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By Angela Thurman, Founder & CEO, Thurman Co
In the manufacturing industry, change isn’t just inevitable—it’s essential. From the rise of smart factories to the integration of AI into supply chains, the pace of innovation continues to accelerate. Over the course of my career, I’ve come to see that staying ahead of the curve requires more than just adaptability—it requires curiosity, continuous learning, and a strong foundation in project management.
As the founder of Thurman Co, a project management consulting firm serving the manufacturing sector, I’ve had the privilege of working with companies of all sizes to help them deliver high-impact projects. But like many of you reading this, my journey didn’t start at the top. It started with a passion for problem-solving and a willingness to say “yes” to new challenges—especially when I didn’t yet have all the answers.
A Career Built on Curiosity
My career began as an electrical engineer, where I gained firsthand experience in technical problem-solving, quality control, and supplier management. Over time, I realized that my greatest strength wasn’t just in understanding the engineering details—it was in helping cross-functional teams work together toward a common goal. That insight led me to pursue project management, which allowed me to bridge the gap between technical execution and strategic outcomes.
Curiosity has always been my compass. I’ve said yes to working on cutting-edge aerospace systems, led digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing, and even launched a project management training platform to upskill the next generation of leaders. Each of these moves was driven by a single question: “What can I learn from this opportunity?”
In a world where technology and processes evolve quickly, your ability to stay relevant is rooted in your willingness to learn. I often tell my team and clients: You don’t need to know everything. You just need to be ready to learn anything.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
To thrive in a rapidly changing industry, here are a few strategies I’ve found valuable:
1. Be Proactive, Not Reactive:
It’s easy to fall into the trap of reacting to change only when it disrupts your workflow. But successful professionals and companies anticipate change. They read industry reports, attend webinars, experiment with new tools, and ask tough questions before the answers are obvious. Make time for strategic thinking—even when you're busy.
2. Lean Into Technology:
Emerging technologies like digital twins, predictive analytics, and AI-driven planning tools are not just buzzwords—they’re reshaping the way manufacturing operates. As a project manager, I’ve seen firsthand how these tools can shorten timelines, improve quality, and reduce costs. You don’t need to be an expert in every tool, but understanding how they support your business goals is essential.
3. Invest in Your Skills:
When I transitioned into project management, I didn’t just rely on experience—I pursued certifications like PMP and continuously updated my knowledge. Today’s professionals must treat learning as a non-negotiable part of their job. Whether it's mastering data visualization in Excel or getting comfortable with agile methodologies, skill-building is career-building.
4. Build Strong Relationships:
Your network is more than a list of contacts—it’s your support system. I’ve had the honor of learning from incredible mentors, collaborators, and clients across my career. If you’re looking to grow, surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. And don’t forget to give back—mentorship is a two-way street.
5. Embrace Change as a Strategy:
At Thurman Co, we often help clients navigate change—whether it’s implementing new software, managing supplier transitions, or launching new product lines. The common thread across successful projects? A mindset that treats change as an opportunity, not a threat. Change management isn’t a sideline discipline—it’s a core leadership skill.
Looking Forward
As we move deeper into the era of Industry 4.0 and prepare for what some are calling Industry 5.0, one thing is clear: the future belongs to those who can lead with vision, adapt with agility, and learn with purpose.
My advice to anyone navigating their own journey in this space is simple: Stay curious, stay committed, and don’t be afraid to raise your hand when a new opportunity comes along. You never know where it might take you.
At Thurman Co, we’re proud to help organizations harness the power of project management to turn bold ideas into real results. And we’re just getting started.
