As the VP of Client Engagement at Unisource Solutions, Mimi Lockwood brings a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to leadership, grounded in trust, advocacy, and genuine partnership. Returning to Unisource feels both exciting and deeply meaningful, as she steps into a role focused on strengthening how the company supports clients at every stage of the journey. In this conversation, Mimi shares what drives her, how she approaches leadership, and what she hopes to build alongside the Unisource team.
The Role
Q: What drew you to this role, and what does it mean to lead client engagement at a company like Unisource Solutions?
A: What drew me back to Unisource was the people and the culture. There’s a real commitment here to relationships, not just transactions, and that matters to me. The commercial interiors industry is incredibly fast paced, but at the end of the day, clients want to feel supported, understood, and confident in who they’re partnering with.
For me, leading client engagement is about creating consistency across the entire client experience, whether someone is partnering with us for the first time or has worked with us for years. It’s making sure clients feel taken care of from the first conversation through project completion and beyond. It’s also about building a team culture where people feel empowered to advocate for the client and for each other.
Q: How do you define exceptional client engagement in the commercial interiors space?
A: Exceptional client engagement starts with listening. Every client operates differently, every workplace has its own culture and challenges, and honestly, every project takes on a life of its own. The best partnerships happen when you take the time to really understand that instead of applying a one size fits all approach.
I also think clients are looking for more than product expertise now. They want partners who understand how people actually work, collaborate, and experience a space day to day. The conversations have become much more human centered than they used to be, and I think that’s a really positive shift for our industry.
Q: What do you hope clients feel within the first few interactions with your team?
A: I want them to feel heard and supported. I want them to feel like they have a team behind them that genuinely cares about the outcome and is invested in helping them navigate the process successfully.
Our role goes beyond managing a project. We’re advocates for our clients, and I think people can feel the difference when that level of care and accountability exists from the beginning. I also want clients to recognize the depth of expertise and strategic insight our team brings to the table, from workplace strategy and design to project execution and long term planning.
Mimi’s Journey
Q: You've spent your career at the intersection of client relationships and team leadership. How has that shaped your approach?
A: Having worked across many different facets of the business throughout my career has given me a deep appreciation for the full client experience and the people behind it. Beginning in coordination roles early on and growing through different sides of the industry taught me how much alignment, communication, and problem-solving it takes to deliver successful outcomes. That perspective has shaped how I lead today.
A big part of leadership for me is creating an environment where people can grow, feel confident using their voice, and understand the impact they have on the client experience. I’ve also been fortunate to have mentors and leaders who invested in me throughout my career, especially early on, and that’s something I always try to pay forward with my own team. Those experiences shaped my belief that the best client relationships are built by teams that communicate well, trust one another, and take pride in the work they deliver.
Q: What experiences have most influenced how you lead?
A: Honestly, the challenging moments. Navigating difficult projects, helping repair trust during stressful situations, supporting team members through growth moments. Those experiences teach you resilience, patience, and empathy.
I’ve also been fortunate to work with mentors and leaders throughout my career who led with both strength and humanity. That stayed with me. I think people do their best work when they feel supported, respected, and connected to something bigger than themselves.
The Human Side
Q: Outside of the office, where do you find your energy?
A: My family, my friendships, and just meaningful connections in general. I’m someone who really values community and relationships, so spending time with people I care about is what recharges me most.
I also love spaces that bring people together. Whether it’s hosting friends, traveling, discovering new restaurants, or just being in environments that feel inspiring and comfortable, those experiences matter to me personally and professionally.
Q: What's your go-to when you need to settle in and focus?
A: Music, coffee, and a quiet space with good energy. I’m very influenced by environments, which is probably why I ended up in this industry. The right atmosphere can completely shift your mindset and ability to focus.
Looking Ahead
Q: What does success look like for you in this role over the next year?
A: Success to me looks like building trust, both internally and externally. I want our team to feel confident, connected, and supported in how they serve clients, and I want clients to genuinely feel the difference in how we show up for them.
If we can create stronger communication, more proactive partnerships, and relationships that continue long after a project is complete, then we’re building something meaningful and sustainable.
Q: What excites you most about where client engagement is heading in the workplace design industry?
A: Clients are thinking differently about the workplace now. The conversation has become much more intentional around culture, well-being, flexibility, and how people actually experience the office.
What excites me is that our industry has an opportunity to create spaces that support people more thoughtfully, not just aesthetically, but functionally and emotionally too. I think the strongest partners moving forward will be the ones who really understand the human side of the workplace, and that’s very meaningful to me.
Closing
Q: As you step into this chapter at Unisource Solutions, what do you most want clients and colleagues to know about you?
A: I want them to know that relationships matter to me. I care deeply about people, about trust, and about building something lasting.
I’m collaborative by nature, and I believe the best work happens when teams work closely together and genuinely support one another. Unisource already has an incredible foundation, and I’m excited to help continue building on that alongside an amazing team.
Discover How Mimi and the Unisource Team Can Elevate Your Space
Mimi's approach to client engagement reflects what partnership at Unisource stands for: relationships built on trust, communication rooted in genuine listening, and a commitment to supporting clients long after the project is complete. Contact us to learn how our team can help you navigate your next workplace transformation.
