As integrators face the dual challenges of scaling operations and maintaining employee engagement, the importance of inclusive leadership becomes clear. At Acoustic Design Systems, we turned to our greatest asset — our employees. A year ago, I established an internal advisory board, and thanks in large part to it we’ve opened the door to valuable insights and departmental collaboration that not only enhance our strategic direction but also strengthen our company culture.
Since launching this initiative, we’ve been able to align company objectives, enhance leadership, and build a unified vision for the future — improving both operational efficiency and company culture along the way.
It’s always a meaningful honor to be able to share my methods with others — on podcasts, industry conferences, etc. — helping to inspire and elevate our collective expertise, so I’ll be glad to share my thoughts here today.
In many companies, leaders often overlook one of their most valuable resources: the insights and perspectives of their own employees. Without a structured way to gather feedback, businesses miss out on a wealth of knowledge that could drive meaningful improvements. Employees, who are deeply involved in day-to-day operations, often have firsthand insights into what works well and what could be improved.
I recognized that my role needed to shift from managing daily operations to focusing on leadership and strategic business development. Each month, I meet with three team members in a casual and comfortable setting over breakfast to discuss their operations, address challenges they’ve observed, and welcome ideas for improvement. This not only offers a voice to our team but has become critical to our executive team’s decision-making process, fostering a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement.
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From these monthly discussions, our company has implemented several impactful changes, including a revamped onboarding process designed to better support new employees, integrating them more seamlessly into the company culture and ensuring they have the tools and resources needed from day one.
Matt Dalangauskas, our project manager, told me, “The advisory board meeting creates a comfortable, intimate environment where the employees feel heard and valued, sharing our perspectives directly with the owner. This open dialogue not only strengthens company culture but also drives swift improvements that benefit the entire business.”
Additionally, our morning meetings have been restructured to improve efficiency and focus, allowing team members to start their day with clear objectives and a sense of purpose. We’ve increased daily support for field staff, initiated cross-training across departments, and are developing a career path roadmap for employees interested in exploring different departments.
Improvements in internal communications were also prioritized, establishing clearer channels for feedback and updates, which has fostered a more collaborative, productive, and informed workplace.
“It’s inspiring to hear from leaders like Chris and his team, who truly embody passion in our industry,” Adam Henry, Director of Business Development & Sales, Capital Technology Group, shared with me. “Gaining insight into the strategies behind their success is not only motivating for me but, I hope, for others as well.”
Creating an internal advisory board has proven to be transformative. By actively involving employees in shaping the company’s direction, we’ve unlocked internal knowledge that has led to significant improvements in operations, communications, and overall business processes.
CHRIS STERLE is Founder of Las-Vegas-based Acoustic Design Systems.
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