Laura Varela Fallas

For too long, a homogenous group of voices has dominated business leadership in a narrow mold. But the world is changing, and so is the way we view leadership. As a Costa Rican woman leading an international company, I’ve witnessed firsthand how diversity in leadership doesn’t just break the mold; it creates a completely new one, built on a foundation of innovation, inclusivity, and stronger business outcomes. When I founded The Varela Group , I knew my journey wouldn’t follow the traditional path. In fact, not following that path is what has fueled my success. Growing up in a vibrant, diverse culture in Costa Rica taught me the value of listening to voices from different backgrounds, and that experience has stayed with me throughout my career. At The Varela Group, I’ve intentionally built a team that reflects a wide range of backgrounds—different nationalities, genders, and skill sets. This is no accident. I’ve always believed that diversity fuels innovation. But beyond belief, the da...

Mentorship has been one of the most impactful forces in my professional journey. Looking back, I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of the mentors who helped me navigate the complex world of business. Whether it was my early days starting The Varela Group or the challenges I faced expanding into international markets, having someone who could share their experience, offer advice, and provide honest feedback was invaluable. Mentorship isn’t just about professional development—it’s about building real relationships that help you grow personally and professionally. It’s about having someone who understands the weight of leadership, someone who can remind you to stay grounded when success is overwhelming, and who can push you to keep going when things get tough. And, just as importantly, it’s about paying it forward, stepping into that mentorship role yourself to help others. I’ve had the opportunity to mentor some amazing women in business over th...

As a business owner, I’ve faced my fair share of unexpected obstacles. From sudden market downturns to internal setbacks, these challenges can feel overwhelming. But one lesson I’ve learned throughout my career is that resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Resilience allows leaders to adapt, pivot, and find opportunity where others see only difficulty. In my own journey, especially during my time leading projects in Costa Rica, resilience became my greatest asset. I recall a time when we were hit with a sudden regulatory change that threatened to derail a major real estate development. Our team was blindsided, and for a moment, it felt like the entire project was in jeopardy. But instead of seeing it as a roadblock, I viewed it as a moment to rethink our approach. We restructured our plans, engaged with local authorities, and came out stronger—both as a team and as a business. Resilience is what makes the difference between survival and growth during challenging times...

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, I’ve found that one thing remains constant—change. As leaders, we are always looking for ways to adapt, grow, and stay ahead of the curve. Over the past decade, I’ve seen technology not only transform industries but completely reshape the way we think about leadership, especially in the financial sector. When I first stepped into the world of finance, traditional methods reigned supreme. We relied heavily on manual processes, trusted spreadsheets over algorithms, and rarely considered the power of automation. However, the onset of digital transformation has revolutionized everything, from how we manage budgets to how we analyze risks and seize opportunities. As I have navigated my own leadership journey in Costa Rica, I’ve witnessed firsthand how crucial it is for financial leaders to embrace these changes. Take, for example, my experience during a pivotal moment in my career when my team was faced with implementing a new financial system...

Balancing a thriving career with family life is something many of us strive for, yet it often feels like a juggling act that never quite settles. As someone who has walked that path—both the highs and the inevitable moments of doubt—I’ve learned firsthand that it’s not about achieving a perfect balance, but about creating harmony in a way that works for you and your loved ones. When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I was full of ambition, energy, and ideas. But I quickly realized that as much as I wanted to give 100% to my business, my heart was also deeply rooted in my family. Trying to do it all—be the successful entrepreneur and the present, engaged family member—was, at times, overwhelming. I’ve had to learn, often the hard way, how to balance my passion for work with the need to nurture my relationships at home. This article is a reflection of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. It’s my way of saying to you, “Yes, it’s possible to have both a fulfilling career and a happy...

Over the past few years, remote work has completely reshaped the way we do business, and I’ve experienced this shift firsthand. Like many of you, I had to adjust quickly when the world went virtual almost overnight. What started as a short-term solution to an unexpected crisis has now become a permanent fixture in many organizations. And while the flexibility of working remotely is a huge benefit—both for companies and their employees—it’s also clear that it brings new challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining team dynamics, productivity, and morale. In my own work, I’ve seen how the lack of face-to-face interaction can impact a team’s ability to stay connected and collaborate effectively. Without the natural conversations that happen in an office, it can be easy for communication to break down or for people to feel isolated. And yet, I’ve also learned that with the right approach, it’s entirely possible to keep a remote team not only productive but thriving. In this article,...