As the world celebrates the achievements of women in business, the spotlight shines brightly on exemplary leaders who have redefined success with their vision and tenacity. Among these luminaries stands Jennifer McShane Bary, a trailblazer in project management and the esteemed Chief Executive of JMB Project Management.

Jennifer McShane Bary emerges as a beacon of inspiration in the realm of business leadership, embodying a fusion of strategic prowess and unwavering dedication. As the visionary CEO and Founder of JMB Project Management, her illustrious career is a testament to her transformative leadership and pioneering spirit. With a distinguished portfolio spanning diverse high-profile roles, Jennifer has harnessed the power of technology to reshape project delivery and operational excellence. Her unwavering commitment to innovation and digital strategy has propelled JMB to unprecedented heights, cementing her status as a paragon of leadership in the global project management landscape.

CIO Bulletin recently engaged in an insightful conversation with Jennifer McShane Bary, the forward-thinking CEO of JMB Project Management. The conversation delved into her remarkable journey, the hurdles she faced, the formidable challenges she conquered with determination, and her strategic approach in driving the company to greater success within the fiercely competitive world of project management.

Breaking Barriers and Overcoming Obstacles: Jennifer’s Journey in Project Management

In the traditionally male-dominated realm of project management, Jennifer McShane Bary's ascent to leadership is nothing short of remarkable. Her journey reflects her resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

"Stepping into the project management arena, traditionally dominated by men, was definitely a challenge, but one I embraced wholeheartedly," says Jennifer. "Establishing JMB as a leader meant not just proving that we could do it but doing it so well that our results spoke for themselves. It’s about leading with confidence, staying true to your vision, and sometimes, being stubborn about your goals!"

Jennifer reflects on the specific challenges she has faced in building and growing JMB Project Management, navigating the entrepreneurial landscape as a woman leader.

She emphasizes, "I have had plenty of challenges—from securing initial buy-in to overcoming stereotypes. But honestly, each challenge was an opportunity to step up and to also think differently. My approach? Never take 'no' for an answer (no is always negotiable) and use every setback as a stepping stone. It’s about resilience, and as a woman, I think we’re inherently good at that!"

Empowering Innovation and Growth

As the driving force behind JMB Project Management, Jennifer has championed a culture of innovation and empowerment. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve in technology adoption and fostering professional development for all team members.

"Keeping JMB at the cutting edge of innovation means always being curious and hungry for the next big thing in tech. Women in our company play a massive role in this, bringing diverse perspectives that lead to breakthrough innovations. It’s about encouraging everyone to voice their ideas and making sure those ideas get the attention they deserve. We at JMB have several ‘all women’ teams as well as mixed teams for gender balance as well," says Jennifer.

She further adds, "Mentorship is huge for us. We’ve got programs in place that help everyone, from interns to managers, grow and shine in their roles. My philosophy? Lift as you climb. We’re all about creating leaders, not just followers, and giving everyone the tools they need to succeed. I am only as good as my teams are, so I place a great deal of focus on ensuring my team members feel a part of their solutions and take ownership and responsibility."

Thriving Through Balance: Jennifer's Wellness Mantra at JMB

Jennifer is committed to the holistic well-being of her team, prioritizes work-life balance in the fast-paced environment of project management.

“Balancing work and life, especially in high-stakes projects, is crucial. I advocate for mental health days and flexible working where possible because if you’re not at your best, you can’t give your best. I practice this myself and encourage my team to prioritize their well-being just as they would a project deadline. We don’t work on annual leave or holidays and no one in the team will email others when they are on leave – leave is just that – leave,” Jennifer remarks with a smile.

Family, the Pillar of Strength

For entrepreneurs and leaders like Jennifer McShane, the unwavering support and encouragement of family can make all the difference in their journey to success.

Explaining the role of her family, Jennifer states, "My family has been my rock. Their belief in me, even when things looked uncertain, gave me the strength to push on. Having a strong support system has been key to navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and leadership. My partner, Nick is always there for me, and my daughter, Isabel wants to take over the business when she finishes University."

Inspirations along the Leadership Path

In the journey of leadership, insights from books and wisdom from influential leaders often serve as guiding lights. Jennifer shares a glimpse into the sources of inspiration that have shaped her leadership journey.

"One book that’s been a game-changer for me is 'Lean In' by Sheryl Sandberg. It reinforced the idea of not holding myself back and embracing the challenges. A quote I live by? 'Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway.'—Eleanor Roosevelt"

Road Ahead

Looking toward the future, the CEO envisions a bold trajectory for JMB Project Management, fueled by innovation and a commitment to transformative project delivery.

“Looking ahead, I see JMB expanding its footprint globally, not just geographically but through innovations that redefine project management. We want to be the go-to name that businesses trust when they think about transformative project delivery. My future plans include growing the company to a point where I can lead an IPO to take it to the next level,” concludes Jennifer.

The Stalwart Leader Jennifer McShane Bary – In her own Words

As the CEO and founder of JMB, my journey from idea to execution has been about passion mixed with a good dose of stubborn optimism. I lead with a belief in myself, my team, and the power of change and innovation, along with a commitment to integrity and workplace diversity. Our clients appreciate our 'can do' approach and positivity – it shines. It’s not just about where we are today, but where we're heading tomorrow.

“I am only as good as my teams are, so I place a great deal of focus on ensuring my team members feel a part of their solutions and take ownership and responsibility.”

“Believe in yourself and your abilities. You can achieve anything you set your mind to. Never listen to or surround yourself with negative people.”

– Jennifer McShane Bary