Growth Strategy in a Time of “What Now?”

Growth Officer, Market Research, Strategic Growth, Strategy Officer

When the market’s a mess, strategy matters

Let’s face it: growth isn’t a straight line. It’s more like a tangle of spaghetti—especially in the AEC industry right now. Markets are jittery. Federal funding is murky. Your principals are pulling in different directions, and “just go after everything” is starting to feel like a bad habit.

That’s where we come in

At The Flamingo Project, we’re not here to hand you a five-year plan and walk away. We’re here to help you ask better questions, simplify the swirl, and chart a path that’s as bold as it is grounded.

That’s why we were honored when Joy Guinn, FSMPS, CPSM, Partner/Principal at Guinn Consulting Engineers, invited our Head Bird, Sarah Kinard, to speak at a recent Elevate Cohort gathering. Sarah shared her insights on what it takes to grow in uncertain times, and let’s just say… there were truth bombs. Below are some of the highlights from that conversation.

Growth starts with asking better questions

Before you talk expansion, take a breath. Ask yourself:

What’s our actual risk tolerance?
What will change if we grow—and what won’t?
What has worked before (or failed spectacularly), and what did we learn?

You can’t scale intentionally if you haven’t defined the stakes.

Research isn’t just for researchers

Sarah’s advice: When the market shifts, return to your people—clients, partners, and staff. Use tools like empathy mapping or simple client check-ins to ask, “What do you need from us now?”

Insight comes from curiosity, not guesswork.

Chasing everything is a strategy...for burnout

Strategic growth means knowing when to say NO. That means aligning your BD team with leadership and giving everyone a clear target to aim for—geography, market sector, service line.

And here’s the kicker: review and course-correct quarterly. Not daily. Not monthly. Quarterly. That’s how progress happens.

Culture matters. A lot.

Whether you’re merging, expanding, or pivoting markets, your people are your secret weapon—or your biggest barrier. Think about who’s ready to lead, how mentorship is happening, and whether new growth will stretch or strain your culture. And if you’re not sure how inclusive your culture actually is?

Ask. Listen. Act.

Engage multiple generations—on purpose

Growth planning isn’t just for the C-suite. Sarah sees powerful momentum when firms pair executive leaders with early-career professionals to co-lead strategic initiatives.

It builds advocacy, surfaces fresh ideas, and makes the work…well, more fun.

Ready to grow—but not sure where to start?

Whether you’re exploring new markets, navigating leadership transitions, or just tired of chasing every opportunity with no direction, we’re here to help. The Flamingo Project offers research-driven growth strategy and growth officer support tailored to AEC firms—and yes, Sarah speaks. (She’ll bring clarity and cat stories.)

Where strategy meets sanity

We believe strategy should be a breath of fresh air, not a 100-page plan collecting dust. That’s why we focus on helping firms ask sharper questions, cut through the swirl, and design a bold, practical, and energizing path forward.

Let’s talk about how we can help you grow smarter.

Contact us!