Consultant Spotlight: Valencia Gibson, Project Manager and Business Analyst

Making clients look good is one of the many things project managers do. It’s even better when they can do so with calm, reassuring confidence—and without calling attention to themselves.

That’s how Valencia Gibson rolls.

“I take great pleasure in working behind the scenes to ensure my clients’ success. I have never found much joy in being the center of attention, but I am quite excited to facilitate and encourage the team’s accomplishments.”

Valencia loves to listen. As a trusted consultant, she enjoys drilling down on any potential barriers a client has in their current processes. After gaining a full understanding of a client’s pain points, she uses her vast experience (she’s been managing projects in the private sector for over 15 years and began her career in the United States Air Force) to provide fresh ideas and solutions. Then, she guides them through the transformative changes they need to maximize their success.

Anyone who’s ever been faced with a challenge knows that the best solutions in the world will never get off the ground without support from key players. That’s why Valencia’s expertise in communication has proven a major asset to her clients. She’s a pro at effectively presenting the plan of action, then following up with status reports to ensure that everyone — from boots-on-the-ground to executive leadership — climb aboard.

While seizing “the big picture” on any project is important, Valencia knows that the only way to get there is by delving deeply into the intricacies at hand. “My attention to detail has been most beneficial throughout my career, whether I’m crafting meticulous presentations, creating smooth roadmaps through complex challenges, or ensuring budgets balance to the penny,” she says.

Valencia lives in Gilbert, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix; while she’s not a fan of the heat, she says the cooler eight months of the year make the scorching summers worth it. She’s a fan of all things food; while she’s an avid traveler, it’s the promise of experiencing new flavors and discovering new favorite foods that makes her want to hit the road.

Valencia also leads Collabry’s internal “Courageous Conversations” series on DEIB-relevant topics.