Interview with the 2023 World PMO Leader of the Year Award Semi-Finalists

Exciting times ahead! We're showcasing thoughts from six top professionals who are in the running for the World PMO Leader of the Year Award 2023.

On August 18th, we'll find out who the finalists are. The big moment will be on December 4th, when we announce the winner at the PMO Global Awards. This special event is part of PMOUNCON, the PMOGA World Conference that will be held in Paris, France.

Our six semi-finalists are: ???? Cecilia D'Silva, PMP? , ???? Luis Guardado , ???? Dean Miller, PMP , ???? Heba Al Shehhi , ???? John Robert , and ???? Vilija Vaghasiya .

In this newsletter, our six distiguished finalists PMO leaders answer the following questions:

1. What makes a great PMO Leader?
2. How do you create a top-notch Project Management culture?
3. How do you show the higher-ups the value of PMOs?
4. How do you make sure your PMO plans match the company's big goals?
5. How do you adjust a PMO to fit a company's unique way of doing things?
6. How can we make PMOs key players in reaching company goals?

Dive in to learn from some of the best PMO leaders around the world. They have a lot to share, and it's all here for you to read and learn from.

So, get comfortable, and let's jump in!

1- What essential characteristics, skills, and talents are required for a successful PMO Leader?

In the quest to understand the quintessential attributes of a successful PMO leader, the finalists of the PMO Leader of the Year Awards provided enlightening insights into what they believe drives PMO leadership.

???? Cecilia D'Silva emphasized the necessity of fostering an 'action-oriented' vision, which not only sets goals but elucidates on the "how" of achieving them. She advocates for leaders to lead from the front, showing the path with ownership and direction while maintaining a laser focus on deliverables. For her, superior communication, the desire to continuously excel, and adeptness in risk and stakeholder management are indispensable for success.

???? Luis Guardado takes a different, holistic stance. His philosophy pivots on understanding human behavior, promoting a profound comprehension of what drives people, from their aspirations to their daily motivators. Luis believes that putting people's well-being at the forefront is the keystone to building excellence, emphasizing that success is built on the happiness and diverse potential of the team.

???? Dean Miller, on the other hand, presents an amalgamation of art and science in PMO leadership. With a keen focus on value creation and business alignment, Dean underscores the importance of building trust and relationships. For him, delivering the truth, even when it's unpalatable, and finding joy in the journey are cornerstones of effective leadership.

???? Heba AlShehhi articulates the blend of communication skills, strategic vision, and adaptability as essential. The synergy between deep project management knowledge and the capacity to guide and inspire teams is pivotal. Heba emphasizes that leaders must balance humbleness and conviction beyond the technical, ensuring they create an environment marked by emotional intelligence.

???? John Robert asserts that vision and an undying passion for acting are the driving forces. Transparency, bold decision-making, and unwavering adherence to integrity characterize his leadership ideal, believing that these traits create an atmosphere of trust and efficiency.

Lastly, ???? Vilija Vaghasiya views the role as one that needs a balance of interpersonal skills, technical know-how, and strategic foresight. Effective communication, stakeholder management, and a robust understanding of project management principles complement strategic thinking, culminating in leadership that consistently aligns with the company's vision.

While each finalist brings their unique perspective to the table, the recurring themes are clear: vision, people-centric leadership, effective communication, and a blend of technical expertise with strategic foresight are paramount in defining successful PMO leadership. Unanimously, the essence of a PMO leader rests on a blend of human connection, clear vision, and unwavering commitment to both people and goals.

2 - How do you ensure that your PMO's strategies align with your organization's overall strategic vision and objectives?

In the quest to unravel the most crucial factor for nurturing a culture of Project Management excellence, our esteemed finalists shared their unique views, casting a broad spectrum of insights:

???? Cecilia D'Silva reiterates the importance of a PMO Vision. For her, it's the linchpin that binds the entire project management ecosystem. By igniting inspiration, fostering trust, and ensuring the achievement of strategic goals, the vision carves a path for the establishment of a unified PMO culture. Emphasizing on robust methodologies and tools, Cecilia believes that the vision serves as a catalyst for better collaboration, continuous strategic adaptations, and superior project outcomes.

???? Luis Guardado offers a perspective that champions a "people-first approach." For Luis, this approach is palpable across all project executions in their EPMO. Their primary aim is not just the milestones but the well-being and growth of every individual involved. It's about valuing potential over past achievements. In Luis's vision, personal and professional development within the EPMO family takes precedence.

???? Dean Miller navigates the discourse towards strategic alignment. He pictures PMOs not as mere overseers but as entities that ensure the alignment of projects with business goals. He simplifies his perspective into three foundational pillars: effective project execution, selecting the right projects, and ensuring the organization's growth and scalability in project management.

???? Heba AlShehhi accentuates unwavering leadership commitment as the epicenter of excellence. Through leading by example and the application of adept PMO methodologies, she believes that a commitment-centric approach ingrains the spirit of excellence across all strata of the organization. This commitment, combined with transparent communication, a continuous learning culture, and acknowledgment of successes, fosters an environment ripe for innovation and collaboration.

