Lesty Donato Cordova is the CEO of Cordova Property Management. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

When we first arranged to interview Dubai-based entrepreneur Lesty Donato Cordova, she asked to move the schedule. One of her staff members was in the Philippines attending a family funeral, and she wanted the entire team present. “I don’t want anyone left out,” she said. It is a small but telling detail about the CEO of Cordova Property Management. For Lesty, leadership is not about titles. It is about people. Founded in 2024, Lesty’s Cordova Property Management has quickly established itself in Dubai’s competitive real estate sector, managing nearly 100 properties across the UAE, from villas to luxury apartments in prime locations. At its core, the company offers end-to-end services for property owners and tenants. This includes tenant sourcing, financial management, inspections, and maintenance oversight. “We help owners from A to Z,” Lesty explains. “From finding tenants to ensuring the property maintains its value.” What sets her company apart is its structured and transparent approach. Every property undergoes a series of inspections, from onboarding and tenant move-in to bi-annual checks and move-out evaluations. “Not all owners have time to check their properties,” she says. “So we make sure everything is monitored and maintained at a high standard.” Clients also benefit from a digital platform that allows them to track everything in real time, from rental payments to maintenance updates. “With just one click, they can see everything happening in their property,” she adds. For Lesty, transparency is non-negotiable. “We make sure clients know everything. That’s why they keep coming back.”

Journey shaped by opportunity

Raised in the prominent residential and business hub of Fairview, Quezon City, Lesty built her early career in the Philippines across banking, real estate, and automotive sectors before deciding to take a leap of faith. “I wanted to grow more in my career,” she says. “Seeing my relatives succeed here gave me the motivation to try my luck in Dubai.” She arrived in the UAE in 2012, beginning in the automotive industry in customer service and administration. She eventually managed a branch in Dubai Internet City, gaining hands-on leadership experience. Her diverse work experience, from HR roles in oil and gas to managing teams of over 250 employees in the automotive sector, has helped her develop a leadership style grounded in understanding people. “I learned how to deal with different nationalities,” she says. “I realized I can connect with people by showing them I am here to help.” Her transition into real estate came three years ago when she was offered a property management role at a leading firm.“They were looking for someone strong in customer service,” she recalls. That role exposed her to property owners, investors, and the complexities of managing high-value assets. It also laid the foundation for her future business. In 2024, an opportunity presented itself. Encouraged by a co-founder who believed in her capabilities, Lesty decided to launch her own company. “I didn’t think twice,” she says. Beyond ambition, her motivation was deeply personal. “When I put up the business, I thought about how I could help others by giving them jobs,” she says. “That made me feel good.” Today, Cordova Property Management reflects her values. It is a company built not just on service, but on empathy. “You have to put yourself in the property owner’s shoes,” she says. “Anyone with property wants it to be taken care of properly.” As a CEO, Lesty’s days are fast-paced, often involving more than 150 emails and dozens of messages. Yet she makes it a point to start each day with a simple question to her team. “I ask them, ‘How are you?’ Not about work, just about them,” she says. For her, creating a positive work environment is essential.“They are the ones handling everything in the company. If they feel valued, they perform better.” Her leadership philosophy is also shaped by her late grandfather, Andoy. “He always told me to help others and appreciate your parents,” she recalls. “Help the people who truly need it.” This belief extends into her business. Cordova Property Management regularly conducts outreach programs, giving back to the community, especially during holidays. “When we close a deal, we share the blessings,” she says.

Recognition and resilience

Lesty’s work has not gone unnoticed. She has been named among the Top 100 Women Leaders in the Middle East, a recognition that underscores her impact in traditionally male-dominated industries. “Leadership knows no gender,” she says. “It is about character and responsibility.” Her journey has also been marked by defining moments, including a high-value deal at The Address Downtown Dubai. “The client told me one word: loyalty,” she recalls. “That meant everything to me.” For Lesty, trust is the foundation of success. “If an investor doesn’t trust you, they will not give you their property,” she says. As she continues to grow her company, Lesty remains focused on her core mission: delivering reliable service while creating opportunities for others. “Dubai is a city of opportunities,” she says. “If you want to grow and help people, this is the place.” Her advice is simple but grounded in experience. “Do your best in the present,” she says. “The future will take care of itself.” MAM/Expat Media

Quick Fire with Lesty

First thing you check when you walk into a property I check for a sign of leakage. Penthouse or beachfront villa Beachfront villa. Favourite developer in UAE Emaar. Real estate term people always misunderstand Service charges. People don't understand it. Area in Dubai you think is underrated Dubai Marina. Property feature you think every home should have A balcony. Your go-to outfit when meeting high-end clients I wear Long dresses. If you could own any landmark in the world I would like to own a mountain. Most memorable moment while closing a deal The client offered to pay for me to travel. Favourite thing about living in the UAE There are a lot of opportunities here. They never stop. This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition print magazine. Get in touch with Cordova Property Management via cordovaproperty.com or call +971 58 6287157 or +971 58 6580518. Visit: Cordova Property Management, The One Tower Business Centre, Barsha Heights, Dubai
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