From Circuit Boards to Cloud Migrations
My journey into project management began long before I ever heard the term “PMO.” Raised in Spring Valley and La Mesa, California, I was always fascinated by technology, computers, and software. My first job at Dow Stereo & Video sustained my passion for consumer electronics, which only flourished as I moved through roles at MobilWorks and Classic Sounds. But it wasn’t just about having a job; I wanted a career that I could lean on for the long haul. That drive led me back to school, first at Grossmont College, then to California State University San Marcos, where I earned my bachelor’s in business administration with an emphasis in High Technology Management.
Building a Digital Sandbox
I’ve always believed in the power of reflection, training, and sharing knowledge. That’s why I created my own digital sandbox; a tech space to document memorable events, professional milestones, and personal reflections. My blog (www.Lifecycle365.com) isn’t just a digital résumé; it’s a place for storytelling, tech tips, leadership insights, and the occasional nostalgic throwback. I chose WordPress for its simplicity and flexibility, and I use it to share lessons learned from major program rollouts, behind-the-scenes looks at enterprise migrations, and reflections on leadership and career growth. It is a place to display and share my project management knowledge, experience, and skills.
Methodologies and Technologies
Over the years, I’ve built a project management toolkit that spans both technical and leadership domains. My experience covers:
- Mastery of productivity tools like Microsoft Project, Microsoft Planner, Jira, Confluence, Monday, Asana, and a wide range of CRM, ERP, and eCommerce platforms.
- Deep expertise in Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and hybrid methodologies, with a focus on risk analysis, stakeholder management, resource allocation, and earned value analysis.
- Experience with cloud infrastructure migrations, Microsoft Office 365, software development life cycle (SDLC), and ITIL/ITSM best practices.
Unlocking Project Leadership
Education at CSUSM
My academic journey took a pivotal turn at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), where I earned my degree. CSUSM provided an ideal environment to blend business fundamentals with my passion for technology. The curriculum challenged me to think strategically, analyze complex problems, and develop solutions that bridged the gap between business needs and technical innovation.
During my time at CSUSM, I learned the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning; skills that have proven invaluable throughout my career. The emphasis on high technology management exposed me to emerging trends and best practices, laying the groundwork for my future roles in IT, software development, and project management. My education wasn’t just about textbooks and exams; it was about building a mindset for continuous improvement and preparing to lead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Senior Project
My Senior Experience Project was a capstone requirement for all business students in the College of Business Administration (CoBA). Unlike traditional exams or reports, this semester-long commitment was designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world business challenges. Specifically, the course spoke to project management and six sigma (later becoming lean six sigma).
The Senior Project wasn’t just another course on campus; it was a professional engagement. As students, we operated as consultants, applying everything we had learned and managing projects, delivering meaningful solutions for our assigned organization. Working in teams, we partnered with local businesses, nonprofits, or government agencies, tackling real-world consulting projects that demanded collaboration, research, and strategic thinking.
For me, the project was more than academic; it was a launchpad into the world of professional project management. It taught me how to navigate ambiguity, communicate with stakeholders, and deliver results in a dynamic environment. The lessons I learned during this project continue to shape my approach to leadership and consulting today.
Instructor at New Horizons
Before stepping fully into project management, I spent several years as a Lead Computer Applications Instructor at New Horizons Computer Learning Center in San Diego. This role was both challenging and rewarding, as I had the opportunity to train and mentor thousands of individuals in a wide range of technical subjects. Those included Microsoft Project, SharePoint, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Crystal Reports, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Visio, and Access. Most importantly, I was able to take on the training of the Project Management Fundamentals (PMF) course that focuses on soft skills, not software.
My time at New Horizons was marked by a commitment to excellence. The experience taught me the value of clear communication, patience, and the ability to break down complex concepts into practical, actionable steps using project management skills. It also reinforced my belief that teaching is One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at SantexGroup was implementing Agile project management best practices.
Time at SantexGroup
My years at SantexGroup marked a significant chapter in my professional development, ending my tenure there as a Technical Program Manager. Based in San Diego, I was responsible for overseeing a diverse client portfolio and managing partner relationships across the United States. This role demanded a blend of technical expertise, strategic planning, and interpersonal skills.
At SantexGroup, I led multiple software development projects simultaneously, coordinating resources both onshore and offshore teams. My responsibilities ranged from defining project costs and delivery schedules to authoring client proposals, statements of work (SOWs), project plans, requirements specifications, and requests for proposals. I became adept at creating detailed breakdown structures (WBS) and ensuring that each project was prioritized based on return on investment (ROI).
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at SantexGroup was implementing Agile project management best practices. I helped enhance the company’s existing CMMI processes by integrating principles from the PMBOK and the Agile Manifesto. This not only improved project scoping and delivery but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
Looking back, my time at SantexGroup was instrumental in shaping my approach to project leadership. It reinforced the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and the ability to drive results in fast-paced, multicultural settings.
The PMP Bootcamp Experience
Pursuing the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification was a pivotal milestone in my career. After years of hands-on experience and earning my Professional Scrum Master and Product Owner certifications, I wanted to formalize and expand my expertise. The PMP Bootcamp with Project Management Academy was a game-changer. The immersive, in-person course brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, enriching the learning experience with real-world examples and peer discussions.
A key lesson from the bootcamp: methodology is only as effective as the organizational buy-in behind it. Project success often hinges on executive sponsorship and stakeholder alignment, not just the framework or tools you use. The bootcamp also reinforced the importance of continuous learning and adaptability—qualities that are essential for any project manager.
Lessons Learned and Reflections
- Read between the lines: Whether it’s a PMP exam question or a project requirement, always look for what’s truly being asked.
- Embrace continuous learning: The field of project management is always evolving. Certifications, bootcamps, and peer learning keep you sharp.
- Value collaboration: Success is rarely a solo act. It’s about building relationships, aligning stakeholders, and fostering a culture of trust.
- Adapt and overcome: From launching Microsoft Teams to 25,000 users in five weeks to orchestrating complex cloud migrations, adaptability is key.
Passing my PMP Exam
Earning my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification was icing on the top for my career. After months of dedicated study, countless practice exams, and late-night review sessions, a bunch of YouTube videos, I finally sat for the exam as one of the first to take it in a remote fashion. I was extremely nervous but prepared and focused on success. The test itself was of course rigorous, challenging my understanding of principles, tools, inputs, outputs, methodologies, calculations, terminology, and real-world scenarios. Each question required more than memorization, it tested my ability to apply concepts to complex situations from the PMBOK.
Almost immediately after completing the final question, I received the notification that I had passed the exam, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The PMP credential validated the more than 20-years of hands-on experience I had accumulated and opened new doors for professional growth. More than just a certification, it represented my commitment to continuous learning and excellence in project leadership.
Looking back, the journey to PMP certification taught me the value of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic thinking. It reinforced the importance of preparation and the power of a growth mindset. Today, I leverage the skills and knowledge gained from the PMP process to lead projects with greater confidence and deliver results that make a lasting impact.
What’s Next?
These blogs are my way of paying it forward! Sharing what I’ve learned, promoting best practices, and helping others navigate their own journeys even if they are not in project management. Expect stories, insights, and maybe a few geek-outs on gadgets and workflows. Whether you’re a seasoned PM or just starting out, I hope my journey inspires you to embrace challenges, keep learning, and lead with purpose.