Employee Insights: In Conversation with Vivian Cogliandro
In this edition of Employee Insights, we catch up with Viv Cogliandro, Project Manager at Connected Workplaces, to explore how project delivery is evolving in the fast-moving world of life sciences. Viv shares her thoughts on adapting to industry change, redefining project success, and how technology is transforming the way we work. From agile methodologies to client-for-life partnerships, Viv offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to lead complex projects in a future-focused sector.
1. How has your approach to project management evolved during your time at Connected Workplaces, particularly as the life sciences landscape and needs have changed?
My project management approach at Connected has evolved towards greater adaptability and collaborative integration. With the fast-paced changes in life sciences, especially around regulations and technology, rigid methods no longer cut it. I now focus on building agile, cross-functional teams that bring together scientific knowledge and business goals. This helps us stay ahead of change, meet compliance needs, and design solutions that truly support end users and deliver lasting value.
2. Connected has clients who change the world, what are you working on at the moment and what kind of impact is your client going to be able to make with their new space?
I'm currently working on an intricate radiopharmaceutical facility project that transcends traditional construction. This specialised environment will empower our client to develop advanced diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine, accelerating their ability to deliver precisely calibrated treatments to patients with complex conditions. Every technical decision in this facility, from radiation containment to cleanroom systems, ultimately serves the profound purpose of bringing personalised therapies to those with limited options.
3. What metrics or indicators do you use to measure the success of your projects, and has this changed over time?
Client satisfaction has always been my key measure of project success, it’s the clearest indicator of whether we’ve met or exceeded expectations. While traditional metrics like budget, timeline, and scope still matter, I’ve come to see real success as delivering lasting value to the client’s business. Over time, I’ve placed more focus on outcomes like improved efficiency, reduced risk, and long-term operational benefits. We now track post-project feedback more closely, through satisfaction surveys, user adoption rates, and issue reporting, to ensure our solutions continue to meet client needs. I also look at qualitative signs, like how engaged stakeholders are and whether the relationship grows beyond the project. Repeat business, referrals, and ongoing collaboration often tell us more about our success. I truly believe in the “client for life” approach, building partnerships that continue to deliver value well after handover.
4. Looking ahead, what emerging trends or technologies do you think will most significantly impact the projects you'll be managing in the next few years?
I think there are several key trends that are reshaping the way we manage projects. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will enhance predictive analytics, helping us anticipate risks, allocate resources more effectively, and make faster, data-led decisions. Routine tasks will be automated, allowing more focus on strategic priorities. Cloud-based collaboration tools are also becoming more advanced, supporting real-time teamwork, automated workflows, and detailed reporting, ideal for hybrid and fast-moving environments. We’re also seeing the rise of hybrid project methodologies that blend Agile and traditional approaches, particularly in complex, non-software projects. As data volumes grow, integrating project management tools with wider business systems will become increasingly important. This will offer a clearer view of performance, budgets, and stakeholder engagement, ultimately enabling more connected, proactive, and successful project delivery.