One of the most valuable aspects of earning the CDFO (Certificate in Design Firm Operations) is the way it connects leadership theory to practical application in the A/E industry. The CDFO isn’t just another credential — it’s a roadmap for understanding how operations, finance, people, and leadership all intersect to strengthen a firm.

John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership makes one thing crystal clear: leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. Titles, job descriptions, or authority might get short-term compliance, but they don’t inspire long-term loyalty or commitment. Authentic leadership happens when people choose to follow you — not because they must, but because they want to.

Influence Over Authority

Think about the best leader you’ve worked with. Chances are, it wasn’t their title that inspired you. Instead, it was their ability to connect, to communicate vision, and to make you feel part of something bigger than yourself. That’s the essence of influence.

By contrast, positional authority might secure short-term results, but it often creates dependency and fear. Influence builds trust, ownership, and momentum that outlasts a single project or even a leader’s presence.

What Does Influence as a Leadership Style Look Like?

When leaders adopt influence as their style, they move away from “command and control” and lean into inspiration and collaboration. Here are a few ways it shows up:

• Integrity and Character – People follow leaders they believe in.
• Relationships and Trust – Influence grows out of genuine connection, not transactions.
• Knowledge and Credibility – Expertise creates confidence in decision-making.
• Vision and Communication – A compelling “why” inspires others to commit.
• Consistency in Actions – Influence is earned every day, not in a single moment.

Real-World A/E Examples of Influence in Action

Influence isn’t reserved for the CEO or principal. It shows up across our firms in roles that, at first glance, might not look like “leadership” positions — but the impact is undeniable.

• The Controller Who Shapes Strategy
  Even without being in a line position, a Controller with deep financial expertise can influence executive leadership. By identifying trends such as increases in chargeability or a decline in project multipliers, the Controller provides insights that directly impact decisions on staffing, pricing, and project delivery. Their credibility makes them a trusted advisor, and their influence extends beyond the accounting department to the entire firm’s bottom line.
• The Operations Professional Who Understands Contracts
  An operations person who knows the ins and outs of contract language may not sign agreements, but their guidance helps project managers avoid pitfalls. By highlighting scope risks, billing terms, or liability concerns, they influence project setup and execution, saving the firm from costly missteps and strengthening client relationships.
• The PMA Who Masters Scheduling
  A Project Management Assistant (PMA) who truly understands scheduling can anticipate resource conflicts before they become roadblocks. By providing clear, data-driven recommendations, they influence how project managers allocate people, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. Their influence ensures smoother delivery and greater client satisfaction — all without holding the official title of “project manager.”

These examples show that leadership through influence is alive across every discipline of an A/E firm. Expertise, credibility, and a willingness to share knowledge give professionals the ability to shape outcomes and elevate the entire organization.

Influence Creates Multipliers

The real power of influence is its ripple effect. A leader who models integrity, shares knowledge, and invests in people creates followers who in turn become leaders themselves. Influence multiplies through culture — shaping the way people treat each other, solve problems, and pursue goals long after the leader steps aside.

Practicing Influence Every Day

Leaders don’t wake up one morning suddenly influential. It’s a daily choice, built over time. Some practical steps:

• Listen more than you talk. Influence starts with understanding.
• Give credit generously. Recognition builds trust and loyalty.
• Mentor and empower. Help others succeed, and your influence grows naturally.
• Stay consistent. People respect what they can predict and rely on.

Final Thought

Influence isn’t just one aspect of leadership — it’s the essence of leadership. Authority may move people’s hands, but influence moves their hearts. And when hearts are engaged, results follow.

Leadership isn’t about the position you hold; it’s about the difference you make. Influence isn’t a tool in the leader’s toolkit — it is the toolkit.

If you’re ready to strengthen your leadership and influence in the A/E industry, the next step is clear: pursue the CDFO certification. It’s more than a credential — it’s an investment in yourself, your career, and the success of your firm.  

Apply for the CDFO today and take the next step in your leadership journey.

Where do you have the most opportunity to lead through influence in your current role? Share in the comments below how you’re applying (or plan to apply) this kind of leadership in your daily work. 

SDA does not endorse any products or services mentioned, and SDA does not assume responsibility for any circumstances arising out of the interpretation, application, use, or misuse of any information presented. SDA recommends that the reader consult the appropriate legal, financial, or human resource counsel before implementing the information contained herein.

When a leader’s commitment transcends titles and timelines, their impact resonates across an entire professional community. Diane Klug, CDFO, has exemplified this type of leadership for more than two decades—championing SDA’s mission and empowering administrative professionals across the AEC industry. In recognition of her sustained service and forward-thinking contributions, Diane has been honored with the SDA Star Award, one of the Society’s most prestigious accolades.

From launching innovative programs to guiding strategic conversations, Diane’s influence continues to shape the future of SDA—and strengthen its value for members in firms of all sizes.

