In this episode, I talk to Yasmina Khelifi, PMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA, and Mayte Mata Sivera, PMP, about how volunteering can transform your leadership skills. Learn how these experiences unlock personal growth, strengthen your network, and open doors to exciting career opportunities.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Empower Your Leadership Skills Through Volunteering:
- Many engineers experience imposter syndrome when transitioning from technical roles to leadership, especially when navigating unfamiliar domains. Building confidence and engaging with supportive communities helps overcome these challenges and achieve success in leadership roles.
- Transitioning from a task-oriented role to leadership requires learning to guide and empower others rather than focusing solely on individual execution. This shift in mindset is challenging, but essential for building team success and driving collective growth.
- Volunteering provides technical professionals with practical opportunities to develop leadership skills, such as delegation and adaptability, in a low-pressure environment. It also allows them to explore new abilities, like public speaking and communication, that directly enhance professional development.
- Through volunteering, professionals gain skills like delegation and adaptability while practicing new abilities such as public speaking and effective communication. These experiences have a direct and positive impact on workplace performance.
- Leading diverse teams in international projects involves understanding and adapting to different cultural contexts while promoting inclusivity. Building connections through effective communication and creating an environment where everyone feels confident to contribute strengthens collaboration and team outcomes.
- Certifications enhance credibility and confidence for engineering professionals, especially in regions where they are highly valued for career advancement. Continuous learning and active participation in communities are equally important for developing leadership skills and expanding professional networks.
- Continuous learning and community involvement are essential for refining leadership skills. Volunteering offers opportunities for growth by enabling professionals to take on new challenges, build meaningful connections, and gain practical leadership experience.
About Yasmina Khelifi, PMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA
Yasmina Khelifi, PMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA, a seasoned senior project manager, has extensive experience in managing international projects and launching mobile technologies across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). With a solid foundation as an R&D engineer, she transitioned to project management in 2006 and has since become a passionate advocate for collaboration, innovation, and cross-cultural leadership. Yasmina is an accomplished professional, holding multiple PMI certifications and excelling in the telecom industry, where she works to bridge the gap between technology and social impact in the MEA region.
A lifelong learner, Yasmina is dedicated to personal and intellectual growth, having pursued advanced studies at INSEAD and through various professional platforms. Fluent in multiple languages, she volunteers actively with PMI, fostering knowledge sharing and community engagement. Her work aims to connect people, improve mobile accessibility, and contribute to business development in challenging environments.
About Mayte Mata Sivera, PMP
Mayte Mata Sivera, PMP, is an accomplished project management professional with a background in chemical engineering and over a decade of experience in technology and strategic project leadership. Currently serving as PMO leader, Mayte specializes in leading large, cross-functional initiatives and aligning projects with core business objectives.
Her expertise spans PMO leadership, change management, stakeholder engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). A passionate advocate for DEI, Mayte leads the LGBTQ+ employee resource group at her company and actively participates in volunteer roles, including serving as EVP of professional development for PMI Northern Utah Chapter. An engaging public speaker, Mayte regularly shares her insights on project management and DEI, driven by a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.
With a strong analytical foundation and a collaborative leadership style, Mayte is dedicated to driving project success while fostering inclusive environments.
Books Mentioned in this Episode:
The Volunteering Journey to Project Leadership
Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include:
Volunteer 2 Leader
Connect with Yasmina Khelifi, PMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA, on LinkedIn
Connect with Mayte Mata Sivera, PMP, on LinkedIn
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share on how to empower your leadership skills through volunteering.
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
