Rebecca Winston
Becky Winston is the President and Principal Consultant at Winston Strategic Management Consulting, where she leverages over two decades of experience leading highly technical organizations with global impact working in over 40 countries. Throughout her career, Becky has guided clients across government, private, non-profit, and academic sectors to achieve award-winning projects, unprecedented contract wins, expanded market share, and enhanced stakeholder value. Her expertise spans strategic and business planning, project, program, and portfolio management, and she is widely recognized for her ability to build high-performing senior management teams, develop innovative products and services, and drive sustainable growth. A respected thought leader in the project management community, Becky is a sought-after speaker and author, with publications and presentations on cognitive readiness, risk communication, leadership, and innovation. She has been featured as a Marquis Who’s Who listee, presented at PMI and IPMA conferences, and contributed to the development of ISO project management standards. Her volunteer service includes leadership roles with the Project Management Institute, the US Technical Advisory Group for ISO TC 258, and the Air Force Studies Review Board of the National Academies of Science, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing professional standards globally. Becky earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Beyond her professional achievements, she enjoys reading about history and mysteries, traveling, and contributing to initiatives that elevate the practice of project management. As a board member of the Project Management Institute and other professional organizations, Becky continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders, combining her passion for strategy, leadership, and continuous learning.
• Honored Listee
• IPMA 10th Research Conference Speaker
• University of Nebraska College of Law - JD
• Ten Inspirational Women in Project Management
• 100 Most Inspiring People in Project Management
• Fellow, Project Management Institute
• Who's Who for 2023
• College of Performance Management (CPM)
• American Bar Association
• Nebraska Bar Association
• Project Management Institute
• The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
• ISO - International Organization for Standardization
• Project Management Institute, PMI
• College of Performance Management, CPM
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to tenacity and persistence—I never take 'no' for an answer. Staying committed and determined has been my greatest strength. I must also acknowledge that I study the technical areas that the projects, programs or portfolios for which I am consulting. One cannot be expert in all areas, but enough knowledge to ask questions is important to success. I also attempt to embrace new ideas and technology with an understanding that there are no shortcuts or panaceas.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Best career advice I received was to acquire a mentor, so I acquired several who were thought leaders in my profession. The best decision of my career was to use my mentor network to enhance my knowledge base and my career path. I also engaged in debates and discussions with them and not just when I had a questioned. Some of those discussions were the highlight of my career because they opened my mind to possibilities I might not have considered otherwise.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
First, identify yourself as a professional and acquire a mentor. Engage in continuous learning and application of the learning. Listen to others but think for yourself. I would also suggest that one also look to the next generation right behind you. Helping others will increase opportunities for them but will make you a better professional for nothing enhances knowledge as much as sharing it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity is the use of artificial intelligence. We must embrace technology, but to do means we must learn the benefits, risks, and constraints of the technology and its applications.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values are not much different from those expressed by many individuals. I value honesty, integrity, and communication. I also value the traits that make each of us individual. I find that celebrating our differences, attempting to understand and accommodate them make us stronger as individuals and teams.