Unboxing Your Leadership Potential: A Blueprint for Women in Project Leadership"

I am thrilled to kick off our journey with the first edition of "The Unboxed PM" newsletter. Imagine your leadership potential as a beautifully wrapped gift, waiting to be opened. This metaphor encapsulates the essence of our journey together. Each insight, strategy, and piece of advice shared in this weekly newsletter is a step toward unveiling and embracing the unique leadership qualities that define you and will begin to articulate as a project leader!

Let's jump in!

As a project management leader and executive, I know all too well the challenges women experience when trying to advance in a very male-dominated field. According to The State of Women in Project Management, 2023 report released in March of 2023 by the Project Management Institute (PMI), male project managers outnumber female project managers by 3:1. If you take a look around, this is often time quite evident, and I am not telling you something you don't already know and experience every day.

However, did you know that even with this great gap, there is still an opportunity for you to advance as a project leader or executive? The PMI report highlighted data showing that the disparity in leadership roles is relatively small. Twenty percent of women reported some level of management role, compared to 23% of men. Leadership positions include PMO director, portfolio manager, product manager, functional manager, and development manager. This data shows that women are being provided opportunities to advance their careers and contribute at more strategic levels within organizations. Now, this might be surprising to you!

In the dynamic world of project management, where innovation and adaptability reign supreme, it's time for women in project management to unapologetically pursue leadership roles and unbox their full potential. That means you mam!

This inaugural edition of The Unboxed PM newsletter serves as a guide, a blueprint, and a source of inspiration for every woman navigating the complexities of project leadership and ready to grow in their role or pursue a new role as a project leader or executive.

Let's start with The Unboxed PM Blueprint. Here are key elements of a blueprint for women in project leadership to unapologetically pursue and thrive in leadership roles:

✅ Cultivate Authentic Leadership: It's okay to be true to who you are! Embrace authenticity as a core leadership principle. Unboxed project leaders bring their true selves to the table, recognizing that authenticity fosters trust and connection. Understand your values, strengths, and unique perspectives, and let them shape your leadership style. Authenticity not only makes you a more relatable leader but also empowers others to do the same.

✅ Go Beyond the Basics: Elevate your project delivery skills beyond the basics. Unboxed project leaders are strategic thinkers who understand the broader organizational landscape. Develop a deep understanding of project management methodologies, stay abreast of industry trends, and master tools that enhance efficiency. Strategic skill mastery positions you as a leader capable of navigating complex challenges and driving projects toward success. The key is knowing your stuff and executing it in your unique way.

✅ Show Up & Show Out: Your personal brand is your professional identity. Unboxed project leaders are intentional about crafting a brand that reflects their unique value proposition. Define your strengths, expertise, and leadership style. Communicate your achievements, share your insights, and consistently showcase the qualities that set you apart. A well-defined personal brand not only boosts your visibility but also positions you as a leader with a distinct and valuable contribution.

✅ Develop Your Teams: Unboxed project leaders recognize that their success is intertwined with the success of their teams. Actively coach and mentor team members, fostering an environment of collaboration, growth, and innovation. Prioritize team development, providing opportunities for skill-building and recognizing individual contributions. Championing team development not only enhances project outcomes but also establishes you as a leader who invests in the growth of others. Show your team that you care about getting the work done and about their growth.

✅ Lead With Resilience: Project leadership is not without its challenges, and unboxed leaders approach setbacks with resilience. Cultivate a resilient mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth. Learn from experiences, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain focus on long-term goals. Resilience not only ensures your personal growth but also inspires confidence in your ability to lead through adversity.

This is just the start! It takes time to truly implement this blueprint, but no worries. I will be right here with you on your unboxed journey.

This newsletter isn't just a series of articles; it's a movement—a collective effort to reshape the narrative for women in project leadership. Together, we'll break barriers, inspire change, and forge a path for the generations of women leaders to come.

As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to engage with "The Unboxed PM" community. Share your insights, ask questions, and connect with fellow women leaders navigating similar paths.

Thank you for being part of "The Unboxed PM" community. Here's to unboxing our leadership potential and creating a future where every woman thrives in project leadership!

About The Author: Tareka Wheeler

Tareka Wheeler is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with more than 20 years of project and program management experience in the public and private sectors. She is a wife, mom, Senior Project Management Executive, Career & Work-life Strategist, and Podcast Host.

She often lends her voice and expertise to various podcasts and conferences, and Tareka serves as a mentor for professionals seeking to advance in project management.

As founder of the career development and consultancy, T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, her team specializes in empowering professionals and organizations to accelerate their growth and strategically achieve their goals through project management, personal branding, and strategic planning.

Tareka is also the founder of The Unboxed PM, a movement and community designed to reshape the narrative for women in project leadership and empower them to boldly take up space, obliterate gender disparities in project leadership, and secure project leader and executive roles.

When she's not busy serving, leading, and strategizing, you'll find her at home with husband, spending time with her three children, or hanging out with her family's two fur babies.