Marie is a highly experienced Senior Programme Consultant with over 20 years’ experience in the successful execution and delivery of large-scale transformational, strategic, and regulatory projects/programmes across multiple industries including telecommunications, technology, and financial services.
Having held multiple senior roles, including Programme Director and Head of Project Management, Marie has a proven track record in designing, building, and operationalising programme strategies in large-scale complex environments, whilst ensuring alignment with organisational processes and values.
With a background in IT, Marie also has significant experience in change management and has led business and technical teams in the end-to-end execution of multi-year strategic transformation programmes for major international organisations.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I completed my degree in Computer Applications at Dublin City University and worked for a number of years in IT as a Software Engineer. During this time I was very lucky to work alongside some seasoned Project Management professionals, who were extremely proficient in the execution and delivery of projects.
As a result, and as I progressed in my IT career, my interest in project and programme management grew, and I pivoted from a technical management role to a formal project management role.
Since then, I’ve been extremely fortunate, having what I feel has been a varied and extremely interesting career journey, working on some of the most interesting and challenging programmes across multiple industries.
Can you tell us about your role with the Project Foundry?
As a Senior Programme Consultant, I support our clients and our teams in the execution of projects and programmes by providing SME (subject matter expert) support and guidance. This can range from providing guidance in the creation and establishment of programme governance to identifying the appropriate tools, techniques, or methodology to deliver a specific programme of work.
What motivates you to do what you do?
Being able to support our clients in their objectives, and seeing the benefits of a project or programme being realised is a fantastic motivator. The added advantage is that I get to work with large teams with diverse backgrounds and skills, which means that there is always an opportunity to learn from the people you are working with.
How have you evolved personally and professionally over the years?
Well, every day is a school day, and that just doesn’t relate to work. Didn’t Oprah say, “The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be.”? Anyway, the more you achieve, the more you realise what there is to learn.
What does Culture in a work environment mean to you?
Culture is all about the sum of the parts of the wider team. Everyone brings their influence on the culture – whether it be from their personal or professional background. I like to think that my exposure to multiple work cultures has made me realise how important a nurturing and open culture is to the wellbeing of everyone who is part of the organisation.
Why is it Important to you?
A culture where everyone has a voice, their ideas are listened to, and their opinions are treated with respect, means people feel empowered, and empowered people get creative very quickly.
How do you maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life?
You need a sense of humour. You need to laugh with the family. Switch off when you’re offline and enjoy the little victories. Invest in that Under-15 Cup Final win or the Under-10 blitz the same way you would invest in the big project in work.
Are there any misconceptions about your work/field that you would like to clarify?
We aren’t machines who just manage processes and systems. We are people-centric above everything else.
Is there a particular aspect of your work that you are especially passionate about?
I love problem-solving; it’s the most satisfying part of work and life. I approach challenges the way some people approach the daily crossword puzzle. I won’t let it get the better of me.
How do you deliver value to clients?
By understanding the ask and then delivering the outcome in the most efficient means possible. That’s the same in all walks of life and my job is no different.
