An Interview with Valentyn Bannikov: Author of Project Manager’s Handbook

Valentyn Bannikov is an established Technical Program & Project Management Professional and Scrum Master. He possesses highly valued and widely recognized industry certifications, including PMP, CSM, and ICP-APM. With over ten years of diverse technical and professional experience, Valentyn has worked across multiple industries.

His background includes involvement in both governmental and private construction projects in Latin America and Europe. He has successfully assembled and led teams to carry out extensive client projects within the IT sector, encompassing FinTech, EdTech, ecommerce, and travel domains. Valentyn, who was born and raised in Kharkiv, Ukraine, now resides in the heart of America, Kansas City.

Tell us about your book.

Project Manager’s Handbook: Walkthrough for Beginners is a recollection of my career experiences, aiming to create a helpful tool for readers to understand if project management is something that they may like. The role of a project manager is akin to that of a universal soldier, requiring extensive knowledge retention and composure in handling various tasks. Acting as a vital liaison between the project’s customer and executor, the project manager’s success is pivotal to the project’s success.

Moreover, the demands of this profession continue to evolve every year, necessitating the constant advancement of the manager’s skills. The book’s narrative is based on my personal experience, making it relatable to readers. Hence, I opted for a first-person conversational tone to maintain a connection with the audience.

Why did you want to write a book?

In light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I’ve come to the realization that it’s crucial for me to share my knowledge with a larger audience. As Benjamin Franklin famously stated, “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today,” because the future is uncertain, and one must seize the moment.

Why did you choose to self-publish?

Opting for self-publishing offers the significant advantage of maintaining complete control over your book. In contrast, the conventional publishing industry is laden with gatekeepers who often influence aspects such as content, cover design, and even the title of your literary work.

Would you self-publish again?

Absolutely! I’m brimming with ideas on how to improve my current book and have a few ideas about popular management topics that I would like to highlight and communicate with my audience.

What do you think are the main pitfalls for indie writers?

Numerous pitfalls can arise for indie writers, including issues with self-discipline, inadequate planning, time management struggles, ineffective marketing and promotion, and an absence of professional editing.

It’s essential to emphasize the role of “fear” in potentially hindering a writer’s journey. Fear can create doubts and uncertainties that prevent an aspiring author from starting or progressing in their work. Furthermore, the importance of professional editing cannot be overstated. A skilled editor and proofreader can significantly enhance the readability and clarity of a book, ensuring a more enjoyable experience for readers.

As a writer, what is your schedule? How do you get the job done?

As a night owl, I devote 2-3 hours each day to my work, concluding at midnight. This quiet time allows me to focus and enhance my productivity, as the absence of distractions while others sleep creates an ideal environment for concentration.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

I treated this project as a top priority and established a firm deadline for completion. I meticulously crafted the table of contents and created a well-thought-out summary for each chapter, ensuring that the content was thoroughly planned and organized. With this groundwork laid, I was left with the most straightforward task: populating each chapter with the necessary content.

What did you learn on your journey as an author?

The most crucial lesson I’ve learned is the importance of avoiding burnout. Tackling an enormous workload without giving myself time to recharge has not been as productive as taking occasional breaks to let my mind unwind. While life often seems like a race, this may not always be the case, particularly in writing. Overworking oneself does not necessarily yield the desired return on investment one might hope for.