In this engaging interview, Ava takes us through her four-year journey as a Project Manager, sharing her approach to strategic planning, resource management, and keeping stakeholders aligned. Ava’s commitment to delivering projects on time, within budget, and aligned with business objectives has earned her a reputation as a highly effective leader in her field.
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What Initially Drew You to Project Management?
I’ve always been someone who loves structure and planning, so transitioning into project management felt natural. I started out in an administrative role, but quickly found my passion for coordinating different moving parts and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Seeing how effective planning can transform the outcome of a project really sparked my interest.
What’s Been the Most Significant Challenge in Managing Global Projects?
The complexity of managing different time zones and ensuring clear communication is always a challenge. When you have team members and stakeholders spread across the globe, it’s critical to have tools and systems in place that allow for seamless collaboration. It’s also important to be mindful of cultural differences and work styles, which can sometimes affect team dynamics.
How Do You Keep Projects Aligned with Business Goals?
The key is constant communication with stakeholders and a deep understanding of the business’s objectives. I make sure to engage with all key players regularly to ensure that the project stays on track. Being proactive is essential—anticipating potential risks or misalignments early on helps avoid bigger issues down the line.
What Soft Skills Do You Think Are Crucial for a Project Manager?
Communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. While technical knowledge is important, being able to effectively communicate with various teams and stakeholders is critical. A good project manager should also be adaptable, as projects can change scope quickly. I focus on maintaining clarity and setting expectations so that the team stays aligned even in dynamic situations.
What’s Your Approach to Resource Allocation?
It’s a balancing act. I start by assessing the project’s needs and the team’s strengths, then allocating resources where they can be most effective. It’s important to remain flexible because project requirements often change, and sometimes you need to shift resources mid-stream. Keeping a close eye on team capacity and workload ensures we don’t hit any bottlenecks.
What’s One of the Most Complex Projects You’ve Managed?
I once led a project for a global tech company where we had to coordinate between development teams, marketing, and external vendors across multiple countries. It was a fast-paced, high-stakes project that involved multiple stakeholders with competing priorities. Managing communication and keeping everyone aligned on the final goals required a lot of effort, but we managed to deliver on time and within budget, which was incredibly rewarding.
How Do You Ensure That Projects Are Delivered on Time and Within Budget?
The key is detailed planning from the outset. I set clear milestones, ensure we have realistic timelines, and constantly monitor progress. Risk management plays a big part in that—anticipating issues before they arise helps keep the project on track. I’m also strict about scope creep. Any changes to the project scope have to be assessed in terms of time and budget impact, and I always communicate that to stakeholders early.
What Traits Do You Look for in a Project Team?
Collaboration and accountability. Everyone on the team should be willing to work together and take responsibility for their tasks. I also value flexibility, especially in fast-paced environments where things can change quickly. A team that can adapt and stay focused on the end goal is essential to project success.
How Do You Approach Stakeholder Communication?
I’m a firm believer in transparency and consistency. I provide regular updates to stakeholders, whether things are going smoothly or not. Keeping everyone informed prevents misunderstandings and builds trust. It’s also crucial to tailor your communication style depending on the stakeholder—executives need a high-level overview, while team leads might need more detailed reports.
What Advice Would You Give to Aspiring Project Managers?
Focus on developing both your technical and soft skills. It’s important to know the ins and outs of project management methodologies, but equally important is learning how to manage people effectively. Understanding how to motivate teams, manage stakeholder expectations, and navigate complex dynamics will set you apart in this role.
What’s Next in Your Career?
I’m excited to continue working on more complex global projects, particularly those that challenge me to innovate and streamline processes. My goal is to continually refine my approach to project management and take on more leadership roles where I can mentor up-and-coming project managers.
Ava’s expertise in project management, combined with her strategic vision and people-centric approach, makes her an invaluable asset for any team looking to execute projects with precision and efficiency. If you’re seeking to elevate your project management capabilities, Ava and many others are exactly the kind of leader you need part of your team.
