Ever wondered what it takes to keep projects running like a well-oiled machine? I sat down with Madeline, one of our Project Managers, to chat about how she keeps teams aligned, deadlines on track, and creativity flowing at 2TON.
1. Thank you for joining me! Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
Absolutely! My name is Madeline, but most everyone on the team calls me Maddie, and I’m a Project Manager here at 2TON. I help keep projects running smoothly by making sure deadlines are met, teams stay aligned, and clients are happy. I came to 2TON with a background in Social Media and Digital Marketing. I previously worked on in-house marketing teams, but I’ve come to love the mix of organization and creativity that comes with agency life.
2. As a project manager, how do you keep multiple projects organized and on track at the same time?
When managing, I try to take a structured yet flexible approach. I make sure to schedule regular check-ins with my team and client to keep projects on track and ensure we are all on the same page. Prioritization is also key. Things change fast, so I always build in buffer time and stay flexible when unexpected challenges pop up.
3. Can you share an example of a time when strong communication helped solve a project challenge?
There was a time when a client sent last-minute changes to a website that threw off the project’s original timeline. Instead of letting it cause frustration, I pulled the team together for a quick call to reassess priorities. We ended up tweaking the schedule and shifting some tasks around so we could still meet the deadline without overloading anyone. Keeping communication open and focused on solutions really made a difference!
4. What are the key responsibilities of a Project Manager in a fast-paced agency like 2TON?
Being a Project Manager at an agency like 2TON means making sure everything runs like clockwork. It’s about planning, scheduling, and keeping projects on track while ensuring deadlines are realistic. I work closely with designers, writers, strategists, and clients to keep everyone aligned. A big part of the job is managing expectations, providing updates, and problem-solving when things don’t go as planned. At the end of the day, my goal is simple, to keep everything organized and moving forward.
5. How do you collaborate with different teams to make sure a project runs smoothly?
Regular check-ins and open communication go a long way. I make sure to be available for quick chats and encourage the team to flag issues early so we can tackle them before they turn into bigger challenges.
6. How do you handle unexpected changes or challenges in a project’s timeline?
First, I take a deep breath! 😆 Then I look at the big picture! How much time do we actually have, what’s flexible, and what’s non-negotiable? From there, I talk to the team and the client to figure out a plan that works for everyone. Staying calm and solution-focused is key because, let’s be honest, things rarely go exactly as planned.
7. What are the biggest challenges of remote work communication, and how do you overcome them?
One of the toughest parts of remote work is missing those quick, casual office chats. It’s also easy for things to get lost in translation. Regular check-ins help keep everyone on the same page, and we rely on the right tools, Slack for quick updates, Zoom for bigger discussions, and project boards to keep things visible. I’m learning that it’s sometimes better to over-communicate than risk someone missing key information!
8. How do you ensure clients stay informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle?
I like to keep clients looped in with regular updates, whether that’s through weekly check-ins, or recaps sent in Basecamp. I also make sure to manage expectations upfront, letting them know what to expect and when to expect it. If anything changes, I do my best to let them know right away so there are no surprises. Keeping things transparent helps build trust and makes for a smoother process overall.
9. What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a Project Manager?
If you love organizing, problem-solving, and working with different people, project management could be a great fit! My advice? Stay organized, communicate clearly, and be flexible. And don’t be afraid to start small, every bit of experience helps!
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