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Athena Project Consulting is excited to showcase interviews with both emerging and seasoned project management professionals. By sharing their experiences and insights, they are giving back to our community and helping to inspire and inform others in the field. Would you like to be interviewed and included as a featured project manager? Please complete our contact form expressing your interest.
Corey Pettaway - PMP, CSM, CPM
Describe how you started in project management
I began my journey in project management as a department leader, overseeing a small team of six people and managing various projects without formal training. To navigate this role, I closely observed and emulated the project leaders I encountered, learning effective management techniques through hands-on experience.
What has been a project accomplishment or a challenge that you have overcome that you feel most proud of?
The project accomplishment I am most proud of is saving my organization millions by implementing the Agile methodology in an HVAC rebuild project. By emphasizing iterative development, we achieved significant cost savings compared to a predictive approach. Each iteration allowed us to become leaner and more efficient, ultimately lowering the final cost well below the projected expenses of a traditional waterfall method.
What are your thoughts on how project management may change in the next 3 - 5 years?
AI tools are transforming the landscape of all professional industries, and we are only at the beginning of this evolution. Over the next 3 to 5 years, I anticipate not only continued advancements in AI-driven project management tools that enhance efficiency and decision-making but also the physical representation of AI, such as robots, assisting in various tasks to boost overall productivity.
Additionally, I foresee a significant increase in AI education within schools, fostering advanced learning and international competitiveness, particularly in the technology and health science sectors. As AI continues to evolve, research and development in these fields will likely accelerate, leading to groundbreaking innovations and improvements. This integration of AI will fundamentally reshape how we approach project management, making it more dynamic and efficient.
What are some of the most important qualities of a project manager?
One of the most crucial qualities of a stellar project manager is possessing strong soft skills. While managing and leading are distinct roles, not all managers are effective leaders. Effective leadership is characterized by the ability to inspire, motivate, and engage team members, which goes beyond simply managing tasks. People can easily discern poor leadership, much like seeing through a glass of water. In addition to technical proficiency and knowledge-based tools for project management, soft skills such as communication, empathy, and integrity are essential. These interpersonal skills foster a positive and collaborative work environment, enabling the project manager to navigate challenges and guide the team toward successful outcomes. It is this combination of technical acumen and exceptional people skills that truly sets an outstanding project manager apart from the rest.
What is one fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I am a sculptor, with some of my work displayed in local coffee shops. I find art incredibly relaxing and therapeutic, so when I want to unwind, I pour a glass of red blend, play classical music, and let my creativity flow with my sculpting tools to create unique pieces.
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