When I sat down with Elizabeth Harrin, I wasn’t just talking to a longtime project manager. I was reconnecting with one of the original voices of the profession’s online presence, someone who’s been shaping how we think, write, and talk about project management for over two decades.
In this episode of Project Management Matters, we reflect on how storytelling has evolved in our field, and why it still matters. We talk about the role of PMI in our careers, the accidental moments that shape our paths, and how the choices we make about where we work can shape how we lead.
One line in particular stopped me in my tracks:
“At the end of the day, as an organization, we exist to make people's lives better.”
It wasn’t said for applause. It was shared in a story about switching industries from financial services to healthcare and realizing the power of alignment. Sometimes the best job is the one that connects with our values.
Here are a few moments that stood out:
Storytelling evolves, but never disappears.
Elizabeth was one of the first PM bloggers. Back then, stories were personal: lessons from the field, conference recaps, even smoothie recipes for busy mornings. Today’s audiences want fast answers and bullet points but the human voice still matters. “Hopefully,” she says, “we’ll swing back to more personal stories. That’s how we build trust.”
Intentional careers are still the exception.
Many PMs arrive by accident. Elizabeth found her path during a grad rotation and never looked back. But she points out that project titles are fluid, roles are contextual, and impact comes from adaptability, not just certifications. “Your job is to step in and do what the project needs.”
Support networks change everything.
From juggling part-time work while raising children to managing complex programs, Elizabeth reminds us that no one leads in isolation. “Ignore the 5 a.m. productivity gurus,” she says. “Their support systems are invisible. Build your own, and give yourself permission to live in seasons.”
Volunteerism builds careers.
Elizabeth’s earliest publishing was on Gantthead (now projectmanagement.com), long before it was owned by PMI. That led to community, conferences, and eventually contributing to the very profession she was documenting. “A chance conversation with Dave Garrett became a 15-year professional relationship,” she reflects. “That’s the power of showing up.”
Elizabeth’s journey is a reminder that behind every project is a person choosing how to show up and make a real difference. That’s why project management still matters.
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Harrin is an award-winning author, speaker, and project delivery expert. She’s spent over two decades leading projects and helping teams navigate complexity with confidence.
She is a Fellow of the Association for Project Management (APM), a senior project manager, and the founder of RebelsGuideToPM.com. Her experience spans financial services and healthcare, including international roles in Paris, where she built a reputation for making project delivery practical, human, and high-impact.
Elizabeth is the author of seven project management books, including Managing Multiple Projects, and leads the Project Management Rebels mentoring community. Known for her down-to-earth advice and real-world insight, she’s a regular contributor to global publications and stages. She holds degrees from the University of York and Roehampton University and lives in Sussex with her family.
