Tag: job

Lunch & Learn Session with Daniel Juhász – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

In a recent PMI Lunch & Learn session, Daniel Juhász, Partner at Zenith Vanguard, shared his experiences and insights into freelancing in project management. With over 16 years of experience across seven industries, Daniel discussed the evolving nature of project management, the rise of freelancing and how professionals can adapt to this changing landscape. Freelancing in Project Management: Opportunities and Challenges Freelancing offers project managers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, allowing them to choose their projects, clients and working environment. However, this independence comes with challenges. Freelancers must constantly adapt to new tools, teams and methodologies while coping with less job security than traditional employment. Managing stress and maintaining a work-life balance is essential for long-term success in the freelance world. Essential Skills for Freelancers Freelancers need more than technical expertise to be successful in their roles. Daniel highlighted the importance of several key skills. Adaptability is crucial for quickly adapting to new environments and demands. Creativity allows freelancers to find solutions that others might overlook, while strong communication skills are essential for building relationships with clients and teams across different industries. Resilience is also needed to stay motivated and deal with challenges, including rejection or project failure. The Evolving Workplace and the Role of Freelancers The traditional 9 to 5 workplace is undergoing significant change, with remote working, hybrid models and an increasing demand for flexible solutions making freelancing an attractive option for professionals and organisations alike. Companies value freelancers for their ability to provide specialised skills on demand while maintaining cost efficiency. However, freelancers often face organisational tensions and limited authority, making it essential to rely on their expertise to build trust and deliver results. Market Trends in Freelance Project Management The freelance workforce continues to grow globally. Daniel noted that by 2025, freelancers could make up 35-40% of the global workforce. In Hungary, around 20-25% of IT professionals are already freelancers. Project management freelancers are particularly in demand, especially those with seniority and experience in specialised areas. Keys to Success in Freelancing To succeed as a freelance project manager, Daniel highlighted the importance of building a strong personal brand and network to secure opportunities. Investing in continuous learning is essential to remain competitive in an evolving market. Freelancers should view their career as a long-term endeavour that requires patience and persistence. Managing stress effectively and taking breaks when necessary are also essential to maintaining productivity and well-being. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Freelancing Inspired by the classic film, Daniel summarised the pros and cons of freelancing. On the positive side, freelancing offers flexibility, varied experiences and the potential for higher earnings. However, there are also disadvantages, including stress, lack of organisational support and inconsistent income. In addition, freelancers may struggle to build long-term client relationships and face challenges in ensuring continuity across projects. Freelance project management is a rewarding but challenging career path. As Daniel pointed out, the role requires adaptability, creativity and a proactive mindset. By embracing these qualities, freelancers can overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities of this dynamic field. At Zenith Vanguard, we understand the unique challenges freelancers face and are committed to supporting them through resources, knowledge sharing and a thriving professional community. Let us know what you think: Are you considering a freelance career in project management, or are you already navigating its complexities? Join the Zenith Vanguard community. 

PM’sI Arts of Projects: Expert Perspectives on Modern Project Management

Project management is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by technological advances, changing workplace dynamics and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). To address these challenges and opportunities, Zenith Vanguard hosted a roundtable discussion as part of the PMI Arts of Projects conference. The session, entitled Lifelong Career Journey and Modern-Day Workplaces, brought together industry leaders, educators and experienced project managers to explore the future of project management. From combating burnout and navigating the impact of micro-certifications to harnessing AI and honing communication skills, the discussion revealed critical insights that every project manager can relate to. Here are the key takeaways from this engaging session.  𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 – 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Today’s project managers need to adapt quickly to market changes. Flexibility and resilience are more necessary than ever in a world driven by AI and automation. Daniel Juhasz, MBA, PMP, ACP, a freelance project manager and partner at Zenith Vanguard The Project Management Company, highlighted the increasing incidence of burnout in the profession. Although AI tools are simplifying tasks, the relentless pace and pressure for quick results are jeopardising mental health. Freelancing may offer a way out, allowing individuals the freedom to choose their projects and avenues for personal growth. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨-𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 The roundtable sparked a rich debate on the impact of easily obtainable micro-certificates. While they provide easy access to the field and can be good stepping stones, they also run the risk of diluting the prestige of the profession. According to agile trainer Tamás Csépányi, PMP®, PMI-ACP®, it’s not just a list of certifications that sets a professional apart, but real experience and communication skills. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 Krisztina Varga, with more than 25 years of experience in executive and financial management, emphasised that success in project management depends not only on technical knowledge but also on communication and dealing with different personalities and teams.  𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 AI-powered tools can help alleviate the skills shortage in the project management market. But they cannot replace human qualities such as creativity, empathy and problem-solving skills, says Billal Ben-Redouane, PMP®, vice president of PMI. The panel concluded that staying informed and adaptable is key to navigating these changes in project management. Join the Zenith Vanguard community to support your professional development. We can be both a source of professional support and a collective force that can renew practice and approach within the industry.

Navigating Obstacles and Overcoming Challenges

Resilience is an often used term these days. I believe resilience also plays an important role in project management. Most projects are not a short distance run, but more like a marathon where you are constantly running into obstacles, trying to solve other people’s problems.