Client Stories: Tech Project Management Mentor Hendrik Isings

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do? 

I’m Hendrik Isings, and I manage Product Design and Engineering projects/programs for Big Tech clients like Meta, LinkedIn, NetApp, and DocuSign.

And today (7/22/24), I launched my consultancy, Tech Project Management Mentor. Our mission is to empower non-Tech folks stuck in dead-end jobs to transition into fulfilling Tech Project Management careers.

What motivated you to get a new headshot?  How old was your previous headshot?

Planning my new business’s launch prompted me to book a headshot session.

When aspiring Tech Project Managers first see me, I want them to perceive a warm, likable human whose expertise could help them escape dead-end jobs.

Someone they eventually consult with or purchase from, trusting me to help them improve their career prospects.

My prior, year-old headshot wasn’t meeting this requirement.

How did you feel about your old headshot, and what were you looking for in your new one? 

My prior headshot was taken in a tough season of life. I was experiencing personal challenges, which reflected in my earnest-yet-forced expression.

My teeth looked gritted, my posture stiff, and my eyes held no genuine joy. I plan to use my prior headshot as a “Before” image in the future success story I'm manifesting for my new business. In a weird way, I like the prior headshot — but it doesn't meet my current needs. And didn't even meet past needs.

In my new headshots, I ‘needed’ likability above all else. Executive presence was a close second, while competence and influence tied for third.

Your audience won’t trust you to guide them if they don’t like you first. Good headshots are low-hanging fruit to increase likability, and I’m seizing it. The juice will be sweet.

In what ways do you think your new headshot has impacted your business, visibility or job search? 

This is TBD, because Tech Project Management Mentor is brand-new. However, I believe 1 important impact the headshots will play is distinguishing between 2 personas in my content, products, services, etc:

- (Headshots in t-shirt, no glasses) THE ARTIST: A Project Manager in Tech who approaches the discipline with less formality. To them, Project Management is art.
- (Headshots in polo, glasses) THE SCIENTIST: A more scientific Tech Project Manager who breaks the Project Management Body of Knowledge into bite-sized knowledge nuggets.

Another way the headshots will benefit my business is because my content strategy centers around social media — starting with and building most on LinkedIn. Quality headshots are almost a requirement on LinkedIn, or you’ll be taken less seriously.

Have you received any feedback on your new headshot?

I don’t, but I have faith I will. They’re the best professional headshots I’ve ever had.

How important do you think a professional headshot is for someone in your field? 

Tech is crowded and competitive. So, I believe a marketable, stand-out (in positive ways) headshot is more important in Tech Project Management than a traditionally professional headshot.

But I also believe you can blend both — which Jeff and I accomplished with the headshots!

What advice would you give to someone considering getting a new headshot? 

I’d say do it, and hire S72. The pricing was competitive, the package met all my needs, and Jeff is responsive, talented, and thoughtful.

Were you nervous or uncomfortable with the idea of having your photos taken and if so how was the experience in the end? 

I wasn’t. I love getting headshots taken, especially if the timing in life is right. In this new business chapter, I am feeling optimistic, energized, and determined.

The headshots capture these traits too, which feels great.

I also loved that Jeff captured so many quality shots in a short time. We didn’t even have to use the whole time allotted — we could have, if I’d wanted. But Jeff took tons of quality shots in the first 15 minutes, without rushing me or the process.

Loving the pictures, I chose to leave early. It's nice to get time back due to efficient service.

How did you prepare for your headshot session, and do you have any tips for others on how to get ready for theirs?

I kept my target audience of aspiring Tech Project Managers in mind, alongside my business goals. Because the two are synonymous for me — my audience is number one, and a consideration with every goal.

A tip I’d share is to remember that headshots aren’t about you, they’re about your audience. So, who is your audience? What do they need to see when they look at you? What motivates them? What will make them say “yes”?

I answered these types of questions — and sought to reflect the answers in my headshots. I needed to channel the energy of someone who's been in the shoes of an aspiring Tech Project Manager. Someone who's great at growing career and community. I needed to command the image, not get lost in it.

These headshots fulfill those needs.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience or the impact of your new headshot?

I’ll be back — but won’t have to return for awhile, because my current headshots have staying power. Sorry and thank you, Jeff!

How was your experience working with S72 for your headshot session?

Just great. No, not just great — beyond great.

Beyond the positive traits/experiences I’ve mentioned, one thing I can’t stand in a photographer is one who forces their vision.

In contrast, you listened to my vision and helped me bring it to fruition. You provided solid expertise/advice along the way without being prescriptive.

I’m happy to have archived my prior headshot; it’s a strange yet treasured memory I'll reference so much.

I’m even happier to have replaced it with headshots that give the likable mentor energy I intend.

Thanks again for taking headshots that embody my new business, S72!