Project Manager Perspectives
Discover how a culture of continuous learning inspires our Project Managers to deliver top-notch results.
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Vani Christi
Project Manager - OUP
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Hemalatha
ArumugamExecutive Project Manager
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Gnanambigai
Senior Project Manager
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Reyman Joseph
Senior Production Editor
Years of experience: 9 years
Years at Newgen: 9 years
What according to you is the key role of a project manager?
Effective communication stands as paramount in the role of a Project Manager. In its absence, even minor issues have the potential to escalate into significant problems.
What according to you are the key qualities and skills required in a project manager?
- Communication
- Proactivity
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Proficiency with keyboard operations
What do you find exciting about this role?
What I find thrilling about this role is the constant influx of challenges. As a Project Manager, each day presents a new puzzle to solve, offering opportunities for continuous learning and growth. Even after nine years in this role, I still feel there’s much more to discover, and I relish the ongoing learning curve.
Beyond the challenges, I’m enamoured of the holistic nature of the project management role. It allows me to grasp the entire life cycle of a book, from its raw manuscript form to the finished product on the shelves. Being involved in every stage of this process is truly exciting, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the project rather than focusing on just one aspect.
Can you give an example of a challenge you faced and the solution that you came up with? Or a high point in your career as a project manager that really stands out?
In 2018, while overseeing projects for a new publisher venturing into a variety of book experiments, I found myself in a unique predicament. As the sole project manager in that division and without a direct supervisor due to unforeseen circumstances, I faced a daunting challenge. Struggling with unfamiliar territory, I had to independently establish processes without a clear roadmap. It was at this critical juncture that the top management team in Newgen extended a helping hand. Collaborating closely for three months, we navigated through the complexities and successfully brought ten books to completion. This experience proved to be invaluable, serving as a significant learning curve in my career. To this day, those three months remain a cherished highlight, underscoring the power of collaboration and resilience in overcoming challenges.
If you had to convince someone to join as a project manager, how would you pitch the role to them?
The role of a project manager is incredibly fulfilling and multifaceted. Unlike other positions, you’re not confined to a single aspect of the process; instead, you oversee the entire journey from start to finish. This holistic approach is particularly rewarding for those eager to gain comprehensive insights into a sector, such as publishing.
At Newgen, especially within the OUP books team, I’ve found immense satisfaction in my role as a project manager. Here, I enjoy unparalleled freedom and acceptance, knowing that my contributions are valued and recognized. The culture of appreciation ensures that your efforts never go unnoticed, fostering a sense of empowerment and motivation.
Moreover, Newgen goes above and beyond to support its employees in various ways. For instance, when I had to relocate abroad for a couple of years in 2014, the company exhibited remarkable understanding and generosity. They not only permitted me to take essential company belongings with me but also provided financial assistance, enabling me to embark on my journey with confidence. It’s this level of support and understanding that truly sets Newgen apart as an employer, making it an ideal environment for aspiring project managers to thrive and grow.
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Years of experience: 9 years
Years at Newgen: 2 years
How did you get into project management?
My journey into project management evolved organically through my career trajectory and a burgeoning interest in project oversight. Initially embarking on my professional path in 2014 as an accounts executive, I honed my skills in financial management, laying a solid groundwork for future endeavours. Transitioning into the dynamic realm of the publishing industry, I found myself immersed in roles requiring meticulous coordination and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
This exposure ignited my fascination with the strategic intricacies of project management. Over time, I spearheaded the successful completion of over 300 projects, consistently surpassing deadlines. The accolades and positive feedback received from clients and esteemed authors further fuelled my enthusiasm for project management. With an innate penchant for organization, planning and execution, embracing a career in project management felt like a natural progression for me.
What according to you is the key role of a project manager?
- Facilitating stakeholder communication
- Strategic planning
- Efficient timeline and schedule management
- Effective problem-solving
- Skilful conflict resolution
- Diligent risk management
- Ensuring quality control
What according to you are the key qualities and skills required in a project manager?
- Effective communication
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Sound decision-making skills
What do you find exciting about this role?
The diversity of challenges in each project fuels my passion for problem solving and finding innovative solutions. Collaborating with stakeholders and clients across the globe not only strengthens relationships but also broadens my perspective. Furthermore, I thrive on the continuous learning inherent in every project. The gratification of overcoming obstacles, delivering top-notch results and earning positive client feedback makes this role exceptionally rewarding.
Can you give an example of a challenge you faced and the solution that you came up with? Or a high point in your career as a project manager that really stands out?
One of the highlights of my career was spearheading a particularly intricate project, initially handed over by a colleague, for a prestigious client. This endeavour involved orchestrating the efforts of numerous stakeholders, including authors, editors and designers, all within a tight timeframe while ensuring impeccable quality.
The project posed significant challenges, primarily stemming from delays due to miscommunication and unforeseen content issues. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, I conducted a thorough root cause analysis to pinpoint areas for improvement. Subsequently, I revamped the project plan, instituting clear communication channels and regular progress check-ins to ensure alignment with our objectives.
Through these measures, we managed to not only overcome the hurdles but also surpass our initial timeline, delivering the project ahead of schedule. The acknowledgement of my diligence and dedication by the senior author was immensely gratifying, with the added honour of being considered for future projects under his purview. This recognition, coupled with the successful navigation of a challenging project, stands as a defining moment in my career as a project manager.
