Local StoriesSeptember 15, 2025

An Inspired Chat with Elisa Courter

Local Stories

We recently had the chance to connect with Elisa Courter and have shared our conversation below.

Elisa, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My role as an HR professional is to ensure that our people feel supported, our processes run smoothly, and our organization stays compliant with employment laws. This means my day begins with checking on each of my clients. I review emails and start with responding to the most urgent inquires and move down the list until everyone has been answered. I then move to checking on time-sensitive projects and compliance issues. Once I’ve completed those tasks I move on to recruitment, preparing for interviews and screening calls. My mid-day typically consists of meetings with managers to discuss any staffing needs, performance updates and project updates. I also address employee relations matters and help resolve any workplace concerns. At the end of my day, I work on HR projects such as updating policies, creating training programs, process benefit enrollments or changes and any other forms or documents that need attention. I also pull any reporting or data analytics that my clients need for that week. My day to day consists of a variety of problem solving and data analytics depending on the time of year and current client roster. At the end of the day, my role is about creating a positive employee experience while protecting the organization and helping it grow and be successful.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Elisa Courter. I grew up in Troy, IL and graduated from Triad High School. I received my undergraduate degree in Communication and Psychology from Southern Illinois University and my masters in Human Resource Management from Webster University in Saint Louis, MO. I am married with two kids and a dog named Sweetie. I created Courter Consulting as a way to help small businesses within my community have affordable access to Human Resource, Accounting and Marketing services without them going over budget. Courter Consulting allows for companies to have an HR, Accounting or Marketing profession be on staff and receive the help they need by only paying for the hours they need on a month-to-month basis. Courter Consulting is unique in that it is full remote help. We are able to help companies without taking up space in their office. While we do come in from time to time to either help with benefits, onboarding, employee issues etc. Most of the work can be done in the background without disrupting the company atmosphere. Courter Consulting values each client and quickly becomes part of their team. Since we work within our community, that means we get to form close bonds with those we partner with for a long-lasting and trusting relationship!

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
The most frequent way I see bonds be broken is by betrayal of trust, lack of communication and disrespect. I’ve seen this on the leadership level all the way down to the employee level. The moment trust is broken or a team member feels disrespected is the moment your workforce starts to decline. It is incredibly important those who work for or with you feel a sense of trust and respect if you want those members to be a dedicated part of your team. Having dedicated team members and staff is critical to a productive and successful business. Restoring bonds can look like acknowledgement of harm, a sincere apology and changed actions. Once trust is broken, it could take some time for a member to regain that trust. Being consistent and honest with your behavior is the most important thing you can do to build back up those broken relationships.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I have worked with some incredibly toxic leadership in my tenure and seeing how their leadership style caused poor business relations, reputation and even loss of profit has shown me the importance of openness, communication, humility, and clarity within the workplace. It has shown me that you can never be to open, to honest or have too much communication within your company. Providing extra support, clarity and communication has only helped lift my business up and provide my clients with the best possible service they could receive. My integrity and reputation is built on trust, respect and support which reflects through the success of Courter Consulting.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One project I will always advocate for is mental health in the workplace and work life balance. With each new client I learn more about how each company handles their employee’s life outside of work and with each scenario, I reminder my clients of the importance of empathy and understanding. If an employee is getting their work done correctly, meeting deadlines and has a positive influence on the team and company, there is very little the company should be worried about within the employees personal life. We all need some grace from time to time and advocating for things like Employee Assistant Programs (EAP), medical plans that include mental health benefits such as therapy or massages, or discussing ways the employer can enhance their benefits package by offering a certain percentage off a gym membership can do wonders for the productivity in the company’s workforce.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My faith and my role as a wife and mother. While I am a self-proclaimed “work-a-holic” (and love it!) keeping my faith and being the best wife and mom I can be will always be my priority. My family is my support system and my cheerleaders. The Lord has provided me with my success. If I was told I could never work again, I would find my joy praising Jesus, raising my kids and caring for my husband.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageSTL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.