Lessons Learned with Peter Ballistreri
We talk with DBZ’s Senior Project Manager, about his experience working in digital transformation and some of the critical lessons he’s learned along the way.
Q: How have you adapted your project management approach to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA?
We know they exist. We know we need to work with them. For our projects, this means ensuring our marketing campaigns adhere to global best practices for handling customer data, so we always prioritise obtaining clear customer consent and embedding privacy-by-design principles into our workflows.
One unexpected challenge I’ve faced is managing stakeholder assumptions about compliance requirements. Many feared stricter privacy standards would hinder campaign performance, but we collaborated with legal and data teams and found innovative ways to align compliance with creativity. We were still able to deliver impactful campaigns while respecting the law.
Lesson 1
Approach data privacy regulations with a proactive mindset.
Q: In an industry where technical requirements often shift mid-project, how do you maintain team momentum while managing stakeholder expectations?
Remind everyone about the big picture goal and keep the communication flowing. I keep team members focused by continuously articulating the goals ahead and collaborating with technical leads to address feasibility concerns. I also work closely with stakeholders to realign their expectations and maintain their trust.
Lesson 2
Set a strong project vision that everyone can rally around.
Q: With the rapid evolution of AI and automation in marketing, how have you adjusted as a PM for these wild tech innovations.
AI and automation is a game-changer in marketing, and as a newcomer to marketing transformation, I’ve leveraged my background in SaaS implementations to accelerate my AI learning.
I love technology, be it software or hardware, so I embrace it and do my best to leverage AI to deliver better project outcomes, where it’s helpful.
I think it's my responsibility to help bridge the gap between technical experts and marketing professionals by clearly defining objectives and fostering human collaboration.
Lesson 3
Use AI to enhance your workflow, but don’t replace human insight and connection with the artificial.
Q: In your experience leading CRM migrations, what's your approach to managing the critical balance between data quality, system customisation, and user adoption?
Successful CRM migrations hinge on these three things!
In one challenging project, outdated data posed a significant hurdle. We prioritised data cleansing as a foundational step while engaging end users through workshops to address their concerns and foster ownership. Customisation was kept minimal to encourage adoption and maintain scalability.
Lesson 4
Invest in training and feedback loops to ensure your system meets real-world needs.
Q: How do you address the challenge of integrating a CRM system with existing business tools while maintaining data integrity and workflow efficiency?
Integrating CRM systems with existing tools requires robust planning and a focus on data integrity. During a recent project, we faced resistance from teams accustomed to legacy workflows. To address this, we developed a phased integration plan that minimised disruption and provided training on the benefits of the new system.
We identified change advocates within the working group and enlisted them to drive the positivity within the extended working group. Success was measured by adoption rates, workflow efficiency improvements, and positive user feedback.
Lesson 5
Technical solutions alone aren’t enough. Win hearts and minds along the way.
Peter Ballistreri is DBZ’s Senior Project Manager and digital transformation specialist experienced in leading complex implementations, change initiatives, and customer success strategies. He has worked across technology, education, and compliance-driven sectors, helping teams navigate transformation with clarity and impact.