Honoring a Leader Who Goes the Extra Mile

The SDA Star Award is presented to members who demonstrate extraordinary service and dedication to both their local chapter and the national organization. It recognizes those who contribute meaningfully through leadership, participation, and ongoing support of SDA’s mission.

Diane’s leadership journey has extended far beyond the chapter level. When the St. Louis Chapter dissolved, she continued her SDA service as a Member-at-Large, maintaining strong ties with the organization while advocating for members from large and complex firms. Over the past year, she has been instrumental in helping SDA better understand and respond to the evolving needs of large firm partners—ensuring SDA remains inclusive, adaptive, and forward-looking.

A Career Anchored in Strategy and Advocacy

Diane Klug serves as National Director of Administration at WSP, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, with 73,000 employees across the globe. Balancing the demands of a high-level national role, Diane has never stepped back from her commitment to SDA. Her influence is felt across programs and platforms, bringing the voice of large-firm administrators into critical conversations about SDA’s future.

In 2023, Diane was honored with WSP USA’s Business Support “Extra Mile” Award, recognizing her exceptional commitment to operational excellence. That same spirit of service shines through in her contributions to SDA—from her leadership role in the inaugural SparkSDA program to her expert panel participation at EDSymposium, where she addressed business contingency planning with insight and clarity.

Her SparkSDA presentation on integrating Rocketbook into administrative workflows was so popular, it returned by demand for a deeper dive—proof of her ability to deliver immediately useful, future-focused content that resonates with peers across the country.

Advancing the SDA Community Through Shared Expertise

What sets Diane apart is not just her expertise, but her willingness to share it. Whether mentoring peers, speaking at national events, or leveraging her network to create new opportunities, Diane exemplifies SDA’s values of community, collaboration, and continuous learning. Her insights have helped SDA adapt its programming and outreach to better meet the needs of administrators at every level of firm size and complexity.

Her influence on strategic initiatives continues to pave the way for new members to find their place and purpose within the organization.

Celebrating an SDA Trailblazer

Diane Klug’s Star Award is a celebration of sustained impact, not just exceptional moments. Her dedication, leadership, and generosity of spirit have made SDA stronger and more future-ready. As the Society grows and evolves, members like Diane remind us what long-term service and vision can accomplish.

We are proud to celebrate Diane’s achievements and thankful for the lasting mark she continues to make on the SDA community.

April is Administrative Professionals Month, and at SDA, we’re highlighting the stories and voices of the professionals who keep A/E/C firms running strong. Our members may not always be in the spotlight—but their impact is undeniable. In this post, Jayne Niemann, CDFA, a proud member of the SDA Denver Chapter and the National Membership Committee, shares her inspiring journey of growth, leadership, and the power of community.

In the dynamic world of architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C), leadership is often forged through dedication, experience, and a passion for growth. My journey is a testament to this and I hope it inspires others to lean on SDA to pursue their goals!

I began my career in the A/E/C industry in 2006 as an Administrative Assistant at JR Engineering and then at RB+B Architects. During this time, I was introduced to SDA by one of my coworkers who had partnered with the Denver Chapter as an AIA member. My skills grew exponentially through SDA education programs and guidance from chapter members, leading me to the role of Office Manager.

Shortly after joining SDA in 2015, and thanks to the encouragement and mentorship of Anne McNeeley, Debra Ellis, Jennifer Hinkley-Karnisky, and many others, I was inspired to get more involved with the Chapter, starting off with one term on the Nominating Committee and then three terms as Treasurer. Since then, I’ve also served four terms as President and one as Vice President.

Thanks to the connections I’ve made through SDA, and with additional support and encouragement from Anne I was proud to earn my CDFA in 2019. This credential, along with networking through the chapter, landed me in my current position as Office Manager at Acquilano Interior Architecture in Denver. My role involves overseeing office operations, ensuring smooth workflows, and supporting the team in all aspects of human resources.

I truly believe in the power of SDA and me. This passion for the network that we find so valuable led me to join National Membership Committee in 2021. It’s been an invaluable experience to work with peers across the country to further the goals of SDA. I’m proud to say I’m now spearheading our Database Task Force to help grow our membership even more.

Reflecting on my journey, I like to think that leadership is not just about guiding others; it's about continuous learning and growing together. My experiences have taught me the value of resilience, collaboration, and the importance of giving back to the community that has supported me.

I hope that my journey to leadership is an inspiring story of growth, dedication, and passion. As I look to the future, there is no doubt that I will continue to lead with excellence and strive to make significant strides in my career and the industry at large.

Thanks, Jayne. Leadership isn’t something you arrive at—it’s something you build, step by step, through learning, connection, and showing up for others. Whether you're stepping into a new role, volunteering for a committee, or simply finding your voice in a conversation, every small step matters. With the support of a strong network like SDA, your path forward is full of opportunity.

We’d love to hear from you! How has SDA supported your leadership journey—or how are you hoping it will? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep encouraging one another.