If you had to convince someone to join as a project manager, how would you pitch the role to them?
Becoming a project manager is an immensely fulfilling career path, characterized by a rich tapestry of challenges and growth opportunities. It’s a role that keeps you perpetually engaged in learning and development.
For those seeking a profession that seamlessly integrates strategic thinking, leadership and ongoing learning, project management is an ideal choice. It’s a journey where you can flourish both professionally and personally, navigating a dynamic landscape of projects and initiatives.
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Years of experience: 10 years 6 months
Years at Newgen: 1 year 6 months
What according to you is the key role of a project manager?
Every project brings its own set of intricacies. The foremost responsibility of a project manager is to discern and address these nuances accordingly.
Additionally, ensuring customer satisfaction is paramount. To accomplish this, project managers must maintain constant communication with stakeholders and exhibit adept problem-solving skills to swiftly address any issues that may arise.
What according to you are the key qualities and skills required in a project manager?
Monitoring project progress and establishing deadlines
- Proficiency in multi-tasking
- Ensuring stakeholder satisfaction
- Prompt resolution of issues
What do you find exciting about this role?
The opportunity for continuous learning is truly invigorating. Each day brings fresh challenges that have honed my problem-solving skills and fostered a culture of innovative thinking.
Can you give an example of a challenge you faced and the solution that you came up with? Or a high point in your career as a project manager that really stands out?
Throughout my tenure, I’ve encountered various challenges in my role, but one recurring issue revolves around providing consistent updates for complex and delayed deliverables. Additionally, authors sometimes tend to revisit the manuscript frequently during the final stages of the book. While managing these challenges can be demanding, I’ve consistently advocated for pushing back against late revisions due to the potential for introduced errors and the last-minute workload it entails.
If you had to convince someone to join as a project manager, how would you pitch the role to them?
My pitch for persuading someone to become a project manager would revolve around highlighting the clarity of vision inherent in the role and the transformative potential of embracing challenges. It’s about paving the way for personal and professional advancement, moulding a future that leads to overall improvement and growth.
Gnanambigai Jayakumar LinkedIn
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Years of experience: 6 years
Years at Newgen: 10 months
What according to you is the key role of a project manager?
Within the publishing industry, the pivotal role of a project manager revolves around orchestrating all facets of the publishing process to guarantee the punctual and top-notch delivery of publications. Here are the core responsibilities:
- Planning and scheduling
- Resource management
- Stakeholder communication
- Quality control
- Risk management
A project manager plays a vital role in shepherding the entire production journey, from manuscript inception to final publication. They ensure projects adhere to timelines and budget constraints and uphold the highest quality standards through adept management of teams, resources and communication channels.
What according to you are the key qualities and skills required in a project manager?
A proficient project manager must embody effective communication, strong leadership, impeccable organization skills and industry-specific expertise. They should adeptly manage time and budgets, innovate solutions to challenges, and uphold unwavering quality standards while remaining adaptable to the evolving landscape of publishing. The role demands a unique amalgamation of traits and competencies to oversee and successfully deliver projects. Here are the key attributes:
- Excellent communication skills: clear communication and active listening
- Strong organisational skills: detail-oriented approach
- Leadership and team management: proficiency in team leadership and conflict resolution
- Knowledge of publishing processes and market trends
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Interpersonal skills
What do you find exciting about this role?
- Contributing to educational materials that shape learning and knowledge is deeply fulfilling.
- The dynamic nature of the publishing industry, characterized by continual evolution through new technologies, platforms and formats offers ongoing learning opportunities.
- Enhancing a diverse array of skills, from technical proficiency with publishing tools to leadership and project management techniques.
- Overseeing a project from inception to fruition instils a profound sense of ownership and accomplishment upon successful publication.
- The challenge of problem solving and navigating obstacles throughout the project life cycle is both stimulating and rewarding.
- Receiving recognition for successful projects from authors and stakeholders further adds to the gratification of the role.
Can you give an example of a challenge you faced and the solution that you came up with? Or a high point in your career as a project manager that really stands out?
One significant challenge I faced was while managing a project for a prominent educational publisher. Mid-way through the project, we encountered unexpected delays stemming from late content submissions by several authors. This unforeseen setback compressed our timeline, leaving us with limited resources and a pressing deadline to meet the scheduled launch date.
To address this challenge:
- I conducted a comprehensive review of remaining tasks, prioritizing them based on their criticality to the project’s completion.
- Non-critical tasks were rescheduled, and the workload was redistributed among team members to focus on the most urgent aspects first.
- Daily check-ins were established with the team to monitor progress, promptly address any issues and ensure alignment with the new priorities.
- Open communication channels were maintained with the authors, providing clear deadlines and additional support to help them fulfil their commitments.
Through effective prioritization, resource allocation and enhanced communication, we successfully met the deadline without compromising the quality of the book. The project was delivered on time, garnering high satisfaction from the client. This accomplishment not only led to additional projects but also strengthened our relationship with both the publisher and authors involved.
If you had to convince someone to join as a project manager, how would you pitch the role to them?
Embark on a journey filled with excitement and fulfilment as a project manager. In this dynamic role, no two days are alike, offering a constant stream of diverse projects that challenge and inspire. Dive into the vibrant world of publishing, where creativity meets coordination, and where you’ll collaborate closely with authors, editors and designers to breathe life into their visions. This collaborative environment fosters creativity and innovation, making each project a uniquely rewarding experience.
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