Deliverology Episode #9 with Natalie Volichenko: Project Management Insights

Project Management Insights: Balancing Flexibility and Excellence

Welcome to another episode of Deliverology! Today, we’re thrilled to feature Natalie, a vital part of the team at manifesto, where she embodies the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Natalie’s journey into project management is both unexpected and inspiring. After a decade in banking, she discovered her passion for leading change and embraced the dynamic environment of the agency world. Her experiences at manifesto have shaped her approach to project management and team leadership.

In this episode, Natalie shares her transition from project manager to line manager, emphasizing the importance of clear expectations and strong relationships. She discusses how to navigate the challenges of agency work, build community among teams, and foster client partnerships through transparency and communication.


Listen now and discover:

How Natalie encourages hands-on learning and mentorship within her team
Strategies for maintaining connections in hybrid work environments
Insights into improving client satisfaction and streamlining workflows

Whether you’re navigating project management or leading an agency, Natalie’s insights will empower you to elevate your leadership approach and strengthen client relationships. Tune in to catch the full episode now!

Episode Highlights:
[01:49] Natalie reveals she stumbled into project management while observing others at a bank and secured a position at manifesto after traveling.
[05:15] She emphasizes newcomers should take at least six months to adapt to the agency environment and enjoy its fast pace.
[07:58] Natalie advises engaging with delivery managers for project transitions and stresses the importance of community for sharing strategies.
[10:20] She discusses her transition to line management, highlighting its challenges, and advises aspiring managers to focus on coaching and clear communication.
[16:36] Natalie emphasizes the importance of building relationships for success and implements practices to encourage team connections during kickoff meetings.
[21:35] She describes account managers as vital partners in enhancing client relationships through collaboration.
[22:25] Natalie stresses transparency in pricing for project and account management to effectively manage client expectations.
[24:41] She highlights the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion at manifesto and how increased female leadership enriches the culture.
[28:53] Discussing work-life balance, she praises manifesto's flexible policy and emphasizes the importance of maintaining team connections, especially during lockdown.
[32:46] Natalie recommends regular in-person meetings for hybrid teams to strengthen connections and avoid transactional interactions.
[35:30] She explains that utilization rates should be targets, allowing flexible time management for both billable work and relationship-building.
[38:26] Natalie highlights the importance of hands-on learning in project management and creating safe spaces for team collaboration and sharing experiences.
[42:29] She shares the phrase "there's always a solution" to maintain a positive mindset and collaborates with leadership on resource management.
[46:25] Natalie explains her team has adjusted training plans to meet project demands and align skills with client needs.
[49:11] She encourages learning from past experiences instead of formal training to promote growth effectively within the team.
[51:22] Natalie notes clients are spending less but want longer projects, leading her team to adopt a "pod model" for self-managing teams and improve support for client management through dedicated days for specific needs.
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Connect with our Host and Guest:
Host - Joanne Reid [  / joanne-reid-cactus  ]
Guest -Natalie Volichenko [  / natalie-volichenko-52139964  ]