Fix the upstream. Deliver the downstream
Mary Salmon ChPP, PMP
Preventing problems before they cascade. Building clarity, alignment, and trust — so your programmes deliver without the drama
ChPP, PMP | 10+ Years Experience | Multi-Million Pound Programs | EMEA / AMER / APAC
The upstream approach
Strategic Clarity
Ensuring everyone knows what success looks like, why it matters, and how decisions get made — before a single delivery milestone is set.
Governance That Works
Not governance for governance's sake. Practical frameworks that give your teams confidence, your stakeholders visibility, and your programmes room to adapt.
Delivery Without Drama
Problems caught upstream don't become crises downstream. The goal is programmes that run on trust and structure — not firefighting and heroics.
Strategic Program Leadership
Leading complex, multi-stakeholder programs from conception through delivery with clarity and confidence.
Governance & Alignment
Establishing frameworks that ensure program decisions align with business strategy and stakeholder expectations..
Program Recovery
Stabilising at-risk programs through root cause analysis, stakeholder realignment, and clear forward planning.
Capability Building
Developing your team's program management capabilities through coaching, frameworks, and best practices.
Why Upstream Projects?
Most programs fail because problems cascade from upstream decisions. I prevent that by:
- Establishing strategic alignment before execution begins
- Building trust through transparent governance frameworks
- Identifying risks at their source, not when they’ve compounded
- Developing capabilities that prevent future crises
The result? Programs that deliver value without constant firefighting.
“Mary is the most incredible Project Manager I have worked with in 22 years of Technology Sales. Her leadership in coordinating 5-6 groups simultaneously has been masterful. Mary is ALWAYS prepared, effectively taking action and following up. There is never a time my client doesn’t call her out for her incredible customer focus on delivery of services.”
— Brian Fox, Senior Account Manager, Lumen