Blog

By: Lejla Vehabovic

 

I had a chance to meet Diane over a cup of coffee and truly enjoyed our conversation. She currently  works as a Senior Project Manager for Federal Home Loan Bank. Diane frequently attends our chapter  meetings and volunteers for membership appreciation event. Take a few minutes out of your day and  get to know Diane!

{Lejla} Tell us about your project management experience?

{Diane} I started my career as a developer and have evolved into a project manager. My first  exposure to project management was at John Deere. They needed to implement a process that would automate a paper calculation into a computer-based solution.  I was able to coordinate several teams to implement this project. In 2008 John Deere started to hire contractors as project managers and the company moved towards agile. I served as a Scrum master during this transition and took on several projects. I earned my PMP in 2014. My favorite part of project management is the exposure to a wide range of people and teams. It also gives me a good sense of accomplishment. 

{Lejla} What is your greatest project accomplishment to date?

{Diane} Installing SailPoint Access Management System. FHLB transitioned from a paper-based system to a completely automated application system. By implementing this project, we will ensure the right people have the right access to the right applications at the right time.

{Lejla} Why did you get involved with PMI Central Iowa Chapter?

{Diane} I like building my knowledge base. It's also interesting to hear about everyone's project management experience. There is a lot of synergy, technical approaches and interesting ways to handle a project.

{Lejla} Provide us with five words that come to mind when you think of project management?

{Diane} Challenges, Relationships, Change, Synergy and Fun.

{Lejla} What do you do to keep your skills fresh?

{Diane} I enjoy listening to project management podcasts. You should listen to "Project Management Happy Hour" podcast. In each episode they talk about a problem faced in project management, share practical advice, real-life examples and the occasional project horror story.