Where there’s smoke, there is a project manager keeping it together.
Project management is part strategy, part fire drill—and it takes quick thinking, a strong team, and a good sense of humor to keep everything from going up in flames. We asked a few of our Liquid PMs share what lights their fire, how they keep their cool, and the moments that remind them why this job is so worth it.
Fighting Fires and False Assumptions
First off, let’s tackle a common misconception that really gets on your nerves: what do people really think PMs do all day?
Lydia: One misconception that drives me nuts is that project managers just schedule meetings and send emails! The truth is, we’re the ones holding the 5,000-foot view - keeping both the team and client aligned while protecting budgets and timelines that are constantly tested by shifting priorities and unexpected curveballs. A good PM is always thinking a few steps ahead, mapping out backup plans, and quietly solving problems before anyone else even notices them.
Kelsey: I totally agree. Another misconception I hear a lot is that we’re just administrative support rather than strategic thinkers. While there’s definitely administrative work involved, like Lydia said, we also have a bird’s-eye view of everything happening across projects and team members. It’s kind of like playing a high-stakes game of Tetris - constantly strategizing how to fit all the pieces together and keep everything moving smoothly without a glitch.
Trial by Fire: How We Pulled It Out of the Flames
As much as you try to keep things moving smoothly, there are always flare-ups. Describe a time when your team pulled off the impossible?
Maegen: One time that really stands out is the night before a huge client meeting when a key team member had an emergency and couldn’t finish their part of the deck. The next morning, four of us were crammed into a car, laptops open, frantically finalizing slides on the way to the meeting. It was stressful and definitely chaotic, but it’s stuck with me as one of my favorite Liquid memories. We rallied, reworked the presentation on the fly, and ended up delivering something even stronger than we originally planned. We absolutely crushed the presentation, the client loved it, and the experience brought our team even closer. Naturally, we celebrated with Chick-fil-A on the drive home. With the right team behind you, everything is figureoutable.
Lydia: I love that story because it really shows nothing’s impossible. Some projects do get insanely stressful whether it’s a client wanting something yesterday or a totally unpreventable emergency. But no matter what, we get it done, and done right. What really makes it work is how the team comes together, communicates nonstop, and supports each other through every twist and turn. When everyone’s aligned and ready to jump in where needed, the impossible becomes possible.
Keeping Our Cool When the Heat Is On
Speaking of chaos, how do you keep the team calm when it feels like the whole project is going up in smoke?
Kelsey: When everything around us is on fire, I lean into humor and remind the team that this chaos is temporary. Sure, things might feel overwhelming right now, but next week could be completely different. Sometimes all it takes is a quick breather, a moment to find the bright side, and a step back to reset and refocus. Honestly, laughter really is the best medicine when the pressure’s on.
Lydia: I love that approach. For me, it’s about helping the team focus on one thing at a time. When needed, I buffer them from clients or other team members to protect their focus and morale. The way client feedback is delivered (and how it’s relayed to the team) can totally change how it’s received. Taking a moment to reframe potentially negative feedback into a more collaborative conversation makes all the difference. At the end of the day, your attitude toward the project and client sets the tone for the whole team, so I find it’s best to lead by example.
Small Sparks, Solid Wins
What’s a recent win you’re really proud of, even if no one noticed?
JT: Corny answer incoming - but honestly, one of the biggest wins for me has been watching the growth of our PM team, both individually and collectively. Whether it’s someone grinding through a tough project, the team coming together to pool our experience, or just finding smarter ways to work, it’s all equally rewarding. Seeing that evolution in real time is the kind of win that doesn’t always get a shoutout, but it means a lot.
Maegen: Agreed, that has been really cool to watch! On a personal note, a recent win I’m proud of is how I’ve leaned more into the strategic side of project management over the years. Helping shape the how and why behind a project, not just the when, has been really cool. I’ve always felt I had a seat at the table here at Liquid when it comes to brainstorming and decision-making, but as I grow in my career, I’m finding more opportunities (and the confidence) to influence the bigger picture. It feels good knowing my voice is part of the conversation early on, even if most people don’t see that part of the work.
Lessons Learned in the Heat of the Moment
What’s one lesson you wish you learned way earlier in your PM career?
Lydia: You think you’re in control, but spoiler alert: you’re not. You can guide, support, and jump in when needed, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to trust your team and roll with whatever the client throws your way. It took me a while to realize that the control we think we have as PMs is mostly an illusion, and honestly, accepting that has made everything smoother.
Maegen: When I first started as a project manager, I used to get really stressed because I didn’t know everything about everything, website development, digital marketing, design, you name it. But I eventually learned that it’s not my job to be the expert in every area. I have an entire team of rockstars behind me that are the subject matter experts. My job is to be the translator between those experts and our clients, making sure everyone stays aligned. Seven years in, I’m still not a marketing or web development specialist, but our team is so patient and always happy to explain the “how” and “why” behind what they’re doing or recommending, and I’ve picked up a lot along the way.
On Fire or Full of Smoke? PM Trends We’re Watching
What trends are sparking joy, or which ones are making you sweat?
JT: Well of course AI is at the forefront of this conversation. AI tools, AI-assisted positions, AI this, AI that, it’s everywhere. While AI is certainly changing the way we work, one point of emphasis with our team has been to thoughtfully find, vet, and onboard tools that actually help us be more efficient. We want tools that let us be more present in meetings and give us more time to tap into the parts of our skillsets that AI can’t replicate. We’re not chasing the AI trend just to say we’re using it, real efficiency is the goal.
Kelsey: Totally agree. There’s so much noise out there, but when you find something that actually works, it’s a game-changer. I’ve tried a bunch of AI notetakers, and most were... let’s just say, not helpful. But Fathom has been a standout for me. It consistently delivers solid summaries, with clickable links to recordings and all the key points. It’s like having a super-efficient assistant who never zones out or misses a detail.
Caffeine-Fueled Crisis Control
Finally, just for fun - coffee, tea, or something stronger? What is helping you to douse the flames?
JT: Always coffee. Always in “something stronger” quantities.
Kelsey: Herbal tea with extra honey, please! I like to keep it calm in the chaos—zen vibes only.
Lydia: Why choose? Iced coffee to kick things off, iced tea to power through the afternoon. Caffeine rotation is key.
Maegen: An extra-sweet iced coffee in one hand, petting my dogs with the other, and a cat on my lap. Crisis averted.
When the Smoke Clears
Deadlines blazing, surprise flare-ups, and feedback coming in hot - project management can feel like a nonstop fire drill, but that’s exactly when the best teams rise to the occasion. In this tell-all, we’ve pulled back the curtain on the myths, the chaos, and the moments that test us - and shared how we keep our cool, lean on each other, and turn pressure into progress. From handling flare-ups to embracing strategic thinking and using the right tools, this is how we keep projects burning bright without going up in smoke. Interested in our fireproof strategies? Connect with us. Because here at Liquid, everything really is fine.
