For Megan McDonald, project management wasn’t the plan—it was the path she grew into. Starting her career as a Low Voltage Technician, she discovered her strength in solving complex challenges and bringing structure to the chaos. Today, she leads projects across Europe with a focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and mentoring the next generation of professionals. As one of the few women in a male-dominated industry, Megan leads with integrity and encourages others to “take up space—you absolutely belong here.” She values H&MV’s supportive culture and, outside of work, enjoys family time, travel, and exploring new places.
1. What inspired you to become a project manager?
I’ve always been drawn to chaos not for the drama, but for the challenge. There’s something incredibly satisfying about untangling complex problems and finding smart, workable solutions. I began my early career working with two major Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), where my final role was as a Low Voltage Technician. In that position, I was responsible for detecting and diagnosing faults across the electricity network and quickly developing plans to restore/ fix faults. Before I knew it, I had found my niche in Project Management (PM). I didn’t set out to be a PM, but I found my place in it. Now, I get to bring structure to the madness, lead teams through challenges, and turn plans into real-world outcomes. Looking back, every role has added a layer of experience that’s shaped the way I lead today. And while the journey wasn’t linear, it was the right path.
2. What does a typical day look like for you as a PM at H&MV?
Some days start early with a trip to Dublin Airport, heading to our Frankfurt office and nearby project sites in Germany to check on progress and meet with site teams face-to-face. Being on-site provides valuable insight and strengthens collaboration with the teams delivering the work on the ground. Most mornings begin with team check-ins, reviewing emails, and making sure everything is on track. From there, the pace picks up. I spend much of my day coordinating with clients, contractors, and internal departments, solving issues as they arise and keeping projects moving forward. No two days are ever quite the same, and that’s one of the things I enjoy most about my role.
3. What do you find most rewarding about your role here in H&MV and What’s your proudest achievement to date?
Seeing a project go from concept to completion and knowing the countless moving parts that had to align to make it happen, it is incredibly rewarding. But beyond that, it’s watching people on the team grow in confidence and skill, especially younger professionals I’ve had the chance to mentor throughout my career. One of my proudest achievements has been consistently delivering high-performing milestones that stay on schedule, meet expectations, and earn positive feedback from senior leadership. There’s a real sense of pride in knowing that the work I’m doing is not only running smoothly but is also being recognised at a senior level. It tells me I’m making a meaningful impact and that the trust placed in me as a Project Manager is well-founded.
4. How do you find leading a team in a male-dominated environment and what advice would you give to young women considering a career in this field?
With authenticity and clarity. I don’t try to blend in I lead with integrity, confidence, and a strong work ethic. Respect is earned by being consistent, knowledgeable, and fair. I also create space for open communication and make sure everyone feels heard, regardless of their role or background. It’s both an honour and a responsibility. I’m fully aware that visibility matters when women see someone like them thriving in this space, it can spark confidence and ambition. I aim to lead by example and to play a part in making the industry more inclusive, supportive, and accessible for everyone, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t also a little disappointing. The fact that being a female Project Manager still makes me one of the few shows how far we still have to go. My advice to young women would be to please go for it and don’t be afraid to take up space. You don’t have to change who you are to lead effectively in this industry. Build your confidence, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who support your goals. Technical knowledge is important, but so are emotional intelligence and communication areas where women often naturally excel. Women bring a unique perspective that this field needs more of. If you’re considering it, step in you absolutely belong here.
5. What’s a challenge you overcame recently, and how?
Starting new projects in Germany was a major challenge mainly due to the language barriers, unfamiliar legislation, and navigating local regulations. On top of that, we were working with a newly formed team, which meant building trust, alignment, and communication from the ground up. It wasn’t easy at first. There were challenging moments and a steep learning curve. But through open communication, a willingness to adapt, and investing time in understanding the local context, we found our rhythm. We built strong working relationships and a collaborative team culture that helped us move forward with confidence. That experience really reinforced the importance of patience, flexibility, and strong leadership when you’re stepping into a new environment. It also reminded me how quickly a team can come together when there’s shared purpose and mutual respect.
6. What’s one misconception people have about your job?
That it’s all meetings and paperwork. While that’s a part of it, project management is also deeply strategic, and people focused. We’re constantly solving problems, managing risk, and adapting on the fly. It requires emotional resilience, technical understanding, and a lot of forward thinking. You’re the captain of the ship and that takes serious skill.
7. What’s something you love about the H&MV team culture?
There’s a real sense of camaraderie and respect. H&MV values initiative but also supports its people. You feel like your contributions truly matter.
8. What hobbies and interests outside of work do you enjoy?
Outside of work, I really enjoy spending quality time with my family. I also love going out for dinner and exploring new places through travel whenever I get the chance. These moments help me relax, recharge, and stay inspired.
