Diana Sadykova found herself on an unexpected journey into the world of business. Her narrative unfolds with the inception of ADS Sapa LLP, a company born from a shared vision with her brother. Back in September 2012, they laid the foundation for their venture. While her brother brought an engineering background to the table, inspired by their father's legacy, Diana's economics education made her a natural collaborator in this endeavor.
The choice of the company's name held immense significance for Diana. She insisted on incorporating "SAPA" into the name, a decision rooted in her desire to stand out and create a distinctive identity within the engineering landscape. She wasn't merely interested in another run-of-the-mill business; she sought to fill a void by delivering exceptional service quality. Her aspiration was to bridge the gap between Contractors and Customers, guiding them through projects with dedication and expertise.
At the time, Diana found herself navigating the realm of entrepreneurship while balancing her responsibilities as a new mother. Her days were a juggling act between nurturing her newborn and nurturing a budding business. Learning the ropes on the fly became her norm—negotiating, hiring staff, attending meetings—all while striving to carve out a unique space for ADS Sapa LLP.
The turning point came with the addition of a commercial director to their team, leading to a surge in contract numbers. Diana reflected on the formula for success, acknowledging that while there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, integrity remained a constant variable. Honesty, from self-introspection to dealings with partners, was the bedrock upon which she built her company.
As Diana recounted her journey, the narrative took a detour into the challenges she had encountered and continues to grapple with. The construction industry, traditionally male-dominated, posed its own set of hurdles. However, Diana had managed to defy any gender-related biases or mistreatment, a testament to the evolving landscape of the business world.
Yet, her obstacles lay not just in societal norms but in the intricacies of her field. Establishing a harmonious rapport with employees accustomed to outdated practices and differing values presented its share of hurdles. The challenge of deciphering clients' ambiguous demands, coping with stubborn contractors, and grappling with flawed project designs echoed the industry's complexities. These intricacies frequently led to project delays, budget overruns, and incomplete constructions—a common woe in the construction domain.
Diana's voice shifted as she addressed the unique approaches of men and women in business. She perceived a difference in mindset, observing that men often leaned toward aggressive tactics and territorial battles. As a woman, her instincts steered her toward conflict resolution and fostering understanding, even if it meant yielding ground. Her gender seemed to amplify her inclination for diplomacy over confrontation.
Addressing aspiring businesswomen, especially those venturing into male-dominated sectors, Diana recommended considering partnerships, especially within family setups. The risks in such industries were high, demanding a strong support network. The driving force behind entering business should be well-defined, whether driven by ambition or necessity.
Reflecting on her reputation, Diana painted a vivid picture of its fluidity. In a mature market, reputation demanded constant nurturing, accumulation of knowledge, and gradual growth. She transitioned into discussing her role as a woman entrepreneur, asserting that any presumed biases no longer held her back. Embracing her unique perspective as a woman gave her the freedom to admit mistakes and cultivate a cooperative approach.
Diana's story concluded with her observations on the distinct challenges of being a woman entrepreneur. Her path in the construction industry had been laden with rigorous responsibilities, decisions, and coordination, given the multitude of stakeholders involved. While the creative realms might offer a more nurturing environment for women, the structured and rule-bound construction world required specialized knowledge, resources, and resilience.