Quick Hits: Patrick Terkpertey, PMP
Patrick Terkpertey, PMP
Location: Zürich
Title: Senior global market development manager
Organization: SI Group
Industry/Sector: Chemicals
What three adjectives best describe you?
Ambitious, generous and humble.
Why did you decide to become a project leader?
To make a positive impact in my field. Project management skills are so empowering.
What do you know now that you wish you knew on your very first project?
I wish I fully appreciated the fact that change is incessant.
What’s the one must-have skill for project leaders?
Project leaders need to be able to empathize and listen.
What’s the biggest challenge in your current project?
Ensuring deliverables are both environmentally and economically sustainable.
What’s your project management mantra?
Progress is progress, no matter how small.
Why does the world need project leaders?
Project managers know and have what it takes to get things done.
What advice do you have for new project managers?
Be open to learning and unlearning. Be vulnerable.
How has the pandemic affected your leadership style?
The crisis serves as a reminder that we need to adapt to change. I have been working remotely since the start of the pandemic. This meant learning to communicate more effectively using technology.
How do you relieve stress?
Listening to relaxing instrumental music.
What book are you recommending these days?
On Grand Strategy by John Lewis Gaddis. He uses historical storytelling to show what strategy is all about: aligning ends with means.
How do you see the world of projects changing?
In the age of smart machines, the execution of projects as we know it today will continue to evolve. To that end, I am focused on enhancing my critical thinking, creativity, innovative thinking and high emotional engagement skills, to foster relationship building and collaboration with stakeholders.
What famous or historic person would you want on a project team?
Alexander the Great. I admire his courage and ability to influence people to get things done.
What’s the best project management advice you’ve received?
It’s all about people. Be authentic.
Image credit: Daniel Hager
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