Meet Jean Leathers
I love working with architects on the business of architecture. They are thoughtful, creative leaders who value design. I’m particularly interested in the revenue side of the business. I like working with architectural firms to get them off the RFP treadmill and into the stream of proactive business development by teaching them how to build relationships that lead to work.
More than 30 years experience with strategy, business development, thought leadership and marketing for architecture firms
I’ve been working in the business of architecture since I began my career at URS Consultants in Cleveland and San Francisco. Over 5 years, I handled marketing, sold seismic engineering, and eventually managed corporate communications and investor relations for NYSE-listed URS Corporation. With a couple minor side stints, I’ve been consulting to architects since.
Today Practice Clarity helps grow architectural firms. That doesn’t necessarily mean an increase in size or revenue. It can mean working on better projects with better clients; streamlining marketing and business development processes for better returns; or making better go no-go decisions to work smarter, not harder.
Our raison d’etre is to help architects become proactive about business growth. We coach executives on managing their practices, advising on decisions about firm direction and personnel.
Through strategy and planning, we create business development initiatives supported by marketing tactics. We train professionals on securing business and becoming better presenters.
In essence, we help architects build business.
Credentials | Professional Services + Experience
Jean Leathers has been hopelessly devoted to architects for 35 years. After 5 years with a major, international architecture and engineering company, she launched a consultancy and has built an international practice dedicated to helping architects proactively cultivate relationships that lead to work.
Credentials | Professional Development and Education
As an ever-curious learner, Jean Leathers has participated in various channels of learning throughout her career.
Presenting | Keynotes, Workshops, Presentations
Jean Leathers has built an international reputation as a dynamic, highly engaging speaker providing keynotes, workshops, and training.
Publishing | Books
Book publishing has been part of Jean’s experience from various perspectives. Her book “Cultivate Relationships that Lead To Work” will be released shortly. She has written, edited, and published books for others, and has also provided conceptual editorial comments and suggestions.
Publishing | Webcasts
Webcasts presented by Jean Leathers have been dedicated to helping architects on the business of architecture, particularly about strategically building their businesses.
Publishing | Journals and Magazines
Jean Leathers is a professional writer and publishes widely on the business of architecture. She contributes to industry journals such as Architect, Residential Architect, LD+A Magazine and others.
Publishing | Newsletters
The Practice Clarity newsletter published by Jean Leathers is dedicated to providing architects with helpful information, insights and practical ideas to help them build their businesses.
Let’s Present.
Jean has presented at the American Institute of Architects, the American Association of Licensed Architects, and the Society for Marketing Professional Services chapters and national conventions since 1986 on topics of importance to Architects, Marketing and Business Development Professionals. She presents and leads workshops on:
- Business Positioning
- Strategic Development Planning
- Proactive Client Development Strategies and Tactics
- Claiming Marketplace through Thought Leadership
- Cultivating Relationships that Lead To Work