Meet a Team Member: Dilenia Cardona
Implementations Don’t Have to Be a Nightmare
We are really happy to introduce Dilenia as our project manager. Project Management from Vertilocity adds value by improving financial measures, ensuring timeliness and efficient use of resources, and heading off problems before they occur or escalate. Dilenia’s passion shows through in her ability to see a successful implementation through and we are excited to have her on our team.
How did you join Vertilocity?
I actually moved here from Tampa and was recruited by a staffing agency. This interview was the last I was going on before making plans to move out of the country.
What is the gadget that you can’t live without?
Well, I used to work in IT at a hospital in Guantanamo Bay, so I learned that I can live without all gadgets. I do love my iPad and my cell phone.
What inspires you?
I’ve always rooted for the underdog and that just inspires me to always try my hardest no matter what. I put my everything into everything that I do. I never quit. I always try to help people as much as I can.
How did you come into project management?
I was originally hired as a network engineer and the client I went to was moving to a new solution. There were misunderstandings between management and employees that brought a degree of separation. They saw me taking a lead to get everyone on the same page and bringing an organized way of looking at issues.
What is your role in the company as project manager?
The easiest way to put it is, I bridge the gap between the clients expectations and the reality of the situation and make sure that everyone is always on the same page and up to speed. I make a detailed implementation plan that outlines the project scope and I work around and manage any unforeseen events that come up. I don’t ever have a plan B, I have plan A, B, C and D. Some people don’t understand that method, but you can plan something one way, and reality has a different idea. I am always prepared for anything that can possibly come up.
My favorite part of it all though, is the end when the customer is happy, and the project is implemented successfully. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment having helped in making people happy. I love that I get to build relationships with our clients and that is really helpful in what I do. Often times, there are people that aren’t directly involved in planning the project but their role in the company involves them in the finished product and not knowing that can halt the entire project. I love getting to know everyone and what importance they have to the success of the organization. It’s great knowing we are giving people the ability to be more efficient in their jobs.
What differentiates you from your competition?
Honesty. What I love about working here is that I don’t have to be afraid to tell a client that they are using the wrong solution. My ultimate goal is to help our clients, not cover things up and lie to them. I like that I can just be honest and I am not afraid to admit when I am wrong either.
What is the best advice you ever received?
“The cheap comes out expensive.” If you try to “cheap out” on things, you end up spending more time, money and energy than it’s worth. And that is what I mean about us being honest. If we are telling you that what you need is more than you want to spend its because we don’t want to “cheap out” and end up paying for it down the road.
What is the background on your desktop?
I actually change my desktop everyday, but today it is Forest Spirit from Princes Mononoke.