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Optional AEC THRIVE pre-conference session

AEC Executive Workshop: How to Build and Implement a Best-in-Class Leadership Development Program

April 30, 2025

You know you need a leadership program at your firm, but where to start? A generic "one-size-fits-none" kit? Reading a dozen leadership books and starting with a blank screen? Here's a better idea: Learn, in just one day, how to design, install, and manage an AEC-specific leadership development program that checks all the boxes and locks in your most valuable and productive employees for the long haul.

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One of the most confounding challenges for AEC leaders is how to develop the next generation of leaders and drive improvements in talent engagement, project performance, and client satisfaction. Yet most leadership development programs fail to move the needle on culture and growth because they don't address the unique demands of the AEC industry.
 
So, what if you could implement a program, a best-in-class system, linked to your firm’s DNA, that focuses on the right topics at the right time with the right people? 

AEC Executive Workshop: How to Build and Implement a Best-in-Class Leadership Development Program
 
In this one-day deep-dive pre-conference workshop, you get PSMJ’s latest data on what actually works (and doesn’t) in leadership development, see elements drawn from the most successful AEC leadership development programs, and tie it all together with expert insight from Jonathan Wilson, one of PSMJ’s experts on turning AEC managers into leaders. Jonathan has coached and advised thousands of AEC professionals on how to inspire, energize, and engage, and in this one-day workshop, he shows you how to set up and run your own development program!

You leave with a clearly-defined blueprint for virtually every facet of identifying and cultivating your firm’s next generation of leaders, spotting where your current program is lacking (or excelling), and where you can score "quick hits" that deliver immediate ROI.

You learn:

  • 4 essential elements of an AEC-specific formal leadership development program that’s scalable, effective, and affordable.
  • Why “soft-skills” are the new imperative for any effective leadership program, and how to make sure yours attacks the morale and productivity killers that untrained leaders are quietly guilty of.
  • The tools, resources, and tactics that take the guesswork out of establishing the right curriculum, tracks, length, and format of your program.
  • How to get the correlation between an ownership program and a leadership program right so you are never struggling to find future owners.
  • What your current firm leaders might be saying, doing, and even thinking that’s pouring ice water on your leadership development program.
  • How to measure the ROI of your leadership development program, and how to course-correct to maintain steady gains and build a superior workplace culture
  • And much more!

Unless you are completely convinced that your leadership development program is delivering the best possible results, or that you don’t need to worry about retaining your most productive and profitable employees, don’t miss this AEC THRIVE pre-conference workshop. It’s your toolkit for creating and  implementing a new leadership development program at your firm, or improving any program you already have in place, and seeing measurable gains in talent engagement and retention.

A/E/C TalentMAX Reviews

Melissa Cruise, SPHR

VP, Human Resources, HP Engineering

“Best conference I’ve ever attended. If you are in the A/E/C space, you NEED to attend this. PSMJ did not disappoint.”

Shawna Witt, SHRM-SCP

HR Director, Banner Associates

“This was an amazing conference! Connecting and learning with others that share the same passion is invaluable.”

Cindy Lassiter

HR Manager, Wildlands Engineering

"Attended my first PSMJ event this week-and boy was it worth it! Everything was spot on. I even had a hard time selecting which break outs to attend because they were all relevant. So much information and insights to bring back to our leadership team. Thanks to the event organizers for everything!"

Renaissance Chicago

Conference Venue

This AEC THRIVE pre-conference workshop takes place at the same venue as the main event, the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel. Boasting a generous 330 square feet of space, the Chicago Loop hotel rooms offer ultimate comfort and style after a long day of exploration. Wake up to impeccable views of the Chicago River and skyline, plus enjoy the added benefit of large bathrooms and the convenience of in-room refrigerators. Our prime Riverwalk location offers easy access to a variety of nearby restaurant options and easy access to the vibrant theater district.

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