Why I Was Quoted in a Project Management Book

07.31.25 12:02 PM

The Marketer’s Plot Twist

I have some exciting news to share, and it comes with a bit of a plot twist.



I was recently honored with the incredible opportunity to be quoted as a contributor in “Managing Multiple Projects,” the brilliant new book by renowned project management expert, Elizabeth Harrin.


You can imagine my excitement holding the book for the first time. But you might also be asking the same question some of my colleagues have: “You’re a marketer. What are you doing in a project management book?”


It’s a fair question, and the answer gets to the very heart of what I believe makes marketing successful in the first place.


The Secret Life of a Marketer: We’re All Project Managers

Here’s the truth: a marketing plan is just a dream until it’s executed.

Behind every successful product launch, every seamless rebrand, and every high-impact digital campaign is a mountain of project management. We juggle artists, analysts, copywriters, and coders. We manage shifting timelines, complex dependencies, and tight budgets. We report to stakeholders who have high expectations and even higher standards.

What is a marketing campaign if not a massive, complex, and high-stakes project?

The creative brief is our project charter. The campaign calendar is our Gantt chart. The budget is our most critical resource. And success isn't just a great idea; it's a great idea delivered on time and on budget.


This is the bridge between our two worlds. Great marketing is great project management.


The Story Behind My Quote

So, what did I contribute to this book?


Elizabeth Harrin included a quote from me about a challenge I know every marketer will recognize instantly. I spoke about the classic stakeholder dilemma: the demand for fast, perfect, and groundbreaking results without the willingness to provide the necessary tools, budget, or resources.

It’s the quintessential “make magic happen” request.


We’ve all been there. We’re asked to build a viral campaign on a shoestring budget or to double lead generation with no additional ad spend. It’s a universal pain point in any industry, but it’s the daily reality for marketers. Learning how to navigate that conversation—how to manage expectations and advocate for your team’s needs—is one of the most critical and underrated skills in our profession.


Why This Matters For You

Being featured in this book isn't just a personal honor; it’s a validation of a core professional philosophy. It proves that the principles of structure, discipline, and execution are the bedrock of creativity.


When you work with me, you’re not just getting a marketer who understands branding, storytelling, and strategy. You’re getting a partner who understands the business of getting things done. You’re getting someone who can build the creative engine and also lay the tracks to make sure the train arrives at the station.


I believe the best results come from bridging the gap between a big idea and its real-world implementation.



I am incredibly grateful to Elizabeth Harrin for including my voice in this important conversation. If you manage projects of any kind (and as a marketer, you do!), I highly recommend you grab a copy of "Managing Multiple Projects" here.


And if you’re looking for a marketing leader who can turn your vision into a well-managed, successful reality, let's connect.

Michelle Poirier