Name: Maria Rueda

Discipline: 15 Years in Operations / Project Management

Location: New York, NY

Membership: Lead Member Since 2024


Elevator Pitch: Core strengths include identifying inefficiencies and dysfunctional systems, finding or developing user-friendly alternatives, replacing or repairing systems, creating new workflows.

Adept at managing projects from conception through implementation, with adaptability and awareness of deadlines and budgets.

Managed implementation of new user-friendly systems and workflows at large companies like Momentum Worldwide (clients included American Express, Dunkin, Verizon), Wasserman Marketing (Target, Red Bull, Microsoft), DDB (Fathom Communications), Opperman Weiss (Bacardi, Chobani, Bombay), and for data-heavy stock photo agencies like Corbis.

Creative Production/Project Manager serving global clients in production of 360 campaigns, experiential, packaging and print products for Sports, Spirits, Lifestyle, Finance and Retail industries including Google, Porsche, Nike, Dewars, Tullamore Dew, Tishman Speyer, Ferrari, Wells Fargo, Progressive, Molson Coors, Netflix. industries including Google, Porsche, Nike, Dewars, Tullamore Dew, Tishman Speyer, Ferrari, Wells Fargo, Progressive, Molson Coors, Netflix, Corona.

SaaS tools of Choice
: Smartsheet, Basecamp, Slack

Consulting Style: My consulting style is collaborative, customized, and focused on practical solutions. I partner closely with teams to understand their needs and tailor strategies that fit their goals. I emphasize process optimization and transparency, using data to drive decisions while fostering creativity. My approach empowers teams through knowledge transfer, ensuring they can sustain improvements long after the engagement. I stay flexible, adapting strategies as projects evolve to ensure ongoing success.

Coaching Style: My coaching style is highly supportive, guiding individuals step-by-step through new systems or concepts at a high level initially, and gradually diving into deeper detail with each session. I maintain close contact and make myself available to address any questions that come up, ensuring ongoing support throughout the process.

Secret Sauce: It's hard to say, I think in my case, it would be my approach with people, being warm and approachable opens a lot of doors.

Spirit Animal: LION - Assertive, loyal, hardworking, steady, transparent and honest

Words to Live By: Integrity, Empathy, Transparency and JOY

  • “Maria is the boss of creative project management. She leads teams with passion, dedication and a calm and polished demeanor even in the most adverse conditions. She's adored by anyone that has the pleasure to work by her side. I hope to have a chance to work with her again as soon as possible.”

    — Madison Warton, COO

  • Maria was amazing. She was always poised, but had that deft touch of ensuring those things that were urgent were addressed in a timely manner. Sitting between account teams, production deadlines, and creative she found a way to help each side of the equation get what they needed without every compromising the projects she helped lead. Beyond the work, she's also just a great person to be around. I can highly recommend Maria without a doubt and anyone that works with her is fortunate to have her on their team.

    -Phil Koutsis, CCO