Biggest Challenges Faced by a Program Management Office at a Film Studio
Miriam's biggest challenges as a Scrum Master/Program Management Office at a film studio involve managing a global project's time zones— "there's no substitute for talking to someone in real time"— and optimizing stakeholder time on a mandated compliance project, striving to ensure every meeting is worthwhile and avoids the common pitfall of being "a complete waste."
Project Management, Global Teamwork, Communication, Time Management, Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Miriam Holzman-Sharman
Scrum Master/Program Management Office
Film Studio
UCLA
Masters of Business Administration, Loyola Marymount University (LA)
Communications
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Manufacturing, Operations & Supply Chain
Operations and Project Management
Video Highlights
1. Global collaboration challenges across multiple time zones require creative communication strategies and sometimes necessitate in-person meetings.
2. The importance of efficient and purposeful meetings is highlighted, emphasizing the need to respect people's time and avoid unnecessary meetings.
3. Securing stakeholder buy-in and attention for compliance projects, even with mandated participation, remains a challenge that needs careful planning and communication to ensure efficient use of everyone's time
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
There are two main challenges with this project. The first is its global nature and the time zone differences.
The team tries to avoid asking international colleagues to stay too late or US-based colleagues to start too early. However, there are only so many hours in a day.
We use asynchronous communication tools like Teams and email. Still, real-time conversation is often necessary. We've also traveled quite a bit for this project to bring the right people together.
The second challenge is the flip side of what I enjoy: getting people's attention and focus. This is a compliance project, so leadership mandates its implementation.
Unlike some projects where you have to sell the idea, here, the requirement is clear. It comes down from the CFO and from Tokyo.
However, people are busy and may struggle to grasp the project's complexities. Managing this and being intentional with their time is crucial.
I strive to ensure my meetings are a good use of people's time. In corporate America, many meetings are a waste, and the sentiment "this could have been an email" is common.
While this is unavoidable to some extent, I aim to minimize it. This requires careful preparation, ensuring the right people are involved, and clarity on communication.
When project team members meet with stakeholders, their time is a primary concern. Significant upfront effort is needed to prepare the project and define roles clearly.
The goal is for stakeholders to leave meetings feeling their time was well spent, understanding the project's importance and progress.
Advizer Personal Links
LinkedIn.com/in/miriamsharman