Importance of Effective Communication
Based on an episode with Stacey-Ann Smith 🇯🇲
Welcome to Latinx in Power, a podcast aiming to help to demystify tech, the way we do that is by interviewing Latinx and Caribbean leaders all over the world to hear their perspective and insights.
We talked with Stacey-Ann Smith (she/her) offers over 9 years of project management experience, skillfully combining vision, strategy, and leadership. By aligning customer requirements with company goals, she consistently delivers successful projects. Stacey-Ann possesses a Business Administration degree and a Project Management certification.
In this episode, Stacey-Ann shares her journey as a project manager, discussing her career beginnings, the fulfilling aspects of her role, influences, future challenges, advice for her younger self, and a valuable resource recommendation.
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How do you feel connected with Latin America? How is this for you?
I appreciate your sense of connection to Latin America, and it’s wonderful to hear how you see similarities and overlaps between the Jamaican and Latin American cultures. The shared history of colonialism and slavery indeed fosters empathy and understanding among both groups. The rich blend of cultural influences in both regions, from indigenous to African, European, and sometimes even Asian traditions, results in a vibrant tapestry of music, dance, and culinary practices. It’s remarkable how reggae rhythms in Jamaica resonate with salsa or cumbia beats in Latin America.
It’s evident that you feel a deep connection to Latin America, and your description of it as your “sister” reflects the cultural ties that bind us despite geographical distances.
Now, moving on to your professional journey, it’s clear that you’ve always had strong organizational and goal-oriented skills, which laid the foundation for your career in project management. Your innate abilities to plan, set objectives, and ensure efficient task completion have been with you since a young age.
Your pivotal career moment came when you accepted a data researcher position at a tech company in California. Although this role wasn’t initially in project management, you quickly recognized the need for a more structured approach to tasks and projects. Your proactive attitude and ability to streamline processes and set clear goals didn’t go unnoticed by your supervisor. Within four months, you were promoted to a project management role, a testament to your skills and dedication. You embraced the responsibilities that came with this role, and it has been a natural fit for your talents and passion. You’ve continued to thrive in the field and haven’t looked back since. It’s a fantastic journey, and your story serves as an inspiration for others.
Did you want to be a project manager? Did you know about project management? How was this process?
This was nine years ago. I didn’t know about the project management role, to be quite honest. I was simply being myself — taking the initiative, staying organized, getting everyone on track, and providing training. That was me just being myself and contributing to my team. My uncle, whom I’ll mention later in the podcast, has always inspired me to do my best, no matter the circumstances. I’ve carried that attitude with me wherever I go. So, I was just being myself and doing what was best for the team and the project, assisting my fellow teammates. It was only later that I learned about the project management role when my supervisor approached me and said, “You know, there’s an open position for a project manager, and I think you’re the perfect fit.”
What did you find most fulfilling about your work as a project manager?
Over the past nine years, I’ve dedicated myself entirely to this field, and it has been an incredible and rewarding journey filled with opportunities to work on a wide range of tech projects. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with highly talented teams, both locally and internationally. I’ve gained valuable experience in areas like risk management, stakeholder communication, and Agile methodologies. What I find most fulfilling about project management is the ability to make a tangible impact. I get to see how my work directly contributes to the success of projects and, by extension, the overall success of an organization. It’s immensely satisfying to take a project from its inception, guide it through its various phases, and witness the end results. Whether it’s delivering a new software product, implementing an innovative solution, or achieving a critical business goal, that sense of accomplishment is truly gratifying for me.
In addition, project management has allowed me to develop strong leadership and teamwork skills. I’m currently very passionate about leadership. It has taught me the importance of effective communication, adaptability, and the ability to thrive under pressure — all invaluable qualities to have in any career. I often say that when I close a project, it’s almost as if I’ve given birth. It’s like my baby.
Are there any role models or mentors who have influenced your career trajectory and management style?
You’re indeed fortunate to have had the guidance and mentorship of several inspirational figures throughout your career. These mentors have played a crucial role in shaping your professional journey.
First and foremost, you mention Tamara Gill, your supervisor who recognized your project management skills and recommended you for your initial role in the tech company. Her leadership style and exceptional abilities in managing complex projects and stakeholder relationships have left a significant impact on your approach to project management. You’ve learned valuable lessons in clear communication, empathy, and adaptability from her. Tamara’s ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, even in challenging situations, has been a guiding light in your career.
Another influential figure is Bogdan Mojic, fondly referred to as Batman. His innovative and strategic problem-solving approach, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to motivate teams and foster creativity have been a constant source of inspiration. His mentorship has influenced your strategic thinking in managing projects and encouraged you to embrace innovation and think creatively when facing challenges.