???? John Robert directs attention to the concept of 'value addition.' For him, PMOs should be perceived as value enhancers. The moment an organization recognizes the value added by the PMO, alignment with the PMO culture becomes a natural progression. He also introduces the fascinating "Leader Tree" metaphor, underscoring the importance of focusing not just on the fruits (benefit realization) but also on the roots (people factors) for sustainable growth.

???? Vilija Vaghasiya presents a compelling argument for the significance of top-level management support. Without the backing of senior leadership, even the most well-thought-out strategies can falter. Vilija emphasizes that when senior leaders actively promote and support project management excellence, it cascades down, setting a gold standard for the entire organization.

In summary, the rich tapestry of insights from our finalists underlines several key themes: the overarching importance of vision, the irreplaceable value of people, strategic alignment, unwavering leadership commitment, the essence of value addition, and the indispensable support from top-level management. These elements collectively illuminate the path to achieving unparalleled excellence in Project Management culture.

3 - How have you successfully made the value of PMOs recognized at the executive level, gaining executive buy-in and support?

The drive to make PMO value visible at the executive level demands a strategic alignment of objectives, transparency, and resilience. Our esteemed participants have shared their experience in garnering executive buy-in for PMOs:

???? Cecilia D'Silva echoes her journey of transforming the PMO from an In-Sight Project Office to a Center of Expertise. Her transformational leadership emphasized on standard practices, an uncompromising drive towards strategic contribution, and enhancing cross-departmental collaboration.

???? Luis Guardado unveils his three-fold strategy: Simplification to ensure adaptability, a people-centric approach prioritizing personal well-being, and framing the EPMO as a "One Stop Shop" for strategic alignment, further enhancing its importance.

???? Dean Miller emphasizes the criticality of credibility. He believes that when the PMO consistently delivers on its commitments, the inherent trust and reliance on its processes and abilities grow, naturally earning executive buy-in.

???? Heba AlShehhi underscores the significance of trust and the art of fluid communication. She leans into data-driven insights, open dialogue, and a personalized approach that addresses the unique perspectives of individual executives. To her, adaptability in communication is key, reminding us of the human element at every organizational level.

???? John Robert contextualizes his insights within the Pharma industry, where time is of the essence. Demonstrating a track record of on-time project delivery, proactive risk management, and prudent decision-making have been instrumental in securing executive buy-in. His focus on mitigating surprises and preemptive actions resonates with the executive leadership's priorities.

???? Vilija Vaghasiya recounts her experiences at Hitachi Energy and Luminor Bank. Her journey accentuates the importance of transparency and alignment. By implementing data-driven dashboards and ensuring seamless communication between various departments, she was able to illustrate the PMO's pivotal role, thus affirming its significance.

In synthesis, the value proposition of PMOs to the executive tier is multifaceted. It spans across consistent delivery, transparent communication, robust data-driven insights, unwavering credibility, proactive risk management, and strategic alignment. As each professional carved out their niche and showcased the PMO's undeniable worth, it becomes clear that PMOs are not just organizational facets but are integral elements driving organizational success.

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4 - How do you ensure that your PMO's strategies align with your organization's overall strategic vision and objectives?

Ensuring that your PMO's strategies are in harmony with your organization's overall vision and objectives is vital.

???? Cecilia D'Silva emphasizes the importance of a project governance framework to structure the alignment of projects with strategic goals. She points out that as organizations introduce new strategies and respond to market demands, a change control management system becomes essential. The RAG Governance Model helps in monitoring the health of projects, while business process reengineering optimizes workflows. She further underlines the role of cross-functional collaboration and the creation of informal knowledge networks for future collaboration.

???? Luis Guardado refers to the EPMO's adaptive and innovative role from the very foundation of the company. The EPMO's governance grants the Board of Directors the assurance that every company investment and initiative is in line with the company's strategy. It does this by comprehending the framework of authority that defines and controls various company outputs and initiatives.

???? Dean Miller highlights the need for projects and investments to have a clear “why” behind them. He mentions the PMO's role in supporting the deployment of long-term vision and annual objectives.

???? Heba AlShehhi describes the PMO as the bridge between strategy and value realization. A robust governance framework ensures harmonious integration of projects with strategic objectives. Away from tools, the key is consistent collaboration with stakeholders. By tracking performance meticulously, the PMO can offer invaluable data for informed decisions. Proactive adjustments, shaped by analytics and market dynamics, further refine PMO strategies, ensuring their relevance.

???? John Robert insists that PMOs should operate within the overarching principles of the organization. He speaks to the necessity of aligning closely with the business to derive products and steer projects. Establishing a global priority system and maintaining purpose centrality in all actions are also crucial, as is involving business partners in stage gate reviews.

