Cutting Through the Chaos (PM in Community Gov't)

Our superhero PMP guest today is Sree Karanakarun!

Born and raised in India, Sree earned a degree in engineering and began her career as a mainframe IT developer. She quickly advanced through roles as a Business Analyst, Project Coordinator, and Project Manager, spending over 20 years in healthcare project and program management.

Then, she made a bold career pivot—leaving healthcare to become a Senior IT Project Manager for Douglas County, Colorado, managing projects in the community government sector.

In this episode, Mathew and I will dive into what it’s like to switch industries completely and explore her superpower: cutting through chaos as a project manager. 🚀

2:00 – Introduction to Sree
Sree shares her journey in IT, healthcare, and government project management.

4:00 – Walking in the Shoes of the Team
Her rise through roles—Business Analyst, Tester & QA, Developer, Architect, and Project/Program Manager.

5:00 – Speaking "Developer" as a PM
Understanding terminology, methodologies, workflows, and processes to bridge teams effectively.

6:00 – Seeing Through the Chaos
Using experience to close the gap between business and technology.

7:00 – Solving Puzzles
Balancing tools, technology, and teams. How PMs build trust and highlight contributors.

10:00 – Representing vs. Doing the Work
A PM’s role in ensuring work is accurately represented.

11:30 – Healthcare Project Management is Like an Ocean
Managing large-scale projects with a broad perspective.

12:18 – Staying High-Level
Focusing on the big picture without getting lost in details.

13:12 – Industry Terminology Matters
Each project is a stepping stone; knowing sector-specific terms is key.

15:48 – The Significance of Healthcare Projects
Critical, mission-driven work with lasting impact.

16:30 – Healthcare Project Types
A look at the projects shaping the industry.

19:25 – Shifting to Community & Government Projects
Exploring public sector work and its effect on daily life.

21:00 – A Universal PM Language
PMs share common processes and challenges across industries.

22:40 – Emotional Intelligence in PM
A crucial skill for managing teams and stakeholders.

25:00 – Strategic Thinking & Seeing Through Chaos
Lessons from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

27:00 – Understanding People in Projects
Navigating stakeholders, leadership, and team dynamics.

27:30 – PM Appreciation Every Day
Recognizing project managers' contributions.

28:56 – Group Projects & Collaboration
Why teamwork is central to success.

31:00 – PMI Mile Hi Chapter
Discussing PMI’s role in the PM community.

LINKS: 

• PMI-Mile Hi Chapter
• PMI.org Chapter Listings

Project Insight Website

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