Wear Your Cape to Work™
Wear Your Cape to Work is a podcast hosted by Project Insight. We believe that project and program managers truly are the superheroes of every organization.
Our guests have poured their lives and talents into driving successful project outcomes for industries across the world. They wear their capes to work every day, and we want to celebrate them. We want you to hear their stories and be inspired to wear your own cape to work.
You won't want to miss any of our exciting conversations with PMPs from companies like fairlife, Universal Studios, Activision Blizzard King, PayPal and more.
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Wear Your Cape to Work™
Cutting Through the Chaos
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:
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