A decade in My PMO Professional life: 2011-2020

Once upon a time, in the distant year of 2011, I embarked on a journey that would shape the next decade of my life.

Get ready for an exciting ride because this isn’t your typical blog post.

Instead, it’s a captivating story of my journey, filled with moments that have brought me here to share my experiences with you.

As I reflect on the past ten years, I can confidently say that the path I’ve trodden was far from easy.

However, every challenge, every obstacle, and every success was a stepping stone to where I stand today.

I’ve always been a firm believer that life should be a journey filled with progress and positivity, no matter how unpredictable or intimidating it may seem.

I learned that success isn’t about going from 0 to 100 in one giant leap. It’s about taking small, deliberate steps.

It’s about going from 0 to 10, then 10 to 20, and so on until you reach 100.

Now, let me take you on a thrilling ride through the Milestones that defined my decade-long journey

🚩2011 – Foundation of Project Management

In the early part of my career, I celebrated a significant milestone with the successful completion of three years in 2011 as a Project Engineer (PMO) at a renowned Construction Company – Gammon India Limited.

This experience laid a robust foundation for my journey in Project Management, where I learned the ropes of various aspects of the field, from administration and operations to project management.

✅ Project Monitoring: I worked at the Bangalore Regional office, where I monitored project sites, meticulously tracking progress in terms of cost, resources, materials, and labour, ensuring they aligned with the planned figures.

✅ Tender and Bid Support: I scouted tenders and potential bids in the Southern Region, providing crucial information to the Corporate Marketing & Tendering Team, and also assisted in the cost estimation of residential bids.

✅ Executive Assistance: I assumed the role of an executive assistant to the Regional Manager, overseeing a wide range of operational and administrative activities.

🪘 Brochure Design: One of my memorable achievements was the design and publication of a brochure to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the Bangalore Regional Office. This creative endeavour was appreciated and added a touch of innovation to our Regional Office.

🚩2012 – Career Transition Phase – A typical “IT” dreams

Those were the days when everyone seemed to be saying, “I’m working in an IT company.” However, as the world evolved, so did career paths. Now, I often hear people say, “I’m a freelancer” or “I’m a Digital Marketer.” It was a reflection of the ever-changing professional landscape, and I could sense that the future might hold titles like “I’m a Co-founder of.”

✅Project Management Certification: Completing my project management certification (PMP) was a significant milestone in my journey in 2012, equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the IT sector.

🚩2013 – From Novice to Professional

Civil Engineer is by Chance, however, transitioned to the Software Industry by Choice.

In 2013, I embarked on my first year in the IT industry. Joining the esteemed IT company (Honeywell) as a Project Planning and Control Analyst was a major achievement, highlighting my dedication and merit in the field.

It was a year of embracing global stakeholders, late-night calls, and immersing myself in new ways of working and diverse cultures.

This year was all about realizing a new dream and gaining invaluable experience, setting the stage for my growth in the IT sector.

🚩2014 – Experienced Balance Act

In 2014, my journey took a unique turn as I reached a significant personal milestone.

This was the year when I went on maternity leave, stepped into a new role in my life that was both challenging and rewarding.

While 2014 may not have been defined by traditional career achievements, it was a year of immense personal significance and growth.

It showed me the power of balance and the importance of adapting to new roles and responsibilities as they come.

🚩2015 – A Journey Across the Atlantic

It was my experience in Honeywell where I delved into a toolkit of PM tools, including SAP, MS Project, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and Advanced Excel.

An opportunity knocked at my door. Marked by the memorable experience of my first onsite deputation to Phoenix, USA – Yes, my first solo trip abroad.

▶️Time Management: Juggling personal responsibilities and adapting to the demands of motherhood, I became adept at managing my time efficiently.

▶️Adaptability: This year taught me to embrace change and adapt to new roles and responsibilities, a skill that would prove invaluable in both my personal and professional life.

▶️Multitasking: Caring for a newborn while tending to other tasks honed my ability to multitask effectively, a valuable skill that would benefit me in various facets of life.

A well deserved PROMOTION from PP&C Analyst to PP&C Lead ❤️😊

🚩2016 – Team Building Chronicles

In 2016, my journey was marked by a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork.

