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.
“Gut feelings can be dangerous. You need to validate what you feel with facts and feedback from your surroundings.”
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.
“Gut feelings can be dangerous. You need to validate what you feel with facts and feedback from your surroundings.”
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.
