0

Cart

Project Management Lessons Learned

  • November 28, 2023
  • Carlos Ray Ruiz
  • 0

Project Management; Lessons Learned by Albert Guaravage

After nearly a decade as a finance controller with an agricultural manufacturing conglomerate, I came to the realization much of my time was spent on “projects” that could be categorized as “process improvement”. While I have my MBA, I realized I did not have a clear/structured understanding of how to effectively implement both projects or process improvements. After talking to one of my mentors he recommended I become certified as a PMP (Project Management Professional), and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. 

After pitching the benefits of these certifications to management I received the green light to pursue both certifications, starting with my PMP. I enrolled in a week-long, in-person boot camp class with the Project Management Institute to kickstart my training. Like all such classes, they are much like trying to drink from a firehose, so once completed I took two months to study the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge). I found the review videos and quizzes offered on the Educate 360 Learner Dashboard especially helpful in getting my knowledge up to a point where I felt comfortable taking and passing the exam.

Since becoming certified I have become more precise in recording the scope of projects, working together with stakeholders to ensure I fully understand all requirements and obtaining a clear DOD (Definition of Done). Just having these small processes in place has given me more confidence in taking on process improvement projects. Next step: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification!  

Lessons Learned:

  1. Many tasks, even small ones we do as part of our regular day-to-day workload, can be done more efficiently if we apply the principles of project management.
  2. Don’t assume management is unable to see the value of continued education. Ensure you pitch them with relevant examples of how it will improve your productivity or quality of work.
  3. The PMP places a large emphasis on Agile methodology. Just because Agile is often associated with the software development field, don’t write it off. There are many parts of Agile that can be used in different industries. Take the lessons learned and tailor them to your particular job.   

Tags:

Carlos Ray Ruiz

I’m Carlos Ray Ruiz, Founder & Owner of BBETTER Coaching and Consulting, a Strategy, Continuous Improvement, and Organizational Development expert. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with industry leaders like Medical Teams International, World Vision, Stanley Black & Decker, General Electric, Mabe, and American Express.

I help organizations define and execute clear strategies, build high-performing teams, and drive continuous improvement through leadership development and process optimization. My approach is rooted in understanding the unique context and culture of each organization to create meaningful, sustainable change.

As a seasoned coach and consultant, I’ve facilitated Kaizen workshops across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, and certified hundreds of professionals in Lean Six Sigma (White Belt to Master Black Belt). I’m passionate about collaborating with diverse, cross-functional teams to transform challenges into opportunities for growth—whether improving safety, quality, cost, or delivery.

At BBETTER, we partner with organizations to create cultures of continuous improvement where inefficiencies and risks are viewed as opportunities. I take a hands-on approach, applying proven frameworks like Kaizen and DMAIC to drive measurable results across procurement, HR, finance, operations, and beyond.

My mission is simple: To empower leaders and teams with the tools and mindset to achieve their most ambitious goals and sustain transformation. Together, we can unlock potential and deliver the results that truly matter.

https://bbetter.club/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *