“I’ve always believed that great leaders don’t just respond to change, they drive it,” says Sonya Locke, CEO of EDS Service Solutions (EDS), a workforce solutions provider. With nearly three decades of experience reshaping industries through workforce optimization, Locke has become a pillar of the business community in Atlanta and the wider Southeast. She has built a reputation for pioneering transformative solutions in mobility, logistics, and workforce management.
Her journey, from launching her first company during the Atlanta Olympics to leading award-winning enterprises, demonstrates how an unwavering commitment to people can shape industries and create lasting brand legacies. “I’ve always been guided by three principles in my leadership: accountability, collaboration, and empowerment,” says Locke, who also serves as Managing Director of Workforce-Velocity, a cloud-based ERP platform she founded in 2012 to optimize labor efficiency.
Leading with Vision and Innovation
Locke’s entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly during the Atlanta Olympics, where she identified a critical gap in workforce solutions. Since then, she’s helped world-class brands like Amazon, Audi, Hertz, and Ritz-Carlton build high-performing teams and develop technology-driven staffing solutions that have redefined operational efficiency. This “people-first” mindset has been essential to the growth of EDS, which now operates in over 130 locations.
For Locke, innovation isn’t just about leveraging the latest technology. It’s about challenging the status quo. “The most successful leaders constantly ask: How can we do this better? How can we turn obstacles into opportunities?” Her approach to problem-solving has positioned EDS as an industry leader, creating customized workforce management strategies that deliver measurable results.
Building a Culture That Fuels Success
Locke believes that a company’s greatest asset is its people. At EDS, she has cultivated a work culture grounded in her three core leadership principles: collaboration, accountability, and empowerment to drive sustainable success. “Numbers don’t build companies; people do. My greatest strength as a leader is that I am a good collector of people,” she shares.
“I’ve always believed that when you invest in people, success follows,” Locke says. “The best organizations aren’t driven solely by profits; they’re driven by people who feel valued, challenged, and part of something bigger.” This belief extends beyond recruitment and is embedded in how she nurtures leadership within her organizations. By prioritizing soft skills and personal growth over resumes, Locke ensures her teams are equipped not only to perform but to innovate and lead.
Her leadership approach has earned recognition. In 2023, Locke was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year. Under her leadership, EDS has been acknowledged as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., earning awards such as the ACG Georgia Fast 40 and the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Pacesetter Award.
Scaling Smart, Not Just Fast
Locke’s success at EDS is due not only to rapid expansion but also to building a strong foundation that can sustain growth. “Many businesses chase growth without strategy, and that’s where things start to crack,” she says. “Scaling a business isn’t just about speed. It’s about sustainability.”
With Workforce Velocity, an SaaS platform optimizing workforce efficiency through automated labor scheduling and real-time staffing insights, Locke demonstrates how strategic decision-making, technology, and people-driven leadership drive growth. “Technology should be an enabler, not a replacement for thoughtful leadership,” Locke asserts. “It’s about using the right tools to support the right people at the right time.”
Her own experiences have motivated her to help other entrepreneurs, especially female leaders, scale successfully. Locke advises early-stage companies and executives to “grow with intention, not just speed,” emphasizing the importance of refining processes before expanding. “It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about creating value and building companies that last,” she says.
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
Locke’s leadership is driven by a commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for future generations. “Success isn’t just about the bottom line,” she reflects. “It’s about fostering the next wave of leaders and challenging outdated industry norms when necessary.”
Through her work with EDS and Workforce Velocity, Locke has had a lasting impact on workforce management and continues to champion a leadership style that is both innovative and people-focused. For more insights from Sonya Locke, connect with her on LinkedIn.
