10: Turning Strategy into Reality

BUILD SMART with Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA

We are now on the heels of what was probably the pinnacle of danger for HOK as a business. Patrick was able to buy some time to develop a strategy to solve the problem, but quickly found himself thrusted further into the storm… now into the role of CEO! In today’s episode, Patrick, with the full responsibility of leading the firm out of a Triple crisis, has to turn his strategy into reality. Step one was to rejuvenate upper management.

Riccardo Mascia AIA, OAA, LEED AP BD+C, Managing Principal of HOK’s Chicago studio, details his story of joining HOK and his role as, "the fixer" for Patrick.

Carl Galioto FAIA, President of HOK, shares how he was recruited to join HOK as the technical leader of the firm, and discusses his perspective on the technical aspect of the architecture profession.

Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode:

• Share financial reports openly with your board; ask for their help
• Use positive peer pressure to motivate firm leadership
• Don't just talk about problems. Agree on solutions. Then assign to a leader to solve by a deadline
• Replace key leaders if they do not fit your strategy or culture
• When recruiting leaders ask yourself: Can they do the job? Do they have integrity? Will they work well as part of a team?

To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ and find out more information at macleamy.com

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