Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Arden Dudek, Pmp
Hi Dr. Arden, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Though I’m not a native Texan, I was amazed to discover just eight years ago that my great-grandmother was born in Austin in the 1880s—right after I had moved to Austin myself. This discovery has been like a lighthouse, encouraging me along my path. Project management is in my DNA. My father’s legal career taught me to “follow the rules,” while my mom’s work as a chief archivist instilled the importance of documentation. These influences shaped my structured yet detailed approach to project management.
My formal training began at Electronic Data Systems (EDS) after graduating from the University of Maryland. Specialized training at their Plano, TX headquarters and working for them for a dozen years in Dayton, OH, fueled my dream to grow my consulting skills in North Texas. That dream, however, was delayed for quite a while. After founding a Project Management Office (PMO) at Southern Illinois University, I relocated to the Austin area with my second husband. In mid-2024, we moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where I launched Planning Management Consulting LLC.
At Planning Management Consulting LLC, we believe in strategic agility to transform organizations. My journey from programmer to Global Planning Executive is marked by maturing PMOs, consulting on Leadership Agility™, and driving change through strategic planning. Project management blends analytical problem-solving “science” with the “art” of flexible adaptation to new challenges.
Project management is about people. I empower my teams to be focused and successful, and then ensure those impacted by our projects feel valued and confident. As a life-long learner, I aim to inspire others to achieve their full potential and navigate their paths to success. I may not be a native Texan, but I got here as soon as I could.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been anything but smooth, yet each challenge has shaped my path and strengthened my resolve. From my earliest days in elementary school, I found joy in learning, which led me to pursue advanced degrees even amidst personal transitions. I hold a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration, an MBA, and a Master’s in Computer Science.
One significant challenge was overcoming a difficult divorce, after which I moved to France to reignite my undergraduate interests in French language and culture. I lived in the historic city of Avignon in the Provence region. There, I faced unexpected cultural differences and unwritten rules in French universities. For instance, why wouldn’t a French language program for international students include their grading scale in the syllabus, especially when 14 adult learners from 12 nations felt like we were failing due to different rules? These experiences reinforced my belief in the power of organizational transparency and the positive impact of serving stakeholders.
Another major challenge was when a professor doubted that my business leadership skills was sufficient preparation to study in his doctoral program in Higher Education Administration. During the panel interview, I responded, “Business and education both focus on organizations and people. I have much to learn about education, but I also have skills that align with my studies.” Four years later, I graduated, having worked closely with that professor who became my advisor. This experience taught me the value of perseverance, open-mindedness, and integrating diverse skills and perspectives—values I bring to every coaching session.
Overcoming each challenge has taught me to reconsider my priorities, strengthen my focus, and lean on my Christian faith. At Planning Management Consulting LLC, we guide organizations from stormy seas to smooth sailing. Leadership Agility™ stems from my commitment to empower leaders to overcome challenges encountered during organizational changes while serving their teams with values-based leadership.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Planning Management Consulting LLC?
At Planning Management Consulting LLC, I believe in the power of strategic agility to transform organizations. As a seasoned Project Management Professional (PMP) and Agile Advocate, my mission is to help leaders navigate today’s dynamic business environment. I specialize in guiding organizations through their growth journeys, ensuring they achieve sustainable success.
My services are tailored to meet the unique needs of my clients, whether they are CIOs, Directors of PMOs, or growth-minded business owners ready to scale. I offer a range of solutions, including strategic planning, execution excellence, and values-based leadership through my Agility Navigator™ framework. This framework helps align teams, optimize resources, and ensure successful project delivery.
What sets my business apart is my commitment to values-based leadership. Leadership Agility™ is all about empowering leaders to overcome challenges during organizational changes while serving their teams with integrity and purpose. I believe true leadership is about inspiring and guiding others to reach their full potential.
One of my proudest moments was launching a new planning organization. I was hired by a CIO who left soon after I started. His replacement, the Interim CIO, had 20 years of experience at the organization and asked, “Arden, why do we even need a PMO?” By focusing on stakeholder needs, leveraging my project management expertise, and demonstrating Leadership Agility™, we matured that organization by 30% in one year and delivered high value to all stakeholders.
Clients appreciate my hands-on approach and the tangible results we achieve together. Testimonials from a diverse range of stakeholders highlight the impactful outcomes of our collaboration and my leadership and coaching skills.
I invite you to explore how Planning Management Consulting LLC can guide your organization to smoother seas and brighter horizons. Whether you’re starting your Agile journey, implementing your strategic vision, or ready to scale your business with confidence, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Starting a business is an exciting yet challenging journey. Here are a few pieces of advice I wish I had known when I was starting out:
1. EMBRACE CONTINUOUS LEARNING: The business landscape is always evolving. Stay curious and committed to learning. For instance, I attended courses taught by Christian women entrepreneurs, which profoundly shaped my approach to business. TIP: Set aside time each week for professional development, whether through reading, online courses, or networking events.
2. BUILD A STRONG NETWORK: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and professionals who can offer guidance and support. My mentors, John Maxwell, Katie Hornor, Alli Becker, and Michelle Lange, have been invaluable in shaping my approach to business and communication. TIP Join industry groups or local business associations to connect with like-minded professionals.
3. STAY TRUE TO YOUR VALUES: Your values are the foundation of your business. Integrating my faith and values-based leadership into my work has been crucial. I learned from Katie Hornor that all work is sacred, and this belief has guided my business philosophy. TIP: Regularly reflect on your core values and ensure your business practices align with them.
4. BE PATIENT AND PERSISTENT: Success doesn’t happen overnight. There will be setbacks, but each one is an opportunity to learn and grow. When I was preparing to relocate to DFW, I faced the unexpected challenge of being released from my corporate role, which forced me to practice adaptability in leading myself. TIP: Keep a journal to track your progress and learnings from each challenge.
5. LEVERAGE YOUR UNIQUE STRENGTHS: Identify what sets you apart and leverage it. My structured yet flexible approach to project management and my certification in John Maxwell’s Leadership Team have been key to my success. TIP: Create a vision board to visualize your goals and the unique strengths you bring to your business.
6. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: Entrepreneurship can be demanding. Make sure to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Balancing family and work commitments while building my business taught me the importance of self-care. TIP: Schedule regular breaks and personal time to recharge and maintain an integrated life through the temporary storms.
While I didn’t intend to launch my new business when I did, I am grateful for the support I received over the years that prepared me to overcome doubts and fears. This journey has been about learning how to Inspire+Lead™ myself, my teams, and my organizations even through stormy seas. Now I enjoy sharing these lessons with my clients and coaching them to smooth sailing. Embrace your unique path, stay true to your values, and trust that each step, no matter how challenging, is leading you towards your goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://planning-management-consulting-llc.teachable.com/p/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardendudek/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556972552840
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrArdenDudek
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/planning-management-consulting-llc/?viewAsMember=true
Image Credits
Carly Riehle, Pexels.com, Arden Dudek
