The Power of PMP®: How One Certification Transformed My Life
In every career, there’s a defining moment—a choice that reshapes your trajectory. For me, that moment came in 1998 in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, when I found myself at a professional crossroads. As a Civil Engineer, I had two prestigious credentials in my line of sight: the PE (Professional Engineer) license or the PMP® (Project Management Professional) certification.
Choosing Purpose Over Convention
The PE license was the traditional path, a natural extension of my engineering degree. But I saw something different in the PMP®. It wasn’t just about technical credentials—it was about leading change, influencing people, and delivering impact across sectors.
I chose the PMP®—and never looked back.
It gave me:
A globally recognized framework for project success
Confidence to lead cross-functional teams
Clarity in scope, schedule, cost, and risk management
The ability to speak the universal language of project management
Today, project management is no longer just a skillset—it’s a way of thinking, leading, and transforming.
That decision opened doors to a world where strategy, leadership, and execution meet. And most importantly, it helped me realize something even more powerful: I was meant to transform lives through project management.
Turning Around a Troubled Y2K Project Post PMP® Certification
The first project I led after passing the PMP® exam in October 1999 was to turn around a troubled Y2K project for the largest healthcare company in Silicon Valley. This experience demonstrated the power of project management in delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
The PMP® certification also helped me form a partnership with Microsoft to become their strategic partner for their newly introduced Enterprise Project Management (EPM). This led to rolling out EPM at General Insurance Company in Silicon Valley and Aerojet for the space program in Sacramento. And that was just the beginning.
Driving Impact Through Projects That Matter
Since earning my PMP®, I’ve led initiatives that have shaped industries and touched millions of lives. Some of the highlights include:
Some of the initiatives I’m proud to have contributed to include:
• National Police Mission – Harnessing technology for public safety
• E-Governance Transformation – Enabling transparency and accessibility
• Ayodhya Development – Enhancing cultural and civic infrastructure
• India’s Telecom Growth – Facilitating digital inclusion nationwide
• Badalta Banaras – Revitalizing the historical city of Varanasi
These projects showcase the real-world impact of skilled project management—and how PMP professionals are at the heart of national transformation.
25 Years in Business, 100K People Trained
For over 25 years, I’ve been in business, helping individuals and organizations harness the power of project management. Over that time, I’ve trained more than 100,000 people across the globe—from Project Managers to C-suite executives. My mission has always been to equip professionals with the tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to lead with confidence and drive success.
Building Future Leaders with Upbuild Academy
As the CEO of Upbuild Global and founder of Upbuild Academy, my mission is to pay it forward.
We train, mentor, and coach aspiring project professionals to:
• Achieve PMP®, PgMP®, or PfMP® certifications
• Align with the PMI Talent Triangle™
• Master agile and hybrid delivery models
• Think like strategists, act like leaders, and deliver like pros
Our approach goes beyond passing the exam—it’s about transforming careers and elevating organizations.
Your Story Matters
If PMP® certification has impacted your life, I’d love to hear your journey. Share how project management transformed your life or career. We may feature it in our blog or training!
Not certified yet or planning to get your PMP®?
Join us at Upbuild Academy and take the first step toward transforming your career through project management.
Let’s continue to elevate the profession—one project, one person, and one purpose at a time.
Founder & CEO, Upbuild Global Inc. & Awardee of PMIs Eric Jennet Award of Excellence
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