Paula Brossard, PMP

I attribute much of my success to a strong work ethic and a willingness to accept and act on candid feedback. Constructive input—particularly around communication style and tone—can be challenging to receive, but it provides critical insight for growth. By consistently reflecting on and applying that feedback, I’ve been able to refine my approach and strengthen my effectiveness over time. While not always easy, turning feedback into actionable improvement has been a defining factor in my professional development.

One of the most impactful pieces of advice I’ve received is to maintain professional objectivity and not internalize every outcome. Early in my career, I approached my work very personally—driven by a strong work ethic and a self-directed approach to learning and problem-solving. Over time, I came to appreciate the importance of separating personal investment from project outcomes. Projects are inherently transitional; you deliver, learn, and move forward. While I’ve adopted that mindset to an extent, I remain deeply committed to excellence and consistently bring a high level of ownership and effort to my work—always focused on delivering meaningful value to those I support.

I advise emerging project managers to prioritize patience and rigor. Success in this discipline depends on asking the right questions early and often, rather than accelerating prematurely. A common root cause of project failure is insufficient time spent in requirements definition—failing to fully understand the problem being solved and the outcomes expected. Leaders must ensure there is clear alignment on the current state, target state, and the path between them. Investing the necessary time upfront is not a delay—it’s a risk mitigation strategy that drives stronger execution, reduces rework, and significantly improves the likelihood of successful delivery.

A key challenge in project management is the gap between executive expectations and delivery reality. Leadership often sets aggressive timelines before proper discovery and planning, overlooking the complexity of execution. Focus on ensuring adequate time is spent upfront—especially on defining requirements—so timelines are realistic and outcomes are achievable. This helps reduce rework, improves delivery confidence, and builds trust with stakeholders.

Integrity is my top priority. While organizations occasionally encounter gaps in transparency, I firmly believe that consistent honesty is foundational to trust, alignment, and effective decision-making.Equally important is an authentic commitment to valuing employees. When individuals feel recognized and supported, engagement and performance follow. I’ve seen firsthand that organizations which invest in their people ultimately strengthen their outcomes, including financial performance.

As a leader, I model accountability and lead by example—I don’t ask my team to take on anything I wouldn’t do myself. This approach reinforces trust, credibility, and a shared commitment to success.