Onboarding: Jeannine Gallagher
The tools, tricks and tiny little details that keep our project managers on point.
Name: Jeannine Gallagher
Current residence: Poconos, Pennsylvania
How did you get into project management?
Officially, I started working in project management over a decade ago in the pharmaceutical world. That carried over into my own business years later — and let’s be honest, into every facet of my life once I felt the bliss of a good ol’ fashioned to-do list.
Unofficially, I think it started way back in grade school. Who needs a party planned or a group school project organized? I got you covered.
Favorite WOTW project you’ve worked on and why?
There are so many awesome ones, but these two really rise to the top for me.
The first is Americanbocceco.com, a fun, bold site that showcases how hip bocce ball can be. I worked with Alex, and she brought such an amazingly fresh take to the sport with a really interactive site (complete with Easter eggs!) and tons of visual movement. The client was BEYOND thrilled!
The second is a new branding and consulting business, brndstrm.com. Shelly created an amazing story by using bold imagery that starts at the homepage with glimpses of calm through street art, then finishes off with more refined street murals as you move through the site. Graphics were used the same way: to drive home the client’s ability take a company’s mission and bring clarity from chaos.
I am still in awe of both projects. They both show how even the subtlest design elements can bring a site to the next level.
Where do you work best?
At my desk, with a full cup of tea and our doors to the backyard wide open. Feeling that fresh air and hearing the outside does so much for the soul.
Workspace essentials?
A calm silence…ahhhh. But realistically, in a house with kiddos, some nice Irish or classical music playing through my earbuds; a cup of hot tea or orange juice; colored pens (I’m a super visual person!) and a Happy Planner; and some fresh/uplifting scents. Oh, and several monitors to spread out my ideas as I work.
Can’t-live-without organizational tool?
Google Calendar. I’d be lost without it. Google Drive and Google Keep are super close seconds.
Favorite part of the WOTW process?
Our first project call with a client on day 1. This call gives us a chance to really hear what’s important to the client, in their own words, and allows us to be sure we hone in on the key functionality and design goals for the project. It’s a super crucial conversation and really sets the tone for success. Also inspiring to hear the passion each client brings for their project — it’s super contagious!
Best source of creative inspiration?
Nature. We live pretty far from any major cities — or even any major towns — and I try to take full advantage of that. Being able to disconnect for a bit, grab a kayak or walking stick, and hop on a nearby lake or trail is unparalleled for me. It hits that reset button and opens up the mind to untapped ideas and creativity.
Favorite shortcut or tip of the trade?
Asana — especially for those larger to-dos. It’s easy to get lost in a task that has multiple steps, which makes it easy to procrastinate and shut down, or feel like you’ve accomplished nothing when you’ve actually made great progress toward checking off a big task. I use Asana to list those subtasks and make the project feel way more manageable.
What are you binge-watching?
‘Outlander’ and ‘The Office.’ Classics never die in our house.
Favorite meal?
Spaghetti and marinara sauce, a simple house or Ceasar salad, and homemade bread.
What are you hoping for in the second half of 2021?
A smooth transition from a family of four to a family of five. Health and happiness in whatever form that takes for our family and friends. A chance to really absorb and appreciate the blessings around me. The hope for a return to some normalcy. And positive growth both in my personal life and career.
