10 minutes with Greg Bird, Project Manager and Event Organiser

In our Summer Issue’s Work & Life interview we talked to Greg Bird, a PA Life Club member who works as an IT Project Manager for a global insurance company. He’s been interested in technology all his life, and is also a very organised person, making the role of a PM a perfect one for him. His strong organisational skills didn’t go unnoticed and he was soon asked to organise events. As you’d expect he demonstrated a great aptitude for it and his career progressed from there…

Is there a cross-over in skills between an event Project Manager and a PA who organises events?

Absolutely! The skill sets are intertwined. PAs would be great PMs and vice-versa. All PAs I know have first-class organisational, communication, motivational, leadership, time[1]management, and interpersonal skills.

What do you enjoy most about your role? And what do you find most challenging?

I enjoy the evolution of technology that keeps me on my toes. There’s always something new to learn. Technology should make life easier, but the challenge is getting new technology adopted. It should be intuitive and easy to understand.

What aspects of the Club membership have you enjoyed most during your first year?

The people and the places! I really enjoy meeting people and seeing new places, and the PA Life Club is ideal for that. It’s great to get tips and advice from fellow event organisers.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given, and do you have a favourite quote?

‘If you want peace, then prepare for war’ We need to plan for the outcomes we want. But it’s also important to plan for outcomes that we don’t want so we don’t get caught out. Things aren’t always plain sailing. It’s imperative to anticipate the ‘unexpected’.

Do you have any personal development book recommendations?

How To Change Your Life In 7 Steps by John Bird – founder of The Big Issue. (No relation). And the 10-Day MBA by Steven Silbiger. So compelling. I read it in 3 days! Reading in bed with a hot-chocolate is a great way to wind-down. I’m currently reading Johnny Marr’s autobiography Set the Boy Free which is entertaining.

Who inspires you?

Nelson Mandela. Gravity yet humility. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I maintain a healthy balance of exercising and eating well. I go for a run or cycle every day. Just as well, as cooking and eating are passions of mine too.

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn