“GREAT LEADERS DON'T JUST DELIVER OUTCOMES, THEY DEVELOP OTHERS.”
Lita Hughes-Ward
Certified project manager and enterprise transformation leader with extensive experience across Fortune 5 organizations. My work reflects a focus on clarity, execution, and relationship-driven leadership. Founder of Beyond the Gantt, a platform centered on mentorship, stewardship, and professional connection
THE PROJECT MANAGER BEHIND THE VISION
EXPERIENCE & IDENTITY
Hi! I'm Lita, certified project manager and enterprise transformation leader with more than a decade of experience leading large complex, cross-functional teams/projects within large healthcare and corporate environments. My career has been shaped by a commitment to operational excellence, strategic execution, and building trusted partnerships across teams and stakeholders.
At every stage, I have been driven by a simple but powerful philosophy: lead with integrity, steward opportunities wisely, and elevate others through connection. Whether mentoring emerging professionals, collaborating with organizational leaders, or cultivating community, I believe meaningful impact happens through relationships anchored in trust and purpose.
As the founder of Beyond the Gantt, I extend my passion for stewardship and professional growth beyond project timelines by fostering dialogue, community, and connection among project professionals. My work isn’t just about deliverables; it’s about people, growth, and legacy.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
HEAR ME OUT...
PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY
I believe that leadership isn’t defined by title or role alone but that it’s measured by the impact we have on others. Clarity in strategy starts with curiosity, confidence grows through experience, and meaningful outcomes are crafted through collaboration, communication, and care.
I steward opportunities not for recognition, but for the potential they bring to strengthen teams, cultivate talent, and expand influence beyond the status quo. In every role, my mission has been to connect the dots between ideas and execution, between individuals and community, and between capability and growth.
-
12+ years leading enterprise, operational, and transformation initiatives
-
$1B+ enterprise business impact across Fortune 5 healthcare distribution
-
$55M+ managed project portfolios (systems, operations, compliance)
-
20+ team members led across operations, logistics, and program management
-
Multiple enterprise-wide leadership awards
-
Led Enterprise Go-to-market strategy redesign, improving sales strategies, account realignment, workflow efficiency, execution discipline, and cross-functional alignment
-
Strengthened customer and sales partner experience through relationship-driven execution and operational alignment
-
Designed and implemented logistics program that generated $1M+ in measurable impact, including biomarker kitting and dispatch tracking innovations
-
Managed $55M+ in project portfolios focused on SAP integration, inventory systems, transportation optimization, and compliance reporting
-
Introduced Lean practices, SOP standardization, and process automation, improving efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience
SIGNATURE QUOTE
“Your journey won’t always be linear — but every step, setback, and success is shaping the leader you’re becoming.”
- LITA HUGHES-WARD, BEYOND THE GANTT
CONNECT WITH INTENTION
BEYOND THE GANTT
Beyond the Gantt is more than a name — it’s a movement. It’s where project professionals, from every industry and career stage, come together to share knowledge, build relationships, and grow.
Our mission is simple: to build a family of project leaders who are passionate about collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.
PEER MENTORSHIP & NETWORKING
REAL-WORLD CAREER GROWTH RESOURCES
LIVE EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, AND COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS
A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE SPACE FOR GROWTH & CONNECTION
FOR BRANDS & COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES
"LET'S WORK TOGETHER"
"COLLABORATION IS THE HEARTBEAT OF GROWTH, WHEN WE CREATE TOGETHER, WE MULTIPLY IMPACT."
I love collaborating with other professionals and brands who align with leadership, personal growth, professional development, or women’s empowerment. Whether it’s podcast interviews, digital/social media features, or community partnerships, let’s build something meaningful together.
Perfect if you want to:
-
Community outreach or partnerships.
-
Featured guest or collaborator.
-
Co-create content that inspires and educates.