Can you tell us a bit about your background?

Born in Brunei to parents hailing from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, with my mom being Portuguese and my dad a mix of Spanish and French heritage, my upbringing spanned Brunei, Nigeria and Scotland. My career began as an IT project manager at Science Applications International Corporation for BP in the North Sea, delivering over 80 projects from 1996 to 2005, including notable ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementations.

From 1996 to 2005, I delivered 80+ IT projects, usually the projects no one else wanted, with my final years as an ERP Project Manager. Over this time, I became a ’named’, which meant that I had to be asked for by name with a special rate.  I became a contractor and soon found myself living in London, working on a global ERP rollout for BP as a PMO Manager and then later, as the Technical Delivery Programme Manager for over 5 years. After that, I returned to Aberdeen and joined Wood Group Engineering and TAQA Exploration, dealing with a challenging ERP setup, before returning to BP as part of a global team called Activity Planning. I played a key role in project managing the transformation effort across BP, specifically focusing on implementing the Activity Planning method for integrating Function plans into regional execution schedules, including subsequent measurement. After this, I moved back to Wood Plc as their Global ERP PMO Manager for the next four years before joining Harbour Energy (the most prominent UK oil producer/operator) as an IT Programme Manager, managing a portfolio of circa 50 projects with approx. 15 project managers across the two years. I joined the Project Foundry in March 2023, specialising in project management consultancy for both private and public sectors.

Can you tell us about your role with the Project Foundry?

A specialist in all things Project Management and PMO (Project Management Office), I work within both private and public spheres as a principal consultant, challenging conventional thinking and ensuring strategies are executed effectively.

What motivates you to do what you do?

I’m motivated by the opportunity to develop others, helping them unlock their potential and become critical thinkers.  I’m also motivated by the desire to challenge the status quo, develop others, and help them unlock their potential. I also find motivation in facing new challenges that stretch my abilities and knowledge. While I have expertise in certain areas, encountering unfamiliar tasks forces me to think differently and find innovative solutions. In project management, encountering diverse challenges is a norm, and I thrive on the opportunity to tackle them.

How have you evolved personally and professionally over the years?

I’ve transitioned from a conformist thinker to a critical thinker, challenging assumptions and striving for clarity in business processes. My approach involves remaining open-minded and prioritising problem-solving over rigid adherence to titles or roles. I seize opportunities to communicate insights effectively, navigating upwards to influence leadership decisions. I perceive challenges as opportunities to refine strategic execution, leveraging a holistic understanding of business dynamics.

What does ‘culture’ in a work environment mean to you?

Culture in the workplace is about fostering a positive, can-do attitude, prioritising life outside of work, and supporting each other’s growth and success. My passion lies in mentoring and empowering others to realise their full potential. I derive satisfaction from guiding individuals to surpass their perceived limitations and become critical thinkers. By fostering a culture of self-assurance and independent thought, I aim to cultivate a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. A good culture makes work enjoyable and sustainable, allowing individuals to succeed and achieve their goals.

How do you maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life?

I prioritise clear communication with leadership about my priorities and boundaries, ensuring that work doesn’t consume all my time and energy. I prioritise work-life balance by setting clear boundaries and communicating priorities effectively with my team and superiors. I advocate for a culture of mutual respect and support, where individuals prioritise their well-being without sacrificing productivity. Balancing personal and professional commitments ensures sustained performance and fulfilment.

Are there any misconceptions about your work/field that you would like to clarify?

One misconception is that project managers are confined to project-related tasks. With experience, project managers become adept at visualising outcomes and executing strategies across various business functions. Project managers with extensive experience possess valuable skills beyond just managing projects, including critical thinking and strategic execution.

Is there a particular aspect of your work that you are especially passionate about?

I am particularly passionate about developing others, guiding them to unlock their potential and succeed in their careers while fostering a positive work culture.

How do you deliver value to clients?

I deliver value to clients by engaging them effectively, prioritising clear communication and understanding their needs to ensure successful project outcomes.

One of the primary benefits lies in our approach to client engagement. Rather than merely focusing on the technical aspects of project management, the emphasis is on cultivating a strong client relationship characterised by open communication, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose. This approach ensures that the client feels valued and understood throughout the project lifecycle, leading to higher satisfaction and better outcomes.

Additionally, the services aim to deliver value that goes beyond the immediate project objectives. This involves leveraging extensive experience and expertise to provide strategic guidance, identify potential pitfalls, and offer innovative solutions tailored to the client’s specific needs. By prioritising value creation and outcome-driven results, the services aim to maximise the client’s return on investment and long-term success.

Another key benefit is the ability to offer a holistic perspective on project management that transcends traditional boundaries. With years of experience spanning various industries and roles, we bring a comprehensive understanding of business processes, financials, and organisational dynamics. This enables us to navigate complex challenges, anticipate future trends, and adapt strategies accordingly, ultimately positioning our client for sustained growth and competitive advantage.

What is the one thing that very few people know about you?

Very few people know that I’ve had three close encounters with drowning incidents in my life, including incidents in Brunei, Barbados, and Nigeria.