The ‘Aha’ Moment: PM Influencer Series
Table of Contents
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 Aria Kim, a talented Security Project 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. Security Project Manager
Q. What is something unique that most people do not know about you?
A. Even though I’m a project manager in tech now, I actually started out on a premed path, which surprises a lot of people! It’s given me a different perspective, combining the attention to detail from healthcare with a love for working with teams to solve big challenges.
Professional Stuff….
Q. What led you to this career?
A. I realized that while I didn’t have a true passion for medicine, what I really enjoyed was the process of finishing projects in the lab. That love for seeing things through from start to finish is what eventually led me to a career in project management.
Q. Why should every organization have a PMO?
A. From my experience, having a PMO makes all the difference in how smoothly projects run. In my own work, I’ve seen how a PMO keeps everyone on track, ensuring we’re aligned with the company’s goals and making the best use of our resources. It creates a sense of order that helps turn ideas into real, measurable success.
Q. What’s the most annoying thing about project status meetings?
A. It’s when you spend more time discussing how behind schedule you are instead of actually working to catch up—and by the time the meeting’s over, you’re even further behind, haha!!
Q. What advice would you give to up-and-coming professionals like yourself?
A. My advice would be to stay curious and open to learning, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to take on projects that challenge you—you’ll grow the most when you push yourself, and that’s where the real opportunities start to show up.
Fun Stuff
Q. If you were the host of a late night talk show, who would invite as your first guest?
A. If I were hosting a late night talk show, my first guest would be my best friend Nessa. She’s the reason I’m where I am today, having supported me through all the ups and downs in my career and personal life. It’d be amazing to share our journey and celebrate all the incredible moments we’ve had together.
Q. If you had an unlimited supply of one thing what would it be?
A. If I had an unlimited supply of one thing, it would definitely be time. I know it might sound a bit cliché, but imagine being able to dive into every project and hobby you’re interested in, without constantly worrying about deadlines or a packed schedule. It would give me more chances to truly enjoy life’s little moments and spend meaningful time with loved ones. Lately, I’ve been thinking about this a lot because time seems to fly by faster than ever.
Q. What fictional place would you most like to live in?
A. I’d love to live in the world of Harry Potter. Just think about being surrounded by magical creatures, discovering hidden passages, and learning spells—attending Hogwarts and soaking in all that wonder sounds like a dream come true. Of course, I’d want to avoid any dark wizard drama and just enjoy the magic and adventure of it all!
Q. What three items would you like to have if stranded on a deserted island?
A. If I were stranded on a deserted island, I’d want a sturdy multi-tool for building and gathering, a reliable fire starter to keep warm and cook food, and a durable tarp or shelter material to create a safe, dry space. Oops, did I sound too realistic? But after watching a lot of survival and zombie movies, I know these are the essentials for the best chance of survival!
Q. Spring, summer, fall or winter?
A. I’d definitely go with summer. I love the warmth, long days, and everything that comes with it. Plus, I’m a big fan of beaches, so soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean is my idea of a perfect day!
If you want to connect with Aria and gain key insights from her expert career content, look her up on Instagram. Thank you Aria for hanging out with us and answering our questions!
