Heather Koester
Heather Koester, MBA, is a business consultant, strategic innovator, and author dedicated to strengthening organizations and the communities they serve. As CEO of Invigorate Nexus Consulting, she partners with businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to streamline operations, elevate leadership, and build resilient systems designed to endure. With more than 20 years of leadership experience and a proven ability to transform complexity into clarity, Heather operates at the intersection of innovation, resilience, and measurable impact.
Beyond her consulting work, Heather serves as Disaster Resilience Officer for United Way Suncoast, coordinating preparedness initiatives across a five-county region and leading the launch of the Manatee County COAD. She has guided more than 60 organizations in developing disaster readiness strategies and regularly collaborates with FEMA, local governments, and cross-sector partners to strengthen community coordination.
An accomplished author of Energy Audit: A Six-Week Guide to Revitalize Your Life, Heather speaks on resilience, leadership, and performance. Recognized as an Academician for the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates and honored with multiple leadership awards, she is known for her disciplined, high-energy, and compassionate approach—building systems and leaders that thrive.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate
• Northwood University (DeVos Graduate School) - M.B.A.
• Women Who Roar Award
• ST. ARMANDS KEY LUTHERAN CHURCH, INC.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to discipline, service, and early examples of resilient leadership. Military service shaped my composure and accountability; my grandmother modeled generosity and strength long before it was widely recognized. Those lessons allow me to remain calm under pressure, build trust across sectors, and turn complexity into clear, actionable systems.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be the calmest person in the room. Clarity is influence. Setbacks are signals, not stop signs, and courage is the discipline to keep moving forward. Trust is built in those moments—and trust builds momentum.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is: don’t wait for permission. Trust that your voice belongs at the table. Stay curious, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and understand how decisions are really made. Learn the systems, build real relationships, and focus on becoming deeply competent. Confidence grows from competence, and credibility is earned through consistency. Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, adapting, and lifting others as you rise.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is noise—organizations are overwhelmed with information but often lack alignment. The opportunity lies in disciplined focus: aligning people, priorities, and processes so effort translates into meaningful results. Leaders who invest in preparation and collaboration will define the next decade.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity. Discipline. Service. Connection.
I believe in doing what you say you will do. I believe leadership is service, not status. And I believe the strength of any system—professional or personal—is measured by the relationships that sustain it.