Member Spotlight, Roann Lubang

Roann Lubang

Business Operations Manager

Fun Fact

If I’m not enjoying a mystery-drama or comedy series on the couch with my husband, you’ll likely find me gardening or making soap. I actually run a small soap business and participate in local markets and other vendor events. I also have one Giant Schnauzer named Luna and a chunky black cat named Recon, who we love so much.

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Background

I was born in Manila, Philippines, and moved to Guam when I was 3. Then, I moved to Seattle, where I attended grade school (Pre-K through 12th grade) and later attended the University of Washington in Seattle. I earned my B.S. in Technical Communication (now known as Human-Centered Design & Engineering) because I loved learning new technology and helping people understand and use it. During the recession in the early 2000s, I decided to earn my Technology Management MBA from the University of Washington.

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Path to Change Management

 I’ve been in the Change Management (CM) business for about 12 years, initially informally while working in the IT department. Once I transitioned out of IT and into the Project Management Office within my organization, I began managing the people side of change for large strategic projects.

I am an expert in technology, communication, and relationship-building, leveraging available resources to stay organized, deliver effective content across all channels, and lead multiple sessions to connect with people. I chose this path because I wanted to do more than just communication and technology change management within IT—I wanted to broaden my understanding of my organization and help move 'bigger mountains' through meaningful connections with people.

I love developing my own Change Management programs tailored to each project I’m involved in and seeing people’s eyes light up as they realize that change isn’t so bad after all.

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Biggest Obstacle Getting Established in Change Management

Because Change Management is a relatively younger discipline in my organization compared to Project Management, I often found myself repeatedly explaining its value and purpose. I overcame this by leading by example through multiple projects, such as a major acquisition, and by introducing 'readiness sessions' until they became the norm before any big go-live.

I also facilitated what I like to call 'Change Management 101' sessions for other departments within my organization. On a personal level, I earned my PROSCI certificate, a Strategic Change Management certificate from Northwestern University, and achieved my CCMP last year to enhance my Change Management expertise and establish my value within the organization.

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Biggest Reward from this Career

I love helping people navigate all the little details of a given change. I enjoy building relationships and trust with those I’ve helped, knowing that one day I might call on them for support in their area of expertise or department.

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Bucket List Yet to Accomplish

I am proud to say that I recently checked off a bucket list item—swimming with the whale sharks in Cebu, Philippines. Another item on my list is to travel to Japan with my husband within the next two years.