My Journey
Graduating university with a chemistry degree, I focused the early part of my career on laboratory bench work which exposed me to many different industries including manufacturing, criminal forensics, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals to name a few. Working in a scientific discipline elevated my problem solving skills. The experience of problem solving across multiple industries honed my ability to think outside of the box and make connections.
I eventually stumbled across the PMBOK when looking for better ways to lead larger research projects as a laboratory manager. This discovery of project management ignited a passion in me that is hard to describe. So at the cusp of establishing myself a global industry expert, I did what most told me was a horrible idea and made a career change from scientist to project manager. It was a challenging move but I have no regrets. My experience in project management has been diverse and extremely rewarding. I’ve lead small projects to large scale enterprise transformations, operated in both predictive and adaptive methodologies, and have worked with stakeholders spanning day-to-day execution to the C-suite.
Why focus on essential skills?
One piece of feedback I have consistently received throughout my career is that I have an “excellent set of soft skills.” It took me a long time to really understand what that meant and how to cultivate those skills to higher levels. Why am I passionate about advancing essential skills in project management (power skills in PMI’s vocabulary)? My experience has exposed me to a multitude of different situations, different types of people and some pretty awesome mentors. I can remember how I felt when those mentors guided me to do things that I didn’t think I could do. They made me feel inspired, surprised, proud, grateful, and most of all accomplished. I want to use my strengths and share my experiences to help others feel the same way.
The Fun Stuff
Outside of my project management work, I enjoy spending time with my family and fur/feather babies. If you want to know more…
- I know position 1 is the goalkeeper on the pitch – One of my kids makes me a soccer mom.
- I can’t live without Cody Rigsby in my life – I Peloton.
- I know the basic difference between a turbocharger and a supercharger – One of my kids is into cars.
- Molybdenum is my favorite element because it can make quadruple bonds – I still love the sciences.
- If I’m reading a book, 80% of the time it is about leadership – You can consider leadership my hobby.
- I have an obscene amount of craft paper meticulously organized – I like to papercraft and organization is my superpower.
- If I hyphenated my name, I’d be Julianne Ware-Wolfe – Seriously, that is not a joke.
- You’ll find some blue and white attire in my closet – I’m a Penn Stater.
- Sand was never my thing – I’m happiest in the mountains.
- I become the crazy cookie lady at Christmas – I love to bake.
