The ‘Aha’ Moment: PM Influencer Series

In our series, The Aha Moment, we chat with influencers in the PM & PPM space and get to know them better. We ask a bunch of questions, some biz related and some not so biz related, in order to understand what makes them tick and find their aha moment.

This month’s feature is Darya Afonina, an amazing Senior Technical Program Manager. So, keep reading to learn about her impressive journey and experience in the industry.

Q. What is your job title and in which industry are you working in?

A. Senior Technical Program Manager in a leading global online food delivery marketplace.

Q. What is something unique that most people do not know about you?

A. Most people don’t know that I was a cheerleader for an ice hockey team for 8 years. Being a cheerleader taught me the importance of teamwork, energy, and keeping morale high—even in challenging situations. These are lessons that I’ve carried into my professional life, where I strive to bring enthusiasm and a supportive attitude to every project I lead.

Professional Stuff….

Q. What led you to this career?

A. My journey into technical program management began with 7 years of experience in a fast-paced transport delivery company, where I served as a Project Manager Team Lead. In this role, I was responsible for leading project teams, coordinating with vendors, transport companies, and customs, and ensuring timely delivery of complex logistics projects. This experience honed my ability to manage multifaceted projects in a high-pressure environment. Upon relocating to Israel, I recognized the transferability of these skills to the thriving high-tech industry.

To deepen my understanding and formalize my expertise, I studied for the PMP certification, which further solidified my commitment to this career path. Shortly after, I landed my first role at SAP’s Innovation Center Israel, where I worked on cutting-edge projects involving machine learning and computer vision. Now, with 8 years in this profession, I continue to leverage my diverse experiences to drive innovation and deliver results in the dynamic world of technical program management.

Q. What is your biggest challenge in your profession? How do you overcome it?

A. The biggest challenge—and simultaneously the greatest joy—in my profession is working with people. Every team member brings their own unique perspectives, values, and motivations to a project. Understanding what drives each individual and recognizing their personal and professional agendas is crucial for fostering a collaborative environment. My approach is to actively engage with each team member, listen to their concerns, and support them in becoming the best versions of themselves. By creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to share their expertise, I help the team contribute their best work, ensuring that our projects are successfully completed on time and within resource constraints, ultimately bringing maximum value to our organization.

Q. Why should every organization have a PMO?

A. A Project Management Office (PMO) serves as an essential glue between product and engineering teams, ensuring that these critical functions are closely aligned and working in harmony. This alignment is vital for maintaining a consistent focus on the company’s vision, mission, and strategy. Moreover, the PMO not only bridges the gap between engineering and product management but also connects them with other vital parts of the business—such as marketing, sales, customer success, and customer service—ensuring seamless collaboration across the organization.

Additionally, the PMO supports the implementation of Agile practices within engineering and product teams while also building and refining processes for other connected functions, helping to streamline operations and enhance efficiency across the board. In a fast-paced environment, the PMO’s ability to integrate and oversee these connections is crucial for maintaining coherence across the organization. By establishing a PMO early on—when an organization has 4-5 development teams—the company sets itself up for successful scaling. The PMO ensures that as the company grows, the necessary structures and processes are already in place, enabling seamless expansion and operational efficiency.

Q. What’s the most annoying thing about project status meetings?

A. The most frustrating aspect of project status meetings is when they conclude without clear outcomes or a solid understanding of what was discussed. As an Effective Meetings Champion in my organization, I am a strong advocate for structured and purposeful meetings. I emphasize that every status meeting should be meticulously planned, with a well-timed agenda, a carefully selected list of participants, and the right meeting cadence. It’s crucial to have a skilled facilitator who can guide the discussion, ask the right questions, and isn’t afraid to move off-topic conversations to the parking lot. One of the most critical elements of a successful status meeting is ensuring that there’s a clear list of action items, complete with assigned owners and due dates. These action items should be documented and shared promptly, whether through Slack, email, or another tracking tool, so that progress can be monitored and accountability is maintained.

Q. What advice would you give to up-and-coming professionals like yourself?

A. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions, especially when there’s silence in the room. Often, if you’re unsure about something, there are others who feel the same way but are hesitant to speak up. By asking those questions, you not only gain clarity for yourself but also help others who might be struggling with the same uncertainties. It’s a powerful way to contribute to the conversation and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Fun Stuff

Q. If you were the host of a late night talk show, who would invite as your first guest?

A. My first guest would be my husband, Alon. He’s such a smart and fun guy, and I think everyone would enjoy watching him.

Q. If you had an unlimited supply of one thing what would it be?

A. Sunshine. That’s actually one of the reasons I chose to live in Israel 🙂

Q. Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

A. Anne Hathaway

Q. Spring, summer, fall or winter?

A. Spring, I love to celebrate my birthday.

Q. What is your favorite breakfast food?

A. Salmon Sandwich with Mild Boiled Egg.

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and did you follow it?

A. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. I try to follow it every day of my life.

If you want to connect with Darya and gain key insights from her expert ppm content, look her up on LinkedIn. Thank you Darya for hanging out with us and answering our questions!