With a career spanning over three decades, Michelle Watkins has established herself as a formidable force in the project management world. A graduate of Auburn University Harbert College of Business with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and an MBA in Information Technology, Michelle’s professional journey began in accounting but swiftly transitioned to a dynamic career at ADP.
Michelle spent 16 years with ADP’s National accounts, where she evolved through various roles. Initially started in client services, she quickly demonstrated a knack for process optimization and system implementation. Her initiatives in streamlining processes and building tools, templates, and processes garnered her recognition, allowing her to expand her influence from regional to global scales. Michelle’s tenure at ADP was marked by her ability to transform complex processes into efficient, standardized operations, ultimately setting the stage for her future endeavors.
In the wake of the 2008 economic downturn, Michelle transitioned to independent consulting. Her expertise was soon in high demand, working on notable projects such as the Delta-Northwest merger, which gave her invaluable experience in managing large-scale, complex integrations. Despite the challenging economic climate, her skills made her a sought-after consultant.
By 2010, Michelle decided to re-enter the corporate world, taking on a role in an IT PMO in Nashville. It was here that she embraced Agile methodologies and began using web and mobile tools to enhance project management. It was during this period that Michelle discovered Smartsheet, a tool that would become pivotal in her career.
Introduced to the SaaS platform while working on agile projects, Michelle saw its potential for transforming project management processes. Her expertise in Smartsheet grew, and she began leveraging it to streamline and optimize project management methodologies. Michelle’s proficiency with Smartsheet earned her recognition from the company itself, leading to opportunities to expose the tool to major corporations such as Delta Air Lines and Salesforce.
After a brief tenure at Smartsheet, where she played a key role in testing and implementing new products like Control Center, Michelle returned to independent consulting. She shares, “I was Smartsheet’s client twice. Soon, I joined Smartsheet, I was a client again, and now I’m a Partner.” Her reputation as a top-tier consultant meant that she was highly sought after by clients. At Salesforce, she played a crucial role in maturing the HR PMO and navigating the complexities of major acquisitions, such as the MuleSoft integration. Her success at Salesforce underscored her ability to deliver transformative results, solidifying her status as a coveted consultant.
In 2014, Michelle returned to independent consulting, bringing her refined skills and deep expertise to a broader range of clients. Her reputation as a problem solver and innovator meant that she was often approached for full-time roles, although she preferred to maintain her independence and continue consulting.
Recognizing a growing demand for project management optimization services, Michelle founded the project management optimization company Global PMO Partners in January 2021. Her company focuses on optimizing clients’ project management tools, templates, processes, and delivery models, ensuring scalability, transparency, and efficiency. Under her leadership, Global PMO Partners has quickly become a trusted name in the industry, working with high-profile clients and delivering exceptional results.
Recently, Michelle Watkins successfully completed a five-month Nashville Entrepreneur InFlight program, which was hosted by the renowned Nashville Entrepreneur Center, the NEXT Awards, and Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame and sponsored by Amazon.
Michelle Watkins’ journey from a fresh college graduate to the founder of a successful consulting firm is a testament to her adaptability, expertise, and visionary leadership. Her ability to foresee industry trends and leverage innovative tools has made her a valuable asset to every organization she has worked with. Today, as the head of Global PMO Partners, Michelle continues to shape the future of project management, helping companies navigate the complexities of modern business with confidence and agility.
Published by: Holy Minoza
