Influential Woman · Implementation and Project Management
Amanda Williams, PMP, SAFe Practitioner
PMP
Senior Adviser Operations Specialist, Penn Mutual
Currie, NC 28435
Her Story
About Amanda
Amanda Williams is a Project Management Professional (PMP), SAFe Practitioner, and implementation leader with more than a decade of experience delivering complex technology, operations, and business transformation initiatives. Her career began unexpectedly when she discovered a passion for coding through FreeCodeCamp as a personal project, which led to her first technical role in data migration and implementation at Lifetouch Studios. Since then, Amanda has built a successful career helping organizations navigate change, streamline operations, and execute large-scale implementations across industries including healthcare, telecommunications, insurance, and SaaS.
Today, Amanda serves at Penn Mutual, where she oversees the onboarding and implementation of new field offices and financial advisors while managing more than 40 concurrent initiatives. Known for her ability to bring clarity to complex projects, she has successfully delivered over $13 million in project value throughout her career. In addition to her corporate leadership role, Amanda is the founder of Projectolio AI, an innovative project operations platform designed to help project managers centralize workflows, reduce operational chaos, and leverage artificial intelligence to improve execution and decision-making.
Driven by perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence, Amanda recently earned her PMP certification and North Carolina financial licensing credentials while continuing her pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Business, expected in 2028. As a mother, entrepreneur, and project leader, she is passionate about helping others grow professionally and believes in becoming "1% better every day." Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her children and inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in technology, leadership, and project management.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amanda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, determination, and a strong work ethic. I have always focused on improving a little at a time and staying committed to my goals, even when challenges arise. My greatest motivation has been my role as a mother of five, which has inspired me to work hard, remain resilient, and continually strive for personal and professional growth.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to start gaining experience before you feel you have every credential or qualification in place. Volunteer for projects, seek cross-functional opportunities, and communicate your interest in project management to your supervisors and colleagues. These experiences will help you build the practical skills and project experience needed to advance in the field and pursue professional certifications.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the challenges in project management is that project-management responsibilities are often embedded within many different job titles, making it difficult for professionals to clearly demonstrate and articulate their project-management experience. Another challenge is that certifications such as the PMP require prior project experience, which can create a barrier for individuals entering the profession. At the same time, this presents an opportunity for organizations to provide more pathways for emerging professionals to gain meaningful project experience and develop their skills.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are integrity, perseverance, determination, and hard work. I believe in being honest and accountable in everything I do, remaining committed to my goals, and consistently putting forth my best effort both professionally and personally.
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