Share a situation where it was challenging for you.

And what you learned from it?

Those 2 questions are even harder to answer. I arrived where I am now, not by design but (just) because I’m not lazy and don’t accept defeat. Never. I’ll never stop until I get an answer or a result. It might seem noble, but it brings as much joy as pain. One thing I wish I knew (15~20 years ago, not necessarily related to project management) is that I can’t buy time, and it will never stop. It was hard for me to tell the difference between what’s important and what’s not, and I wasted too much time solving the wrong problems (technical ones), which didn’t move the needle. I was arrogant, and it was just my ego, and I didn’t even notice it.

When I started my professional journey, my line manager mentored me in ways I didn’t understand (at the time; now, looking back, I do). He put me under the spotlight many times, leading difficult client meetings, giving presentations to audiences of 100+ people, and taking ownership of audit results. It was really hard. I’ve made many mistakes. I’ve succeeded sometimes. I didn’t like it, I didn’t want to do it, but I did it anyway, because it was my job. I’ve learned to control myself (my shyness, impatience, and cockiness). I still feel it inside, but I mask it on the outside. I’ve learned that what matters is pushing and empowering everyone to move forward, and I play a key part in that process. And I’m also sure that you have more power and influence than you realise.