Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Latimore.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 1982, I graduated from Simmons College with a BA in business management. For the next 33 years, I worked as a systems analyst and project manager in corporations including John Hancock, Verizon, Delta Dental, small dot com companies, and State Street.
During that time, I managed the implementation of systems to support health insurance, financial services and information security. I became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and rose to be a vice president in State Street’s business operations transformation division.
In 2015, I had a strong calling to do more meaningful and purposeful work and started Maria Latimore Group. My consulting practice leverages the substantial skills and knowledge that I’ve developed throughout a career spanning high tech, health insurance and financial services to help nonprofits to more efficiently implement projects to increase organizational capacity.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like everyone, I’ve had ups and downs in my personal and professional life.
I’ve worked on some complex projects and with difficult people. Trying times help me to understand who I am. I’ve learned to reflect on my behavior and adapt myself to work with all types of people, while still maintaining the core of who I am. Difficult times have taught me that I can get things done by trusting my instincts and taking the appropriate actions at the right times.
My advice to others, particularly young women just starting their careers, is to be confident and bold and to take calculated and planned risks. Your presence is important and if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. When I need to make a tough decision, I consider all aspects of each situation and ask myself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” When I really think about it, I often find that the worst outcome isn’t very different from doing nothing, and that gives me the courage to take action.
Also, I think it’s important to be what I call a pragmatic optimist. As a pragmatic optimist, I intuitively believe that I will successfully get through the hard times while fully understanding and accepting that it will be hard. This brand of optimism is practical because it acknowledges that life won’t always go as planned and unforeseen things will happen. It’s optimistic because I have a strong belief in myself, my family and friends to rally round each other to get through the down times and come out better on the other side of them, and to learn from the lessons!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Maria Latimore Group – what should we know?
I love my work! By nature, I’m an organized and detail-oriented person, so being a project manager fits me well. I get stuff done.
My goal is to help nonprofits increase their organizational capacity by creating a project management culture. I believe that trust-based relationships are the foundation of successful work efforts. I strive to establish and maintain the SMART Conversations principles of Shared Meaning, Authenticity, Respect and Trust with all colleagues.
I’m known for my ability to effectively bring people together to achieve common goals. I’m curious about and really enjoy learning the operational side of organizations. This interest has served me well as it enables me to help clients to understand their needs and share them with others.
My approach to working with clients is grounded in my commitment to always be a person of integrity and to respect other people. I carefully listen and analyze client needs to ensure that the entire team is aligned with the expected results. I leverage my experience and skills to deliver the outcomes that clients need when they need them.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I believe that nothing is off the table for women, and they should explore all opportunities that they’re interested in. If additional skills, training or education are necessary to meet the requirements of opportunities they want to pursue, women should prepare and execute a plan to meet those requirements.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marialatimore.com
- Phone: 617-512-5174
- Email: maria@marialatimore.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MLatimoreGroup
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlatim
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marialatimore/
Image Credit:
Even Keel Productions, Stephen Burrell; 818-519-1399, sburrell@att.net
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