How ha s the Champion Program helped you as an individual? Please elaborate on how you have benefited as a project manager and a leader.
I strongly believe in the saying that ‘Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.’ Project management has always been my passion. I embarked on my PMI journey in 2005, and earned my Project Management Professional (PMP)® credential in September 2005. The Champion Program has provided me with a plethora of opportunities to experiment, learn, share, and grow as a professional. I got the opportunity to learn from my fellow champions from across the industry, and to bring those learnings to my organization.

It has helped me establish myself as a career counselor in program/project management. Over the last three years, I have conducted over 500 career counseling sessions, both offline and virtually, across the globe.

Why would you recommend the Champion Program to a new volunteer? What should someone expect to gain by joining it?
The Champion Program is for anyone who wishes to network with like-minded professionals. The program is meant for those who have a passion for project/program management; a desire to learn, share and grow; an aim to give back to the society; and belief in their dreams. Also, the program helps you get acknowledged as a subject matter expert (SME) in project/program management within an organization.

How have PMI membership and certifications helped you and your organization or team?
The PMI certifications helped me gain the required skills to become a trusted advisor to the CXOs on issues concerning program/project management in my organization. The certifications equipped me to represent PMI as a brand ambassador in my organization. I have been informally mentoring various budding project/program managers and helping them earn and maintain PMI credentials.

Besides this, I have got many opportunities for public speaking within and outside my organization. For example, in the past, I have been invited to the coveted PMI EEF (Excellence Enabler Forum) to collaborate with other industry leaders and leverage my experience and expertise.

How ha s the Champion Program helped you as an individual? Please elaborate on how you have benefited as a project manager and a leader.
The Champion Program has helped me connect with the best in the industry. Various champion seminars and events help me stay updated with the best practices and techniques of program management across various industries, and apply them to my work. Along the way, I have met friends, mentors, and even role models who are always eager to assist each other to grow. This platform also encourages us to share our personal and professional achievements with many like-minded people, which further inspires us to be better and do better, and also contribute to the community.

Why would you recommend the Champion Program to a new volunteer? Wha t should someone expect to gain by joining it?
I strongly recommend seasoned project management professionals to come forward and experience the joy of learning and sharing with likeminded professionals. This program will provide you the right platform to give back to the community from the rich experience you have gained in your career, and help and inspire budding professionals on their journey to become successful project managers. As a champion, you can expect to gain recognition for your expertise, and build your network with industry experts.

How have PMI membership and certifications helped you and your organization or team?
Good things happen when you get associated with PMI. Ever since I gained my PMI certification in 2015, my ability to manage projects successfully has improved significantly. It ‘has given me’ the required confidence to drive multiple global projects while working with various levels of stakeholders. The PMP certification has helped me manage project risks, budget, schedule, and communications with better clarity and efficiency. Recently, I gained my (PfMP)® certification, which will help my professional aspirations in the long run. It is an added advantage for my organization for executing strategic portfolio management more efficiently.