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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.
Melanie Shotts, - PMP®, CSM
Describe how you started in project management
My project management journey started early, fueled by a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to help others. My experience in retail and sales, combined with my background in IT, business, and social sciences, provided a solid foundation for understanding customer needs and managing complex projects. Earning my PMP and gaining leadership experience solidified my career in project management, where I continue to deliver successful outcomes.
What has been a project accomplishment or a challenge that you have overcome that you feel most proud of?
One of my proudest accomplishments was leading an implementation project that was completed two months ahead of schedule, resulting in the successful international launch of a program. Working closely with a diverse group of stakeholders from different countries, I was deeply involved in negotiation, budgeting, scoping, testing, and training. This experience not only expanded my skill set but also broadened my perspective on managing complex, cross-cultural projects.
What are your thoughts about how project management may change in the next 3–5 years?
I think in the next 3–5 years, we'll witness further integration of AI tools in various areas, contributing to more effective task distribution and predictive analytics. I believe that Agile and adaptable methods are likely to be adopted at a growing rate, allowing teams to swiftly adapt to evolving project demands and market trends. Also, as more technical responsibilities are automated, project managers will need to enhance their soft skills such as leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence to lead their teams successfully. Remote and hybrid working models will probably continue influencing project management, creating a need for flexible approaches and better digital collaboration tools.
What are some of the most important qualities of a stellar project manager?
A stellar project manager excels in empathy, humility, and competence. Empathy enables them to understand and address the needs of stakeholders and team members, fostering collaboration. Humility allows them to admit mistakes and present solutions, building trust. Competence ensures they have the technical knowledge to manage projects effectively. By researching the client and their company and building strong relationships throughout the project, a great project manager ensures successful outcomes and satisfied stakeholders.
What is one fun fact about you?
I grew up in Germany and have spent many years in the U.S., navigating diverse sectors like hospitality, retail, IT, and entertainment. My journey has equipped me with skills in project management, executive support, customer service, leadership, and more. With a background in IT, business, sales, criminal justice, and fraud investigation, I'm always eager to learn about emerging technologies and relevant trends in the professional world. Melanie is currently open to work.
I am #opentowork and currently based in Tampa, FL. I’m actively seeking full-time hybrid or fully remote opportunities across the United States, including Hawaii, and I'm also open to relocating (including to Europe).
I’m interested in roles, such as Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Program Manager, Business Consultant, Associate, Senior Associate, and AVP/VP positions (if within the financial services industry). I am fluent in English and German, have an M.B.A, PMP and CSM certification.
Let’s connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieshotts/
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