Project Manager as Translator

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Kristina Curtiss to discuss the unique role of project managers as translators—bridging the gap between technical teams, stakeholders, and business objectives. Kristina shares her journey from office management to leading large-scale healthcare and IT projects.

• 2:12 Kristina’s early career at Home Depot
• 3:00 Transitioning from office management to construction projects – similarities in organizational skills
• 3:35 The role of time management, operational logic, and communication in project management
• 4:30 Entering the healthcare project management space
• 5:41 Implementing EPIC healthcare information systems
• 6:00 Moving into IT project management and navigating the transition
• 7:30 How leaders identify and nurture talent within their teams
• 8:20 The challenge of relocating IT teams across 5 hospitals and 28 clinics
• 9:42 The importance of change management—engaging stakeholders and addressing resistance
• 10:15 Using emotional intelligence to understand and address concerns
• 10:55 Managing scope creep and keeping projects aligned
• 11:15 The unique skill of translating technical details into business impact
• 11:45 Preparing organizations for transformation—from paper-based health records to digital systems
• 14:45 How Emotional Intelligence 2.0 helped Kristina refine her ability to translate across teams
• 15:45 Building strong workplace relationships for career success
• 18:00 "Level Up Your Leadership"—the role of emotional intelligence in advancing leadership skills
• 19:00 PMI San Diego and the value of professional communities
• 20:20 Relationship management as a key leadership skill
• 21:00 Getting the PMP Certification and its impact on her career
• 22:30 How great leaders recognize untapped potential and open new career opportunities
• 23:00 Accepting constructive feedback and authentic compliments to grow professionally
• 23:50 The debate: Are project managers born or made?
• 25:00 Coaching and consulting—helping others shine in their careers
• 26:00 Finding fulfillment through volunteering and mentoring
• 27:15 Team assessments—recognizing individual strengths to build high-performing teams
• 28:00 Kristina’s role as VP of Communications and its impact on her leadership journey
• Unstoppable: The Rise of Female Global Leaders 

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