Recognized as EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023, Sonya Locke has built a reputation for transforming businesses and inspiring leadership across multiple industries, including aviation, automotive, transportation, and hospitality. As CEO of EDS Service Solutions and founder of Workforce-Velocity, she has built a career transforming workforce management and talent strategies, ensuring businesses have the right people in the right roles to drive success. Her expertise lies in optimizing staffing solutions and fostering cultures of innovation and collaboration.
This Women’s History Month, Locke shares her leadership philosophy to help women executives and those aspiring to be to build with purpose, embrace authenticity, and elevate others along the way. “For me, it’s all about recognizing that every individual in the company plays a vital role in the greater mission,” she explains. “Every voice matters, and it’s essential to create a culture where people understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves.”
Building Organizations with Purpose
Locke firmly believes that businesses should be treated as living, thriving entities. “What are we all united for? What’s our mission? What’s our purpose?” she asks. “These are the foundational questions that drive sustainable and successful organizations.”
Upon taking over EDS Service Solutions, Locke inherited a company struggling with negative EBITDA and a fractured culture. Her solution? A people-centered approach. “One of the biggest things I did was recognize every individual, eliminate unhealthy internal competition, and ensure every department had a voice,” she explains. Valuing contributions from all levels in this way, from recruiting to sales to operations, she was able to foster a culture of collaboration rather than division.
Her approach to leadership extends beyond just operational efficiency. “I see myself as a collector of people,” Locke says. “It’s about recognizing individual talents, understanding their motivations, and positioning them where they can thrive. That’s how you build an organization that is both resilient and agile.”
The Biggest Mistake Women Make in the C-Suite
Locke’s ability to unite people and recognize individual strengths has been a cornerstone of her leadership success. She believes the so-called ‘soft skills’: empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence are powerful assets in leadership. “Too often, women believe they must fit into a predefined mold to succeed,” she notes. Whether it’s suppressing empathy or withholding vulnerability, Locke warns that this mindset does more harm than good.
Instead, she encourages women and men alike to embrace these attributes. “Empathy, trust, and transparency are not weaknesses; they are competitive advantages. These qualities build trust with clients, employees, and partners,” she explains. Moreover, Locke stresses the importance of lifting other women up rather than viewing them as competition. “Seats at the table are not scarce. We don’t need to undercut one another. We need to build more rungs on the ladders for those coming behind us.”
Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Changing World
Staying relevant in leadership requires agility as much as it demands exposure to different perspectives. Locke emphasizes that just as leaders must stay ahead of technological trends like AI, they must also prioritize fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces. “Right now, AI is at the forefront of conversations. But beyond technology, companies that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion are the ones that thrive,” she says. “Surround yourself with different perspectives where innovation happens.”
She also stresses the need to understand workforce dynamics. “We have six generations in the workforce today. What motivates a Gen X employee vastly differs from what drives a Gen Z or an Alpha. Leaders must adapt to these shifts or risk falling behind.”
The Best Advice for Aspiring Leaders
If she could advise her younger self, or any woman stepping into an executive role, Locke would emphasize taking risks and embracing continuous learning. “Hire people smarter than you. That’s how you grow,” she asserts. “Your success isn’t about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people.”
Locke also believes that growth comes from setbacks. “Nelson Mandela said, ‘I never lose; I either win or learn.’ That’s the mindset leaders need. Every challenge is an opportunity to improve. Leadership is not a destination; it’s a journey of evolution.” Her own success has shown that when leaders prioritize these values, both people and businesses thrive.
To connect with Sonya Locke and learn more about her leadership insights, visit her LinkedIn.
