Debolina Paul

European Project Manager,

Digiotouch

Position, Company

I am a data-driven business professional with over a decade of experience leading sustainable digital transformations across the Agri-food, Healthcare, and Manufacturing sectors. Holding an MA and an MBA, I am committed to bridging the gap between theoretical sustainability frameworks and their practical implementation. Having worked in India, France, and Estonia, I bring a global perspective to my work, understanding the diverse challenges and opportunities in different markets. Through strategic business innovation, I aim to create impactful solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Overview of the Job

As a Project Manager at Digiotouch, I am currently leading innovative STEM initiatives across the European Union. Our company is actively involved in several EU-funded projects that focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and data-driven solutions. For instance, in DS2 Digiotouch is implementing multi cloud and security in DS2 and will act as system integrator. In addition, digiotouch is responsible for contributing to standards in the form of a cen/cenelec workshop agreement, through the DIVINE project, we are pioneering agri-data ecosystems to promote data sharing and interoperability in agriculture.

What Inspired You

A fundamental motivator for me is the innate curiosity to understand how the world works that is ever changing. Currently my 1-year-old daughter motivates me a lot and inspires me to see the world differently.

Typical Working Day

I begin the day by reviewing emails and messages to stay updated. Then prepare for and lead the daily stand-up meeting or monthly/weekly project or partner meetings followed by update the recent developments to the stakeholders. In the next round, time to time conduct one-on-one check-ins with team members to offer support and resolve any challenges. Also, facilitate cross-team collaboration to ensure alignment and address any interdependencies. To wrap up. I document all decisions, update project plans, and ensure all information is accurately recorded. Sometimes, write the deliverables or plan for the business travels for the consortium meets.

Study & Career Path

I hold an MA and MBA along with few technical diploma and certifications. I have a blend of technical and business knowledge that helps me to understand the market insights and the technical needs for the implementation of the new technology. My education background helps me to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical domains, facilitating communication and collaboration across disciplines. Given a second chance, I would not change a lot of things my I would like to remind my yourself to be a risk taker starting very early in the career and don’t be disappointed if things don’t go according to the plan.

Key Skills

There are many. Few most crucial can be –

1. Organizational skill - Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, resources, and budgets, to ensure successful project delivery.

2. Risk Management: Identify potential risks early and implementing strategies to mitigate them, ensuring project stability

3. Budget & Cost Management: Monitoring project expenses and adjusting as necessary to stay within budget constraints

4. Quality Assurance: Ensuring that project deliverables meet the required standards and satisfy stakeholder expectations.

5. Problem-Solving: Addressing issues promptly and finding solutions that keep the project on track.

6. Emotional Intelligence: Recognizing and managing your own emotions, as well as understanding and influencing the emotions of others, to enhance team dynamics.

Career Prospect

I believe I am suitable to be a project or product manager. I can work in diverse sectors where technology can enable change.

Challenges

There are plenty, Resource issues, communication breakdown, risk mitigation, unrealistic KPIs and deadlines to name a few.

Your Advice to Students

Be hungry and stay curious. Be mindful about what is happening around you and try to solve a problem. The problem you are facing can be real life problem for many.

Your Advice to Teachers and Parents

Let them think, facilitate and support them whenever needed. The upcoming world is changing so fast that we are being a parent/teacher don’t necessarily foresee what comes next. Make them a problem solver so that they can lead their own way.

I read Harvard Business Review and The Economic times to stay updated.