Let me begin by saying how grateful I am for the opportunity to attend EDS24. It was a pleasure to meet so many people from different backgrounds, each with so much experience and knowledge to share.

Coming into EDS24, I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted to keep an open mind and dive into as much as possible. As part of a small firm, we often pride ourselves on our close-knit team dynamics. However, the leadership voice insights from Skot Waldron during his “Communicate With Clarity” session were particularly eye-opening. His point that we all have different voices, with some being more natural than others, really hit home. The leadership insight section, where we explored different insights for each voice, was especially interesting. As someone who identifies primarily with the nurturer voice, it was enlightening to consider other voices and how they could enhance my leadership skills.

Leadership skills are crucial in any profession, and Skot’s session provided practical strategies for effective communication and leadership. By understanding and leveraging different leadership voices, I can foster better collaboration and help guide my team more effectively. By understanding our own voices and the voices of others, we can transform how we communicate within our firm and hopefully promote a more harmonious and productive work environment.

I think everyone can relate to the frustrations of working on project process. When my architecture firm merged with our interior design partner, integrating our processes became a significant challenge. The session by Factor, titled “Resource Scheduling for Happier Teams and Clients,” offered insights into this issue. The discussion on the benefits and risks of people, calendar, and budget-focused approaches provided a nuanced understanding of my firm’s processes. This session sparked meaningful discussions with my principals about potential strategies we could implement to improve our process management.

The two sessions mentioned are just a glimpse into the vast array of programming offered at EDS24. I also walked away with new knowledge related to firm financials, dealing with challenging employees, maintaining my company’s brand, and understanding my own worth. Each session was designed to address aspects of running and growing a successful firm, providing attendees with a comprehensive toolkit for professional development. As someone still gaining their footing in the industry, attending EDS24 was incredibly beneficial. The knowledge and insights gained from the sessions and other SDA members helped me return from EDS24 reenergized and excited to continue my professional development.

We took a few minutes to talk with Sydney about her EDSymposium24 experience. Click Here to Listen.