The secret to living is giving; if one chases their aspirations, they will have something worth sharing with others, such as hope, inspiration, and a sense of purpose, and that indeed, is a great contribution. There is a reason why as kids we loved magic and dreams. Stop chasing your dreams and you will forget how it feels to live hopeful and young. Sylvia dCosta is one such person who has taken the responsibility for her ambitions and has been working hard to make her dreams a reality. She is a role model for other women, inspiring them to fight for their rights and achieve what they deserve. Being born in the city that never sleeps – Mumbai, Sylvia dreamt of a career that goes beyond the norms of society.

“Leaders must be tough enough to fight, tender enough to cry, human enough to make mistakes, humble enough to admit them, strong enough to absorb the pain, and resilient enough to bounce back and keep on moving. Our future success is directly proportional to our ability to understand, adapt and integrate new technology into our work. A good leader, like a racehorse, must have their blinkers on to run with laser-like focus towards the goal,” signifies Sylvia dCosta, Director& Founder at Asterix International General Trading Co (BDH Laboratory Equipments). In an exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur Magazine, Sylvia talks more about the distinctive traits of Asterix International and her unique play at the firm.

Take us through your prior industry experience. What business lessons have you learned that are still applicable to your approach to entrepreneurship as a result of your previous experience?

I had no aspirations to become a founder and was perfectly content running the company I had been hired into. It was nearly 10 years ago when I made the fateful decision to "leave the bench" and become an entrepreneur. Holding a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and past work experience of being an International Business Director, “Asterix International” had been created to utilize my specialized skills in the Laboratory & Medical sector. With the encouragement of my daughter Ms Angelina, I decided to create my own unique job that utilizes my many skills and interests.

Building the business has been a significant challenge, but the rewards have been well worth it. I get to do what I love, I meet many interesting people, I can choose my clients and projects, and I am constantly challenged to learn something new. Asterix International has become a manifestation of my idea; now it's time for it to expand beyond its initial growth trajectory and create something new. So, the most essential lesson I've learned from my starting experience is that any opportunity is available for you if you're willing to see it and do something about it. Curiosity and excitement about what each day brings, and it will bring something new is the promise of every new day.

Give us a brief overview of Asterix International General Trading Co (BDH Laboratory Equipments).

Asterix International values a creative, dynamic, and solution-oriented approach towards delivering excellence to its clients. It focuses on delivering Laboratory solutions developed on the foundation of efficient technologies and methods. It deals in a wide range of Laboratory & Medical services. The company's technology stack includes turnkey solutions for all kinds of Laboratories including but not limited to design, supply, install, equip and train. We also offer backup services & maintenance contracts, related to various industries, education, research & development under one roof for all kinds of Laboratories with diversified operations in the Middle East. One-stop solution to Laboratory needs by serving our valued customers with top quality and timely delivery by offering supply, sales, service, installation, troubleshooting & commissioning for a broad range of high-end state-of-the-art Analytical equipment, Industrial & Laboratory chemicals.

“A new business is like a new love affair: any fool can start one, but it takes a genius to run it successfully.”

Tell us about the various roles and responsibilities that you currently shoulder at Asterix International.

My first two years in business, like every young entrepreneur's, were a steep learning curve. Initially, my efforts were focused on learning about the Kuwait market, defining the company's parameters and developing a business plan, identifying government regulations and legal considerations, locating professional, financial, and emotional support, finding other individuals with complementary skills and expertise who could work under the umbrella of my company as needed, and learning new skills or improving existing ones. Generating income is the ultimate purpose of any business. However, it may not always happen right away. Often, there is a long lag time until that first contract materializes, and then the second contract, and the third.

In your opinion, what are some of the most critical aspects of your personality and leadership style that have played a significant role throughout your professional journey?

Unshakeable faith, courage, confidence, adaptability, hard work, and a lot of positive energy—knowing that every uncertainty has a shelf life and that this, too, shall pass are required to keep advancing undaunted towards their goal.

Make yourself visible. You can't expect people to queue up to speak with you, especially if you're just starting out. Make an effort to get your name out there so that others are aware of who you are and what you are working on.

Establish your credibility. Don't expect to make a connection right away. Be persistent yet not obnoxious. Along the process, demonstrate your dedication to the connection by carrying out your commitments.

Be clear. If you foresee an arrangement with the other person that would be mutually beneficial, don’t shy away from bringing it up. Lay forth your idea for how you'd like to collaborate with them in the future when the time is appropriate. Don’t assume the other side can read your mind.

As a successful business leader, what advice would you present to young women and girls who aspire to become business leaders or entrepreneurs in the future?

No matter how difficult the road gets, you should never give up. I have five key pieces of advice for women who are seeking leadership positions: 1. Have a clear set of values, goals to reach, and changes you wish to make (your vision) 2. Do not follow people but rather follow your dreams and believe in the positive changes you want to make 3. Remember that the decisions you make impact other people’s lives 4. Be self-confident and motivated – this is crucial 5. Be yourself!" Quote: “Two things you are in total control of in your life are your ATTITUDE and your EFFORT.

Sylvia Dcosta, Director & Founder

Sylvia dCosta is one such person who has taken the responsibility for her ambitions and has been working hard to make her dreams a reality. She is a role model for other women, inspiring them to fight for their rights and achieve what they deserve. Being born in the city that never sleeps – Mumbai, Sylvia dreamt of a career that goes beyond the norms of society.