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From marketer and finance specialist, to a successful Project Manager within Universum, Sabina’s career embraces the position of M.I.C.E Division Manager starting in April 2019.
The collaboration between Sabina and Universum started about three years ago. Three years in which the foundations of amazingly beautiful projects were laid and friendships were made that ensure the cool and united atmosphere within the division. I caught her right at the threshold of the project but because such an opportunity could not be missed, I took Sabina for a coffee and told a little about how the last few years have been as a Project Manager and how she maintains her energy and passion at maximum odds.
We started with what M.I.C.E. means. really and what is so special about this field.
Well, by definition M.I.C.E. means Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Expo…but beyond that, M.I.C.E. it’s about people. About the experiences you create for the participants who are in the event, about the experience you create for the client throughout the duration of the event (from implementation to follow-up). M.I.C.E. it means creativity, lots of creativity and maybe even more attention to detail.
We know that the life of a Project Manager is not exactly simple, that’s why we want to know what it’s like to organize projects? From the smallest to the largest.
It’s a kind of love-hate relationship:)). There are many moments when you feel that you have reached your limit and that you can’t go any further, moments when you say “I’m done, I’m giving up!” After that you overcome another difficult situation, you implement another extraordinary project and you want more and more. It may sound extreme, but it’s an addiction that builds. The life of a Project Manager brings you an adrenaline rush that you are constantly looking for and that you miss during the quieter times of the year.
Not infrequently, projects are real challenges, especially because we like to invent new concepts, with even more novel ideas… which are the biggest challenges that you have met since coordinating projects within Universum Events?
Generally, in events, I think the biggest challenges are perfectionists. It is true that… those who want to be in absolute control and know absolutely every detail do not necessarily have an easy life :). #viata_la_Universum taught me above all that not everything is about me, that not everything can be controlled and that trust in the people around you is the best thing you can bring to a project. I think that’s the biggest challenge I had (and still have sometimes) – to relax and trust the team.
Sabina, how do you get along with the whirlwind of daily activity? ?
Hard :))) Multi-tasking is one of the essential qualities that a Project Manager must have. There are days when I manage to stick exclusively to the to do list that I make every morning and days when I can’t get through it anymore. But prioritization is important, and I never abandon a to-do, even if it’s not a priority or it’s been a few days since I put it on the list. I learned that you can leave for tomorrow what you can’t do today, but do it!
What are three professional/personal ingredients that have helped you evolve as a professional in organizing large-scale events?
Curiosity, ambition and listening. I have always been curious to understand what happens in events and, above all, why. And that helped me to get involved in a lot of projects, ask a lot of questions, sit next to colleagues with more experience and see how they do things and get involved in all areas of the events, without thinking if I can. And I learned that I can 🙂 I also listened a lot – how those around me are doing, the recommendations and advice I received, the answers to the questions I asked them. We listened to customers and participants so that each new experience we create is better and better.
We know that in the life of M.I.C.E. there are dozens of projects per month and hundreds per year. Tell us about the dearest projects you have coordinated and which have remained close to your heart.
There are many 🙂 Very many. There are projects that are dear to me due to the complexity and challenges they present to me, or in which the clients are extremely dear to me. But I remember best the projects at the end of which I feel that I have grown a little more, that make me say “I didn’t know I could do this!”
We have been significantly increasing our team for a few months now and the M.I.C.E. projects division. no exception? . Because it is a dynamic and extremely challenging environment, what are three recommendations you would give to those who want to enter the events industry?
To understand that beyond the glamor and fun that is seen on the outside behind is a titanic work. It is a sustained effort every day, because the most dangerous is relaxation. That moment when you think you know it all, that you have thought of every aspect and that nothing can surprise you is exactly the moment when this industry comes and gives you a shot and shows you that you could have done better. And it’s important to understand that there is always room for improvement and that learning is continuous. And let them be open 🙂 The events are not for those who are looking for “the easy way”. But I dare say this field builds some of the strongest people. So all this effort is worth it!
We have implemented the idea of constantly growing and never stopping learning, always improving the services we offer and how we act in any circumstance. We know that you love to read a lot, and surely some readings have influenced you to develop personally and professionally. What do you recommend?
Emotional Intelligence – Daniel Goleman
Event Management: A blooming Industry and and Eventful Career – Ganga Sagar and Devesh Kishore
