While in the business world, passion often drives people to constantly evolve. For some, that journey leads to a combination of corporate success along with an entrepreneurial spirit. Michelle Watkins, PMP, MBA, is one such individual whose over three decades of expertise have shaped her own career while transforming the organizations she’s worked with. Her story shows the constant need for reinvention, constantly learning technological advancements, and ultimately founding her own firm to aid businesses to scale efficiently through Global PMO Partners.
Michelle Watkins studied accounting and finance. However, she had the constant urge to understand new software in the tech world. Her inquisitive mind made her resolve issues quickly and this led her to take a slightly different route from what she had earned her degree in. She joined ADP, and spent a decade and a half, working in many different roles within the company. She took on roles from within client services to system implementations, working on optimizing processes. Her talents in streamlining systems and building tools were honed and recognized during this period. As Michelle moved through the ranks, she found herself rolling out best practices regionally, nationally, and ultimately internationally. This experience would form the foundation of her future expertise in project management.
The 2008 economic downturn in the United States was hit hard by a huge financial crisis. However, Michelle, with all determination, took the huge step of leaving the corporate world and establishing her independent consulting firm. This step did go in vain as her reputation was further built. One of the biggest projects she took part in was the Delta-Northwest merger.
Two years post-economic downturn, Michelle realized that she wanted to return to the corporate world; only to learn and upskill herself with new agile skills along with internet and mobile app projects. She had the opportunity to lead global teams, guiding the company through a major digital transformation. Even so, it was during this time that Michelle was introduced to a tool that would shape her career.
Michelle joined the SaaS platform company Smartsheet, which was still in its infancy. She was in awe of this new technology that they had come up with and could foresee the transformation that this platform could bring within large enterprises. She smartly utilized the tool for projects and introduced this to many high-profile clients. Her work was recognized by executives at major brands such as Delta Airlines and Salesforce.
Although brief, her work at the company was quite transformative. She played a key role in the development of the Control Center—which was one of the biggest revenue drivers—and other new features. Michelle’s work was appreciated by both clients and other industry leaders. Her expertise led her to return to becoming an independent consulting firm. She found a new sense of purpose and confidence within her work. “I take pride in not just being a part of it, but also being a client and eventually becoming a Partner,” she confirms.
Michelle, through her firm, had the opportunity to work with the renowned cloud-based software company: Salesforce. She assisted them in optimizing the HR PMO and ended up leading the team itself. She even aided them in managing a major merger and acquisition.
Working for so many years, she realized that there was a gap in the market; the gap of improving the project portfolio management processes strategically within businesses. This led her to founding Global PMO Partners. Through the company, Michelle aims to help companies streamline their project management operations and set the stage for them to reach their broader strategic goals. She supports enterprises with scalable solutions and transparent processes, ensuring project success.
This year, Michelle even participated in a Nashville Entrepreneur InFlight program. Truly, her decades of experience in various roles in project management, and her craving to learn and keep herself up-to-date have made her and Global PMO Partners a sought-after partner for those who want to improve their business strategies.