In addition to these esteemed mentors, you acknowledge the profound impact of your uncle, Uncle Dennis. Growing up, you had the unique opportunity to witness his journey to success up close. His unwavering dedication, strong discipline, and emphasis on the right attitude have left an indelible impression on you. Uncle Denny’s guidance has emphasized that success is not only about skill and knowledge but also about mindset and work ethic. His commitment to consistency and hard work has shaped your management style, teaching you the importance of setting high standards, staying focused, and maintaining a strong work ethic in all you do.
In conclusion, you express deep gratitude for the wisdom and mentorship provided by these remarkable individuals throughout your journey. You also extend this appreciation to the Latinx in Power podcast, highlighting how sharing stories can inspire others. You recognize the remarkable work being done through this podcast, inspiring more people than you can imagine.
Your words reflect the impact of mentorship and the importance of passing on inspiration and guidance to the next generation. It’s evident that you’re grateful for the support and guidance you’ve received and that you, too, aim to inspire others through your words and actions.
What are your thoughts in terms of project management and how things are going to play out in the future? If there’s any challenge you foresee in project management and how do you plan to address them?
You make a compelling point about the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the future of project management. You see both opportunities and challenges in this field, and you believe that AI can be a strategic tool to address many of these challenges.
One significant opportunity you highlight is how AI can assist in managing increasingly complex projects. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify potential issues, risks, and opportunities. It can also provide predictive analytics to anticipate problems before they arise, giving project managers more informed decision-making capabilities. This use of AI can greatly enhance project management efficiency.
Another challenge you discuss is the overwhelming nature of project documentation. AI can be used to automate document management by categorizing, indexing, and searching documents more efficiently. Natural language processing algorithms can improve the overall documentation process, making project documentation readily accessible to all stakeholders.
You emphasize the importance of project managers learning to leverage AI early in their careers to set themselves apart and remain competitive in the evolving field of project management. AI can also play a crucial role in reporting and documentation, allowing project managers to focus on more critical aspects like people management.
Your insights highlight the potential for AI to enhance project management by addressing challenges, improving efficiency, and allowing project managers to focus on what matters most. It’s a forward-looking perspective that recognizes the evolving nature of the profession and the role technology can play in its development.
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice when you started in your career, what would you say to her?
The advice you’d give to your younger self is both insightful and empowering. You reflect on the importance of setting clear boundaries early on in any relationship to protect your goals, and this is a valuable lesson to ensure that you stay on track and remain focused on your aspirations.
You also emphasize the significance of self-advocacy, encouraging your younger self to speak up and toot your own horn. Seeking validation from others is replaced with self-confidence and the acknowledgment of your hard work and achievements.
Furthermore, you highlight the idea that a career is a journey, not just a destination. Enjoying the process, celebrating achievements, and learning from experiences are all key aspects of this journey. Your advice to not be afraid of failure and to gain valuable experience early on in life is particularly motivating.
Finally, the notion of taking a seat at the table with confidence, as if you belong there, is a powerful message. It encourages self-assuredness and the belief that you have earned your place through hard work and dedication.
Your advice is a testament to self-empowerment, self-advocacy, and the importance of recognizing and celebrating one’s own achievements. It serves as a valuable guide for anyone on their career journey.
Which resource helped you in your journey? Is there anything you want to share with us?
The book “Attitude is Everything” by Jeff Keller has evidently had a profound impact on your life and your approach to various aspects of it. Its message of giving 100% effort and maintaining a positive outlook is a powerful guiding principle. Your endorsement of this book as a valuable resource serves as a testament to the transformative potential of literature and the importance of one’s mindset in shaping their path to success. It’s a reminder of the positive influence that books can have on individuals’ lives and their outlook on challenges and opportunities. Thank you for sharing this impactful resource with the audience.
Where can people find you?
I have shared so much. What is there left to share? I mean, if I had to give any last words, I would say, again, in anything that you do, look for the opportunity. Even if you’re in a situation that seems hard, always look for the opportunity and try to have the best attitude and give it your all. Whatever you decide to do in life, give it your all and be you unapologetically. That’s my last word. If there’s anyone out there who wants to find me, you can find me at staceyannk.smith@gmail.com.
I hope you enjoyed the podcast. We will have more interviews with amazing Latinx leaders the first Tuesday of every month. Check out our website Latinx In Power to hear more. Don’t forget to share comments and feedback, always with kindness. See you soon.
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Additional Reading Mentioned in the Interview
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-annsmith/
staceyannk.smith@gmail.com
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