23 Questions with Lauren on the Role of the PMO

23 Questions with Forge is our fast-paced series where our team members are challenged to answer 23 rapid-fire questions about trending topics in gene therapy development.

In this episode, we chat with Lauren Hall, a project manager on our PMO team, to explore how she helps to keep client programs moving forward. From SmartSheets to book clubs, Lauren shares how project management focuses her tasks at work—and life—on what matters most.

Read the interview:

Hi! Can we interrupt you for a quick interview? It’s just 23 questions…
Lauren: Sure! Fire away.

Great! So, tell us who you are, and what is your role here?
Lauren: I’m Lauren Hall and I am a project manager on the PMO team at Forge.

I think I know that means...what is the PMO?
Lauren: The Project Management Office.

Interesting. What is the role of the PMO?
Lauren: The PMO team is embedded in both the Commercial and Operations teams here at Forge. We are well integrated with both our client-facing and technical teams so we can support each gene therapy program from start to finish.

Is that unique to Forge?
Lauren: What sets us apart at Forge is that we have a client-dedicated team for each program.

What exactly does that mean?
Lauren: We form a team with representatives from client development, client relations, technical sales, and a project manager like me devoted to each and every client.

That would make anyone feel special! How do clients benefit from a dedicated team?
Lauren: Well, the whole team is along for the entire journey with each client from onboarding through manufacturing, testing, regulatory decisions, and program completion. We work as true partners with our clients and that translates to a more seamless process all-around.

Time for a fun ice-breaker. It looks like you’re into books?
Lauren: Yes, I’m a bookworm. Just joined my first book club too and we had a recent meeting at Coast in Dublin, a local wine shop, to discuss our last book.

Good wine and good conversation. That sure is a win-win!! What are you reading now?
Lauren: “Tomorrow, and tomorrow and tomorrow,” by Gabrielle Zevin.

So, what do you do as a project manager?
Lauren: I’m all about timelines! I can tell you all about it, but first I have to go make sure the conference room is set up for our client visiting today.

Can we tag along?
Lauren: Sure, why not!

Looks like you’re ready for your client visit. What keeps you motivated and inspired working here?
Lauren: Patients are our north star...

I’ve heard your culture is very mission-driven. Is that what you mean?
Lauren: Exactly. Everything we collectively do for our clients will one day impact a patient’s life and remembering that daily makes our jobs that much more meaningful.

What does working closely with your clients look like?
Lauren: First, we learn everything we can about our client, including the patient community they are aiming to serve. Then we dive in and are in constant communication about each program’s daily progress within our dedicated teams.

How often do you communicate with clients?
Lauren: Sometimes daily! We aim to communicate with each client at least on a weekly basis with a thorough project update.

And by the looks of it, clients also come onsite at times?
Lauren: If they’d like to! Each project and client is unique and calls for a different approach. We tailor our process to fit their manufacturing and process needs.

Two fun questions: What do you like to do in your free time, and who do you spend it with?
Lauren: I love to work out and be active, whether that is going to a Barre class, or heading outdoors with my husband and our dog Winston for a long walk.

Will you tell us more about those timelines you manage?
Lauren: It’s a methodical and rigorous process. I help ensure that our teams stay coordinated, our clients updated, and everyone stays on task and delivers on time.

Sounds like something for a very detail-oriented person. Is that you?
Lauren: Haha. Yes, that’s me. Let me show you.

That’s A LOT of tabs you have open there. What am I looking at?
Lauren: SmartSheets are a project manager’s best friend!

I see! Is this how you keep everyone organized?
Lauren: Yes. Every manufacturing step, every assay, every regulatory submission and so much more lives in these SmartSheets. They act as our roadmap for each client’s journey with us.

I saw on your LinkedIn profile that you studied genetics. Has this work been an interest of yours for a long time?
Lauren: Yes. I had a wonderful high school science teacher who got me hooked on genetics. As a side-note, that’s one of the many things I love about working at Forge…we reach out to regional schools to encourage students to pursue STEM fields and to learn about genetics.

How so?
Lauren: One way is through She Forges, our active women’s employee resource group. We recently organized a visit to a local elementary school and led an experiment to extract DNA from strawberries.

I’d love to try it!
Lauren: And I’d love to show you, but another time. You’re out of questions and my client will be here soon!