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.
Follow Sree: / sreelekhakarunakaran
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PMI.org Chapter Listings: www.pmi.org/membership/chapters
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