Rewind: Looking back at 2019

After 14 months at Nokia, the key project I was working on is now coming to an end. While it might just be time to move on to the next big challenge, it is also the moment to reflect back on the past months. Starting on 15th October 2018, I took control of PMO activities for a Multi-Million Dollar project; A complex network upgrade for a large customer on a turn-key basis. 

a set-back that was widely termed as a failure to deliver

2018 closed with teams being organized, equipment being shipped and warehouses being setup. We missed our first revenue target at the end of 2018, a set-back that was widely termed as a failure to deliver. Rightfully so, due to delays in delivery of equipment, integration of teams and customer satisfaction indicators.

working like a well-oiled machine

2019 started out strong, we posted our first revenues, covering up for the missed numbers in 2018 and exceeding the targets set for Q1 2019. We had begun to bounce back from the blows of 2018. By the end of Q2 2019 customer satisfaction was at its peak, the teams were fully integrated and working like a well-oiled machine, and we had posted revenues above set targets once again. By now the entire regional management was watching us closely and sharing emails full of praise for the efforts put in. By this time, there were talks among the higher ranks of giving an award to the project team that had worked day and night to deliver an unprecedented quality of service.

All eyes on us, we were not facing an uphill task of maintaining the reputation we had built over the past 6 months.

We sailed into Q3 with a high degree of motivation, we had all aspects of delivery planned and we had started working on optimizing costs to improve margins. All eyes on us, we were now facing an uphill task of maintaining the reputation we had built over the past 6 months. We pulled our socks up and got to work! We had set an aggressive roll-out target with an ambitious revenue target; In addition, we also had a strict cost optimization plan. Things started to shape up as the days passed. Our teams and our subcontractors were working together to orchestrate a symphony in 7 different cities. We were installing, integrating and commissioning customer sites by the hour, acceptances from the customer were stacking up. It was time to post the revenues, only this time, we had our eyes on the prize, which was once again well above the set targets. Our Q3 2019 revenue would now be the highest ever posted on this particular account and the 2nd highest in the entire region. The team stood up and took a bow!

Is this another feather in the cap? I would like to think so for sure. Am I ready to pack my bags and move on? I would like to think that too...

We are now coming close to ending 2019, aiming for our targets once again. Only this time, we will be closing the project, and disbanding the team that made history. The team that swam through all thick and thin with all the blood, sweat and tears, fatigued but still determined to make a mark. It has been a roller coaster ride with many peaks and valleys but we strive on. Revenue projections are on target! Cost optimization plans are on track! Looking back, I see new relations that have been built, new standards of delivery have been achieved and new connections have been made. Respect has been earned and respect has been given. Is this another feather in the cap for me? I would like to think so for sure. Am I ready to pack my bags and move on? I would like to think that too...