Milad Omari – Agile Project Manager at Vattenfall

futuregames q&a

What is your current role?

– I currently work at Vattenfall’s Customer & Sales division. I am part of the Business Innovation and Strategy unit, in the Agile and Project Management Team 1. My role is a combination of agile and sequential project management. In this capacity, I am responsible for leading strategic and complex projects across the Nordic region. This involves planning, organizing, and overseeing projects to ensure they deliver value and results aligned with the company’s strategic goals and customer needs.

How has the Agile Project Manager program been beneficial in your current role?

 – The APM program has been very valuable for me in my current role. It gave me a deep understanding of various project management methods and tools, which have been crucial in planning and executing strategic and complex projects effectively. The training also provided me with techniques to manage complex project challenges and enhanced my ability to collaborate with various stakeholders.

What does a typical day at your job look like?

– A typical day starts with reviewing my project plans and prioritizing the day’s activities. My work can vary depending on the projects I am currently involved in, but it generally includes leading project teams, planning and allocating resources, communicating with stakeholders, making decisions, and ensuring that projects stay on track.

– I meet with my project team to discuss progress, identify any obstacles, and determine the next steps. I regularly communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of project developments and any changes. Additionally, I may need to analyze project data, prepare reports, or attend strategic meetings with the management team.

What do you appreciate most about your work?

– What I appreciate most is the diversity of projects and challenges I get to work on. I also enjoy working on exciting and challenging projects that have a real impact on the company’s business goals and customer needs. Managing both strategic and technical projects across different business areas is highly satisfying. I also value the collaboration and knowledge-sharing within my team and with other departments in the company.

What are the biggest challenges in your work?

 – The biggest challenges include managing complex projects with diverse stakeholders and requirements, navigating a rapidly changing work environment, and ensuring that projects deliver value and results in line with expectations. Balancing different stakeholder needs while keeping projects within scope, timeframes, and budget can be demanding. Additionally, changes in project scope or priorities often require quick adjustments and decision-making.

What future challenges do you anticipate in your role?

– Future challenges in my role span several key areas. Firstly, staying updated with rapid developments in project management methods and technologies is essential for navigating evolving business needs and market trends effectively. Additionally, developing my leadership skills and ability to manage complex projects is crucial for my success.

– A specific challenge is working with organizations where project maturity is not high. Experience has shown that project management skills alone are not always enough. Often, it’s necessary to support sponsors and steering group members by clearly defining their roles and responsibilities. This support is vital to ensure project success.

What new opportunities do you foresee for your role?

– I see significant opportunities for my profession, driven by the growing demand for skilled project managers across various industries and sectors. The increasing use of agile methods and digital tools is expected to open up new approaches to project management and delivery. Continuous professional development in this area will not only enhance one’s skills but also increase access to these new opportunities, especially as strategic project managers play a growing role in driving corporate innovation and growth.

– With the advancement of digitalization and the integration of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), I expect expanded opportunities for project managers to streamline delivery processes. Moreover, the rising demand for agile and flexible working models could provide unique chances for project managers to lead innovation and transformation within their organizations.