Building the future

Boss lady, superwoman, mother and developer extraordinaire… these are just some of the badges that Stephani Zambrano Leyzac proudly adorns. 

Stephani is renowned for wearing several hats in the business world and she undoubtedly tackles each one with passion and determination (all whilst wearing 5inch heels). She is the biggest cheerleader for woman and their endless capabilities, I am almost certain that she will release a best selling “How Woman Rule” book soon.

Don’t let her stunning looks and flair for fashion deter you from her accomplishments; she graduated with a full football scholarship as a civil engineer in Huston, USA and has since launched a hugely successful, luxury development company in Marbella and also in Toronto; Canada. Her ambition started from a young age, she was born to a geotechnical engineer father and a mother who was an architect, you could say she was destined to work with building sketches.

As much as Stephani’s life sounds like it has been precisely planned and executed with precision, it wasn’t always the case. Growing up during an economically disastrous spell in Venezuela, it meant this empowered woman had to stand taller than any man and prove her worth. I asked Stephani how she did that and more…

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about “the construction industry” ?

An industry dominated by men. The number of women on the front line of a job site is only 1 for every 100 employees in the field. There is only 1.25 percent of women in the workforce. The industry needs more women, more diversity. “Diversity drives innovation”. We are detail oriented and are definitely just as sharp as men. I might even say we are tougher.

How did you end up working in the industry?

I have been working in construction for seven years. I have a degree in Civil Engineering and a specialisation in Construction Project Management. I come from a family of successful builders. My mom and sister are architects. My father is an engineer. “He raised me like a tomboy” (she laughs) and taught me to be strong and independent.

What do you think is one of the hardest things you have personally faced as a female property developer?

Always being the only woman in the field. Add to that, moving to so many different countries and dealing with different men, mentalities, cultures and weather. One of the toughest moments was when I moved to Canada, with no family or friends, and I worked as a project manager for a company building a 14,000m2 commercial building. I had also never seen snow before in my life.

I had to work with a lot of Middle Eastern and European men that were not used to seeing and dealing with a woman in the field. As challenging as that was, the temperature outdoors was generally around -10 degrees. Craziest time of my life.

What does being a powerful woman/entrepreneur mean to you?

For a lot of woman power means money. For me it means freedom and being fearless. What makes a powerful woman is  the combination of personal drive and ambition. To be willing to accept all the opportunities and risks that life provides her. I am go-getter kind of girl.

Do you think there are any barriers to success or growth as a female leader in construction?

There are still a lot of barriers and, let’s face it, it is a tough business for a young woman to be working in, especially one which most would call ‘a man’s business’. My husband is my biggest supporter. With almost 40 years in the construction and development business with his company Kartellè Corporation based in Toronto, Canada. So he knows a thing or two about construction. In my opinion, your mind is your own barrier and there is nothing we cannot do. It is all about being persistent, tough, sometimes bitchy and hard working. Women bring that “flavour” to the field.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve undertaken? 

Moving to so many different countries by myself and pursuing my dreams while everybody called me crazy.

I have lived and worked in four different countries but moving to ‘English only’ Canada was the greatest challenge.  I actually ended up in Toronto by mistake after missing my flight to the USA. I did not know anyone and I fell in love with the huge structures and the construction challenges they presented! I have this kind of personality that I love to take risks, living new experiences and pursuing each opportunity. Life is too short and I don’t want to live with regrets.

Can you tell us about the proudest moment/achievement in your life?

Giving birth to my baby Logan and creating my 2nd baby Lavele Corporation. They are a year apart in age and are a handful to control. Lavele Corporation is a development company specialising in the construction of high-end luxury finished villas in Marbella and Toronto. Now Lavele is following in the big footsteps of Kartellè Corporation of Toronto, Canada, who has completed over $2B in high rise and commercial developments around the world.

How would you describe a Lavele residence and what can we expect in the upcoming months?

A Lavele residence brings flair, edge and an unusual bravura to all our projects. We are building homes with a combination of Canadian style, our trademark attention to minute details and “outside the box” innovation. The company is growing and we are proud that we have now sold projects off plan. 2022 will feature a villa project with a helicopter landing pad and much more …. So stay tuned!

  @stephyzh   |    @lavele.ca