Program Manager: Key Skills & Q&A with Phillip Chan
Meet Phillip
Program Manager
Phillip serves as a Program Manager, bringing a strategic mindset and a servant-leader approach to every initiative. He consistently builds trust with both clients and team members and excels at aligning technical teams with non-technical stakeholders to ensure clarity and collaboration. Drawing on his background in neurology, Phillip applies a unique ability to recognize stress through voice and behavior, allowing him to adapt his strategy and support his team effectively. At GovCIO, he thrives in a mission-driven, collaborative environment where leadership is accessible, professional growth is encouraged, and employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions.
Top 5 Program Manager Skills
Phillip’s key skills that have lead to his success:
- Strategic Business Development Expertise
- Collaborative Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Empowering, Servant-Style Leadership
- Talent Development & Thoughtful Team Management
- Continuous Learning & Mission Commitment
Q: What’s the most important skill in your role?
A: In my role as a Program Manager, the most important skills are effective communication and leadership. These qualities are essential for navigating fast-paced programs through strategic prioritization, managing risks in high-stakes environments, and guiding cross-functional teams and vendors toward shared goals. Additionally, maintaining strong customer relationships, particularly within federal contracts, plays a critical role in ensuring program success and long-term collaboration.
Q: What’s something surprising about your job?
A: Working in government contracting I often find myself acting as a translator between highly technical engineers and non-technical stakeholders. Bridging that gap is essential to ensure everyone is aligned and moving toward the same goal.
Q: What’s a skill you use daily that people might not expect?
A: As a former neurologist, I learned to analyze stress through both voice and behavior. I now apply that physiological insight to adjust my strategic approach and better support my team.
Q: Why is program management a good fit for someone with strong communication and leadership skills?
A: Program management is a dynamic leadership role that gives you the opportunity to lead with purpose, drive meaningful change, and grow both personally and professionally. It allows you to apply strategic thinking, solve complex challenges, and build strong relationships while developing emotional resilience and making a broad impact across teams and initiatives.
Q: What’s the best part about working at GovCIO?
A: The best part of working for GovCIO is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on critical government missions while being part of a collaborative and forward-thinking culture. GovCIO empowers employees through trust, innovation, and flexibility, where diverse perspectives are valued and professional development is actively supported. GovCIO University is a key resource that helps employees prepare for future career growth and advancement. Leadership is approachable and encourages open conversation and mentorship. This all contributes to a mission-driven team culture where people genuinely support one another and are motivated to grow together.
Q: What’s a quote or song that motivates you?
A: Mark Twain said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” That mindset helps me stay focused, take initiative, and keep momentum going.
Recruiter Do’s and Don’ts
Looking to land a Program Manager role? Here’s what recruiters look for—and what to avoid—to make your resume shine!
Recruiters love a resume that tells a clear story of your ability to drive change, influence stakeholders, and create lasting impact. Keep it concise, relevant, and results-driven!
Apply today for a career at GovCIO.
DOs:
- Showcase Your Impact: Highlight past projects where you led change initiatives, improved adoption rates, or enhanced team engagement. Use metrics if possible (e.g., “Increased system adoption by 40% through targeted training and communication strategies”).
- Emphasize Soft Skills: OCM is all about people! Spotlight your ability to influence, communicate, and navigate resistance.
- Highlight Methodologies & Certifications: Mention experience with PROSCI, ADKAR, Lean, Agile, or Six Sigma, as well as any change management certifications.
- Include Cross-Functional Experience: If you’ve worked across departments (HR, IT, operations), make it known—OCM professionals need to collaborate at all levels.
- Tailor for Each Job Posting: Align the keywords you use in your resume with the keywords used in the job description for easier recruiter review of your resume.
DON’Ts:
- Be Too Vague: Instead of stating that you “managed change initiatives,” provide specifics about your role, challenges and results.
- Overload with Buzzwords: Words like “transformational leader” sound great, but without real examples, they lose impact.
- List Every Job Duty: Focus on key achievements rather than writing a laundry list of responsibilities.
- Forget to Show Adaptability: Change managers need to be flexible—highlight how you’ve successfully navigated shifting priorities.
- Ignore Formatting: Keep it clean and structured—bulleted lists, clear headings, and concise wording make your resume easier to read.
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