In Conversation

What are the challenges women face in the 21st century? We speak to eight women from diverse industries on how they face them head-on

ALICE EDUARDO

Founder, president and CEO Sta Elena Construction and Development Corporation

What are some of the challenges and opportunities for women in your industry/sector?

The construction industry continues to be dominated in number by male founders and leaders. Both the market and workers have grown used to that. This challenge is an opportunity to bring the female brand of leadership to the field. We can bring our unique empathy, grit, hands-on style and attention to detail to the work.

What has been the most significant barrier you have encountered as a woman in your career? How did you overcome it?

I would say the sincerity to succeed, the perseverance and determination to secure work, and the hard work I’ve shown as a woman in the field of construction encouraged my first clients to give me and our team our earliest projects.

How do you balance work, family, and self-care?

I’ve devised ways to hold meetings near my home, or with my trusted team members in my home, in order to be close to my children and my parents. As a rule, I try to sit and be present with them in as many meals during the day as I can.

I try as much as possible to start the day in meditation and draw the line between me-time and work. Travel and a change of scene at my home outside the country have also played a key role in my ability to recharge. For this I am very grateful.

Who inspires you?

Very easily, my mother, from whom I learnt many skills and insights not necessarily taught in school. Her innate business sense and work discipline are things I aspire to live up to.