PM Chat x Kellen McGerrigle
Kellen McGerrigle is from Vancouver, BC. She is a Freelance Digital & Creative Producer at https://www.heykellen.com/
What inspired you to pursue PM related education and certification?
I got into project management quite naturally as my roles evolved without any specific training, but I always wondered if I was missing some fundamental knowledge that would unlock my PM superpowers. I decided to take some formal PM training - including the Louder Than Ten Project Management Apprenticeship course - to find out what I might be missing, but ultimately to validate what I already was doing and boost my confidence.
What surprised you about a hands-on PM role outside of what you covered in your certification and diploma programs?
Perfect processes and plans don't always work despite your best efforts - you have to be resilient and flexible as things inevitably change. Even the best planned project will hit some turbulence, so accepting and adapting to that change instead of fixating on being right or wrong will help move things forward.
What skills does a PM need to have to lead v. simply be a coordinator?
A good PM should always be thinking about the best way to get things done instead of just getting things done exactly as planned or expected. A PM will consider the risk vs reward of different approaches, and lead their teams and clients to that alignment and understanding.
What were some of the best projects you work/worked on and what made them awesome?
I really enjoy projects that require or allow me to think outside the box (or literally, the screen) or to learn a new skill - there is always something new to try in this industry, and with every challenge comes new understanding and perspective I can bring forward.
“Even the best planned project will hit some turbulence, so accepting and adapting to that change instead of fixating on being right or wrong will help move things forward.”
Any tips for wrangling the fast paced world of tech and digital work when you are a PM?
You can't be an expert or keep up with absolutely everything new, and that's okay. Either focus on your specialty and scope, or only what really interests you. Everything else will pass, or come back to you if/when you really need it.
You seem to have a busy creative life outside of PM work, what are your hobbies/interests?
I always say that I balance an obsession with art, nature, and sports equally - my project management brain never stops! Those worlds don't often collide but I like a lot of variety in my day, so the best one would include going on a morning hike/walk, watching a "Nooner at the Nat" baseball game, and then going out to an art show opening or concert in East Van.
What are your recommendations for building solid relationships with your team and clients as a PM?
Get to know them on a personal level, and bring some of your own personality to the table! Understanding a bit of what they're going through and care about outside of work will help you empathize, and connect with them on a more personal level which will improve your communication and trust.
What have you found most challenging about Project Management work?
Accepting that I can't control everything, and that the success of a project doesn't rest only on my shoulders - I'm part of a team, and every part needs to be aligned towards the same goals. I can help establish and support those goals, but I can't force or always fix them.
What has been the most rewarding about PM work?
Seeing a big - and sometimes a bit bonkers - idea come to life, and actually work! Launch days still feel a bit magical when all the dust settles. I love seeing all that hard work actually become a part of our society or community.
Finally, what are the key things you recommend to do well in order to start a project on the right path off the bat?
I highly recommend a formal kickoff meeting with all key internal and external stakeholders to go through the project plan; this includes educating/explaining the process we'll be following and why it's important, setting expectations for collaboration and communication, and - most importantly - creating some excitement and motivation about the project so it doesn't just feel like a ton of work ahead.
