Women in Tech Profile: Trisha Atchison

For the month of January, Hitachi Solutions will be releasing a series of blogs focusing on women in technology and their New Year’s resolutions. Throughout this series, our interviewees will touch on what has brought them balance, helped them overcome insecurities, and contributed to their success. Follow these profiles to receive valuable insights from the women of Hitachi Solutions.

In this third article of our Women in Tech Profile series, we are featuring a Q&A with Trisha Atchison, the Vice President of the North America Project Management Office at Hitachi Solutions.

To begin, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

With over 20 years in the project and process management arenas, I have been a Certified Project Management Professional for over 15 years. I have been at Hitachi Solutions for the past eight years, where I am currently Vice President of North America PMO.

Happy New Year! What is your New Year’s resolution and what advice would you give others to help them stick to their resolutions?

My New Year’s resolution is to focus on my mind, body, and spirit. I plan to achieve this by joining a boxing gym, running, meditating, and reading. My advice to others? Do not overdo it! If you do decide to set a goal, be SPECIFIC and make it attainable. Track daily or weekly results on a calendar to maintain momentum and celebrate your successes ― this is very important!

2020 was a weird year. What is something you are looking forward to in 2021?

Like most, I am more than ready to close out 2020. In 2021, I am looking forward to new experiences, new friends, and new ventures in my community.

How did you end up in your current role? Was this what you initially planned?

Hard work, dedication, and belief. Yes, it was what I focused on and planned. I enjoy what I do and I stay current on industry best practices, certifications, and user groups. Never underrate the power of outside networks.

How do you work through any anxieties or insecurities that may arise?

STAY FOCUSED ON SOLUTIONS. Everyone gets frustrated. You must learn to focus on solutions versus people or problems. Always remember that what you think about, you bring about! If you start paying attention to things, you will see how true that statement really is.

Along the same lines, how do you manage a balance between work and personal life without getting overwhelmed?

Manage boundaries. When faced with multiple priorities, look at each situation and decide if it is truly important enough to miss a family event. Do not be afraid to go to the requestor and ask for an extension. I think you will be surprised how many times you receive a “yes.”

What is something valuable you have learned throughout your career that you would like to pass on?

Difficult personalities and situations mold your character and help you grow, but they bring out your true colors as well. Decide who you want to be and stay true to your character and brand. Learn to be grateful for challenges because without them, you would not grow.

To hear from more inspiring female leaders, watch our virtual panel, Advice to My Younger Self: A Women in Technology Virtual Discussion.