Her Story
About Heidi
Heidi Nesta is an Enterprise Sales Executive at Paylocity, where she covers Wisconsin and partners with organizations to uncover gaps in their technology. Her focus spans human resources, payroll, learning and development, recruiting, and internal communications. She helps clients determine whether they need added solutions or a full overhaul, with the goal of attracting and retaining talent, compensating employees effectively, and staying compliant across states and countries. Before joining Paylocity, she held senior sales roles at UKG and Paycor, and she spent a decade at Direct Supply. Earlier in her career, she managed a cosmetics sales team at Boston Store. She holds degrees from Cardinal Stritch University and Waukesha County Technical College.
Heidi credits her drive to a steady commitment to personal growth and a firm rejection of complacency. She is energized by solving problems, easing the load for others, and helping organizations strengthen their processes and keep their people. She believes artificial intelligence will make technology offerings more alike, which will raise the importance of empathy, responsive support, and authentic relationships. Having worked her way through college in a restaurant and bar, she developed a strong work ethic and resilience that continue to shape her outlook. She encourages young women to pursue sales, to know their worth, and to stay true to themselves.
Outside of work, Heidi is devoted to her husband and three children, and she often juggles a busy schedule of competitive dance and tumbling activities with her daughters. She and her husband recently built their first home, an achievement she hopes shows her children what dedicated effort can accomplish. She gives her time and resources to her children's schools, VIP Services, which helps people with disabilities build skills and find employment, and Special Places, Special Spaces, which transforms bedrooms for children with serious illnesses. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. In 2026, she was named an Influential Woman.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Heidi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a constant commitment to growing as a person. Complacency is the worst thing in the world to me, because the moment you feel complacent, you stop growing. I want to set a good example for my daughters and for myself. I feel best when I am busy and moving one step ahead, continually making things better. What drives me is helping others and taking something off their plate. The thank-yous from the people I have helped, the confidence I see instilled in children, and the knowledge that I have helped organizations succeed, improve their processes, and retain their people all keep me motivated. Putting smiles on people's faces and helping them feel confident is what matters most to me.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My recommendation to any young woman entering the marketplace is to never lose yourself. Know who you are and be confident in that, because the world can be difficult and can tear people down. Know your worth and do not let anyone put your light out. You own your light, and you will find the place where you belong, along with a company that will promote you and support your success. If you put your all into it, you will get it back. Confident, strong women can be labeled negatively for the same behavior that is accepted in men, so simply know your worth. I also believe sales is a powerful career path for women, as it opens doors in any industry and helps level the playing field.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe artificial intelligence will significantly change the technology industry, and my organization already uses it extensively. One of its biggest effects will be leveling the playing field among technology providers, since competitors can now offer capabilities that once set companies apart. As technology becomes more similar, the human side of business will matter more, including whom customers want to work with, the quality of ongoing support, empathy, personal relationships, and whether people genuinely care. AI can offer information and support through tools like chatbots, but it cannot fully replace human empathy or the ability to sense when someone needs reassurance or a personal check-in. I am concerned that some organizations are using AI to reduce traditional customer service functions, and I will be interested to see how companies respond as AI takes on more of those responsibilities.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is my greatest priority and my primary motivation. I value hard work, persistence, and effort, and I believe nothing worthwhile comes without them. Confidence and knowing your worth are equally important to me, as is continued growth and never becoming complacent. I value customer service, authenticity, and genuine relationships, and I believe early service experiences teach people how to communicate with others. I am committed to giving back, particularly to children's schools and organizations that support people with special needs and children facing serious illness. I also believe in women supporting one another and in teaching my children that they can accomplish their goals if they are willing to work for them.
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