. Empowering communities and managing growth takes patience and creativity. Kathryn Gordon, the owner of Costa Consultants International, embodies these qualities well.

Kathryn is a trained biochemist and molecular biologist who began her journey in medicine at the age of 19, creating a pre-medical surgical internship that continues to guide aspiring doctors. She then helped biotechnology companies fund critical treatments for Alzheimer’s as well as leukaemia, while blending scientific expertise with entrepreneurial drive.

Over a decade ago, Kathryn moved to Costa Rica and recognized a new challenge which was small, family-run businesses struggling to evolve in a digital economy. This realization led her to found Costa Consultants International, a consultancy dedicated to helping local ventures thrive. Today, Kathryn leads an 18-member strong team that supports various industries, including real estate and wellness.

In an exclusive interview with Global Woman Leader, Kathryn Gordon shares her journey, entrepre­neurial philosophy alongside her vision for Costa Ri­ca’s evolving business landscape.

Outline your academic background and professional experience.

My professional journey began in 2009 at the age of 19; I wanted to become a surgeon but there were no pre-medical programs, shadowing opportunities or surgical internships available. So, I created one myself, convincing doctors, to let me 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.

I’m trained as a biochemist and molecular biologist, completing my pre-medical studies at Rollins College and earning a master’s in business from Crummer Graduate School, specializing in sustainable entre­preneurship studied in Costa Rica. In 2010, I attended INCAE Business School, a school founded as a branch of Harvard and the Kennedy family and recognized as Latin America’s top-ranked institution.

Later in my career, I helped biotechnology compa­nies in successfully raising funds specifically for the development of natural medicines aimed at treating complex conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and leukemia. 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, integrating my expertise in science with my growing interest in holistic wellness and entrepre­neurial endeavours.

What inspired you to establish Costa Consultants International?

When I moved to Costa Rica about 12 or 13 years ago, I noticed that many small, local business owners of typical mom-and-pop shops lacked professional representation in areas like marketing and financial management. Even though it was 2014, it felt like stepping back to 1992. Computers were double the price because of import taxes, so many people couldn’t afford one and ran their businesses entirely from their phones, often just using a Facebook page.

This realization inspired me to help the local community by building full websites, proper branding, and SEO strategies so their businesses could be found online and grow. My goal was to help them expand their lifestyle businesses and provide better for their families. That’s how Costa Consultants International began.

Moreover, my husband, Yornan Leiber Durán Hernández, is from Guápiles, Costa Rica, a farmer by trade and one of ten siblings. He used to wear his work boots to school and carry his books in a rice bag. Today, he runs a successful company, Vida Verde Landscaping and Property Maintenance. The company provides residential and commercial services for individuals, realtors and builders, investors, and large development projects with professional landscaping, irrigation, lighting, and property management.

Together, we uphold a triple bottom line philosophy i.e., people, planet, and profit, treating our clients and employees like family. We also work with the ICE Forestry Program and donate our time and materials to improve local schools and parks.

How do you lead company’s growth and adapt to market trends?

Beyond overseeing marketing and financial operations, I primarily lead business development, including sales, client relations, and growth strategy. I manage a team of 18 specialists, ensuring alignment with our goals and strong client relationships. I track global market trends, especially AI developments, to adapt strategies quickly.

Differentiation is crucial in a crowded marketing space, so we focus on high-growth niches like construction, real estate services, health, and property management. The country’s sustainability- and wellness-conscious community, with its retreat centers and family-focused developments, creates a unique ecosystem.

Our work supports this evolving landscape, providing dedicated guidance and innovative solutions that help clients effectively connect with the diverse group of individuals who come to Costa Rica seeking opportunities to heal, pursue well-being, and truly thrive in both mind and body.

How has your business focus evolved over time?

Originally, my goal was to help small, local businesses, and I still do. However, with the rise of AI, many people now use automated tools for services we were once contracted for while we continue to assist those clients as needed. But going back to larger development projects such as hospitals, where there’s a need to outsource. These institutions don't want to use just AI, but prefer to have a real human touch in the work. I’ve also expanded our focus that still value the human touch.

Balancing sustainable growth has been key. Continuing to serve our original client base while moving into larger markets has helped us adapt and thrive amid the challenges posed by AI.

In recent years, I’ve noticed an increase in inquiries from international businesses, particularly from the United States, Italy, and Latvia, wanting to expand into Costa Rica. We assist them with everything from HR and legal compliance to import regulations and government and health ministry procedures. Through these processes, we provide comprehensive guidance and strategic support, helping companies gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate and operate successfully within the unique and dynamic Costa Rican business ecosystem.

What key milestones have shaped your personal and professional journey?

Three milestones have shaped my journey. In 2009, I created a pre-medical surgical internship program supporting aspiring doctors—a formative project that deepened my commitment to service. During my MBA, I was recognized as the top entrepreneur in my class after helping biotech companies raise funds for FDA trials advancing natural medicine research. A defining moment from that period 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.

In 2020, I became a mother during the pandemic while continuing to grow my company, a milestone that demanded resilience and strengthened my capacity to navigate complex challenges as a single parent.

Shortly after, I launched Costa Concierge with my manager and friend, Jennifer LaCharite, to assist the influx of people relocating to Costa Rica. I later handed the company to Jennifer to focus on the new landscaping business my husband and I began.

My guiding mantra is: good things take time, and a strong team makes everything possible.

Kathryn Gordon, Founder & CEO, Costa Consultants International

Kathryn Gordon is the Founder and CEO of Costa Consultants International, through which she extends her assistance to small and mid-sized businesses to prosper in Costa Rica's ever-changing market. She is a biochemist and molecular biologist by training. At the age of 19, she started her career by creating a pre-medical surgical internship and later helped biotechnology companies to raise the funds necessary for the development of treatments for Alzheimer’s and leukemia.