Podcast: Occupiers Only January 2025

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EDS CEO Sonya Locke Talks Workforce Innovation & Business Growth on Occupiers Only Podcast

We are thrilled to share that EDS Service Solutions CEO, Sonya Locke, joined the Occupiers Only podcast to discuss the future of workforce solutions, staffing for hospitality and car rental industries, and how innovative workforce technology is reshaping business operations. Hosted by Noah Young, this episode kicked off Season 2 with an inspiring conversation on entrepreneurial growth, travel staffing solutions, and business optimization strategies.

A Trailblazing Journey in Innovation and Leadership

Sonya’s story is one of resilience, strategic vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As the CEO and Founder of EDS Service Solutions, she has built a company that leads in workforce management for hospitality, airport car rental staffing, and travel industry recruitment, delivering scalable, technology-driven labor solutions nationwide.

Under her leadership, EDS has expanded operations to all of the top 30 U.S. airports and 40+ key hospitality and car rental hubs, ensuring seamless workforce solutions for travel and mobility businesses.

During the podcast, Sonya shared defining moments of her career, from starting EDS, focusing on staffing solutions, to expanding into workforce management technology. She discussed scaling a business, navigating industry disruptions, and the importance of cultivating a strong company culture, all critical in today’s competitive landscape.

The EY Entrepreneur of the Year Recognition

Joining Sonya in the discussion was Brooks Morris, Principal at Cresa Atlanta, who highlighted the significance of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year program. This prestigious award recognizes visionary business leaders transforming industries.

Sonya’s recognition in 2023 underscores her impact on hospitality workforce solutions, car rental staffing operations, and AI-powered workforce management. The award celebrates those demonstrating innovation, financial performance, and a commitment to industry excellence and community growth.

Insights on Leadership, Risk-Taking, and Growth

One of the most compelling moments in the conversation was Sonya’s bold decision to take full ownership of EDS, despite financial risks, and turn it into a high-growth powerhouse.

She emphasized the importance of Strategic partnerships in the travel and hospitality sector, Operational efficiency in car rental staffing and logistics, Leveraging AI-powered workforce technology to maintain a competitive edge

Sonya also spoke about EDS’s commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and people-centric leadership. From managing high-volume workforce solutions to expanding software development operations in Ireland, she has positioned EDS at the forefront of business optimization in the travel and logistics industry.

Looking Ahead: The Future of EDS

As EDS continues to grow, the company remains focused on expanding technology-driven workforce solutions, deepening partnerships across the hospitality and travel industries, and exploring automation and AI-powered workforce management.

Sonya emphasized that the future will be about enhancing efficiency, optimizing labor strategies, and staying ahead of industry shifts. With a team driven by innovation and committed to delivering customized, high-impact solutions, EDS is well-positioned to lead the next wave of workforce transformation in hospitality and car rental staffing.

Listen to the Full Episode

This episode is a must-listen for hospitality executives, car rental industry leaders, and travel business owners looking for insights on scaling a business, fostering innovation, and leading with purpose.

Explore more about EDS Service Solutions: Learn More

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