Episode Summary: In this episode of ProjectMentor Pro, Cassandra Taylor sits down with Courtney Sardina, Senior Director of IT Solution Delivery at Exact Sciences, to explore her fascinating journey in project management. From her early days as a business analyst to becoming a leader in project management, Courtney shares key insights from working in diverse industries including fintech, healthcare, and diagnostics. She provides a deep dive into the transformation from traditional waterfall project management to agile methodologies, offering valuable advice for PMs looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Courtney also discusses the role of AI in the future of project management and the importance of organizational change management in driving successful transformations. Tune in to learn how to become a project leader, navigate shifting methodologies, and prepare for the growing influence of AI in the project management space.

Key Topics:

• Agile Transformation: Learn how to transition from waterfall to agile methodologies and when to use each approach.
• AI in Project Management: Discover how AI is automating project planning, forecasting, and streamlining processes.
• Organizational Change Management: Understand the critical role change management plays in project success and how to lead change effectively.
• Leadership in Project Management: Explore how project managers can position themselves as leaders, not just administrators.
• Strategic Decision Making: Insights into prioritization and balancing work in progress to avoid context switching and inefficiency.

In this insightful episode, host Cassandra Taylor speaks with Tabeier Hamilton, a seasoned Senior Project Manager, about her career journey and the complexities of project management at higher levels. From her early days at PepsiCo to her current roles, Tabeier shares valuable lessons on managing large portfolios, leading diverse teams, and making strategic decisions.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the differences between tactical and strategic roles, the importance of managing risks, and how to effectively communicate with stakeholders, even in challenging situations. Whether you're an aspiring project manager or looking to advance in your career, this episode is full of actionable insights on leadership, empathy, and the art of influencing others without direct authority.

Key Topics:

• The Journey from Project Manager to Senior Manager: Tabeier discusses her first role at PepsiCo and how she transitioned into a senior management role, balancing strategic and tactical responsibilities.
• Managing Risks and Stakeholder Communication: Insight into how senior project managers need to not only identify risks but also present well-thought-out solutions, especially when executives expect proactive leadership.
• Strategic vs. Tactical Management: The distinction between being involved in day-to-day project execution and focusing on overarching business objectives and strategies.
• The Importance of Empathy and Leadership: Tabeier highlights how empathy plays a crucial role in leadership, team management, and creating a supportive environment for both tactical execution and strategic planning.
• Work-Life Balance in High-Pressure Roles: Reflections on managing intense work periods during major projects while balancing personal life and team dynamics.
• Influence Without Direct Reports: Tabeier shares how managing internal customers and leading without direct reports requires patience, collaboration, and the power of influence.

Call to Action: If you found this episode helpful, share your thoughts or questions in the comments! We'd love to hear your experiences and tips on how to handle leadership challenges in project management.

In this special episode of ProjectMentor Pro, host Cassandra Taylor brings together four seasoned project managers—Dwayne Miller, Tabeier Hamilton, Lee Carpenter, and Tina Briggs—to discuss the ins and outs of project management. Each guest shares their unique journey into the field, from military service to telecom to education, and offers valuable advice for aspiring project managers.

They delve into the critical skills for success, navigating complex projects, managing diverse teams, and adapting to changes in the post-COVID work environment. This roundtable discussion is packed with practical tips, personal stories, and actionable insights for anyone looking to excel in project management.

Key Topics:

• Dwayne’s Journey: From military service to portfolio management in various industries.
• Key Project Management Skills: The importance of executive presence, communication, and financial acumen.
• Navigating Difficult Projects: Memorable experiences and challenges faced by the panel.
• Building a Team Dynamic: Strategies for working with diverse and remote teams.
• Volunteering and Taking on New Challenges: Advice on stepping out of your comfort zone to grow in your career.

Key Quotes:

• "Project management is like juggling flaming swords while managing the entire circus." – Dwayne Miller
• "Learn to communicate well, and don’t be afraid to ask the right questions from the start." – Lee Carpenter
• "Executive presence is crucial—it's about showing up with confidence but without being overbearing." – Tabeier Hamilton
• "Don't shy away from new challenges, even if you're not an expert. It’s a great way to learn." – Tina Briggs

Call to Action: If you found value in this discussion, let us know in the comments! What challenges have you faced as a project manager? We’d love to hear your stories.

In this episode of Project Mentor Pro, we are joined by Dwayne Miller, a former military professional and seasoned portfolio manager, to discuss his journey through project and portfolio management. Dwayne shares his experiences from starting in data analysis in the military, transitioning to project management roles in the telecom industry, and eventually becoming a successful portfolio manager. He offers valuable insights into what it takes to lead complex portfolios, emphasizing leadership, adaptability, and the importance of delivering results.

Key Topics:

• Dwayne’s Journey from Military to Project Management: How military experience shaped his career.
• The Role of a Portfolio Manager: Understanding the hybrid role of program management, coaching, and mentoring.
• Managing Complex Projects: Insights on leading large-scale, tough projects.
• Transitioning Between Industries: How Dwayne adapted project management skills from telecom to financial and retail sectors.
• Leadership in Project Management: The importance of strong leadership and the ability to deliver under pressure.

