Blog

Name:   Abby Buck
Title:    Senior Project Manager 
Organization:    Lumeris
Sector:   Marketing

1)     How did you get started in project management?

I began working at Fleishman Hillard immediately after I graduated from Truman State University in 2013. At Fleishman Hillard, I managed client expectations and developed strategic marketing plans and concepts in collaboration with the Creative Team for Fortune 100 technology, healthcare, sports & entertainment, agriculture, organizations. My role entailed full-service marketing production management including digital, video, and print materials. Key management moments that I am most proud of include the restructuring of their Presentation Team process and organization and helping develop a Financial Model that was then used for company-wide adaptation.

2)      What is your favorite project that you worked on or would like to work on?

My favorite project to date was managing HBO’s launch of DRTV. Along with an incredible team, I managed the development and execution of the creative materials that would debut HBO’s new product at an exclusive event in New York City. It was amazing seeing all the hard work of the design and management team pay of at a wildly successful event. I was even able to meet Reese Witherspoon, who was a key speaker for the event!

3)      What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to use my natural passion for creative problem solving and concept development. Successful and rewarding management, for me, is best accomplished when there is a focus on empathy. I truly enjoy helping organizations connect with their audience and internal teams while considering inclusion and scalability. I look forward to taking my national and global experience and applying it to innovative organizations for years to come.

4)      Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 3-5 years?

I see myself continuing to learn and grow within the field of Creative Marketing. During a pandemic, that has and will continue to result in huge shifts in how we connect as a community (both globally and locally), it is challenging to say what will personally come my way. Within Marketing and Project Management, how we will reach our audience members and stay relevant within this economy will naturally need to be extremely flexible as we learn how to navigate this new phase of life. Our new “normal” will not be our old “normal”, but I know my adaptable, creative-solution-oriented, and community-minded personality and management style will adjust to whatever is thrown my way.

5)    Who is a leader that you admire and why?

I admire Julia Milner, who was my first boss within the Project Management world. Julia is extremely intelligent and has an inspiring approach in how she taught others all the lessons she had learned throughout the years. She is kind, flexible, realistic, honest, and extremely creative. Clients truly trust her with managing their work because she has proven time and time again to always have their best interest in mind. She made work fun for everyone, even during challenging times. I truly believe that consistency, intelligence and empathy when managing any project and team go a long way and always pay off in the end. Julia embodied this management style and I have and always will continue to look up to her and value the lessons she taught me. Thank you, Julia!