"Competition and success are not a gender issue"

On Monday 3 March, the Mobile World Congress kicks off, the year's major technological event and one of the most important events worldwide, where infrastructure plays a key role. Losberger De Boer, a leading company in the ephemeral and semi-permanent modular construction sector, is once again an essential ally of the fair, providing it with fast, flexible and long-lasting solutions to cover all its needs. Today, companies must adapt at an increasingly rapid pace and, in this context, LDB is presented as the innovative and sustainable solution. We spoke to the company's general manager in Spain, Mónica Melero.

What is modular construction?

— It is a construction alternative that can be used both in the ephemeral world and in permanent construction, and responds to a basic principle: the prior prefabrication of the modules or components that make up these space solutions before their construction. This involves the integration of advanced technology for the calculation of the prefabricated modules and the modelling of all these materials.

How does it help businesses?

— It generates incredibly fast assembly times. The essence of modular construction is that it allows for dismantling and reuse, either through recycling the materials or rebuilding these solutions in another location. It is therefore a very sustainable solution.

We are at the doors of the MWC, where LDB provides modular solutions. How do you work with them?

— This is a client that is a perfect letter of introduction for us. We have been working together for more than 20 years and this has pushed us to leave our comfort zone innovating, year after year, in services, in more developed spaces and in acoustics. It is an honour to be able to be at the congress. Each year we have had a different participation and, in fact, for the future, very interesting projects are planned with them.

Is having such an important fair like this one of the attractions of Barcelona for you?

— Yes, of course. But it is also a reciprocal relationship. In other words, for us, the development of trade fairs is as important as it is for the trade fairs to have an agent within this value chain that is a reference for the provision of additional space that is required.

What objectives have you achieved under your leadership?

— Firstly, brand recognition and positioning Losberger De Boer as an important asset within the value chain of the MICE ecosystem (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions). Over the last 20 years, we have secured our position as a leader by being present in the great socio-cultural achievements of our country. And, secondly, applying the knowledge of modular construction in the development of infrastructures, such as airport terminals, sports centres or different solutions for business and industry.

And in the future, thatwhat is your great ambition?

— Transferring the role of reference and leadership to the path towards sustainability. Modular construction is a solution, a bet on the future. And the future is uncertain and calls for alternative and flexible construction solutions that can respond in an agile and sustainable way.

CWhat is it like to be a female manager in Spain in a sector like construction?

— As with many women in other sectors, you must navigate between prejudices and stereotypes that are part of cultural biases and that respond to the lack of normalization of the presence of women in governance and management bodies. We must continue to walk together and give visibility to the role models that exist, who are demonstrating that neither competence nor success are a gender issue.

What percentage of women do you have on your staff in Spain?

— Good question. We are over 50%, of course. Of the 15 people on staff, 9 are women.

Throughout your career, have you had to prove more than a man in your position?

— One of the greatest challenges is not to fall into the temptation of having to prove how great a professional you are just because you are a woman. I have been very lucky to have professionals in my company who have recognized my contribution, my effort and my competence, regardless of my gender. I have been able to support myself in my professional development, understanding that it requires reconciliation with my personal and family objectives.

What values do you consider essential for leadership in this sector?

— For a benchmark company that wants to be a leader, both commitment and responsibility are very important. Commitment because everything we do has a social and environmental impact and, therefore, responsibility and good practices.

And inWhat three words would you use to describe your leadership?

— Firstly, empathy, which is key to team cohesion and talent retention. Secondly, effective communication is important to manage multinational and multidisciplinary teams, where there is a multicultural factor. And thirdly, management by objectives, giving autonomy to each person who manages themselves with the appropriate tools and within a culture of meritocracy.

How does he do it?

— Giving them credit and recognition for their achievements, and celebrating them. Many times, with the inertia of day to day life, we forget to celebrate the small achievements, and they are the key to recognition and pride in belonging to the team.

What have been the most challenging moments in your career?

— Without a doubt, Covid. Managing the impact it had on our business and team was a huge emotional, personal and professional challenge.

And how do you deal with it?

— Collaborating with international teams to respond to health crises with solutions such as emergency hospitals and vaccination centres, and applying the knowledge we had of modular construction in infrastructure in Spain. This is what has allowed us to consolidate a much stronger business today and ensure corporate sustainability.

What message would you give to people or companies considering adopting modular solutions?

— Firstly, that the modular solution is a bet on the future, which requires flexible solutions that can be quickly adapted to business demands and with a sustainable essence. And, secondly, that they call us because we will offer them quality consulting.

What is your vision for the company in the coming years?

— To accompany, represent and lead on the path towards sustainability through innovation with lighter and more sustainable materials and carbon-neutral construction processes.

And what impact do you want to leave on the industry?

— Being a role model for many women and serving as an example that with work and commitment we can have equal opportunities.