What happens when you bring together expertise from the design industry and sprinkle it with a dash of passion, wisdom, and courage? You get “Encourage Build Grow,” a podcast tailored for design professionals. Hosted by Randy Wilburn, a stalwart in the design industry with over two decades of experience, this podcast aims to cover ground-breaking topics that are shaping the industry’s future.
In a recent episode, Randy had an insightful conversation with Ellen Bensky, the principal CEO and CFO at Turner Fleischer Architects in Toronto, Canada. The discussion spanned from Ellen’s unconventional path into the design industry to how the firm is investing in learning and technological growth.
Learning and Growth: Saying Yes, and Figuring it Out
Ellen Bensky is no stranger to challenges and the art of navigating through them. When asked if she could perform a task, Ellen’s philosophy was not to decline, but to say yes and figure it out—often with the help of Google and YouTube. Thanks to technology, learning has never been easier, and Ellen utilized these platforms to teach herself software implementation, workflows, and more.
Armed with a degree in psychology and a focus on business processes, Ellen shifted her role as a partner at Turner Fleischer to emphasize process efficiency and financial metrics. She overcame challenges rooted in her not being a traditionally trained architect by offering her unique perspective and skills in management and leadership.
Navigating Leadership: Building Impact Through Diversity of Thought
Ellen believes in the importance of diversity of thought and ideas in leadership roles. She advises those eager to climb the corporate ladder to be confident in their abilities, to engage with leadership, and to demonstrate how they can bring value to the table.
Examples like Cara Clower from Laco, Aussie Nelson, and Chris Huckabee underline the point that traditional backgrounds are not the sole criteria for leadership roles. One must possess a blend of business acumen and design sense to make an impactful difference in the architecture field.
Embracing Technology and Learning
Turner Fleischer Architects is at the forefront of adopting technology, understanding its value in efficient problem-solving and innovative design. Despite Canada’s slow pace in technology adoption, the firm has invested in an academy and lab space dedicated to learning. They have even ventured into teaching their clients about the benefits of technology through virtual reality experiences.
Bridging the Gap: Old Wisdom Meets New Skills
With a workforce that includes both seasoned professionals and young tech-savvy individuals, Turner Fleischer is focusing on building bridges between the two through their academy, workshops, and a unique ‘Practice Advisor’ role. This role is designed to transfer institutional knowledge to younger employees, ensuring the firm’s longevity and continued success.
Fostering a Growth Mindset
At Turner Fleischer, it’s not just about billable time; it’s about fostering a growth mindset. Employees are encouraged to be fully engaged and versatile, applying their skills across different projects. The firm values the importance of staying connected with the larger industry and invests in staff growth through various initiatives, including attending industry conferences.
Sharing Knowledge and Community
Ellen stressed the importance of community and knowledge sharing. In the age where information is no longer confined to gatekeepers, being a giver and contributing to the community enriches everyone involved. Platforms like LinkedIn and Knowledge Architecture have been crucial in facilitating these interactions.
Conclusion
Ellen Bensky’s leadership at Turner Fleischer Architects provides a roadmap for how design firms can evolve in the modern era, balancing the wisdom of experience with the exuberance of youth. As a part of a community that recently celebrated a national championship in basketball, Toronto continues to be a hotbed of talent and innovation, and this podcast aims to highlight just that.
Host Randy Wilburn encourages listeners to engage with the podcast and even suggest potential guests. So tune in every Thursday at noon Central Standard Time for more enriching conversations. If you’d like to connect with Ellen Bensky, her contact information can be found in the show notes or on LinkedIn.
Keep building, keep growing, and most importantly—keep learning.
