Unleashing Leadership Potential: Insights from the Women in Project Management Conference
What a whirlwind of inspiration and knowledge the Women in Project Management (#WiPM) Conference turned out to be! As I sit here, still buzzing with energy, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible insights and powerful messages shared by the remarkable speakers. Let me take you on a journey through the highlights that left an indelible mark on my project management mindset.
Natalie Campbell MBE: The Power of Pace, Passion, and Purpose
Kicking off the event with a bang, Natalie Campbell MBE unpacked leadership in a way that resonated deeply with me. Her emphasis on the three P’s – Pace, Passion, and Purpose – struck a chord. Natalie’s story of steering Belu through the pandemic storm was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Despite losing all their hospitality clients overnight, she managed to pivot the company’s operations and drive it to a staggering £9M turnover, all while maintaining their commitment to donating profits to WaterAid[1]. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade!
Carving the Path to Leadership
The panel on the pathway to leadership was a goldmine of practical advice. The key takeaways? Know your worth, take calculated risks, and surround yourself with allies. It’s not about having all the answers, but about building a team that collectively does. This resonates so much with my belief in collaboration and empowering others.
Inclusive Leadership: More Than Just a Buzzword
The discussion on inclusive leadership was eye-opening. It’s not just about policies; it’s about the everyday interactions and the language we use. As project managers, we need to be acutely aware of the challenges our team members face and how these impact our projects. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Mastering Difficult Conversations
Sheilina Somani’s session on managing difficult conversations was pure gold. Her emphasis on preparation, consistency, and striving for equitable outcomes is something I’ll be implementing right away. After all, as project managers, we’re often the bridge between different stakeholders, and mastering these conversations is crucial.
Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE DL: Passion as the Driving Force
Dr. Thompson’s insights were a rallying cry for all of us. Her emphasis on passion as the driving force behind success resonated deeply. In the fast-paced world of project management, it’s this passion that keeps us going when the going gets tough.
Maggie Alphonsi MBE: Cultivating a Winning Mindset
The conference couldn’t have ended on a higher note. Maggie Alphonsi MBE’s session on creating a winning mindset was electrifying. Her focus on pushing beyond comfort zones and setting ambitious goals is directly applicable to our field. The interactive elements, where we reflected on our ‘why’ and our core values, were particularly impactful.
Bringing It All Together
As I left the conference, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the field of project management. The event reinforced my belief in the power of diversity in leadership and the importance of continuous learning and growth.
So, fellow project managers, let’s take these insights and run with them. Let’s lead with passion, foster inclusive environments, tackle difficult conversations head-on, and always strive to push beyond our limits. After all, that’s what great project management is all about!
Here’s to making things happen, getting sh*t done, and having a blast while we’re at it! 🚀
