An interview with Janet Wilkes; joined in March 2016
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO PROJECT ONE?
Joining Project One was a big decision. I wanted to use all my experience to help clients do change really well. I was attracted by Project One’s approach to “real change” with its focus on great delivery based on clarity, honesty and independence. I was impressed by the company’s client-base and growth record. Crucially, I felt that the ethos of trust, respect, honesty, teamwork and partnering chimed with my own values and that Project One would be a place full of like-minded, experienced people I would enjoy working with.
HAS IT LIVED UP TO EXPECTATIONS?
So far all my expectations have been met. I’ve been most impressed that the positive image of the company is real – I’ve never worked in an organisation where the people are so enthusiastic about it. The culture is genuinely supportive, friendly and respectful and the quality of the people I’ve worked with has been fantastic. From the inside, I’ve now seen the focus and effort that goes into building the company’s brand and the sharing of knowledge and experience and that’s a real plus-point.
WHAT SORT OF PERSON SHOULD JOIN PROJECT ONE?
Project One is for you, if you…have great change leadership experience; want to focus on client delivery in an honest and straightforward way; are pragmatic and like getting your sleeves rolled up; are adaptable and happy to work wherever’s needed; are keen to share your experience and learn from that of others
Janet has 30 years’ experience of leading and delivering change, working in ‘big four’ consulting firms, outsourcers, independently and as a Director in the UK Cabinet Office.
An interview with Chris Steer; joined in April 2016
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO PROJECT ONE?
I was at a decision point in my career. Do I ‘go for promotion’ or not. I started to question what I would get out of promotion vs making a move out of big 4 consulting. Also the opportunity to improve my reward package in the immediate future was limited. Having been contacted by many recruitment consultants in the past I was ready to say thanks but no thanks, but things that interested me straight away were: no performance appraisals, an opportunity to improve on my current income, limited hierarchy and a real sense of accountability and responsibility.
HAS IT LIVED UP TO EXPECTATIONS?
So far, so good! I’ve been lucky enough to join a great client assignment working with three other Project One Consultants.
WHAT SORT OF PERSON SHOULD JOIN PROJECT ONE?
Experienced people who have seen (and been involved in) the good, bad and ugly programmes. We don’t need mavericks, we need innovators and people who can build credibility fast, be personable and who can represent brand Project One in everything they do. You need to be a self-starter. Think about how you can make an impact quickly. You need to leave your ego at the door (in terms of how ‘senior’ you are or who you work for) and make sure you come with plenty of examples, from different engagements, of how to deliver different parts of change programmes.
Chris had a Consulting career in EY as a Programme Delivery Consultant, Accenture as a Supply Chain Consultant and, in a previous life, was an Army officer.
An interview with Kamal Rajput; joined in July 2016
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO PROJECT ONE?
I was attracted to Project One because it was focused on removing heavy duty internal admin and processes allowing its consultants to focus on delivering value to the client. I was also attracted by the company’s emphasis on hiring only highly experienced, battle-hardened consultants, ensuring Project One continues to build its reputation as a company trusted to deliver what they say.
HAS IT LIVED UP TO EXPECTATIONS?
Yes, to date it has lived up to my expectations. I was very impressed with the professional induction process, allowing me to get started quickly, and also by the sheer amount of useful knowledge and information available.
WHAT SORT OF PERSON SHOULD JOIN PROJECT ONE?
If you are motivated by making a real difference for your clients, not afraid of hard work, and excited by transformation and change, then Project One is for you. Be prepared to get stuck in immediately.
Kamal has over 24 years’ experience, with 17 years consulting mainly in large Systems Integrators.