Peerspective

Our new Ambassadors Program is driven by a special group of community members—people like agile coach and management consultant Andrew Craig, PMP, who helps other members discover all that ProjectManagement.com offers, from discussions to downloads, and all the dynamic content in between. 

Andrew, how did you get into project management? Long ago I managed coffee shops then retail electronic stores. I really became a people person—came out of my shell so to speak. But then 2008 happened. I completely reinvented myself and moved into the technical realm. I started out with help desk/tech analyst, moving to developer—all while recognizing that at some point, a career utilizing my management-leadership-people skills, along with my technical skills, could be very conducive as a business analyst or project manager. From developer I moved to product analyst with a large healthcare firm. From there, I moved on to a business analyst role, then transitioned to project management, both within financial services and consulting. 

My journey to Agile actually started while I was a product analyst. I just had not realized at the time the impact it had on me. As a project manager, I began to question the ways in which we were doing work, asking if there were better ways, asking how we could be more inclusive and work in smaller batches for regular feedback. From there the rest is history!

What do you love most about the work? I love helping others to understand what it is that they want and helping them to get there. I love building relationships and trust. I love to see others get to that “Aha!” moment and flourish with a new sense of understanding and confidence. 

What do you find most challenging or frustrating? Being constrained by bureaucracy or a luddite for working differently. Just because that is how it was done, does not equate to how it should be done. We should always challenge ourselves to think about things from different perspectives. 

What's your proudest professional achievement? Anytime I see or hear that I have made a positive impact on someone else’s career, confidence, ability to perform—that is such an amazing and rewarding feeling. I so love what I do but recognize the impact I can have on others and the expectations of me and my role. 

What's the best piece of advice you've received or can share? Always do the right thing, even if it’s hard to do, and understand that the right thing will not always make everyone happy—the right path is sometimes the rocky path. 

How has ProjectManagement.com helped you? I became active here at PM.com in 2016 after earning my PMP. I had been very active on Linux communities prior and felt like it was time to push myself out of my comfort zone and begin contributing professionally here. It has been a great five years. 

And you’ve made more than 7,600 contributions! Wow! PM.com has helped me to recognize my strengths and new opportunities for growth, to become more confident in what I can contribute, and how those contributions can be recognized and impactful to others. Meeting people at the PMI Global Conference this past year that were influenced by my contributions was mind-blowing. Those times are priceless. 

What interests or hobbies do you have outside work? For a long time I was a Linux geek. Heavily involved in communities. I’ve since moved on and have solely focused on my professional life and family. I was heavy into mountain bike racing but have transitioned to trail running. Less logistics and time consuming.  Nothing beats running or riding through the woods.

What about a favorite TV show, artist or movie?  A favorite movie is hard, but I have lots of shows: The Wire, Ozarks, Stranger Things, The Expanse, Money Heist, Hunters—you get the picture. 

Best vacation? We stay local for vacations. Our favorite place is Maine. We drive up with the kids and dogs. That’s a whole other story! We also love the Poconos right here in Pennsylvania. 

Thanks you Andrew!

To connect with Andrew, visit his ProjectManagement.com profile.

This interview with Lenka Pincot launched our Peerspective blog back in 2019, when she was a volunteer. Lenka is now PMI's Chief of Staff, supporting the CEO and Executive Leadership Team in enterprise planning and execution. What a journey!

Lenka, how did you get into project management? I was a junior business analyst on an organizational transformation initiative. In the middle of the project, our project manager suddenly left. This inspired me to invest myself in the project management discipline and explore its success factors. Project management became a crucial — and favorite — part of all my further job assignments.

What do you love most about the work? When things get done and people grow on their project journeys, including me.

What do you find most challenging or frustrating? Every project is a challenge on its own, but I guess I chose my profession right because I really do love challenges!

What's your proudest professional achievement? I'm happy to list my biggest projects on my resume, but frankly speaking that is not what makes me proud. I see the biggest value in having opportunities to help teams to cooperate, to establish language between business and IT experts, and to connect people and find synergies. I’m the most proud when I create inspiring environments that lead to achievements.

What's the best piece of advice you've received or can share? There can never be enough listening and communication.

How has ProjectManagement.com helped you in your work and career? I always enjoy being on the site because I truly appreciate the enormous accumulation of expertise, networking potential, and valuable interactions. I have applied the insights of others in my job numerous times.

What interests or hobbies do you have outside work? My hobbies were gradually pushed out of my life by my three kids, but I keep fighting and occasionally read books, go to movies, and do fitness.

Favorite TV show, artist or movie? True Detective because I’m interested in mystery and I love problem-solving, and Hell's Kitchen because I’m interested in how the teamwork between strangers is born.

Best vacation? Any vacation!

Thank you, Lenka!

To connect with Lenka, here's her profile.