Summary

Unlock Your Project Leadership Potential: From PM to PMI President

What does it take to climb the project management ladder and lead a professional community? In this episode, we sit down with Dick Vake, the PMI Chapter President for Austria, to explore his fascinating career journey and gain insights into project management best practices. This blog post dives into the key takeaways for project leaders looking to elevate their skills and impact.

Dick Vake's Passion Journey: A Foundation in Project Excellence

Dick's journey began in Germany with a solid foundation in business administration and economics. After a stint in SAP implementations, he transitioned into project management, a move he describes as accidental but ultimately transformative. His career took him to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he honed his skills before returning to Austria and embarking on a 14-year consulting career with CSC. This experience provided him with a thorough grounding in project management principles, shaped by a rigorous curriculum rooted in decades of experience with US government projects.

From Firefighter to Senior Management: Salvaging Distressed Projects

Dick carved a niche for himself by salvaging distressed projects, a role that demanded flexibility, rule-bending, and a deep understanding of project management fundamentals. He emphasizes that the best rule-breakers are those who understand the rules best. This experience allowed him to develop a unique perspective on project leadership, one that balances adherence to process with the agility to adapt to challenging situations. He highlighted the importance of borrowed power and influence and how important it is to understand when this power is being retracted.

The Power of Portfolio Management: A Business Unit as a Company

Currently, Dick holds a senior management position where he applies project, program, and portfolio management principles to run his business unit. He views his unit as its own company, managing a portfolio of projects with a focus on strategic alignment and risk management. He passionately spoke about the importance of understanding the role and value of project, program and portfolio management and their impact to the overall business success. He mentioned that his business unit has been very successful and financially stable.

Certifications: Differentiating Yourself in a Competitive Market

Dick holds both the PgMP (Program Management Professional) and PfMP (Portfolio Management Professional) certifications from PMI. He highlights the importance of certifications in demonstrating commitment to the profession and validating knowledge. While the PMP is now often considered an expectation for experienced project managers, the PgMP and PfMP offer a way to differentiate yourself and accelerate your career. Dick mentioned that he did 8 certifications in 2 years during Covid.

The Evolving Landscape of Project Management Certifications

The conversation touched on the increasing number of certifications available and the challenges of distinguishing valuable credentials from less rigorous ones. Dick and the host discussed the strengths and weaknesses of various certification bodies, including PMI, IPMA, Prince2, and Scrum Alliance. Dick emphasized the importance of continuous learning and the value of certifications in providing a framework for professional development. He also mentioned that PMI bought the Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD) which he thinks is a smart move.

The PMI Chapter: A Local Community of Practice

As the PMI Chapter President for Austria, Dick is passionate about fostering a local community of practice for project management professionals. He encourages individuals to get involved with their local chapters to network, influence the profession, and participate in events and initiatives. Volunteering offers opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfillment. The chapter has about 35 to 40 volunteers.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for the PMI Austria Chapter?

Under Dick's leadership, the PMI Austria Chapter is focused on providing valuable resources and opportunities for its members. The chapter hosts regular events, offers coaching and mentorship programs, and facilitates participation in PMI initiatives. Dick's vision for the chapter is to create a vibrant and engaged community that supports the professional development of project managers across Austria.

Conclusion: Embracing Project Leadership

Dick Vake's journey from project manager to PMI Chapter President is a testament to the power of continuous learning, strategic thinking, and community engagement. His insights offer valuable guidance for project leaders looking to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact on the profession. By embracing certifications, fostering a community of practice, and applying project management principles to all aspects of their work, project leaders can unlock their full potential and drive organizational success.