At Republikken’s recent Community Breakfast, Heather took the hot seat, sharing insights into her professional journey, personal life, and the exciting challenges she’s tackling.
From Seattle to Copenhagen: A Global Perspective
Heather’s story begins in Seattle, a city known for its gray skies and coffee culture. After a stint in San Francisco and later New York, she and her partner (originally from Scotland) chose Copenhagen as their home in 2018. Unlike many expats who relocate for work, their decision was intentional—they simply loved the city.
A Career in Tech and Leadership
Heather started her Danish work experience at LEGO Group, helping establish their Copenhagen office in 2020. Later, she moved to Maersk, working on climate-related projects. Despite the prestige, the corporate bureaucracy stifled her startup mindset, leading her to seek new challenges.
Now, Heather serves as VP of Engineering at Overstory, a climate tech startup focused on vegetation intelligence. Using satellite imagery, Overstory helps power companies in the U.S. analyze tree growth near power lines, reducing wildfire risks and improving grid resilience.
Empowering Others Through Leadership Coaching
Beyond her startup role, Heather is deeply invested in leadership coaching, specifically for individuals struggling with “masking”—a term referring to the suppression of identity traits in professional settings.
She works with:
- Women returning to work after maternity leave
- LGBTQ+ professionals navigating corporate spaces
- Neurodivergent individuals adapting to workplace expectations
Her goal? Helping leaders bring their authentic selves to work without compromising their success.
Running Towards a Challenge
Heather’s passion for growth extends beyond the boardroom—she’s also an avid runner. After becoming a parent, she embarked on a two-year journey to regain her running form. Now, she’s training for a 50K trail run in Scotland, tackling Denmark’s flat terrain by repeating the same hill in Frederiksberg Park.
Community at Republikken
Heather joined Republikken in December, looking for a dynamic coworking space. As she puts it, she was long overdue in meeting more people in the community. Her diverse experiences, from startups to leadership coaching and parenting to endurance sports, make her an inspiring presence in the space.
So, next time you see Heather, ask her about Overstory’s impact, her leadership philosophy, or her next running milestone—just don’t be surprised if she’s wearing running shoes.
Inspired by Heather’s journey? Drop by Republikken’s next Community Breakfast and share your own story.