Business in the Time of Coronavirus
It’s not business as usual.
This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Sally Swanson’s dedication to an inclusive environment. Beginning in 1980, Sally founded the firm, Human Systems in Space. This firm later became Sally Swanson Architects, Inc. (SSA), a firm headquartered in California with a nation-wide presence and an international practice.
When I look back on the firm’s many successes, it is the challenges that have hardened my resolve to keep pushing forward. I have weathered many economic downturns, but I could never have imagined the crisis that the Coronavirus pandemic has wrought.
A challenge may be viewed as a positive or a negative. For some, challenges can be a stumbling block, an inconvenience, or even a reason to quit. For me however, a challenge poses a great opportunity to stop and reassess. Sheltering-in-place at home has given me time to reflect; to recognize what may not be working, and how I can make the firm stronger and more resilient, and to value what I have. The subtle or dramatic shifts that emerge – which the business model requires – may have been overlooked had it not been for the opportunity to pause and reflect.
Do not for one moment think that this is all about me – as the successes of SSA are a function of an incredibly strong and dedicated team of professionals.
I truly believe that learning from each challenge refines my vision for the firm. And, that vision, coupled with the strength of the SSA team, has been the secret to SSA’s success one decade after another.
The challenge we face today is, of course, unprecedented.
We will get through the season of Coronavirus.
Together, stronger and better.
Sally Swanson