What does my leadership journey look like? It’s a story of transformation—from designing structures to designing leadership. Trained as an architect, I spent over 20 years navigating the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. Along the way, I found myself not just building spaces but shaping environments for growth—first through physical design and later by helping people unlock their leadership potential.
Architecture as a Foundation
Early in my career, I realized that architects do more than draw blueprints or oversee construction. We are stewards of the public trust, responsible for creating spaces that don’t just meet a functional need but serve a greater good. Whether working on a small project or a large infrastructure initiative, I saw that every design decision impacted not only the end user but also the surrounding community.
Throughout my career, I touched every corner of the AEC industry—master planning, construction management, property management, real estate development, even infrastructure policy. These experiences reinforced the idea that the success of any project depended not just on technical design but on how information was communicated and how people were aligned. Building environments that worked for everyone meant engaging multiple stakeholders and fostering collaboration—a lesson I would later carry into leadership consulting.
Shifting to Leadership Consulting
When I transitioned from architecture into management consulting, I discovered that the principles I had relied on as an architect were just as applicable to leadership. Leadership, like architecture, requires a clear understanding of context, purpose, and alignment. In shaping physical spaces, I had learned how to manage resources, balance competing interests, and communicate effectively—skills that translated seamlessly into leading people and organizations.
The shift from buildings to leadership wasn’t sudden. It happened organically as I found myself mentoring younger colleagues, especially those just starting their careers. I began to see parallels between designing physical spaces and designing leadership journeys. In both fields, the key is to recognize potential, nurture growth, and create environments where people—and ideas—can thrive.
The Power of Finding Your Voice
Interestingly, leadership wasn’t something I actively pursued early on. I was a quiet person, rarely the first to raise my hand or volunteer. But life has a funny way of nudging us forward. Teachers, managers, and mentors often encouraged (or “volunteered”) me to take on leadership roles—running committees, leading projects, or heading teams.
What I discovered was that when I did step up, people listened. I didn’t have to be the loudest voice in the room; I just needed to bring clarity and direction. By creating order in chaotic situations, I could help move initiatives forward, and that momentum often resulted in positive outcomes for everyone involved. Over time, I realized that leadership isn’t about control—it’s about setting the stage for growth and letting others shine.
Mentoring young professionals became a rewarding part of my work. Many of them, fresh out of college, were eager but unsure about the next step. A few simple pieces of guidance often gave them the confidence to carve their own paths and adapt to challenges. Leadership starts with leading yourself. When you learn to use your voice authentically and connect with others, it becomes easier to serve those around you.
Lessons in Context and Adaptability
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned—both in architecture and leadership—is the importance of understanding your context. Every environment has its own dynamics. In organizations, it’s not just about what people say but what they do. Actions often speak louder than words, revealing the true culture and underlying currents.
Leadership requires adaptability. Just as architects adjust their designs based on site conditions or client needs, effective leaders must tailor their approach to the people and situations they encounter. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for leadership. What works with one team might not resonate with another. You need to develop a flexible communication style and learn to build momentum by overcoming resistance and aligning people toward a common goal.
Designing Leadership with Intention
I’ve found that when people become intentional about their actions, they begin to shape the environment around them. Leadership, at its core, is about creating conditions where growth can happen. This means aligning personal values with professional goals and fostering a culture that encourages innovation and adaptability.
Great architecture stands the test of time because it responds to both present needs and future possibilities. Leadership should work the same way. Leaders must build frameworks that not only address current challenges but also prepare them to navigate future disruptions. Effective leadership requires a balance of planning, experimentation, and reflection—just like great design.
Becoming the Architect of Your Career
The most powerful shift in my journey was realizing that leadership is a creative process. It’s not just about following rules or best practices; it’s about experimenting, innovating, and being willing to adjust course when needed. Leadership is an act of expression, much like designing a building—both require vision, intention, and the courage to create something meaningful.
With this approach, you become the architect of your career. When you understand who you are and align your actions with your values, you set the stage for purposeful work. Leadership becomes less about serving others at the expense of yourself and more about finding harmony between personal and professional fulfillment. You’re not just building a career—you’re creating a life with impact and intention.
Final Thoughts
My journey from designing buildings to designing leadership has been both challenging and rewarding. The principles I learned in architecture—understanding context, communicating effectively, and creating environments where people can thrive—are the same principles I use today to help leaders grow. Leadership is about more than titles or authority. It’s about finding your voice, embracing creativity, and leading with intention.
When you align who you are with how you lead, you unlock your full potential. You create environments where others can grow, and in doing so, you grow too. Just as an architect leaves a lasting legacy through well-designed spaces, a leader leaves a legacy by empowering others to build, create, and grow.
