Her Story
About Margaret
Margaret Koliha is a seasoned business leader, project management professional, and CPA with more than 20 years of experience spanning accounting, finance, compliance, technology, and consulting. She began her career in public and corporate accounting, serving in leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and Internal Compliance and Audit professional. Her strong financial foundation, combined with a passion for continuous learning, enabled her to successfully transition into information technology and project management, where she has led complex initiatives and driven organizational success across multiple industries. Throughout her career, Margaret has built a reputation for delivering results through strategic planning, financial expertise, and effective team leadership. She has extensive experience managing large-scale ERP implementations, overseeing budgets and timelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and guiding organizations through transformational change. Her ability to adapt to new environments and navigate complex business challenges has made her a trusted advisor and leader in both corporate and consulting settings. Today, Margaret serves as Partner and Project Manager at Vii Technologies and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Maverick Management Services LLC, where she provides financial management services to clients in the entertainment industry. Known for her detail-oriented approach, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to excellence, she enjoys helping organizations and individuals achieve their goals. Despite describing herself as an introvert, Margaret thrives in leadership roles, bringing a thoughtful, adaptable, and people-focused approach to every project and business relationship.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Margaret
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of continuous learning, adaptability, and staying focused on what truly matters. Over the course of my 20+ year career, I successfully transitioned from accounting, where I earned my CPA credentials, into project management by embracing new challenges and opportunities for growth. Equally important, I have always believed in giving back—whether through supporting cancer research, animal welfare organizations, or causes that make a meaningful impact. Success, to me, is not just about career advancement but about using my skills, experience, and resources to help others and contribute to something larger than myself.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from both a mentor and my father. A mentor once told me to approach every piece of work as if it were going directly to the CEO—always deliver your best, and take the time to double- and triple-check your work before submitting it. That advice taught me the importance of quality, attention to detail, and professionalism.
My father offered a perspective that has stayed with me throughout my career: at the end of each day, be proud of what you've accomplished and go home knowing you've done your best. Together, these lessons have shaped my work ethic by reminding me to strive for excellence while also taking satisfaction in giving every task my full effort.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry to approach every task with excellence and professionalism. One of the most valuable lessons I received was to always assume that anything you produce could ultimately be seen by the CEO, so it should reflect your very best work. Take the time to double-check details, be thorough, and maintain high standards in everything you do.
I would also advise them to build a reputation for reliability and integrity. At the end of each day, strive to be proud of what you've accomplished and know that you've given your best effort. Consistently delivering quality work, staying curious, and maintaining a strong work ethic will open doors and create opportunities throughout your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The consulting world is very male-dominated, and women in leadership roles often face doubt from men, requiring them to prove their competence before being accepted.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Adaptability, remaining calm under pressure, thinking ahead, being detail-oriented, and being a good listener and people person even as an introvert. Giving back through teaching and charity is important at this stage of my career.
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