In this new column, Manage India talks to practitioners who have made a big impact on the PMI India Champion program HOW HAS THE CHAMPION PROGRAM HELPED YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL? It has helped, and is still helping me, in multiple ways. It has given me access to an elite group of fellow project and program management professionals across industries, sectors, and organizations, and opened the door to a huge knowledge base. It has made me more humble and a better listener. It has also helped me make my own point in a stronger manner. And, what more can one ask, when the program community has also helped me get connected with many friends and families across India, making me culturally rich. PLEASE ELABORATE ON HOW YOU HAVE BENEFITED AS A PROJECT MANAGER AND A LEADER. It has certainly made me a better project manager. It has allowed me to learn from fellow practitioners, and access some of the best practices for applying concepts, tools and techniques in a real-life situation in office. I served as the Chair of the Champion Program for over four years, apart from being a member of the Champion Advisory Committe (CAC) for a couple of years in the beginning. Leading a diverse team of professionals across regions, industries and sectors has been a positive experience. The only common thread between us was a passion to contribute back to the project management community. So, it certainly taught many lessons that I could not have learned in premium B-schools. I’m proud that during my tenure the program scaled newer heights and set newer benchmarks. Albeit, the credit for which goes to the Champions and fellow CAC members. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE CHAMPION PROGRAM TO A NEW VOLUNTEER? I think every project professional must take up this opportunity. It will not only expand their professional network but also bring them in touch with a motivated team of volunteers. They can not only borrow from the knowledge and experience of those volunteers but also share and contribute their own thoughts for the collective good. With new volunteers joining the program constantly, it also brings in freshness and allows the program to stay relevant to the changing times. In addition, volunteering brings a sense of satisfaction in helping others and boosts one’s passion and energy. HOW HAVE PMI MEMBERSHIP AND CERTIFICATIONS HELPED YOU AND YOUR ORGANIZATION OR TEAM? I have been an active PMI member for over 15 years now. The automotive industry that I belong to has been looking at project management as a skill that comes naturally with experience. Seldom had organizations in the past felt the need to have certified project managers managing various projects or recognized that project management needs formal training. However, things have changed over the past few years as the organization is now beginning to see the value of project management certifications. The PMI Talent Triangle, which emphasizes the need for wholesome development around technical project management, leadership and strategic business management, helps a certified project manager acquire the right skills for today’s business environment. PMI certifications bring not only knowledge of various concepts, tools and techniques in managing the project, but also help professionals connect with project managers across the globe, thereby widening their perspectives. I have benefited immensely by being one of the earliest professionals in my organization with the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification and the only one with a PMI-Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)® certification.