Learning from a Leader: Bob Trende on proactive growth, intentionality, and building relationships

In the most recent Learning from a Leader session, I had the privilege of interviewing Bob Trende, an IT project manager at Mohela. With expertise in project management and technology integration, Bob has built a career focused on both technical excellence and mentorship. His experience and commitment to mentoring Crew consultants made him a perfect fit as our speaker.

Crew is Turnberry Solutions’ junior talent development program, designed to nurture high-performing consultants with zero to three years of experience. Crew consultants consistently deliver impactful results beyond their experience, earning them a seat at the table for high-level projects and strategic decisions. Bob, a leader to Crew consultants, recognizes the immense value they bring to his team, entrusting them with full project ownership and direct engagement with senior leadership. The attendees gained valuable insights from Bob regarding his career development and the qualities leaders look for in emerging professionals.

A key takeaway from our conversation with Bob was his proactive approach to success. Early in his career, Bob created opportunities for himself by always being the first to “take something off someone’s plate.” He emphasized that each task, no matter how small, was an opportunity not only to learn but also to build trust and prove dependability. For example, he would volunteer to take notes in a meeting, positioning himself as the liaison between departments and senior leaders. Bob acknowledged that taking on additional responsibilities to shape his role came with risks, like a heavier workload and moments of discomfort. However, he emphasized that these efforts could pay off significantly; when new opportunities arose, he was top of mind. Bob encourages Crew consultants to follow the same proactive mindset and seize opportunities as they arise.

Another central theme that emerged during our conversation was the importance of building meaningful relationships, a skill that extends far beyond technical expertise. This became particularly clear as we heard from Crew alumni who started with Bob’s team as IT consultants and have since transitioned into full-time roles. Their journeys are a testament to Bob’s leadership and the power of relationship-building in career development. When asked what advice they would give their past selves, they unanimously emphasized the importance of fostering strong relationships early on.

One alum shared a powerful example from their first few months on the team. They described a difficult project where they did not have the resources to build a solution and felt the pressure to deliver results. Instead of trying to solve the problem alone, they reached out to colleagues across different departments, drawing on their network to brainstorm new solutions. The collaboration that followed not only resulted in a successful project but also created lasting relationships that proved invaluable in navigating future challenges. As they transitioned into a full-time role, that same network became a vital resource for support and advocacy.

These stories show that strong relationships are the foundation of both personal and professional success. For Bob, building connections isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about creating a support system that helps people thrive in every stage of their careers. The consultants shared how making the effort early on to connect with others led to better collaboration, greater confidence in overcoming challenges, and a lasting network that continues to propel them forward. This reflects Crew’s commitment to developing well-rounded consultants who excel both technically and in collaborative, high-performing environments.

Another one of my favorite pieces of advice from Bob was about intentionality. While often discussed, it can be challenging to practice, especially as a young professional. Bob said intentionality is about purposefully shaping actions to create impact. Over his career, he has valued Crew consultants who took ownership of their work, proactively drove projects forward, and held themselves accountable for results.

Ultimately, Bob’s insights highlight that success in consulting goes beyond technical expertise. It’s about cultivating a mindset of proactive growth, intentionality, and relationship-building. Whether it’s taking ownership of a project, stepping outside your comfort zone, or building meaningful connections, these principles are fundamental to long-term career development. And as we grow in Crew, Bob encouraged us to embrace these lessons and apply them to how we work, collaborate, communicate, and lead.