Ad land’s young guns: Rupneet Singh, PMO Lead, Studio X INSWA

Rupneet Singh serves as the PMO Lead for Studio X INSWA, managing critical projects and ensuring seamless operations across the INSWA region. With a focus on efficiency, strategy, and execution, Rupneet plays a pivotal role in driving Studio X’s success within the dynamic and fast-paced industry.

In conversation with Adgully, Rupneet Singh, PMO Lead for Studio X INSWA, speaks about the importance of strategic project management, operational efficiency, and innovation in driving success within creative industries. He highlights the role of leadership in fostering collaboration and adaptability, especially in fast-evolving sectors like media and advertising, optimizing processes to deliver high-quality results while meeting the unique demands of the industry, and more.

How do you balance your diverse roles at Hogarth, and what are the key challenges that you face in juggling these responsibilities?

Balancing my diverse roles at Hogarth involves a strategic approach that prioritizes effective communication, collaboration, and clear role definitions. Here’s how I manage these responsibilities and address key challenges:

• Clear Role Definitions and Guardrails: To avoid overlap and confusion, I ensure that each role and responsibility is clearly defined. I establish guardrails and processes specific to each capability, which helps in maintaining clarity and efficiency in a cross-functional environment.
• Effective Communication Channels: Open communication is crucial for a smooth workflow. I address challenges related to communication by setting up regular check-ins and establishing structured communication channels. This ensures that all team members are aligned and can collaborate effectively, enhancing overall work quality.
• Fostering Collaboration: Efficient work is often hindered by a lack of collaboration. To overcome this, I engage in proactive and sometimes challenging conversations to ensure that every team member is contributing effectively. Building strong relationships across the board is also essential for garnering support and improving collaborative

By implementing these strategies, I effectively balance my diverse roles and navigate the challenges associated with managing multiple responsibilities.

What does a typical day look like for you? Could you share the 5 to 7 key activities you prioritize in your daily routine?

A typical day for me involves a structured approach to planning, coordinating, and overseeing tasks to ensure timely delivery. Here are the 5 to 7 key activities I prioritize in my daily routine:

1. Daily Scrum Meetings: I lead daily scrum meetings with the team to plan and prioritize tasks based on client expectations and project requirements.
2. Reviewing Priorities: I start my day by reviewing emails, checking project statuses, addressing pending requests, and handling any urgent tasks to ensure all priorities are aligned.
3. Stakeholder Communication: I maintain clear and consistent communication with stakeholders, providing updates on planned work, key highlights, potential risks, and any changes to timelines.
4. Cross-Functional Meetings: I coordinate and participate in meetings with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and collaboration across various aspects of the project.
5. Team Support: I provide guidance and support to project managers within my team, assisting them with strategies, tools, and methodologies to facilitate effective project management.

By focusing on these activities, I ensure that all aspects of the projects are well-managed and that the team remains on track to meet our goals.

What inspired you to pursue a career in project management? How did you prepare for this field alongside your other occupations, and what motivated you to choose this path?

My inspiration to pursue a career in project management stems from a fascination with orchestrating diverse elements to achieve successful outcomes. I began my journey in project management as an intern, where I was exposed to the dynamic nature of the role and developed a keen interest in managing projects, teams, and processes. The challenges and opportunities presented by project management captivated me and fueled my passion for this field.

To prepare for a career in project management while balancing other responsibilities, I focused on building a strong foundation of skills and knowledge. This involved pursuing relevant certifications, participating in industry workshops, and gaining hands-on experience through various roles. I also made a concerted effort to understand and implement effective processes, which enhanced my ability to manage projects efficiently.

The motivation to choose this path was driven by my enthusiasm for executing work through well-defined processes and seeing projects come to fruition. The ability to guide a project from inception to completion, while navigating its inherent twists and turns, aligns perfectly with my professional goals and interests.

Did you have any mentors or icons who have guided you in your career? How did they influence your journey?

Rather than having a traditional mentor, I deeply engaged with the work of Dr Harold Kerzner, a renowned expert in project management. His influential books, including ‘Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling’, have provided me with invaluable insights and strategies. Dr Kerzner’s approach to project management and his comprehensive understanding of planning and controlling have greatly shaped my career, offering guidance and enhancing my skills in managing complex projects effectively.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? What practices do you rely on to manage stress and ensure personal well-being?

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial, though it has not always been straightforward for me. What has proven beneficial is adopting a daily approach and dedicating time each day to plan effectively. This planning encompasses managing work tasks, practicing mindful eating, and adhering to a workout routine. I ensure I exercise at least four times a week. Recognizing that different strategies work for different individuals, I prioritize a solid eight hours of sleep, engage in occasional gaming, and enjoy peaceful drives to maintain my personal well-being.

Could you share some key milestones or achievements in your career so far? How have these accomplishments shaped your professional path?

As one of the youngest project managers at Builder.ai, I have successfully led multiple projects and managed a team of 20, while also engaging with various stakeholders.

I have supported the business team in closing numerous deals and securing valuable clients, contributing to the firm’s revenue at prominent global events such as GITEX (Dubai), SLUSH (Finland), and Comex (Oman).

I received notable recognition as the ‘Fresh Force of the Year’ here at Hogarth and was highlighted as an outstanding performer by the brand, which significantly boosted my confidence and motivated me to perform at an elevated level.

These experiences have demonstrated thatmy skills extend beyond traditional project management. I have leveraged my expertise in business development and people management, and consistent appreciation from leadership and clients has driven me to continually enhance my performance.

How do you stay informed and updated in your role? Are there any specific resources or strategies that you rely on to keep up with industry trends?

To stay informed and updated in my role, I prioritize structured learning and continuous professional development. This includes pursuing certifications such as Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and ongoing Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. I also actively engage in networking events and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and stay abreast of emerging trends.

Additionally, I follow relevant industry blogs on social media and read insightful self-help books, such as ‘Atomic Habits’, to enhance my personal and professional growth. At Hogarth, the culture of continuous learning is supported through internal training programs and a robust knowledge-sharing platform, which further contributes to my professional development.

By integrating these resources and strategies into my routine, I ensure that I remain well-informed and adaptable to the ever-evolving landscape of my industry.

What drives your passion for the diverse roles you hold, and how do you continue to grow and evolve, ensuring you remain relevant and successful in your field?

My passion for the diverse roles I hold is driven by a deep commitment to continuous growth and a genuine interest in exploring various aspects of my field. Engaging with different challenges and responsibilities keeps me motivated and broadens my skill set and perspective.

I believe that remaining in one’s comfort zone can limit growth, so I actively seek opportunities to step outside of it. For example, transitioning from a technology-based industry to the advertising sector allowed me to expand my knowledge and discover new capabilities in process implementation and people management. This willingness to embrace new challenges and adapt to different environments helps me stay relevant and successful in my field.

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