Project manager
Blending Design and Strategy to Drive Global Collaboration
As a project manager at Serious Business, I was fortunate to work on a variety of challenging projects across diverse industries. Each project, from bicycle rentals to equipment branding, required a unique approach, and I relied heavily on my background in design to add an extra layer of strategic oversight. My ability to think like a designer allowed me to not only manage timelines and deliverables but also ensure the final outputs were visually compelling and user-centric.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role was leading global teams, where we embraced agile methodologies to ensure flexibility and adaptability, especially when managing teams spread across different time zones and cultures. Working with designers, developers, and strategists from different parts of the world brought its own set of challenges, but it also fostered creativity and innovation in unexpected ways.
Project 1: SquareOne – Navigating Delays Through Collaboration
For SquareOne, we were tasked with building a comprehensive website redesign for their fitness service. As we assembled our global team, communication quickly became a crucial element. With designers in Europe and developers in Asia, keeping everyone aligned was difficult, especially when a technical delay threatened our delivery schedule.
Rather than panic, we leaned into the principles of agile project management. I led daily stand-ups to ensure transparency about the delay, and we broke the project into smaller, more manageable sprints. We quickly re-prioritized tasks and focused on refining design components while the development team solved the technical issue. By shifting our approach and collaborating openly, we were able to catch up, ultimately delivering a website that exceeded client expectations without compromising quality.
This project demonstrated the importance of adaptability and problem-solving. Obstacles are inevitable, but fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute ideas allows us to overcome challenges without losing momentum.
Project 2: Equipme – Brand Overhaul Through Strategic Design Thinking
Another major project I led was a brand overhaul for Equipme, a B2B service specializing in office supplies and equipment rentals. This project was particularly exciting because it aligned with my own design experience, allowing me to blend design thinking with strategic management.
Working alongside a talented creative team, including an art director and copywriter, we ran several branding workshops with the client to deeply understand their vision. These workshops not only refined the brand identity but also helped us build a rapport with the client, fostering a transparent and collaborative relationship.
At the same time, we implemented an iterative feedback loop using Chimpify's modular system to make website updates more seamless. By focusing on small, quick wins, we were able to continuously improve and evolve the branding while ensuring the client felt involved every step of the way.
This project reinforced how vital client collaboration and a design-centered approach are to delivering meaningful outcomes. My design background gave me the perspective to make creative decisions that aligned with both the client’s business goals and the user's experience.
Project 3: Ollobikes – Building Client Relationships and Delivering Excellence
The third project I led was for Ollobikes, a B2C service that rents bikes for kids. This project emphasized long-term client relationships and showcased the power of clear communication and attention to detail. From the outset, I was tasked with building a team, setting up timelines, and coordinating the deliverables for a nationwide marketing campaign.
Given the fast-paced nature of the campaign, we relied on agile principles once again to manage moving deadlines and ensure all creative assets—from social media content to web design—were ready for launch. With meticulous oversight and constant client communication, we were able to navigate potential bottlenecks before they became issues.
The feedback we received from the client at the project's conclusion was overwhelmingly positive: "The best agency we have ever worked with." This success stemmed from a combination of proactive project management, strong client engagement, and the ability to integrate creative strategy into every step of the process.
Across these projects at Serious Business, I learned that successful project management goes far beyond timelines and budgets. It's about fostering a culture of collaboration, flexibility, and open communication. My perspective as a designer allowed me to align project goals with creative strategy, ensuring that the final product not only met the brief but also resonated deeply with users and clients alike.
By working with global teams, managing remote collaboration, and leveraging agile methodologies, I was able to guide projects through obstacles and turn potential setbacks into opportunities for innovation. Whether it was leading a brand overhaul, navigating technical delays, or delivering marketing campaigns, I found that the key to success lay in adaptability, transparency, and fostering strong relationships with both the team and clients.
This journey with SquareOne, Equipme, and Ollobikes taught me that while each project presents its own set of challenges, they also offer immense opportunities to grow, learn, and deliver exceptional work.