A project manager for more than five years, Donna Sugarman reinvented herself eight years ago. Donna wanted to utilize her education in Business Management and unique skill sets that she developed in Sales to find a new challenge and exceptional opportunities for growth. Even as a child, she found herself lining up her toys and going to the grocery store with her mom to the ice cream freezer case putting all the flavors together in the case, yes, vanilla with vanilla, chocolate with chocolate, you get it...that is a "wow" memory for Donna. Clearly, organizing is her strength.

PPM: What makes you a passionate project manager?
My passion for people!!! Whether it is a leadership role, mentoring, coaching, solving problems or handling customers concerns, I am always amazed on how well we achieve our goals!
The hardest part of any project manager is getting people to do what they are assigned to do without having them report directly to you! It takes a certain finesse!

PPM: What has been your greatest lesson learned in project management?
People are different, have needs and want to be rewarded/recognized for doing a good job. I try not to pass judgement, reserve comments and to see both sides of the issues. LISTEN, I mean, really listen to what others are saying. Remember, you have two ears and one mouth!!!!

PPM: What would be your top recommendations for someone preparing for the PMP?
Make this your personal life win! It is an extraordinary credential and very rewarding. Do not take the test until you are really ready, have studied and taken a Prep Class!!!!

Find the right class for your learning style. Research, surf the web and find out what others have said who have been there. Everyone learns in an unique way. For me, I am a visual learner, and need a small class with an engaged instructor and good group interaction. I am not really good at memorizing and data dumping nor do I function well in a mind mapping environment.

Make sure you have the most current materials for the test that you are going to take. This can and will change over time. Develop and stick to a study plan...Build your Project Plan with timelines and milestone goals. Treat this as you would a work project!

Tell you family that you are committed and require the necessary "alone" time to make this happen for everyone!!! They are stakeholders and part of your team!

PPM: What class did you take from Passionate Project Management?
PMP / CAPM Exam Prep

PPM: Why did you choose Passionate Project Management?
After surfing the web, reading reviews on Prep classes, I decided to go with PPM. I called and talked with Belinda about my particular concerns. She was confident and made a commitment to me that we would work through this Small class size, reputation, proven success and dedication to getting me to the other side of this was why I chose PPM.

PPM: Tell us something special / unique about you personally!
My career started in medical technology, then sales to hospital laboratories and finally project management. Each time I reinvented myself, I learned that I love to be with people in a team environment, creating a highly effective and detailed plan of action or strategy, and executing to achieve our successes and goals. Being a risk taker is definitely a plus!

My husband and I lived aboard two sailboats and a motor yacht for eight years in the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area and cruised the Bahamas and Keys. I love to sail and snorkel (havent made it to diving) and have a wonderful family and great friends!!!