In this episode of the Developing Leadership podcast, we welcome Michael Lockwood, Senior Principal with a global design firm and the world's leading sports architecture firm, Populous. They discuss Michael's unique career path from college athlete to award-winning architect, including the many mentor figures who influenced him. Michael then dives into Populous's pioneering work designing epic gathering spaces like stadiums, convention centers, and public venues across the globe.

He shares behind-the-scenes stories about some of their most creative projects and how they focus on customer experience. Michael also talks about the keys to effective leadership, including understanding different personality types, building trust with clients, designing consensus, and empowering teams. He leaves listeners with encouraging advice on staying open-minded, continuously developing yourself, and leaning into unknown opportunities.

[00:01 - 11:45 ] Michael’s Early Years: Lessons, Self-Discovery, and Mentors

• Michael Lockwood studied experiential architecture track as a college athlete and discovered his love for design.

  
  



• Key takeaway - There is no set career path, stay open to unexpected opportunities.

  
  



• Effective leaders have a measured communication style to build consensus.

  
  



• Great mentors have life wisdom to impart from overcoming trials.

  
  

[11:46 - 24:01 ] Navigating Loss & Growth in the Architecture Industry

• Michael had convention center losses but learned to still do your best work while respecting clients' decisions.

  
  



• Big losses taught them to tailor ideas to the audience and context.

  
  



• Be smart about how you communicate your ideas; it is not only about being right.

  
  



• Michael focuses on leading visionary design but also rallies people and builds trust to deliver projects.

  
  

[24:02 - 50:09 ] Projects Showcasing Creative Problem Solving

• On ICC Sydney: Unlocked design by elevating public space to ease concerns.

  
  



• On Calgary: Carved out event space instead of letting buildings take over clients' revenue sources.

  
  



• Giving back by working on Cal Poly's football training center

  
  



• Synergy, energy, and people coming together are what it takes to build great communities.

  
  

[50:10 - 52:41 ] Michael Lockwood’s Thoughts on Leadership Approach

• Leaders should focus on developing themselves.

  
  



• Take on unknown challenges outside your comfort zone.

  
  

Key Quotes:



"I still feel like I'm just starting. People will say architects don't do their best work until they're 50 or 60, and it's true. It's a long learning process." - Michael Lockwood

"It's better to be smart than right. So as a designer, you're like, ‘I know this is the right solution’, but you have to be smart about how you communicate it, how you message it." - Michael Lockwood

Connect with Michael

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lockwood-populous/ 

Website: https://populous.com/ 

Visit us on our Website: https://www.naiop-colorado.org/

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