By Mike Ososki, PMP
“This wasn’t in the PMBOK,” is what Teresa Durham said. And it shouldn’t be, because the perspective of her presentation was the much bigger picture, encompassing more of the whole person package and her personal journey.
Early on, Teresa decided that she wanted in to project management, and specifically PMI Atlanta. Part of her method was to be a super-volunteer, offering help pretty much anywhere and everywhere. Naturally, this endeared her to many, and soon she was on the high road, elevating into more and more responsibilities to drive success for PMI Atlanta.
All of that was on top of her full-time jobs, year after year, with plenty of big name companies. With her hyper-can-do attitude, it eventually began catching up with her emotional/spiritual side, to the point of overwhelm. So in October 2021, Teresa pulled the plug. She resigned and left the country, embarking on an adventurous sabbitical, traveling in Europe, North Africa, and the Caucasus, for cultural immersion and creative exploration.
Returning a year later, Teresa has been reinventing herself as a self-employed entrepreneurial “Fractional Director of Transformation” for Teresa Durham LLC.
And what wisdom can she share now? Always the Project Manager, Teresa goes for Lessons Learned:
Chapter One
- Start where you are
- Look for opportunities
- Get in the room
- Learn the language
- Don’t be afraid to follow people around (nicely)
- Don’t underestimate what you already know. You’re more ready than you think.
- A PMP doesn’t make you a great PM, but it shows you’re serious about the craft.
- Sometimes, it’s the credential that gets you in the door—or gives you that edge over the competition.
- And never judge a mentor by their cover.
Chapter Two
- Don’t underestimate what you already know. You’re more ready than you think.
- A PMP doesn’t make you a great PM, but it shows you’re serious about the craft.
- Sometimes, it’s the credential that gets you in the door—or gives you that edge over the competition.
- And never judge a mentor by their cover.
Chapter Three
- Project Management is a ‘good’ job.
- Adaptability is key and that is powerful in a world of constant change.
- Don’t let layoffs shake your confidence - they're about business, not your worth.
- Versatility = Value.
Chapter Four
- Burnout is real. And it’s not weakness—it’s your body/soul asking for change.
- You are not your job. You are more than a PM.
- Prioritize your health, your joy, your peace.
- You can always rebuild—but only if you’re still here.
- The most important project you’ll ever manage… is yourself.
Chapter Five
- You’re never too old to pivot.
- Reinvention is a project worth managing.
- Your next move is up to you.
- You can define—and redefine—success.
- Flexibility, freedom, and fulfillment are valid goals.
- Don’t wait for permission to choose you.
Chapter Six
- Project management is evolving—but it’s not going anywhere.
- AI can support you, but it can’t replace you.
- Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and leadership will always be in demand.
- Learn to use AI as a tool to get stuff done effectively and strengthen your human skills.
And finally, here are Teresa’s Take Aways:
- There’s no one right way to become a PM. Start where you are. Say yes to opportunity. Don’t wait until you feel ready. You’re probably already doing more than you realize.
- Generalist or specialist – both are valuable. But adaptability is true gold. Business is business. Know your worth and demonstrate your value.
- Burnout isn’t failure—it’s a sign. Listen to it. Pivot if you need to. But don’t wait to make yourself the priority.
- You’re never too old to recreate yourself. Never too experienced to learn something new. Don’t let AI scare you into paralysis. Learn it and use it to enhance your human-ness.
- Project Management - It’s still relevant, still powerful, and yours to shape.
