That’s exactly what we asked the House of PMO community – in our recent competition for the PMO Conference in Edinburgh – and the responses we received were warm, wise, and wonderfully relatable. From insights about building better relationships to reminders that it’s okay not to have all the answers, the PMO community came through with advice that speaks to the real experience of working in (and growing through) a PMO role.
Here’s what we heard, what it tells us about the PMO profession, and how you can build on this insight with support from the House of PMO.
What the PMO Community Had to Say
We received dozens of thoughtful entries covering themes such as:
- People over process – because relationships and stakeholder engagement are often more important than perfect templates.
- Lifelong learning – with advice on staying curious, reading widely, and always looking for growth.
- Perspective and reflection – reminders to pause, zoom out, and look at the bigger picture.
- Confidence and resilience – including not being afraid to ask questions, try new things, or make mistakes.
- Understanding the business – including stakeholder needs, business context, and how your PMO adds value.
These themes echo what we hear regularly across our training courses, events and community meetups: PMO professionals are not just process people – they’re problem-solvers, sense-makers, and connectors.
Pieces of PMO Wisdom Worth Sharing
What struck us in reading through the full set of entries was how often learning came wrapped in personal insight. One respondent reflected: “Stay connected to learn beyond the knowledge that your current role offers,” tapping into the idea that real PMO growth often happens outside the job description.
Another shared: “Don’t be afraid to keep asking questions until it makes sense” – a gentle but firm reminder that clarity is part of the role, not a luxury. Someone else gave the practical advice to “break down tasks into smaller parts – each one is a learning opportunity”, a mindset that’s just as helpful for early PMO roles as it is for those running enterprise portfolios. And then there was this gem: “Read as many books as you can, join webinars, take training courses, get certified and go to conferences – you learn best by doing, but knowing the basics gets you half the way there!” What all these have in common is a belief that growth in PMO doesn’t come from ticking boxes, it comes from curiosity, connection, and reflection.
From Insight to Action: How House of PMO Can Help
Feeling inspired? Ready to build confidence, deepen your knowledge or just connect with others who “get it”?
Here are some ways you can take the next step:
- Explore the PMO Competency Framework – a brilliant tool to help you assess your strengths, uncover development areas, and take charge of your career path. Learn more here
- Join a House of PMO Event – whether it’s PMO Learn, PMO Conference or a community meetup, our events are where the conversations (and inspiration) really happen. See what’s on
- Get Certified – our Essentials courses are designed specifically for PMO practitioners and are mapped to the roles within the PMO Competency Framework. View the Essentials courses
- Be part of the PMO Community – if you’re not already a member, come and join us. Share experiences, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who understand what PMO is really about. Join the House of PMO
The PMO journey is rarely a straight line. But the advice from our community reminds us that it’s a path full of growth, connection, and opportunity. So whether you’re just starting out or mentoring the next generation, take a moment to reflect: what would you tell your younger self?
And if you haven’t already, drop us your thoughts – we’re always listening.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this competition. You are what makes this community so special.
