Sophia G. Leptos, Executive Management of the Leptos Group, was recently featured in the Forbes magazine’s special issue Women in Power: “Οι Γυναίκες στις θέσεις ευθύνης που τους αξίζουν” Women in Leadership Positions They Deserve on 6/7/24. As she stated, “The contribution of women has always been an integral and highly significant factor in the operation and success of the Leptos Group.”
For Sophia G. Leptos, Executive Management at Leptos Group of Companies, the significant 48% employment rate of women in the Leptos Group “needs to be increased.” According to her, “we need to see even more women in the Group and, most importantly, for them to occupy leadership and senior positions.” She believes that while there is certainly a female presence, it is far from satisfactory. She emphasizes that “we need to break the stereotypes and false social perceptions that have been indirectly imposed on us to limit us as women.”
In a recent interview, you mentioned that there is a very strong female group of employees in the Leptos Group, making up 48% of the workforce. Was having a significant number of female employees a specific target for the Group, or was it a result of an absence of prejudice or reservations toward women within the companies of the Group?
In the 64 years of Leptos Group’s presence, women’s contribution has always been an integral and extremely important factor in the operation and success of the Group. Although the 48% is a significant percentage, I believe it should increase. We need to see even more women and, most importantly, for them to hold leadership and senior positions.
From your experience in the Group and the construction industry in general, do you see a satisfactory participation of women in the workforce?
There is certainly a female presence, but it is far from satisfactory. We have a long way to go. We need to break the stereotypes and false social perceptions that have been created and imposed on us indirectly to limit us as women. As women, we must claim what we deserve. At the same time, it’s crucial for organizations and groups, regardless of industry, to move away from the outdated stereotypes of the past.
Beyond your gender, do you believe that your youth affects how colleagues or other professionals perceive you? Do we trust young professionals in Cyprus?
As the only woman of the third generation in our family business, I see this as an advantage. Regarding young talents, it’s important to understand that experience is not always the most decisive factor. Young people bring fresh ideas, adaptability, and a modern perspective on both the world and technology, which are essential for growth. Of course, change can sometimes seem difficult, especially for older generations, so it can be a challenge to convince them of the need for change, which is often essential. I work in a progressive Group that supports these changes, especially when they are beneficial in the long run. I view the rise of young professionals in Cyprus optimistically, as our contribution is crucial to the future of business and the country in general.
Do you believe it is harder for women in Cyprus to achieve a balance between professional progress and personal family life, or have these gender differences become a thing of the past?
This challenge is global, not just in Cyprus. Despite the progress made so far, the expectations and pressures women face remain intense. Women should not have to justify their choices, and it is important that we support each other, claim equal opportunities, and move forward with confidence, overcoming the obstacles that still exist.
Are you optimistic about the prospects of the Group you work for in the coming years? And more generally, what is your opinion on the prospects of the Cypriot economy? Is there anything that concerns you regarding the country’s growth and prosperity?
The successful 64-year journey and dynamic presence of the Leptos Group ensure its future. The philosophy, planning, and content of our ongoing and future projects exceed typical Cypriot standards and meet international levels of quality developments, while our continuous multifaceted efforts for improvement reinforce my confidence in the future. As an outward-looking economy, Cyprus is greatly affected by geopolitical and international economic conditions. Therefore, we must be particularly careful with our future planning, both as businesses and as a state.