Behind the Scenes of Excellence: The Critical Role of a Project Manager in Leadership Development

At The Violet Group, we know that exceptional leadership development programs require more than expert content and dynamic facilitation—they rely on a strong foundation of planning, coordination, and communication. Behind every smooth experience and high-impact outcome is a project manager who makes it all happen.

In this post, we’re shining a light on that behind-the-scenes magic by speaking with Adela Orellana, one of TVG’s talented project managers. In this interview, Adela shares what it takes to run seamless leadership programs, how she approaches challenges, and why effective project management plays a critical role in the success of our clients and participants alike.

Q: Adela, what does your role as a project manager at The Violet Group typically involve, and how does it connect to the delivery of leadership development programs?

A: There are so many moving pieces in a leadership development program, and my job is to make sure they all come together seamlessly. I coordinate everything from the early stages—like scheduling kickoff calls and stakeholder interviews—to program design, travel coordination, and ongoing communication with participants.

Once a program is in motion, I help ensure participants have everything they need to succeed—whether it’s scheduling assessments, arranging 1:1 coaching sessions, or preparing them for a 360 process. There’s a lot of work behind the scenes to make sure the experience feels smooth and thoughtful for everyone involved.

My goal is for the participants and clients to feel supported without having to see all the complexity happening in the background.

Q: From your perspective, what makes a leadership development program not just good—but great?

A: A great program is one where you can see real growth. I get to witness participants evolve from the very first kickoff all the way through to their program capstone project. You can tell early on who’s fully immersing themselves—they’re engaged, communicative, and truly committed to their own development.

By the end, especially when you see their final presentations and how they engaged throughout the program, it’s clear how much effort and reflection they’ve put in. That transformation is what makes a program great—it’s about seeing people take ownership of their growth and bring it to life in a meaningful way.

Q: What are some behind-the-scenes elements of leadership programming that clients might not see—but that are essential to making the experience feel seamless?

A: Clients don’t often see the amount of internal collaboration that goes into preparing a program.

At TVG, we’re very meticulous and intentional. Before anything goes out, we hold internal meetings to align, review materials, and make sure the program is tailored to the client’s needs.

It’s truly a team effort—we rely on each other to ensure that the design, messaging, and delivery are spot on. That collaboration is a big part of why our programs consistently land well and generate real outcomes.

Q: Will you share a recent moment when your role helped a client navigate a challenge or achieve a breakthrough outcome?

A: Even with the best preparation, unexpected situations come up. Recently, we had a scheduling conflict that threatened to delay a key session. I had to work quickly with both the client and our internal team to rework the calendar without disrupting the overall timeline.

Being able to pivot, make adjustments, and still deliver on time is such a satisfying part of the role. It’s like solving a puzzle—you’re constantly looking at everyone’s calendars and needs, trying to align the stars. When it works, it feels incredibly rewarding, and it reinforces why the project management function is so critical.

Q: How do you stay organized and proactive when managing complex programs with multiple stakeholders, coaches, and timelines?

A: Organization is absolutely key. At TVG, we use a variety of planning tools, internal tracking systems, and regular check-ins to stay aligned. I try to anticipate challenges before they happen and keep everyone in the loop.

Strong communication—both internally and with clients—is essential.

Our goal is always to make sure nothing slips through the cracks, and that requires structure, attention to detail, and constant communication.

Q: Collaboration is clearly a big part of what you do. What’s your approach to working with internal team members and client partners alike?

A: Clear communication and alignment are the foundation. We make it a priority to be transparent about expectations on both sides—within our team and with clients.

We also focus on building strong relationships. That trust allows us to be more flexible and adaptive when challenges arise. Every client and every program is different, so being able to adjust while staying grounded in shared goals is really important.

Q: What leadership qualities do you find yourself using most in your own role—and how do you model them in the work you do?

A: Communication is at the top of the list. I also lean heavily on adaptability and problem-solving—things don’t always go according to plan, and being able to pivot quickly is essential.

I try to lead by example: being reliable, responsive, and solution-oriented. Those are qualities I bring to every project, and they’re the same qualities we hope to foster in the leaders going through our programs.

Q: If you could offer one piece of advice to organizations investing in leadership development, what would it be from a Project Manager's lens?

A: Leadership development isn’t a one-time event—it’s a long-term investment in your people. Programs like these plant the seed for someone’s growth, whether they’re developing in their current role or preparing to step into something bigger.

What I’ve seen is that when people feel invested in—when they know their organization cares about their growth—they’re more loyal, more engaged, and more likely to thrive. Being nominated to a leadership program is an honor, and it signals that someone sees potential in you. That kind of investment can truly change the trajectory of a career—and the success of a business.

Final Thoughts

Adela’s reflections offer a powerful reminder: behind every polished session and impactful leadership program is an expert project manager ensuring the process runs smoothly from start to finish.

At The Violet Group, we believe the how matters just as much as the what. Thoughtful delivery allows learning to stick, trust to build, and leadership to grow.

If you're looking for a partner who brings strategy, intention, and seamless execution to your leadership development efforts, let’s connect.