Laura Varela Fallas and Mastering Multitasking

Leading multiple companies across diverse sectors may sound overwhelming, but with the right strategies in place, it becomes not just manageable, but an exciting journey of growth and innovation. As the CEO of Verat Properties, iCubica, Opti-Prime Properties, and other ventures under The Varela Group, I’ve spent years perfecting the art of strategic multitasking. Each company I manage operates in a distinct sector—from real estate to tech-enabled services—yet they all align under a common goal: delivering innovative, sustainable solutions.

In this article, I’ll share my approach to managing multiple ventures successfully, covering everything from strategic planning to leadership delegation, and how I leverage technology to streamline operations. Whether you’re leading a startup or a growing business portfolio, these insights will help you master the art of multitasking in your entrepreneurial journey.

Embracing Strategic Planning Across Sectors

One of the biggest challenges of leading multiple companies is ensuring that each business has a clear and distinct strategic direction while aligning with the overall vision of the group. For me, strategic planning is the cornerstone of everything we do. It’s what keeps the diverse ventures under The Varela Group—ranging from iCubica in real estate to V-Shapes in packaging—on course.

The key to managing businesses in different industries is to recognize that no two sectors operate the same way. This means that while each company must have its own tailored business plan, I ensure they all contribute to our overarching goal of growth, innovation, and sustainability. For example, at Opti-Prime Properties, a strategic focus is on short-term and mid-term loans for real estate projects, which requires a different approach than what we implement at iCubica, where we manage property development and architecture.

To effectively navigate these differences, I establish a unique set of objectives for each company while holding quarterly reviews to assess progress, adjusting strategies as needed. By staying agile, we ensure that our plans can evolve with market changes, customer needs, and industry trends.

Building Strong Leadership Teams

One of the most critical components of successfully managing multiple businesses is the ability to delegate effectively. I firmly believe that no leader can oversee every detail of several ventures alone, which is why building strong leadership teams is essential. At The Varela Group, each company has its own dedicated management team, empowered to make decisions and drive growth.

When I first started scaling my businesses, I quickly learned that finding the right people to lead each venture was key. Trusting my leadership teams at Opti-Prime Properties and iCubica allowed me to focus on strategic oversight while ensuring that day-to-day operations were managed effectively. I make it a point to hire people who not only have the necessary skills but also align with our core values of innovation, sustainability, and excellence.

Beyond hiring, leadership development is a continuous process. I prioritize creating opportunities for my managers to grow, providing mentorship, and encouraging them to take ownership of their projects. This approach fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment that drives the success of each venture. Regular leadership workshops and quarterly strategic meetings across the group help ensure that everyone is aligned with our vision and capable of taking their teams to new heights.

By investing in strong leadership teams, I can confidently delegate operational control, knowing that each of my businesses is in good hands. This, in turn, allows me to focus on the bigger picture—expanding our reach, fostering innovation, and driving long-term growth.

The Power of Diversification in Business Growth

Diversification is one of the pillars of my business strategy. Managing companies across different industries allows me to mitigate risks while unlocking new growth opportunities. For example, having ventures like iCubica in real estate and V-Shapes LATAM in innovative packaging enables The Varela Group to remain stable even when one industry faces challenges.

The advantage of diversification is that it creates a synergy between different sectors, allowing insights from one industry to benefit another. For instance, my experience in tech-enabled services has significantly influenced how we approach real estate at iCubica. We’re not just building or managing properties; we’re integrating smart technology solutions that enhance both the operational efficiency and the user experience.

Diversifying also means that we can be more resilient during economic downturns. While one sector may face challenges, another might be thriving. This balance allows us to maintain a steady stream of revenue and continue growing, even in uncertain times. Additionally, diversification helps us foster innovation by applying cross-industry lessons. For example, the automation processes we’ve developed in packaging with V-Shapes have also informed operational improvements in our real estate management with iCubica.

For any business leader looking to grow, I highly recommend exploring diversification. However, it’s important to diversify strategically. You need to have a clear understanding of each industry and ensure that you’re not stretching resources too thin. At The Varela Group, we ensure that each company has a solid foundation before expanding into new areas.

