From Military Leadership to Project Management: A Conversation with Dr. Jennifer Tracy

Bhavana Tadiboina
Mar 6
4 min read

When I spoke with Dr. Jennifer Tracy, I wasn’t just talking to a seasoned Senior Director in Strategic Business Development—I was learning from a military veteran, a decorated leader, and an expert in navigating high-stakes projects.

Her journey from serving in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer to leading complex government and international business initiatives is nothing short of inspiring. But what stood out the most? Dr. Tracy brings a unique mix of discipline, adaptability, and people-first leadership into project management.

Here’s what I learned from our conversation.

From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: Lessons in Leadership

Many of us think leadership comes with a title—but Dr. Tracy proved that great leadership is about mindset, not position.

In the military, she learned that staying calm under pressure, adapting to unexpected challenges, and leading by example are non-negotiable skills. “The most important lesson? Nothing is ever as bad as it seems. You can always find a solution,” she said.

In project management, high-stakes decisions, tight deadlines, and shifting priorities are the norm. The best PMs don’t let stress take over—they focus on solutions, maintain control, and keep their teams moving forward.

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Reality

Like many aspiring PMs, I’ve studied PMBOK, Agile, and all the frameworks—but how much of it actually applies in the real world? Dr. Tracy’s answer was clear: “Project management theory gives you a structure, but real-world success is all about adaptability.”

She shared a personal story of leading a major product launch that never took off. Despite extensive planning, it failed to gain traction. “We did everything right—except it didn’t work. That’s when I realized project management isn’t just about execution; it’s about making strategic decisions, adapting quickly, and knowing when to pivot.”

Her advice? Use theory as a guide, but never forget the ultimate goal—delivering value.

Navigating Career Growth: From Doer to Decision-Maker

One of my biggest challenges as an aspiring PM is figuring out how to transition from an individual contributor to a strategic leader. How do you go from executing tasks to driving business decisions?

Dr. Tracy explained that thinking beyond your immediate responsibilities is key.

“When you’re just following a format, you only see one piece of the puzzle. But when you step back and think strategically, you see how everything connects.”

She described it as expanding your ‘bubble of influence.’ Instead of just completing tasks, ask:

✔ Who are my stakeholders?

✔ What are the long-term business goals?

✔ How do my projects impact the organization as a whole?

The shift from task execution to strategic influence is what separates a project manager from a project leader.

Collaboration Is Not Just a Buzzword—It’s a Skill

Project management is often described as all about collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management. But what does that really mean in practice?

Dr. Tracy didn’t sugarcoat it: “Collaboration isn’t just about being nice—it’s about making sure the right decisions get made.”

✔ Conflict is not a bad thing—healthy disagreements make teams stronger.

✔ You don’t need to have all the answers—but you do need to facilitate discussions that lead to the right solutions.

✔ Respect and trust are earned—strong PMs actively listen, engage, and create space for different perspectives.

She emphasized that a great team isn’t one that always agrees—it’s one that challenges each other respectfully to find the best path forward.

The Art of Job Hunting: How to Stand Out in Project Management Interviews

As someone actively searching for a project management role, I asked Dr. Tracy how to nail interviews and make an impact.

Her response? “People don’t want generic answers—they want stories.”

Instead of saying, “I’m good at stakeholder management,” show it with a real example.

✔ Talk about a time you led a team through conflict.

✔ Describe how you solved a complex problem under pressure.

✔ Highlight moments where you made strategic decisions that improved a project.

In her experience, hiring managers don’t just look for qualifications—they look for impact. The way you frame your experience and tell your story can make all the difference.

Continuous Learning: The Secret to Long-Term Success

Dr. Tracy describes herself as someone who is “obsessed with learning.” Whether it’s earning two master’s degrees, a doctorate, a PMP, or volunteering as a mentor—she believes in constant growth.

✔ Project management is always evolving—stay ahead by learning new methodologies, tools, and leadership skills.

✔ Find mentors, but don’t overcomplicate it. Sometimes, the best mentors are the ones who simply help you think through your next step.

✔ Go to job fairs, even if you’re not actively looking for a job. Practicing your elevator pitch and networking can open unexpected doors.

“You don’t have to know exactly what you want from day one. Try different things, and if you don’t like it, pivot. The key is to keep moving forward.”

My Biggest Takeaways from Dr. Jennifer Tracy

1️⃣ Project management is not just execution—it’s about making strategic decisions.

2️⃣ Leadership is about influence, not authority—care about your team, and they’ll follow.

3️⃣ The best PMs know how to handle conflict—it’s not personal, it’s about finding the best solution.

4️⃣ Job interviews are about storytelling—highlight your real-world impact.

5️⃣ Never stop learning—adaptability is your biggest asset.

Dr. Tracy’s insights were more than just career advice—they were a roadmap for success in project management.

So, if you’re an aspiring PM, remember this: Learn the frameworks, but don’t be afraid to break them. Lead with confidence, but stay humble. And above all—keep growing.

What’s Your Biggest Takeaway?

I’d love to hear from you! What resonated with you the most? Drop a comment and share your thoughts! ⬇️