Behind the Scenes with a Project Manager: Balancing Technology, Teams, and Client Success

In this interview, we sit down with Maciej Trzaskalski, a Project Manager at Addepto, to gain insights into his journey, daily responsibilities, and the key skills required for success. He shares his experiences in managing AI and Big Data projects, the challenges that come with these roles, and the importance of technical expertise in project management. We also discuss future trends in the industry and how AI is shaping the way managers work

Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a Project Manager? What were the key experiences or qualifications that helped you get there?

Transitioning into a managerial role was a gradual process for me. I began my career as a software developer and quickly advanced to senior positions due to my technical expertise. My colleagues often sought my assistance, and before long, I found myself taking on lead roles. Over time, I actively looked for additional responsibilities, including handling organizational tasks and communicating with clients. When I was promoted to the Manager role, I was already performing most of the responsibilities associated with it.

Can you walk us through a typical day in your life as a Project Manager?

I typically start by reviewing the calendar and task list, planning, and prioritizing the activities for the day. Following that, I attend a series of status meetings to get updates on project progress, address current issues, and ensure that all projects are on track. A significant portion of my day is dedicated to communication and coordination with clients, including preparing for meetings, presentations, and sales discussions. Finally, I usually have a few one-on-one meetings with my team to check in on their well-being and offer support.

In your experience, what are the must-have skills and traits for someone in a Project Manager role at Addepto, and why are they critical for success?

I believe there are two key dimensions critical for a successful Project Manager: organizational skills and people skills.

Organizational skills are essential for ensuring the timely execution of projects and managing responsibilities effectively. Unlike an engineer’s work, a manager’s role involves frequent context switching and meticulous tracking. It’s also vital to consistently deliver on promises and honor commitments.

Equally important are people skills. A significant part of the day is spent engaging with both clients and the team. A good Project Manager prioritizes the well-being of their team and nurtures strong, long-lasting relationships with clients.

How important is having a technical understanding in the role of a Project Manager, especially when it comes to AI, Big Data, or software? Do you think this knowledge is crucial for effectively managing projects?

I have had the opportunity to work as a developer under both technical and non-technical managers and to gather feedback on my own performance. Technical expertise is a significant advantage for managerial roles, as it bridges the gap between the business and technical aspects of a project. This understanding helps managers identify where value is to the client and enables them to pinpoint areas for improvement better.

Additionally, a technical perspective provides deeper insights into potential risks, setbacks, and issues, as well as a clearer perspective on timelines and tasks at hand. It also helps to gain a mutual understanding with technical team members.

In your opinion, how does managing AI and Big Data projects differ from managing other technical projects?

The primary differentiator of AI and Big Data projects lies in the unique risks associated with them. AI tasks are closer to R&D work than traditional software development, making it more challenging to define timelines and scope. Establishing clear and specific acceptance criteria is crucial to determining when a task can be considered complete.

Additionally, these types of projects are often more susceptible to external factors. The quality of the outcome is heavily dependent on elements such as data quality and completeness, which can significantly impact the results.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of being a Project Manager, and how do you measure success in this role?

In my opinion, the primary measure of a project manager’s success is client satisfaction and the delivery of value within budget and on schedule. For me personally, the most rewarding aspect is the feedback I receive from colleagues, acknowledging that my work makes their daily tasks easier and recognizing my contributions to the project. Positive comments from clients highlighting the value I bring to them are equally gratifying.

Looking ahead, what do you think will be the most important trends or changes in project management, and how are you preparing for them?

Like many industries today, AI is in the spotlight. I am a strong supporter of this trend and believe it can significantly boost productivity. I foresee that many typical, repetitive managerial tasks will soon be fully automated. I closely follow emerging trends and am continuously learning to expand my toolset, enhancing the productivity and efficiency of my daily tasks. Additionally, I am working on developing tools and processes using AI to improve automation even further.