PPP 482 | The PM Readiness Iron Triangle and How It Can Transform Your Career, with Kayla Quijas cover art

PPP 482 | The PM Readiness Iron Triangle and How It Can Transform Your Career, with Kayla Quijas

PPP 482 | The PM Readiness Iron Triangle and How It Can Transform Your Career, with Kayla Quijas

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Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Kayla Quijas, founder of Kayla Q Career Coaching. Kayla's journey from cake decorator to Senior Project Manager at a global law firm is anything but conventional, and it's that transformation that fuels her work helping others break into and thrive in project management. At the heart of the discussion is Kayla's signature framework, the PM Readiness Iron Triangle, which focuses on three key pillars: credentials, experience, and network. You'll hear how to assess your readiness for a PM role, even if you don't come from a traditional background, and what to do if one leg of your triangle feels weak. In this conversation, Kayla shares practical ways to reframe your experience into project management language, advice for overcoming fear and imposter syndrome, and how to network without feeling sleazy or self-promotional. If you're looking for insights on how to grow your project management career—even if you're already PMP-certified—this episode is for you! Sound Bites "With this triangle, you need to be strong in at least two and then figure out where you're weak and shore that one up.""Before that, I was not getting any interviews. And then after that, I landed a project management job pretty quickly.""It is selfish not to share your thoughts because you're afraid people will judge you.""Networking doesn't have to be sleazy. Come at it from a give first perspective.""I got put on a PIP once for a project management job. That was one of the most sinking feelings that I had ever had.""Studying for the PMP, even if you don't take the test, can be a game-changer for your confidence and credibility.""Most of what you're doing in your current role is already project management. You just haven't labeled it that way yet.""You don't need a perfect resume to get hired. You need to tell a better story about your experience." Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:32 Start of Interview02:00 Kayla's Journey from Cake Decorator to Senior PM03:20 Pivotal Career Decisions04:20 What Kayla Did After Quitting Her Job06:00 Introducing the PM Readiness Iron Triangle07:40 How Kayla Came Up With the Triangle09:00 A Real-Life Success Story Using the Triangle11:00 Is the PMP Worth It?13:00 Benefits Beyond the Certification17:00 What If You Don't Have Enough Experience?18:25 Examples of Overlooked Project Experience20:00 How to Translate Experience into PM Language24:10 Turning a Project Into a Resume Story26:00 Reframing Networking So It Feels Authentic30:20 Kayla's Mastermind Group Strategy35:10 Giving Value Without Chasing Metrics36:24 About the PM Readiness Assessment37:14 End of Interview37:50 Andy Comments After the Interview42:55 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Kayla and her work at KaylaQCareerCoaching.com. Take the PM Readiness Assessment here: PM Readiness Assessment Connect with Kayla on LinkedIn: Kayla's LinkedIn Profile For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 474 with Stuart Taylor. It's a candid discussion about LinkedIn, our careers, and the role of AI.Episode 465 with Kari Mirabal. You'll get practical strategies for building professional relationships.Episode 258, also with Kari Mirabal. She shares even more insights on networking and career growth.Episode 39 with Devora Zack about her book Networking for People Who Hate Networking. Level Up Your AI Skills Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course to prepare for an AI-infused future. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you, too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader–that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: Project Management, Career Growth, PMP Certification, Networking, Leadership, Resume Writing, Personal Branding, Professional Development, Coaching, Confidence Building, Interviewing, Career Transitions The following music was used for this episode: Music: Quantum Sparks Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/...
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