???? Vilija Vaghasiya underlines the need to thoroughly grasp the organization’s strategic vision, mission, and objectives. Engaging with senior leadership and collaborating with key stakeholders provides insights into long-term goals and priorities. After building this knowledge, one should craft a PMO strategic roadmap with KPIs that align with the organization's strategic objectives. She recalls Laura Barnard's insights from a PMO conference, emphasizing a PMO leader's active participation in strategic discussions.

In conclusion, all the PMO Leaders all converge on the essential point that understanding the organization's strategic goals, fostering collaboration, maintaining robust governance, and actively participating in strategic discussions are the cornerstones to aligning a PMO's strategies with the organization's vision and objectives.

5 - How can we ensure that a PMO is adaptable to an organization's unique organizational culture and maturity?

Ensuring that a PMO is adaptable to the organization's culture and maturity is crucial for its successful integration. Insights from our experts emphasize the importance of understanding, respecting, and evolving alongside the organization's unique culture and maturity.

???? Cecilia D'Silva highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the organization. She advocates for awareness by becoming familiar with the organizational goals, understanding the decision-making processes of senior management, and identifying key stakeholders. Creating a dynamic work environment that encourages exploration and innovation is also essential. Regular communication of organizational objectives to the PMO team, along with the development of adaptable approaches tailored for different projects, is also recommended.?

???? Luis Guardado focuses on adaptability and a holistic understanding of the organization. He suggests developing a mature PPM framework that is effective and repeatable. Embracing methodologies that promote adaptability, such as the Multimodal Digital Transformation Approach, is also important. By supporting C-Level functions, the PMO can ensure a strategic, comprehensive view of company capabilities.

???? Dean Miller emphasizes the importance of flexibility in the PMO's approach. He suggests adopting a service-oriented and entrepreneurial mindset, working cross-functionally to align on goals and strategies.?

???? Heba AlShehhi promotes a human-centric approach to PMO integration. She recommends beginning by understanding the organization’s culture and maturity. Demonstrating what excellence looks like in the PMO context and utilizing roles like a coactive life coach can help ensure team members adapt and manage the impact of change.

???? John Robert advises a strategic progression approach for PMO integration. He suggests using a top-down approach for faster acceptance within organizations and employing maturity models to identify the next phase of an organization's maturity as a roadmap for strategic progression.

???? Vilija Vaghasiya offers practical recommendations for PMO integration. She advises engaging key stakeholders during PMO design and implementation for diverse input. Adopting communication channels and languages familiar to employees is also essential. Respecting established practices and advocating for change only with a clear rationale is also crucial.

In conclusion, adaptability, holistic understanding, stakeholder engagement, and a human-centric approach are key for integrating a PMO within an organization's unique culture and maturity. An effective PMO leader embraces these principles, continually reassesses the landscape, and iteratively evolves the PMO to align with the organization's trajectory.

6 - How can we create an environment where PMOs are seen as strategic partners in achieving organizational goals?

To establish PMOs as strategic partners within an organization, fostering an environment where their role, responsibilities, and contributions are inextricably linked to the company's strategic ambitions is paramount.

???? Cecilia D'Silva underscores the importance of PMOs operating with a dual perspective. They should function both as Project Managers and Business Leaders, staying attuned to market trends and agilely adjusting strategies in response. Every project undertaken should inherently align with the organization's overarching strategic goals. Furthermore, it's pivotal for PMOs to discern the business value of each project, communicate this to the broader team, and continually measure the actualization of this value.?

???? Luis Guardado's insights shed light on the PMO's versatility and breadth of services. He narrates how the EPMO offers an evolving portfolio of services that cater to organizational growth. Notably, he touches upon the blending of traditional and agile methodologies, known as the multimodal approach, which optimizes the processes and meets the unique demands of each project.

???? Dean Miller's perspective gravitates towards the necessity of PMOs to understand and influence organizational directions. A crucial facet of this is grasping the organization's vision and success criteria and leveraging them during project selection and its subsequent execution.

???? Heba AlShehhi articulates the PMO's role as the strategic backbone of the organization. Serving as the linchpin between strategy execution and value realization, the PMO drives collaboration, ensures smooth communications, and offers decision-making expertise. Furthermore, she stresses the importance of establishing a culture where both successes and failures become vital learning experiences.

???? John Robert expands on the idea of influence, suggesting that PMOs should manage projects from their very inception to their launch. He introduces the concept of the PMO evolving into a "Strategy Realization Office," emphasizing their role in ensuring that strategic objectives come to fruition.

???? Vilija Vaghasiya’s perspective advocates for a transformative mindset shift regarding PMOs. Instead of viewing them as mere enforcers, they should be perceived as enablers who concentrate on building project flow with the most effective yet minimal governance.

In essence, the transformation of PMOs into strategic partners involves a blend of clear communication, showcasing successes, active collaboration with stakeholders, continuous evolution to meet the organization's dynamic needs, and fostering a culture of learning. When these elements coalesce, PMOs can firmly establish themselves as invaluable strategic assets in realizing organizational goals.

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