It was a year that showcased the power of collective effort and camaraderie.

✅ Memorable Potluck (Marathon of Food): One of the highlights of the year was our epic potluck gatherings, and I had the privilege of leading the organization of this memorable event.

It felt like a culinary adventure, with team members bringing in an array of dishes that tantalized our taste buds. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the bond that grew stronger as we shared these delightful meals.

✅ Friday Fun: Fridays took on a whole new meaning in 2016. From casual colour-coded dress days to engaging team-building activities, Fridays were a time for laughter and unwinding, fostering a sense of unity among the team.

✅ Birthday Celebrations: Birthdays became a special occasion in the workplace, filled with surprises, cakes, and heartfelt wishes.

✅ Knowledge Share Sessions: 2016 was a year of learning and growth. Knowledge-share sessions were a regular feature, where team members shared their expertise and insights.

✅ Process Improvements: In 2016, my role in our projects went beyond just execution; it extended into actively participating in process improvement initiatives.

This year demonstrated that when people come together with a shared purpose, they can achieve great things.

🚩2017 – Taking the Helm – Higher Challenges

1️⃣In 2017, I moved from Honeywell to Cyient, within Aerospace Industry. I embraced a leadership and managerial role, setting up PMO from scratch for Avionics Domain and taking charge of a small web development project as Scrum Master.

2️⃣This project adopted an agile Scrum approach, emphasizing iterative design, development, testing, and release.

3️⃣Remarkably, we exceeded expectations by delivering the project’s first phase a whole month ahead of schedule.

🚩2018 – A Year of Self-Discovery (Managerial Role)

In 2018, my journey marked a turning point, characterized by significant personal and professional growth.

It was a year that showcased my aptitude for strong program management and effective stakeholder management.

Contributed as a team member in establishing a centralized PMO for the Avionics Business Unit.
Took on a client-facing role as Deputy Program Manager, supporting an Engineering Manager in a product development program spanning Bangalore, Mysore, and the USA, achieving 100% on-time delivery and ensuring profitability of $1Mn in diversified domains.

However, this transformative year also brought into focus areas for improvement.

1️⃣Emotional intelligence enhancement

2️⃣Refining presentation skills

3️⃣Expanding technical knowledge

4️⃣Improving verbal communication

🚩2019 – Digital Mindset & Stepping into AGILE Journey

Working at Intel was short but it shifted something in me.

Being surrounded by people with a true digital mindset, people who defaulted to automation, challenged legacy processes, and moved fast without losing rigor, changed how I approached everything after.

Absorbed a Digital Mindset culture without realising it is happening.

That exposure did not just add skills to my toolkit. It rewired how I think about problems, processes, and what good actually looks like.

In 2019, I achieved the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification, a pivotal step in my journey. This accomplishment was closely tied to my role in leading an Online dashboard project in 2017.

It provided me hands-on experience in applying agile principles, such as iterative development, incremental progress, and continuous collaboration.

The CSM certification wasn’t just a formal recognition. It validated my ability to implement agile methodologies effectively.

It bridged the gap between theory and practice, enriching my journey with practical insights.

This certification not only made my journey smoother and more fulfilling but also empowered me to use it in any PMO initiative I would lead.

🚩2020 – Digital Footprints: Crafting My Online Legacy

In 2020, I undertook a transformative journey that included creating my own PMO Website, a digital footprint I had never imagined I would undertake.

I dove headfirst into the technical intricacies of WordPress, learning to build a website from the ground up.

Simultaneously, I produced informative videos to share my experiences and insights with a broader audience.

This year served as a testament to the power of continuous learning and adaptation, showcasing my ability to embrace new challenges and excel in web development and content creation.

🚩2021 – Aspiring to New Heights – Onwards & Upwards

As I stand at the beginning of 2021, it feels like the start of a brand-new chapter in my life story.

I’ve also learned a valuable lesson already: in our fast-changing world, the ability to adapt is like a superpower. It’s the key to success in a world that’s always evolving.

At the beginning of 2021, I’m focused on looking forward, working diligently to be the best version of myself, and staying ready to adapt to whatever challenges and opportunities the year brings.

Wish you all a successful year 2021 🙂

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Published by Lashmi Bai Ravindrapandian