This past year, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin (ACEC WI) Leadership Institute. It was a transformative experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally in unexpected ways.
A Deep Dive into Industry Leadership
The Leadership Institute wasn’t just about understanding how to run a business or market a firm; it was about discovering what leadership means within the engineering industry. We explored topics such as:
- Firm leadership: We began by taking a look at ourselves — our strengths; communication styles; and how we can inspire, motivate, and adapt to others.
- Business development and marketing: Learning to tell the story of your firm and authentically connect with clients was a powerful takeaway. It reframed my approach to business relationships.
- Risk management and operations: We broke down the nuts and bolts of running a firm, from managing risk to navigating contracts. These sessions gave me a newfound perspective that I’ve already begun to use in my day-to-day work.
The Power of Shared Experience
With a background in traffic and transportation engineering, I’m used to seeing the world through that lens. However, I was given a much broader perspective through being surrounded by peers in similar roles from municipal engineering, drinking water and wastewater services, site design, construction management, and other areas of the AEC industry.
We all brought different technical expertise, but many of us were navigating comparable challenges — project delivery, client management, and team dynamics. Having a space to share those experiences, exchange lessons learned, and talk candidly about what we’re facing made things feel real and relevant. It was comforting to know that we’re not navigating these challenges alone.
Engaging in the Legislative Process
Another standout experience was Legislative Day at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Sitting face-to-face with lawmakers and advocating for our profession highlighted just how vital it is to understand and engage with the policy-making process. It reminded me that as engineers, our work doesn’t exist in a vacuum — it’s deeply affected by public policy, funding, and regulation.
Real Conversations on Work-Life Balance
Hearing from others in similar positions discuss burnout, boundaries, and long-term career satisfaction was incredibly validating. It made me reflect on how I define success, and how I can pursue leadership while still maintaining a life outside of work.
Building a Network That Lasts
Perhaps the most rewarding part of the Leadership Institute was the community. Over the course of seven months, I built strong working relationships with professionals across Wisconsin. Jan Zander, the Executive Vice President/COO of Ayres Associates, served as our class advisor and brought invaluable insights from decades of leadership experience. His perspective was honest, thoughtful, and grounded, which helped frame our discussions in a real-world context. Whether he was sharing lessons from his own career or challenging us to think bigger, Jan’s guidance made a lasting impression.
Above all, I enjoyed the camaraderie we built as a group. There was a genuine sense of support and shared growth among us. Plus, it was a fun group of people; there was no shortage of humor, good stories, and memorable moments. I met some great people I never would have crossed paths with outside of this program — people from different disciplines, firms, and regions whose perspectives and friendships I now truly value.
Who This Program Is For
What really struck me is how well this program serves a wide range of professionals. It’s incredibly valuable for those already in leadership roles, offering tools to refine your approach, deepen your influence, and broaden your strategic thinking.
But it’s just as powerful for individuals earlier in their careers, especially those on the path toward project management. Having this insight into firm operations, leadership expectations, and business development fundamentals gives you a clear picture of what lies ahead and helps you feel prepared to take that next step.
Whether you’re leading teams now or preparing to do so soon, the Leadership Institute gives you the perspective and confidence to grow into that role with clarity and purpose. If you’re someone who wants to not just lead projects but lead people and ideas, this program will challenge and equip you in all the right ways.