Streamlining Operations with Technology

In today’s fast-paced business world, technology is an invaluable tool for managing multiple companies effectively. At The Varela Group, I’ve embraced tech-enabled services to streamline operations and maintain oversight across diverse industries. From cloud-based systems to automation, technology helps us stay organized, efficient, and responsive.

For example, at iCubica, we’ve implemented cloud management systems that allow our teams to collaborate seamlessly on real estate projects across different locations. This level of connectivity ensures that no matter where our properties are located—whether in Costa Rica or Panama—our team can access real-time data, make informed decisions, and maintain project timelines.

Similarly, automation plays a key role in many of our operations. At V-Shapes LATAM, for instance, we utilize automated packaging processes to enhance efficiency while reducing human error. These systems not only save time but also help us scale more easily. By integrating automation into our workflow, we can focus our energy on innovation and growth, rather than getting bogged down by repetitive tasks.

Another vital tool we use across all our ventures is data analytics. With access to data-driven insights, I can monitor performance in real-time, allowing for quick adjustments to strategies when necessary. Whether it’s tracking financial performance at Opti-Prime Properties or analyzing customer satisfaction at iCubica, technology provides us with the insights we need to make data-informed decisions that drive success.

Ultimately, technology has allowed us to maintain control over our diverse portfolio while scaling each business efficiently. Without these tools, managing several companies simultaneously would be much more challenging. My advice to business leaders is to invest in the right technology early on—it will save time, reduce costs, and create opportunities for growth.

Building Strategic Partnerships and Alliances

No business can thrive in isolation, and that’s why I place great emphasis on building strategic partnerships and alliances. Over the years, forming the right partnerships has been a crucial element in expanding The Varela Group’s reach across different sectors, from real estate to tech-enabled packaging. These collaborations not only provide growth opportunities but also help to leverage expertise and resources that may not be available in-house.

For instance, at V-Shapes LATAM, our exclusive partnership with V-Shapes in Italy has given us access to groundbreaking single-dose packaging technology. This collaboration allowed us to become pioneers in offering eco-friendly, innovative packaging solutions across Latin America. By forming alliances with global leaders, we are able to stay ahead of industry trends and bring world-class products to our market.

In the real estate sector, partnerships have also been key. Working closely with architects, engineers, and designers has enabled iCubica to deliver not just standard properties but fully integrated projects that combine sustainable design and smart technology. Similarly, at Opti-Prime Properties, building relationships with financial institutions and real estate developers has helped us offer tailored lending solutions that meet the needs of our clients.

Identifying the right partners involves more than just aligning business goals—it’s about shared values and a vision for long-term growth. I’ve always been selective about who we collaborate with, ensuring that any partnership reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Strategic alliances provide mutual benefits and enable us to achieve goals that would be difficult to reach independently.

Whether you’re entering new markets or expanding product offerings, partnerships can be a catalyst for accelerated growth. My advice is to seek partners who complement your strengths and challenge you to reach new heights.

Balancing Leadership, Growth, and Personal Wellness

Leading multiple companies across various industries is an exhilarating but demanding endeavor. Over the years, I’ve learned that success in business isn’t just about strategy and operations—it’s about balance. Balancing leadership responsibilities, company growth, and personal well-being is key to maintaining long-term success.

At The Varela Group, I prioritize not just the growth of our ventures, but also my personal wellness. Running businesses like iCubica, Opti-Prime Properties, and V-Shapes LATAM demands a lot of time and energy. But to be an effective leader, it’s important to take time for yourself. I incorporate daily wellness practices like yoga and mindfulness into my routine to stay grounded, focused, and energized for the challenges ahead.

For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to manage multiple ventures, my advice is simple: start small, build a strong foundation, and grow strategically. Focus on creating effective systems, hiring the right leaders, and leveraging technology to streamline operations. Most importantly, don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. Your wellness fuels your ability to lead, innovate, and inspire.

Leading multiple companies is a rewarding journey, filled with both challenges and opportunities. By staying committed to your vision, building strong partnerships, and embracing innovation, you can successfully manage and grow a diverse portfolio of businesses—while enjoying the ride.