Things don’t change unless you make them change. Sandra Madison, the majority owner, CEO and chairperson of Ohio’s largest black-female-owned architectural firm, is proof of that. The architect’s most recent portfolio includes designs for expansions and new construction for Karamu House and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, plus a number of schools.
Early Rebellion and Leadership: When Madison moved to Cleveland in 1990, the city was behind the East Coast in the freedom women had in the professional architectural work world. Wearing a pantsuit was allowed only on a job site, not the office. Hairstyles were also restricted. “One day I just wore a nice pantsuit and had my hair braided and other women followed.” The world did not end.
Change Artist: When the 101-year-old Robert P. Madison (her husband’s uncle) retired in 2016 and tapped Madison and two others to take the firm’s helm, she knew to become an effective leader some things had to go. “People were changing, the way of life was changing.” At the time, the smaller, younger staff embraced the adjustments. Despite filling the shoes of a legend, Madison had the confidence (a vital trait for leadership, she says) in her different leadership style.
Are Leaders Born or Developed?: Leadership skills can be taught, but they work only if you want to be a leader, says Madison. Sometimes someone’s personality can also be an obstacle to being a good leader. But, she says, different fields
require different types of personalities. The trick is to make a match.
What People Don’t Know: “I’m really an introvert. People tell me I am quiet. But I’m listening, and I’m not going to say anything until I’ve thought things through.” Proof that a true leader’s
silence can speak volumes.
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