Behind the Scenes: In Between Projects
Hello there, lovely people! It’s Rachel here, and I’m buzzing to share what’s been happening behind the curtain while I’m in between projects. Let me tell you, it’s been a whirlwind of activity, and I’m loving every minute of it!
Sharpening the Saw
First things first, I’ve been diving headfirst into updating my knowledge base. As they say, knowledge is power, and in the fast-paced world of telecoms and project management, staying ahead of the curve is absolutely crucial.
I’ve been devouring the latest industry reports, and let me tell you, the telecoms landscape is evolving at breakneck speed! Did you know that in 2024, AI algorithms are expected to be deeply integrated into various aspects of telecom operations? It’s mind-blowing how AI is set to transform network efficiency, predict maintenance needs, and revolutionise customer support services. I’m particularly excited about the potential for hyper automation to streamline complex business processes and boost efficiency. Who doesn’t love a bit of efficiency, eh?
But it’s not just about AI. The shift towards sustainable practices in digital transformation is gaining serious momentum. It’s brilliant to see businesses embracing eco-friendly technologies and energy-efficient measures. As someone who’s passionate about delivering fantastic results while being mindful of our impact, this trend really resonates with me.
Connecting with the Best and Brightest
Now, let’s talk about the incredible people I’ve been connecting with. Networking has always been a cornerstone of my approach, and I’ve been reaching out to some absolute legends in the industry.
I’ve been following the insights of top telecoms influencers like Jeff Kagan, Leila Abboud, and Jon Arnold. These brilliant minds are shaping the future of our industry, and I’m soaking up their wisdom like a sponge. It’s not just about staying informed; it’s about being inspired and challenged to think differently.
I’ve also been exploring the Thinkers360 list of top thought leaders in emerging technology. The depth of expertise out there is staggering, and I’m thrilled to be learning from the best. It’s amazing how a quick chat or even a thoughtful LinkedIn comment can spark new ideas and perspectives.
Understanding Market Shifts
The telecoms market is a beast that never stops evolving, and I’m determined to stay on top of every shift and trend. One of the most fascinating developments I’ve come across is the changing landscape for telecom providers.
It’s a bit of a wake-up call for traditional telecoms companies, to be honest. While the overall market is projected to grow by about 9% this year, telecom providers might only see growth of 4-7%. Meanwhile, cloud providers, channel partners, and tech manufacturers are positioned to capture a higher share of market growth. It’s a clear signal that we need to be agile and innovative to stay competitive.
Speaking of agility, I’ve been reflecting on how to apply these market insights to project management. With the increasing demand for connectivity and the rise of new technologies, it’s more important than ever to be flexible and responsive in our approach to projects.
Embracing New Ways of Working
One area I’m particularly excited about is the shift towards flatter organisational structures in the telecoms industry. It’s all about giving individual employees more power and autonomy, and I’m all for it! As someone who loves to empower and coach team members, I’m eager to explore how we can implement these principles in our project management approach.
I’ve been experimenting with new project management tools and techniques to support this more agile way of working. For instance, I’m loving the different views in Trello for managing capacity and workloads. The Calendar view is brilliant for getting a clear picture of what lies ahead, while the Dashboard view helps prevent bottlenecks. It’s all about working smarter, not harder!
Preparing for the Next Big Thing
While I’m enjoying this time to recharge and refocus, I’m also gearing up for the next exciting project. I’m like a coiled spring, ready to bounce into action! I’ve been refining my project management templates, streamlining processes, and brainstorming innovative ways to deliver even better results for our clients.
One area I’m particularly focused on is cybersecurity. It’s emerged as the top concern for enterprise buyers, outpacing other priorities by a significant margin. As project managers, we need to ensure that cybersecurity is baked into every aspect of our work, not just treated as an afterthought.
Sharing the Journey
Of course, I couldn’t resist giving you a peek behind the curtain! I love sharing these behind-the-scenes moments because they’re where the real magic happens. It’s in these in-between times that we lay the groundwork for future success.
I’ve been experimenting with different ways to share these insights. From LinkedIn posts to quick video updates, I’m always looking for new ways to connect with my network and share what I’m learning. After all, knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied!
Looking Ahead
As I wrap up this little behind-the-scenes tour, I’m feeling incredibly energised and ready for whatever challenges come next. The telecoms industry is at a fascinating crossroads, with new technologies, changing consumer demands, and evolving business models all converging to create a landscape ripe with opportunity.
So, here’s to making things happen, finding creative solutions to tough problems, and delivering fantastic results for our clients. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to dive into the next project with all this new knowledge and energy!
What about you? How do you use your time between projects? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let’s keep the conversation going and learn from each other. After all, that’s what it’s all about!
Until next time, keep shining and making things happen!
Rachel (Telecoms) Williamson Project Director MBR
