Jennifer McShane-Bary's extensive background in strategic business management and technology integration, spanning over two decades, has solidified her position as a visionary founder and CEO of JMB Project Management. With steadfast confidence, she has led JMB to become a trailblazer in the project management industry. Through her vibrant leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation, she has successfully transformed intricate projects into attainable milestones.

Business Fortune sat down with Jennifer McShane-Bary, the Founder and CEO of JMB Project Management, for a wide ranging conversation about her professional life as an exemplerary woman entrepreneur. The following excerpts are from the conversation that ensued

Q. Tell us about your professional experience. What were the series of events that led to the founding of JMB Project Management?

I started my career as a legal secretary while I was studying for my Bachelor of Business on the Gold Coast in Australia. This foundational experience taught me the critical skills of organization and diligence.

In 2006, I applied for the CIO position at The O2 in London, despite initial doubts. The role helped me develop leadership, strategic planning, and team collaboration skills. Simultaneously, I was also studying for my MBA.

After returning to Australia in 2010, I held important leadership positions that enhanced my project and program management skills. These roles highlighted the necessity for a more integrated approach to handling complex projects in fast-changing industries.

I moved to Saudi Arabia in 2021 to work for Neom, leading their Service Delivery and Operations department. Later, in Dubai, I noticed a big opportunity in the market for specialized project management services. This realization, combined with my extensive experience and passion for innovation, led to the founding of JMB Project Management. I wanted to create a company that could manage projects well and offer tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of clients in different industries.

Q. You have accumulated a vast wealth of experience in several business roles under your belt. In what ways has it helped JMB Project Management so far?

My diverse professional background has been instrumental in shaping the success of JMB Project Management. Each role I've held has contributed unique insights and skills that have been critical in building and growing the company.

• Leadership and Strategic Vision: My time as CIO at The O2 taught me the value of having a strategic vision and leading diverse teams. These skills are key in guiding JMB and aligning our projects with clients' goals.
• Innovation and Technology Integration: In my career, I have always integrated new technologies to solve business problems. JMB has leveraged AI and data analytics to optimize project management processes, making us a leader in innovation.
• Client-Centric Approach: Understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions is crucial. At JMB, we prioritize a client-centric approach, customizing every project to meet our clients' specific requirements, leading to high satisfaction and repeat business.
• Risk Management and Problem-Solving: My diverse industry experience allows me to anticipate challenges and implement effective risk management. This proactive approach ensures successful project delivery.

Q. What does a day in your life look like? Walk us through it.

My daily routine involves strategic planning, collaborating with my team, and interacting with clients to make sure that JMB Project Management fulfills its commitments.

I start my day early with a workout to keep my mind and body sharp. After that, I spend some quiet time reviewing my schedule and setting priorities for the day. My mornings typically start with team meetings. These are crucial for aligning our objectives, discussing ongoing projects, and addressing any challenges. I believe in open communication, so I encourage my team to voice their ideas and concerns.

I have client meetings from mid-morning to early afternoon to understand their needs and provide updates. In the afternoons, I focus on strategic planning, business development, and mentoring team members for their career growth, which I believe is essential for the company's success.

My evenings are usually for winding down, often spent with family or catching up with clients over dinner. This balance helps me stay grounded and continuously inspired.

Q. How have your years of expertise translated into meeting client expectations in a better way?

My years of expertise have been pivotal in consistently meeting and exceeding client expectations. With experience in multiple industries, I have gained valuable knowledge that helps me understand the specific challenges and opportunities in each sector. This insight helps us develop customized solutions that are highly effective. My passion for innovation means that we are always at the forefront of adopting new technologies and methodologies. This enables us to offer cutting-edge solutions that drive efficiency and effectiveness in our projects.

My client-centric approach ensures that we build strong, lasting relationships with our clients. By understanding their needs and maintaining open communication, we ensure that our solutions are perfectly aligned with their expectations. Also, years of experience have honed my ability to identify potential risks early and develop robust mitigation strategies. This proactive approach ensures that we can navigate challenges smoothly and deliver projects successfully.

Q. What would you like to say to the many future women entrepreneurs who might be reading this?

To all the future women entrepreneurs out there: believe in yourself and your vision. The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

Obstacles help us learn and grow. Embrace challenges and take risks. Use feedback to make changes when needed. Surround yourself with supportive and inspiring people. Mentors, peers, and advocates can offer guidance and encouragement. Having an advisory board is fortunate as they guide the company's direction.

Follow your values when making decisions and taking action. Integrity and authenticity are key for creating a sustainable and successful business. Don't try to be what you think others want you to be. Stay true to yourself at all times. The business world is always changing, so stay curious and dedicated to constantly learning and getting better.

Empower your team and support other women in business. This can have a positive impact. Remember, your perspective and experiences are strengths. Trust in your abilities, stay focused on your goals, and don't be afraid to break the glass ceiling.

Q. What are your plans for the future? Short term and long term.

Short-Term Plans:

In the immediate future, we aim to establish our position in the GCC region and effectively inaugurate our new office in New York. This expansion will allow us to better serve our existing clients and tap into new markets. We are also working on enhancing our digital capabilities by integrating more advanced technologies into our project management processes. This includes leveraging AI and data analytics to drive efficiency and deliver superior outcomes for our clients.

Long-Term Plans:

Long term, we aim to position JMB Project Management as a global leader in innovative project management solutions. We want to enter new markets in Asia and Africa where there is a growing need for advanced project management services. We are also preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to secure the capital needed for further growth and development.

Sustainability is another key focus for us. We want to make our operations and projects more sustainable to have a greener and more environmentally responsible business. Our vision is to lead by example, showing how businesses can achieve excellence while also making a positive impact on the world.

Q. Is there something that you would like to tell us that we may have missed asking you?

I want to highlight our commitment to social responsibility, especially our focus on sustainability and innovation in transportation. At JMB Project Management, we use our expertise to create positive change for our clients and the community and environment.

One of our most exciting initiatives is our interest in hydrogen-powered autonomous vehicles. We believe in the power of hydrogen as a clean energy source and think that self-driving vehicles will revolutionize city transportation. We aim to bring hydrogen-powered self-driving cars to Dubai, being the first to use and integrate this advanced technology globally.

This initiative supports Dubai's sustainability goals and our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting greener transportation solutions. We want to use our project management skills and hydrogen technology to create efficient, sustainable, and safe transportation systems. Our goal is to benefit the community and establish new industry standards.

Changing the world for the better

Jennifer McShane-Bary is the visionary founder and CEO of JMB Project Management. Jennifer’s dedication to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning has empowered her team to deliver exceptional results consistently. Under her guidance, JMB has grown into a global leader known for its client-centric approach and cutting-edge solutions.

“JMB specializes in providing comprehensive project management services, turning your business visions into reality.”