The architecture industry has been traditionally seen as male-dominated. However, some women are changing the misconceptions and working to inspire young females to pursue their dreams and forge their own paths in the field of business consulting & services in the architecture and develop new projects for different industries. Melissa Hernandez, Founder & CEO of AS Desarrollos, is one such woman who is challenging gender stereotypes and leading a company that provides a wide range of services ranging from automation to custom software development, designed to fit the specific needs and requirements across industry verticals while maintaining a proven track record of excellence in client satisfaction. Known to be a progressive and dynamic thinker, Melissa holds a Master’s degree in Project Management and Master’s in Design thinking. It is this knowledge that backs her up in the development of new products & services, and this is how she creates innovative products and special services as SaaS (Software as a Service) implementation for the construction industry.

Melissa’s father has played a significant role in her journey by providing support and encouragement as she ventured into entrepreneurship at the young age of 21. In an in-depth interview with the The Global Women Leader team, Melissa shares her leadership thoughts and professional experience as the Founder & CEO of AS Desarrollos.

Take us through the formative years of your life. What were some key early influences in life that shaped you as an individual?

I started my own architecture company right out of college, but later transitioned into a development company, renaming it AS Development. I also pursued a master's degree in project management and became president of the PMI chapter in Costa Rica. I've expanded my skills by pursuing a second master's degree in design thinking and new product development. Well, it was two years ago, that I discovered my purpose in providing work opportunities to people in the construction industry. Through AS Desarrollos, we have created a unique organizational culture and integrated specific software for transparency and real-time project tracking. Our impact is focused on sustainability, finances, and the well-being of the people involved in the projects.

"Discipline and persistence will certainly lead to good results in the end"

As a project manager, I work across different industries by exporting design and consulting services to other countries, focusing on integrating innovation and technology into our projects. Recently, I was honored to be recognized as one of the top CEOs in Costa Rica, and I've been involved in various projects for big companies. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I've made significant strides and have been an active member of the architectural association in Costa Rica for many years.

What led you to establish AS Desarrollos? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of expertise.

The diversified experience as a PMP and in design thinking motivated me to establish AS Desarrollos. I believe that what sets AS Desarrollos apart is our commitment to transparency in project deliveries. We use technology and software to facilitate virtual collaboration and project development. The use of tools like Matterport for creating 360-degree views of project sites and collaborating virtually with clients is quite fascinating. It's also interesting to note how your company collaborates with other licensed partners in different countries to develop projects. The focus on best practices, expertise, and customer services while aiming to be a leader in the industry is commendable. The comprehensive approach, from creating the project scope to commercialization, shows a clear understanding of the entire project lifecycle.

Throw some light on the key responsibilities you shoulder as the Founder & CEO of AS Desarrollos.

As the CEO, my focus is on three specific things, i.e., team building, value creation, and having a positive impact on the society, while prioritizing sustainability. Moreover, in this global ethos, understanding the changes consistently and adapting to them is very important. Hence, I emphasize the development of my team's skills and adaptability, ensuring that every project creates value for the end user and the business, while also making a positive impact on society at large, being sustainable, and increasing RoI. This practice reflects a comprehensive approach to business and leadership.

Delineate the major challenges you encounter in leading AS Desarrollos. How do you overcome the said roadblocks?

The main challenges we face are the need to adapt quickly to global changes in the industry, finding the right people for my team, and developing a strategy that can evolve year by year. It's crucial to be flexible and responsive to the changing market dynamics while also ensuring that the team aligns with the company culture. Adapting to short-term strategies and continuously evaluating & adjusting them seems to be the way forward in the current business environment.

In your opinion what have been the biggest ‘wins’ that you have achieved so far in your professional journey?

I think that the milestone last year was when we celebrated 17 years of AS Desarrollos and five years of BI Consulting (technology company). We organized a special event to mark this occasion and invited all our partners, clients, and everyone involved. It was a significant moment for me as it made me believe that we were ready to take on bigger projects. It's not just about my belief, but also about the readiness of my team, our systems, and our strategy. It's like preparing for a marathon – we need to be ready mentally, spiritually, and physically in all aspects.

Going forward, where do you see yourself and the company shortly?

Well, I strive for constant growth and create a larger impact in the coming years. Respective of the company, AS Desarrollos plans to expand our services into different countries, starting with Panama, Guatemala, and El Latam. We already have a strong partnership with the US and are considering expanding into Latin America. Also, in our portfolio right now, we are developing commercial projects for brands as Burger King, Popeyes, Arbys, Microsoft, Amazon, Procter & Gamble, Crowne Plaza Hotel (IHG) and others. Furthermore, I am also well-prepared to take on the opportunities and challenges that come with expanding into new territories.

Any advice for aspiring women leaders or entrepreneurs?

Our slogan is to go beyond limits. Unnecessary separation among women groups and feminism is not needed. Just be you. It's about being a good person. Believe in yourself, work towards your goals, be persistent, and don't be discouraged by failures. Discipline and persistence lead to good results.

Melissa Hernandez, Founder & CEO, As Desarrollos

Melissa applies her vast industry expertise and collaborates with organizations worldwide to consistently deliver standout business results