Be brave, be bold, be a woman - reflections on the Women in Project Management National Conference

Haroona Irshad Franklin was an inspirational speaker who spoke passionately and from the heart about her career path and what she had achieved through Listening, Learning and Leading at the APM Women in Project Management National Conference 2015 held on the 24th September 2015.
 
Her honesty was a breath of fresh air as she engaged with the audience about the importance of having the confidence to put her hand up when she wanted a new career challenge. She spoke about when embarking on new jobs the importance of listening to colleagues so she understood the "day job", building relationships and getting stakeholders on board. 
 
Through Learning she identified the importance of leading on major projects, the importance of Listening to the end users and keeping this at the forefront of her mind. 
 
She shared that it hadn't all been easy, learning through experience and some hard lessons that she had to have balance in her life and whilst leading on large projects. One of the important steps she encouraged all to undertake was, give yourself time to take stock of your achievements and importantly take the time to rest and recharge.
 
Haroona ended her presentation by giving some practical tips for career progression, including;

• asking the right questions
• having fun
• listen and you will learn
• concentrate on what you can control
  and finally...
• BE BRAVE, BE BOLD, BE A WOMAN

Alison Whitehead
Volunteer, Women in Project Management SIG