The role that opened more doors for me.. ✨💰


Hello Reader,

I remember sitting in a meeting, hearing about a new project kicking off… and waiting.

Waiting for someone to say, “Donna, you should lead this.”

They didn’t.

But I knew I could do it. I wanted to do it. I’d already done the heavy lifting on projects just like it.

That’s when it hit me: no one was going to give me permission.
I had to step up and claim it.

And the minute I did, things moved quickly—new roles, higher rates, bigger trust.
That one choice set everything in motion.

Fast forward to now—I’m not only managing projects. I’m a Leadership Development Consultant, helping others grow into the kind of leaders who don’t wait for permission to rise.

I created the Project Manager’s Toolkit—for people who already know they’ve got what it takes, are interested in a high-paying roll, don't have the budget for a certification, but just need a structured way to start.

Inside, you’ll find:

✅ Real PM role + salary insights ($70K–$119K, depending on industry)
✅ Where to apply even if you’re pivoting or uncertified
✅ Resume and keyword upgrades to help you stand out
✅ A roadmap to start making strategic, confident moves
​

If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it.
​
—Donna Franklin West
​
​P.S. If someone in your life is running the show behind the scenes without the title to match, or interested in being a PM, forward this to them. It might be exactly what they need.

The Virtual PM

Get the latest in Project Management with The Virtual PM newsletter: expert tips, tech trends, leadership insights, and tools like checklists, assessments, templates. 👉🏽 www.thevirtualpm.org 👉🏽 www.thevirtualpm.digital

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