Categories: career development
A certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2008, Toronto-based Syed Moize manages internal teams and external vendors for project and organizational success at Dream Unlimited.
Syed, how did you get into project management? Since 2006 I have been involved in delivering enterprise application projects. It was during the implementation of Primavera software that I was introduced to the world of project management for the first time. I heard about the Project Management Institute and PMBOK and got hands-on with PMIS software. Immediately after that project, I joined PMI and took the PMP Exam preparation course. I still remember this statement of my trainer: “PMI guidelines are all about helping you to do the things in a right way.”
What do you love most about the work? My job is focused on dealing with people, process and technology. I love the aspect of problem-solving that keeps us focused on finding solutions that are adding value to current process and helping us achieve customer satisfaction.
What do you find most challenging or frustrating? Most challenging part is balancing the triple constraints on projects, managing the stakeholder expectations, and addressing the need of technological advancement in our application landscape.
Does your approach change depending on the country or organization you’re working in? Yes. I can say that it is more about fine-tuning rather than a drastic change. Based on the type of industry or organization and their project management environment sometimes I change my project management approach. I start with understanding the work cultures, teams, decision hierarchies, and past project successes to customize my project management approach.
What's your proudest professional achievement? I led a couple of large ERP transformation projects to success—in terms of strategic importance, cost to the company and team size, they we critical for the organization’s success.
What's the best piece of advice you've received or can share? First, projects can be managed by everyone no matter on which level you are, but only when you manage projects by applying PMI guidelines will you understand what you were missing. I also strongly believe in this quote by Maya Angelou: “Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud.” When you are successful, try and share your knowledge and help others to succeed. I actively volunteer as a mentor with my local PMI chapter in Toronto. When you pay it forward by volunteering you are helping to build the community, inspire others, and grow your network.
How has PM.com helped you in your work and career? PM.com has helped me immensely. It keeps me updated on latest trends and developments in the world of project management.
What interests or hobbies do you have outside work? I volunteer as career development mentor for new immigrants. I’m doing this with the PMI Toronto Chapter, and other not-for-profit organizations.
What's your favorite TV show, artist or movie? My favorite TV show is Lupin.
Best vacation? A visit to Istanbul.
Thank you, Syed, for sharing your perspective with the community.
To connect with Syed Moize, visit his ProjectManagement.com profile