Key Quotes:

• "Tough guys get tough jobs. The scenery always changes, and there’s never an opportunity to get bored." – Dwayne Miller
• "Portfolio management is a hybrid of program management, coaching, mentoring, and managing the entire portfolio."
• "You naturally evolve into project management when you see others unable to deliver."

Call to Action: If this episode inspired you, share your thoughts or questions in the comments! Have you transitioned between industries like Dwayne? Let us know how you’ve adapted your skills.

In this special episode, the tables are turned as Cassandra Taylor, founder of ProjectMentor Pro, is interviewed by guest host Lee Carpenter. Cassandra shares her unique career journey, starting in HR and transitioning into project management after a surprising phone call from a recruiter. She details how she discovered her passion for project management at Snyder’s Lance, navigated career challenges, and rose through the ranks to become a senior manager at Hershey.

Cassandra also talks about the inspiration behind ProjectMentor Pro, a platform designed to give back to aspiring project managers. This episode is packed with insights on career transitions, leadership, and how to succeed in project management.

Key Topics:

• Cassandra’s Unexpected Path into Project Management: From a career in HR to discovering her love for project management after an unexpected job offer.
• Early Career at Snyder’s Lance: How Cassandra took on a major project implementation and fell in love with the field.
• Navigating Setbacks and Career Growth: Cassandra shares how she overcame the challenges of a company acquisition and job loss by pursuing her PMP certification and starting fresh in a new industry.
• Rising Through the Ranks: Insights into how Cassandra grew from a project coordinator to a senior manager in portfolio governance at Hershey.
• The Birth of ProjectMentor Pro: Cassandra’s passion for mentoring others and her mission to help aspiring project managers grow their careers.
• Advice for Aspiring Project Managers: Encouragement to pursue certifications like the PMP and build a strong network of support.

Call to Action: Interested in learning more about ProjectMentor Pro or getting involved? Visit projectmentorpro.com and join the Mastermind community or attend an upcoming webinar.

In this episode of Project Mentor Pro, we are thrilled to have Tina Briggs, a seasoned project professional, who shares her journey from an analyst role to becoming a project manager. Tina provides valuable insights into the importance of the project coordination role, key skills needed for transitioning into project management, and how she navigated the challenges in IT project coordination. She offers advice for those looking to break into the industry and reflects on how her experiences prepared her for leadership.

Key Takeaways:

1. Project Coordination Role: Tina started in project coordination in 2021, supporting project managers by handling multiple projects simultaneously and making sure everything ran smoothly.
2. Key Responsibilities: Tina's day-to-day tasks included managing emails, keeping projects on track, preparing documentation, and setting up meetings.
3. Challenges Faced: One of the biggest challenges in her coordinator role was ensuring that tasks were completed on time without having direct authority, knowing when to escalate issues, and managing communications across various stakeholders.
4. Transition to Project Management: Tina transitioned into project management by mastering time management, learning how to influence and motivate others, and improving her leadership skills.
5. Advice for Aspiring Project Managers: Tina emphasizes the importance of transparency, emotional intelligence, and communication. She advises aspiring project managers to speak with professionals already in the field and to recognize that project management is all about orchestrating tasks and people effectively.

Memorable Quotes:

• "My goal was to make the project manager's job as easy as possible."
• "Emotional intelligence is critical because if you're anxious, it flows down to your team."
• "Project management is project management. You don't need to know the details—you just need to know how to push things forward."

In today’s episode of Project Mentor Pro, we sit down with the incredible Lee Carpenter, former head of the project management program at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). Lee shares her inspiring journey from an elementary education teacher to becoming a certified project manager, and eventually leading a project management program. This episode is packed with invaluable advice for aspiring project managers and seasoned professionals alike. Lee discusses the critical skills needed in the field, the importance of planning, and the evolving role of agile in project management.

Key Topics Covered:

• Lee Carpenter's Career Path: Transitioning from teaching to project management and leading CPCC’s corporate continuing education program.
• Core Skills for Project Managers: The importance of planning, soft skills, and adapting to real-world challenges.
• Agile Methodology: How Agile is changing the project management landscape, even beyond technical fields.
• Practical Advice: Volunteering as a way to gain hands-on project management experience.
• Networking: The significance of building a strong network in advancing your career.

Key Quotes:

• "Project management is not a science, but mostly an art." – Lee Carpenter
• "Don't be afraid to reinvent yourself. It's about one step at a time, and seeing where it takes you." – Lee Carpenter

Takeaways:

• Project management requires a blend of hard skills (planning, organizing) and soft skills (people management).
• Agile project management allows for flexibility and regular check-ins, making it more adaptable to changing needs.
• Volunteering can be an excellent way to practice project management skills without the pressure of a professional environment.
• Networking plays a crucial role in career development—don’t hesitate to reach out to people in your circle.

Guest Information:
Lee Carpenter is a certified project management professional and former head of the project management program at Central Piedmont Community College. With a background in education and corporate project management, Lee is passionate about teaching and mentoring future project managers.

Resources Mentioned:

• Project Management Institute (PMI)
• PMP Certification

Connect with Us:
For more insights visit our website www.ProjectMentorPro.com. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on mastering project management!