My last week in Costa Rica has shown me how deeply everyday life and business are shaped by a sense of family, story, and service to others. Costa Rican culture places strong importance on family and community, and that value has shaped almost every experience during my trip.
One highlight was visiting Bici Chocolate, a popular Costa Rican chocolate company that turns cacao into a variety of different chocolate products by grinding the cacao beans with a bicycle. At Bici, the team carefully walked us through the journey of the cacao plant, from the pods on the tree to the final bar. They used storytelling to connect each step to Costa Rica’s history and the people who grow it and their passion made it clear that chocolate is more than just a sweet treat, but it is a way to honor farmers, protect the land, and invite visitors like us to slow down and listen.
Throughout the visit to Bici, as well as other companies, the staff modeled a servant‑hearted approach to business, focusing on hospitality and education rather than rushing us through a typical factory tour. This aligns with broader Costa Rican business culture, where relationships, personal warmth, and respect often come before closing a deal or talking logistics. Seeing a company prioritize teaching, sustainability, and human connection over volume and speed was clearly different than what’s often seen in the U.S.
For me, the clearest picture of Costa Rican values came from our host mom, Miriam, whose hospitality has been both humbling and inspiring. Every meal is shared at the table, and even when she is not eating, she still sits with Clayton, Ryan, and I to talk, refill our plates, and make sure we have everything we need, reflecting the central place of family in Costa Rican life. Her quiet, consistent care feels like a form of everyday servant leadership, putting others first in small, practical ways.
This last week has also highlighted important differences between doing business in the United States and in Costa Rica. Here there is a noticeable emphasis on supporting small, locally owned companies, like Bici Chocolate, rather than defaulting to large international chains, which aligns with the country’s broader push for sustainability and community‑based tourism. In contrast, the U.S. often centers large corporations and efficiency, while Costa Rica seems more willing to slow down, invest in relationships, and keep economic benefits closer to home.
