Who is
CAMILLA
“I guess I’m a bit of a black sheep.” We investigate what’s different about coffee-loving Camilla.
Are you an A person or a B person? An early starter or a night owl?
I worked late before I had kids but now I'm just much more efficient in the mornings. The whole house is quiet. I just sit there and get things done. I love it, And I love that morning coffee.
That love sounds pretty…deep.
I’m a little bit nerdy about my coffee. If it’s not good, I’d rather not drink it. I buy whole beans and I have my coffee machine at home.
What’s the first app you open at the start of the day?
I check Teams on my phone even before I start work. And when I get to work, I open Outlook.
How would your colleagues describe you, do you think?
I think they would say that I try to listen, try to understand the situation of the issues and then guide the direction we should take. It’s actually kind of how I behave at home and with friends, actually.
You mean you project manage your private life, too?
I think, as time has passed, I’ve realised that the way I work has become more and more ‘me’. Sitting and talking, listening to the situation, trying to find the right outcome. These are skills needed as a parent and as a good friend.
Do you like being an independent consultant?
I like it very much. I choose the assignment. I say yes or no to a project. And, if the client is happy, I can do flexible working hours and choose when to take a vacation. As long as a client wants me, I want to keep working. I have a tendency to really commit.
Did you always want to be a project manager?
I actually considered becoming a police officer at one point. But I studied engineering instead.
Do you think you’d have made a good cop?
I do. Maybe it’s because I’m a bit bossy.
Do you feel in the minority, being a female project manager?
Actually, lots of project managers are women but I think many of them are employed, rather than independent. I guess I’m a bit of a black sheep in that way. But there are more ladies coming up.
Why do you think a client would choose you?
That’s difficult. I think I try to put myself at everyone’s height. By this, I mean I can talk on a level with anyone. Whether they’re blue collar or C suite. I think I’m very human and people orientated.
Is there any piece of advice you’ve been given that sticks in your mind?
Nothing specifically. But the advice I give to myself is life’s too short, so remember to enjoy it and have fun.
So, what fun things do you do?
Every Wednesday I play padel tennis with some girlfriends. It’s a combination of having fun and just putting everything else aside. And, of course, doing a bit of exercise.
