Reaching for the stars: WiPM Conference 2017

The Chartered body for the project profession's yearly inspirational event, the APM National Conference for Women in Project Management 2017, sponsored by BAE Systems, is aimed at the progressive project professional and is currently underway in London.

Buzzing with enthusiasm following an inspiring keynote speech by Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE - scientist and broadcaster who is commonly referred to as the BBC’s ‘face of space’ – the delegates have much more to look forward to as they enter the afternoon streams focusing on topics such as career challenges, project delivery and agile, delivered by women who have experience and passion to share.

Dr Maggie Aderin Pocock’s resounding challenge to the audience was to ‘be an opportunist’ and ‘give it a try’ – ie. Put yourself forward and step out into the unknown, and while you’re doing that, aim for the stars! The stars are literally her area of speciality, yet everyone, she says, has something within them to share. Her goal is to challenge and change the stereotypical image of scientists, engineers and project managers and encourage youngsters to engage with science, thus inspiring leaders of tomorrow in these fields. Something she is doing with gusto. Role models, she says, are not perfect. She is not perfect nor superhuman - dyslexic and sometimes disorganised, she has her faults, but she is identifiable and has a passion she is sharing with others.

What kind of role model will you be? And will you take the challenge to put yourself out there? As women we need to grab those opportunities and see where they take us.